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■/ 

HISTORY 



OF 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, 



PENNSYLVANIA, 



Containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, 

Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of 

Early Settlers and Prominent men; Biographies; 

History of Pennsylvania, Statistical and 

Miscellaneous Matter, etc, etc. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



CHICAGO: 

WAKNER, BEEKS & CO., 
1887. 



CHICAGO: 

JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, PRINTERS 

118 AND 120 MONROE STREET. 



Fl5 r ( 



I- H>1?$ . 



PREFACE. 



In submitting the History of Franklin County to the public, it may not 
be improper to state, briefly, a few of the characteristics of the work: 

I. The special prominence given to the pioneer times of the county 
— Hence a record of the persons, organizations, and events of the days 
anterior to 1820 has been given as fully as available data would war- 
rant. 

II. The fullness with which the various religious, educational and 
society organizations have been presented, due allowance being made, of 
course, for the destruction or absence of proper records. 

TIL The completeness of the official and postal records, the latter 
having been obtained direct from the proper department at Washington. 

IV. The importance attached to the various military organizations 
and their movements, in all the wars in which the people of the county 
have participated. 

V. The biographical sketches of many of the most prominent per- 
sonages, living and dead, which make the book valuable for reference 
purposes to all classes. 

VI. The classification of material under appropriate heads, which- 
facilitates the easy finding of any desired information. 

The outline history of the State, contained in Part I is from the pen 
of Prof. Samuel P. Bates, of Meadville. The history of Franklin County 
in Part II was compiled chiefly by Prof. J. Fraise Richard, who has 
striven to give an accurate and reliable account of the county's origin, prog- 
ress and development; and, for that purpose, has laid under contribution the 
data afforded by historic sketches, newspaper articles, public and private 
records, personal interviews and correspondence, tombstones and other reli- 
able sources. The biographical sketches in Part III were, for the most 
part, collected by a corps of solicitors, and a proof of each sketch submitted 
by mail to each subject for correction. 

To repay, in detail, all the kindnesses manifested by Franklin County 
citizens to the writers and solicitors would compel involuntary bankruptcy. 
The special gratitude of the publishers, however, is due and is hereby ex- 
tended to the press of Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle and Mer- 



iv PREFACE. 

cersbnrg for the use of their files, and for other courtesies; to the county 
officials and to Hons. F. M. Kimmell, D. Watson Rowe and John Stewart 
for -personal aid and favors; to Jacob Hoke, Esq., Drs. W. C. Lane, S. G. 
Lane, Chas. T. Maclay and W. H. Egle, State Historian; Capt. J. H. 
Walker, John B. Kaufman, J. W. Douglas and George S. Kyle for contri- 
butions and special aid; and to the pastors of the various churches, and 
secretaries of different orders for reports of their organizations. 

With due appreciation of the liberal patronage received, the publishers 
beg to present this volume to their patrons in the highly favored county of 

Franklin. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



PAGE. 

CHAPTKR 1.— Introductory. — Cornells Jacob- 
son Mev, 1624-25. William Van Hulst, 1625 
-'.'6. Peter Minuit, 1626-33. David Peter- 
sen de Vries, 1632-33. Wonter Van Twiller, 
1633-38 15-23 

CHAPTKR II— Sir William Keift, 1638-47. 
Peter Minuit, 1638-41. Peter Hollandaer, 
1641-43. John Printz, 1043-53. Peter Stuy- 
Tesant. 1647-64. John Pappagoya, 1653-64 
John Claude Rysingh, 16.54-15 23-33 

CHAPTKR III.— John Paul .Taequet. 1655-57. 
Jacoti Alrichs, 1657-59 'Goeran Van Dyek. 
1657-58. William Beekniau, 1656-63. Alex 
D'Hinoyossa, 1659-64 33-35 

CHAPTKR IV— Richard Nichols, 1664-67. Rob- 
ert Needbaui, 1664-68. Francis Lovelace, 
1667-73. John Carr, 1668-73. Anthonv 
Colve, 1673-14. Peter Alrichs, 1673-74 35-41 

CHAPTKR V.— Sir Kdmund Andros, 1674-81. 
Fdmuud Cantwell, 1674-76. John Collier, 
lti/6-77. Christopher Billop, 1677-81 41-50 

CHAPTKR VI.— William Markham, 1681-82. 
William Penn, 1682-84 51-61 

CHAPTKR VII.— Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86. Five 
Commissioners, 16c6-88. John Blackwell, 
1688-90. Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91. William 
Markham 1691-93 Benjamin Fletcher, 
1693-95. William Markham, 1693-99 61-69 

CHAPTKR VIII— William Penn, 1699 1701. 
Andrew Hamilton, 17U1-03. Kdward Ship- 
pen, 1703-64 John Kvans, 1704-09. Charles 
<*>oken, 1709-17 69-75 



CHAPTKR IX.— Sir William Keith, 1717-26. AGE 
1'atrick Gordon, 1726-36. Jaiues Lopan, 
1786-38. Georpe Thomas, 1738-57. Anthonv 
Palmer, 1747-4H. James Hamilton 1748-54 
75-69 

CHAPTKR X.— Robert H. Morris, 1754-50. Wil- 
liam Denny, 1750-59. James Hamilton, 
1759-63 89-97 

CHAPTKR XI. -John Penn, 1703-71 James 
Hamilton, 1771. Richard Penn, 1771-73 
John Penn, 1773-76 98-104 

CHAPTKR XII— Thomas Wharton, Jr., 1777- 
78 Georpe Bryan, 1778. Joseph Reed, 177h 
-81. William Moore, 1781-82. John Dickin- 
son, 1782-85. Benjamin Franklin, 1785-88 
104-114 

CHAPTKR XIII— Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99. 
Thomas McKean, 1799 1808. Simon Snyder, 
1808-17. William Fiudlay, 1817-20 Joseph 
Heister, 1820-23. John A. Shulze, 1823-29 
Georpe Wolfe, 1829-3-5 Joseph Ritner, 
1835-39 114 121 

CHAPTKR XIV —David R Porter, 1839-45. 
Francis R. Sbunk, 1845-18. William F. 
Johnstone, 1848-52. William Bipler.l 852-55. 
James Pollock. 1855-58. William F. Packer, 
1*58-61. Andrew G. Curtin, 1861-07. John 
W. Geary. 1807-73 John F. Hartranfl, 
1873-78. Henry F. Hoyl, 1878-82. Robert 
K. Pattison, 1882-86. James A. Beaver 
1886 122-131 

Gubernatorial Table 132 



PART II. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



TACK 

CHAPTKR I— Physical Description 137-141 

The Great Kastern Valley— The Path of a 
Probable Gulf Stream— The Mountain 
Ranpes and their Appendapes — Systems of 
Draihape — Geological and Miueralopical As-. 
pects— rharacter of Soil —Vegetation — Cli- 
mate. 

CHAPTKR II— Pionekr Settlers 141-159 

Two Classes Scotch-Irish, their Oripin, 
Arrivals, Character and Locations— Genna us, 
Sketch of Persecutions. Arrival, Trials, etc 
—Trend of Settlements in Cumberland Val- 
ley Westward— Shippensburp a Distributing 
Point — Settlements at Falling Spring — 
Sketch of Benjamin Chambers— Oiber Set- 
■ tlements and Settlers in Various Parts of 
the County— List of Taxable* in 1751-52— 
Mason and Dixon's Line. 

CHAPTKR III— Indus War 159-175 

Indian Nations Described— War Between 
French and Knplish —Colonies Involved — 
Braddock's Defeat and its Kffects— Forts 
Located and Described— Massacres from 1754 
to 17J5— Conflict Between the Civil and 
Military at Fort Loudoun. 



PAGF. 

CHAPTKR IV.— The REvm.rTION 175-190 

Its Causes— I/oyaliy to the Mother Conn 
try— Karly Military— Roster and Roll of 
Franklin Men — From Colonies to States — 
Heroes from Franklin County — One of the 
First American Cannons, etc. 

I CHAPTKR V.— Whisky War 190-191 

Kleven Years of Peace— Causes of tlM> 
Whisky Insurrection — Its Prosecution and 
its Subversion— Sympathy of the Militia, 
etc 

■ CHAPTKH VI. — Franki.iv County Organ- 
ized 192-214 

Date of Krectiou — Petition? in Favor of 
and in Opposition to the Project — Fiphi over 
the County Seat— The First Court House 
and First Jail — Karly County Officers — Esti- 
mate of Population — First General Flec- 
tion — Officials, etc. 

! CHAPTKR VII.— Internal Affairs 214-23.5 

Laud-i and Land Titles— Indian Trails — 
Roads— Bridges— Turnpikes — Inns or Tav- 
erns — Militia— Muster Days — Mail Routes 
and Post-offices — Postmasters — Railroads 



CONTENTS. 



PAGK. 

— Cumberland Valley Railroad — First Sleep- 
ing far Ever Made — Franklin Railroad — 
Shenandoah Valley Railroad — Harrisburg 
<ti l'oloniac Railroad — Western Maryland 
Railroad— Baltimore A Cumberland Valley 
Railroad— Mont Alto Railroad— Mont Alto 
Iron Works, etc. 

CHAPTER VIII —War of 1812-15 2i5-245 

Cause of the War— Declaration of War- 
Franklin County Companies— Incidents of 
the War. 

CHAPTER IX.— Mexican War 245-249 

Texas and Mexico— Whig and Democrat 
— Counter Argument. 1 - — Declaration of War 
— Franklin County C'ompaDy — Its Services. 

CHAPTER X.— The Pki>s 249-260 

Introductory— First Newspaper— Press of 
Charubersburg — Press of Waynesboro — 
Press of Mereerslmrg — Press of Greencastle 

CHAPTER XI.— Agriculture 260-266 

A Business of First Importance— Its Prom- 
ising Future — Improvements Introduced — 
Judge Waits — The First Reaper— First 
Stock in the Country— Wheat and Corn- 
Hessian Fly — Improved Implements — A 
Wonderful Feat with the Scythe— Agri- 
cultural Societies, Officers, etc. 

CHAPTER XII— The Medical Profession 

26ii-'J94 

Introductory View ofthe Human Structure 
— Sketches of Prominent Deceased Physi- 
cians — Epidemics — Medical Societies — Ros- 
ter of Present Physicians. 

CHAPTER XIII.— Educational and Relig- 
ious 295-316 

Educational — Education Denned — 
Teaching Defined — Early Schools and their 
Equipments— John H. Kaufman's Account 
of Early Schools and Teachers — History of 
School Legislation— Comparative Statistics- 
County Superintendents — County Institutes 
— letter fioni Ex-Co. Supt. A. J. McElwaiu 
--List oi County Superintendents — Relig- 
ious — Early Settlers Religion — Presbyte- 
rians— Lutherans— Reformed— Methodists- 
United Brethren — Roman Catholic — Episco- 
palian— Church of (jod — German Baptist — 
Biver Brethren — Men lion ites — Reiormed 
M e nn on it es— Colored Churches — Mormou- 
ism. 

CHAPTER XIV.— Popular Agitations and 

PHILANTHROPIC REFORMS 319-331 

Human Society Compared to the Ocean — 
Early Outlaws— The Nugent — slavery in 
Franklin County— V Curious Will — Gradual 
Abolition ol'Slavery — Runaway Slaves The 
Underground Railroad — ( aptureof Bob and 
Dave- History of John Brown's Raid on Har- 
per's Kerry— Fate of His Coadjutors— Wen- 
doll Phillips' speech— Curious Prophecies- 
History <il Know-nothingism in Chanibers- 
burg Sketches of Early Temperance Move- 
ments in the Count; Tidal Waves vVash- 
ingtonian Movement Father Matbew's Ef- 
forts- Sons of Temperance (Joed Temp- 
lars —Woman's Crusade- National Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union — Murphy 
Movement Prohibition — Franklin County 
Bible Society -Children's Aid Society. 

CHAPTER XV— Tin. Great Rebellion "F 

lKfii-firi 332-390 

Introduction — Civil War an Interest- 
ing Study— Its Antecedents Must he Con- 
sidered—Jamestown and Plymouth Typical 
of Two Antagonistic Civilizations— Practical 
Inferences— War Statistics — Firing on Fort 
Sumter and its Effects — Patriotic Meetings 
—Hearty Response to President's Call for 
roops — Incidents of 1861— Complete Roster 



PAGE, 

ofTroops Furnished by theCounty— Stuart's 
Raid in 1862 — Lee's Invasion, Preceded by 
Jenkins' Raid — Rebel Occupation ol Cham 
bersburg and Its Events — Advance on Get- 
tysburg — Battle — Retreat— Lee'b Train of 
Wounded — Burningof Ewell's Supply Train 
and capture of Prisoners by Kilpatrick— 
McCausland's Raid and Burning of Cham- 
be rBburg. 

CHAPTER XVI.— Law Makers and Law In 

TKRPRETESS i'.'.io-JJli 

Law Defined and Analyzed — Founded in 
Natural Justice — Mental Requirements for 
its Study — Various State Conventions — 
F'ranklin's Representatives in National < 'di- 
gress, in State Senate and House — ICarly 
Bench and Bar— List of President and Asso- 
ciate Judges — List of Attorneys from Organ- 
ization of County. 

CHAPTER XVII.— Master Spirits 4J--4s;i 

Uses and Abuses of Greatness— Character 

of Genius — Greatness— Its Clements — Power 
of Mothers — Sketches of Master Spirits : ; 1 i 
Military, (2) Political, (H) Railroad Mana- 
gers, (4) Theologians, (5) County Officials. (Gi 
Medical, (7J Exlucational, (Sj Press. (9j Legal 
— Franklin County's Roll of Honor. 

CHAPTER XVIII.— The County's First Cen- 
tennial 4'i:;-4il 

Introductory — Value of Anniversaries— 
Triumphs of the Century — Preparations for 

the Coming Anniversary — Executive Com 
mittee— Township Committees— Account ol 
the Two Days' Doings— Extracts froru Ad 
dresses and Poems Delivered. 

CHAPTER XIX.— Borough ok Chambers 

BURG 451 -.".01 

Description — Early History — Incorpora- 
tion — Banks — First Market Houses— Present 
Market House — Water-works— Gas Works 
— Fire Department — Manufactories— Secret 
Societies — Churches — < emetery— schools. 

CHAPTER XX.— BoRott.ii ok meic< ersih k>. 

5U5 5;ju 

Location — Settlement — James Black — 
Early Traffic— Original Plat— Derivation ol 
Name — Sketch of Dr. Mercer— Past and 
Present Business Interests— Incorporation 

— Prominent Residents — Birthplace of Presi- 
dent Buchanan — Mercersburg College and 
Public Schools — Church History — Cemetery 
— Banks — Fire Company — Secret Societies 

CHAPTER XXI.— Borough of Waynesboro 

530-5 J I 

Origin ofthe Name— Location — The Plat- 
Original Lot Owners— Incorporation — Banks 

— Manufactories — Water-works — Societies 
— Churches — Temperance Union — Scliools — 
< emetery — Famous Sewing Machine. 

I CHAPTEI! XXII.— Borough of Grkencasi i k 

. r >4_'-sV>4 

Site ot the Borough — Ancient Burying 
Grounds — Plat of the Town, and First Resi- 
dents—Early liominis'cences and Anecdotes 
—Old Churches— Cemeteries and Epitaphs 

— Incorporation of Borough — It- Centeu 
nial — The Turnpike — Church History— 
Cemetery — The Schools — Industrie; — Bor- 
ough Officers — Bank— Town Hall company 
— Societies. 

CHAPTER XXIII.— Townships 554-614 

Antrim 55- r > 

Formation — Name— First Settlers — Karly 
Laud Titles— Old Graveyard Transcriptions 
—List of Taxables, 17S0— Earlv Settlements 
— Borough aud Villages— The Mormons. 

Lurgan 604 

Formation — Topography— Early Land Ti- 
tles—List of Taxables, 1786— The' Pomeroys 
—Villages. 



CONTENTS. 



PAliK 

Peters 507 

Name— Formation — First Settlers— Early 
Land Titled -List of Taxable*. 1786— Loudon 
— Lemasters — Uptou — Bridgeport - ( 'ove 
Gap. 

GlULPURD 573 

Formation — Name— Early Laud Entries — 
List of Taxables — Manors — Churches — Vil- 
lages. 

Hamilton 677 

Name, etc. — Earliest Laud Entries — List of 
Taxables, 17Hti — Cashtowu. 

Kannett 578 

Formation— The Indians aud First Immi- 
grants — Nauie — Early Laud Purchases— 
Early Laud Entries— List of Taxables, 1780 
— Villages. 

I.KTTEKKKNNY 583 

Formation — Boundary — Early Settlements 
— Earliest Land Titles — List of Taxables, 
1780— Early School Teaahers— Village- 
Churches 

Washington 588 

Formation — Name — Early Laud Titles — 
List of Taxables, 1786 — Villages. 

Montgomery 591 

Formation— Name — Early Laud Eutrie* — 
List of taxables, 1780 — Villages. 



PAGE. 
SOUTHAMPTON . !,'JS 

Koruialiou.eic. — Early Land Entries— List 
of Taxables, 1780- Borough ol Orrstowu— 

Villages. 

Franklin 5'Jti 

Absorption of Township by (hauibers- 
burg — List of Taxables, 1780. 

GREENE oit(j 

Formation — Name — Early Settlement — 
Early Laud Entries — Early Reminiscences 
Greenvillage — Scotland — Fayetteville— 
Black's Gap — Smoke town. 

Metal 0u4 

Boundary — Formatiou — Topography — 
Early Settlers — Early Laud Eutries — Promi- 
nent First Settlers— Taxables m 1780— First 
Justices of the Peace — Villages — Chinches. 

Warren t»o7 

Location — Its Early History — Name- Ear- 
liest Land Entries— Early Settlers— < lid hoc 
uments — Churches. 

St. Thomas till* 

Formation — Its Early History — Name— 
Immigration— Early Laud Entries — Ta\,i- 
bles, 1786— Villages. 

Qiincy till 

Formatiou— Us settlements— lis Wealth — 
Name — Early Settlers — Early Lund Entries 
— Transcriptions from Early Tombstones- - 
Taxables iu 1786— Villages 



PART III. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PAUK. 

i hatnhersburg, Borough of G17 

Antrim Township aud Borough of Greencastle.. 7Uu 

Fan net t Township 737 

► . reeue Township 703 

i. nil to id Township 7'J."> 

Hamilton Township... So:> 

Letterkenny Township 809 

I. organ Township HI 7 

Metal Township 834 



page. 
Montgomery Township and Borough of Mercers- 
burg S45 

Peters Towuship 873 

Quiucy Township 887 

St. Thomas Township 897 

Southampton Township and Borough of Orrs- 
towu 917 

Warren Towuship 92C 

Washington Township and Borough of Waynes- 
boro 927 



PORTRAITS. 



PAGE. 

Alexander, Kev.S. C 417 

Ambersou, W. S 207 

Hard, Hubert M 2u7 

Besore, George 107 

Bon brake, E. J 387 

I.idi horton, Col. 1). II -»i>7 

lUihinian, ('. H 497 



I, PAGE 

I Hawhecker, S .2 527 

I Hoke,Jacob 327 

r Hoover, Lianiel 447 

1 Keefer, William S 337 

I Kerliu, P 437 

f Lamaster, J. U 537 

> t McHowell, A. H 357 

arson, James 157 f- McKinstry, William 45 

' 'numbers, George 79 - Orr, William 197 

' ltritzmau, 11. G., M. D 477 » J Kowe, D. Watson 397 

Clayton, James II 367 f Kowe, John ... 217 

Crowcll, J. B 277 4 Sen i man, S. L 227 

Davison, J. A 507 .! Sharpe, J. McD 377 

Fleming, Archibald 177 i i Shockey, Daniel • 647 

Foltz, M. A 487-1 Shoemaker, John A 557 

1 .arver, Samuel 307 ' Skinner, s. M 287 

ood, Jacob S 297 4 Snively, I. N., M. D 517 

Snively, Joseph 147 

I Walker, Capt. John H 467 

Winger, Joseph 237 

Winger, Col. B. F 467 

Ziegler, George W 247 



Hammond, Lawrence 187 

l lammoud, M. L 427 

Karnaugh, Kev. H 257 

llaruish, H. K 647 

llasalor, Kev. J 317 



MISCELLANEOUS. * 

PAGE. 

Map of Franklin Counly 10, 11 

Map showing various purchases from Indians 113 

Diagram showing proportionate Annual Production of Anthracite Coal since 1820 118 

Table showing amount of Anthracite Coal produced in each region since 1820 119 

Table showing vote for Governors of Pennsylvania since Organization of State 132 

Belief Map of (umberlaud Valley 134, 136 







PAKT I 



History-Pennsylvania, 



BY SAMUEL P. BATES. 



"God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I believe, 
bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the 
government that it be well laid at first. ----- I do, therefore, 
desire the Lord's wisdom to guide me, and those that may be concerned 
with me, that we may do the thing that is truly wise and just." 

WILLIAM PENN. 



IX 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

CHAPTER I. 

Introductory — Cornells Jacoijson Mey, 1624-25— William Van Hulst, 1625- 
26— Peter Minuit, 1626-33— David Petersen de Vries, 1632-33— Wouter 
Van Twiller, 1633-38. 

IN the early colonization upon the American continent, two motives were 
principally operative. One was the desire of amassing sudden wealth 
without great labor, which tempted adventurous spirits to go in search of gold, 
to trade valueless trinkets to the simple natives for rich furs and skins, and even 
to seek, amidst the wilds of a tropical forest, for the fountain whose healing 
waters could restore to man perpetual youtu. The other was the cherished 
purpose of escaping the unjust restrictions of Government, and the hated ban 
of society against tne worship of the Supreme Being according to the honest 
dictates of conscience, which incited the humble devotees of Christianity to 
forego the comforts of home, in the midst of the best civilization of the age, 
and make for themselves a habitation on the shores of a new world, where they 
might erect altars and do homage to their God in such habiliments as they 
preferred, and utter praises in such note as seemed to them good. This pur- 
pose was also incited by a certain romantic temper, common to the race, es- 
pecially noticeable in youth, that invites to some uninhabited j spot, and Ras- 
selas and Robinson Crusoe like to begin life anew. 

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, had felt the heavy hand of 
persecution for religious opinion's sake. As a gentleman commoner at Ox- 
ford, he had been lined, and finally expelled from that venerable seat of learn- 
ing for non-comformity to the established worship. At home, he was whipped 
and turned out of doors by a father who thought to reclaim the son to the 
more certain path of advancement at a licentious court. He was sent to prison 
by the Mayor of Cork. For seven months he languished in the tower of Lon- 
don, and, finally, to complete his disgrace, be was cast into Newgate with com- 
mon felons. Upon the accession of James II, to the throne of England, over 
fourteen hundred persons of the Quaker faith were immured in prisons for a 
conscientious adherence to their religious convictions. To escape this harassing 
persecution, and find peace and quietude from this sore proscription, was the 
moving cause which led Penn and his followers to emigrate to America. 

Of all those who have been founders of States in near or distant ages, none 
have manifested so sincere and disinterested a spirit, nor have been so fair ex- 
emplars of the golden rule, and of the Redeemer's sermon on the mount, as 
William Penn. In his preface to the frame of government of his colony, he 
says: " The end of government is first to terrif} 7 evil-doers; secondly, to cher- 
ish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corruption, and 



16 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

makes it as durable in the world, as good men shall be. So that government 
seems to be a part of religion itself, a thing sacred in its institution and end. 
For, if it does not directly remove the cause, it crushes the effects of evil, and 
is an emanation of the same Divine power, that is both author and object of 
pure religion, the difference lying here, that the one is more free and mental, 
the other more corporal and compulsive in its operations; but that is only to 
evil-doers, government itself being otherwise as capable of kindness, goodness 
and charity, as a mure private society. They weakly err, who thinkthereisno 
other use of government than correction, which is the coarsest part of it. 
Daily experience tells us, that the care and regulation of many other affairs 
more soft, and daily necessary, make up much the greatest part of government. 
Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as govern- 
ments are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined, too. Where- 
fore, governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let 
men be good, and the government cannot be bad. If.it be ill, they will cure 
it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor 
to warp and spoil to their turn. * * * That, therefore, which makes a good 
constitution, must keep it, men of wisdom and virtue, qualities, that because they 
descend not with worldly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a vir- 
tuous education of youth, for which, after ages will owe more to the care and 
prudence of founders and the successive magistracy, than to their parents for 
their private patrimonies. * * * We have, therefore, with reverence to God, 
and good conscience to men, to the best of our skill, contrived and composed the 
Frame and Laws of this government, viz. : To support power in reverence 
with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of power, that they 
may be free by their just obedience, and the magistrates honorable for their 
just administration. For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedi- 
ence without liberty is slavery." 

Though born amidst the seductive arts of the great city, Penn/s tastes were 
rural. He hated the manners of the corrupt court, and delighted in the homely 
labors and innocent employments of the farm. " The country," he said, u is 
the philosopher's garden and library, in which he reads and contemplates the 
power, wisdom and goodness of God It is his food as well as study, and gives 
him life as well as learning." And to his wife he said upon taking leave of 
her in their parting interview: " Let my children bo husbandmen, and house- 
wives. It is industrious, healthy, honest, and of good report. This leads to 
consider the works of God, and diverts the mind from being taken up with vain 
arts and inventions of a luxurious world. Of cities and towns of concourse, 
beware. The world is apt to stick close to those who have lived and got wealth 
there. A country life and estate I love best for my children." 

Having thus given some account at the outset of the spirit and purposes of 
the founder, and the motive which drew him to these shores, it will be in 
place, before proceeding with the details of the acquisition of territory, and 
the comino- of emigrants for the actual settlement under the name of Pennsyl- 
vania, to say something of the aborigines who were found in possession of the 
soil when first visited by Europeans, of the condition of the surface of the 
country, and of the previous attempts at settlements before the coming of Penn. 

The surface of what is now known as Pennsylvania was, at the time of the 
coming of the white men, one vast forest of hemlock, and pine, and beech, 
and oak, unbroken, except by an occasional rocky barren upon the precipitous 
mountain side, or by a few patches of prairie, which had been reclaimed by 
annual burnings, and was used by the indolent and simple-minded natives for 
the culture of a little maize and a few vegetables. The soil, by the annual 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 

accumulations of leaves and abundant growths of forest vegetation, was luxu- 
rious, and the trees stood close, and of gigantic size. Tho streams swarmed 
with fish, and tho forest abounded with game. Where now are cities and 
hamlets rilled with busy populations intent upon the accumulation of wealth, 
the mastery of knowledge, the pursuits of pleasure, the deer browsed and 
sipped at the wator's edge, and tho pheasant drummed his monotonous note. 
Whore now is the glowing furnace from which day and night tongues of rlame 
are bursting, and the busy water wheel sends the shuttle Hushing through the 
loom, half-naked, dusky warriors fashioned their spears with rude implements 
of stone, and made themselves hooks out of the bonos of animals for alluring 
the tinny tribe. Where now are fertile fields, upon which tho thrifty farmer 
turns his furrow, which his neighbor takes up and runs on until it reaches 
from one end of the broad State to the other, and where are flocks and herds, 
rejoicing in rich meadows, gladdened by abundant fountains, or reposing at the 
heated noontide beneath ample shade, not a blow had been struck against the 
giants of the forest, the soil rested in virgin purity, the streams glided on in 
majesty, unvexed by wheel and unchoked by device of man. 

Where now the long train rushes on with the speed of the wind over 
plain and mead, across streams and under mountains, awakening the echoes of 
the hills the long day through, and at the midnight hour screaming out its 
shrill whistle in fiery defiance, tho wild native, with a fox skin wrapped about 
his loins and a few feathers stuck in his hair, issuing from his rude hut, trot- 
ted on in his forest path, followed by his squaw with her infant peering forth 
from the rough sling at her back, pointed his canoe, fashioned from the barks 
of the trees, across the deep river, knowing the progress of time only by the 
rising and setting sun, troubled by no meridians for its index, starting on his 
way when his nap was ended, and stopping for rest when a spot was reached 
that pleased his fancy. Where now a swarthy population toils ceaselessly deep 
down in the bowels of the earth, shut out trom the light of day in cutting out 
the material that feeds the fires upon the forge, and gives genial warmth to the 
lovers as they chat merrily in the luxurious drawing room, not a mine had 
been opened, and the vast beds of the black diamond rested unsunned beneath 
the superincumbent mountains, where they had been fashioned by the Creator's 
hand. Rivers of oil seethed through the impatient and uneasy gases and vast 
pools and lakes of this pungent, parti -colored fluid, hidden away from the 
coveting eye of man, guarded well their own secrets. Not a derrick protruded 
its well-balanced form in the air. Not a drill, with its eager eating tooth de- 
scended into the flinty rock No pipe lino diverted tho oily tide in a silent, 
ceaseless current to the ocean's brink. The cities of iron tanks, filled to burst- 
ing, had no place amidst the forest solitudes. Oil exchanges, with their vex- 
ing puts and calls, shorts and longs, bulls and bears, had not yet come to dis- 
turb the equanimity of the red man, as he smoked the pipe of peace at the 
council fire. Had he once seen the smoke and soot of the new Birmingham of 
the West, or snuffed the odors of an oil refinery, ho would willingly have for- 
feited his goodly heritage by the forest stream or the deep flowing river, and 
sought for himself new hunting grounds in less favored regions. 

It was an unfortunate circumstance that at the coming of Europeans the 
torritory now known as Pennsylvania was occupied by some of the most bloody 
and revengeful of the savage tribes. They were known as the Lenni Lenapes, 
and held sway from the Hudson to the Potomac. A tradition was preserved 
among them, that in a remote age their ancestors had emigrated eastward from 
beyond the Mississippi, exterminating as they came the more civilized and 
peaceful peoples, the Mound-Builders of Ohio and adjacent States, and who 



18 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

were held among the tribes by whom they wbio surrounded as the progenitors, 
the grandfathers or oldest people. They came to be known by Europeans as 
the Delawares, after the name of the river and its numerous branches along 
which they principally dwelt. The Monseys or Wolves, another tribe of the 
Lenapes, dwelt upon the Susquehanna and its tributaries, and, by their war- 
like disposition, won the credit of being the fiercest of their nation, and the 
guardians of the door to their council house from the North. 

Occupying the greater part of the teritory now known as New York, were 
the live nations —the Senacas, the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Cayugas, and 
the Onondagas. which, from their hearty union, acquired great strength and 
came to exercise a commanding influence. Obtaining firearms of the Dutch 
at Albany, they repelled the advances of the French from Canada, and by 
their superiority in numbers and organization, had overcome the Lenapes, 
and held them for awhile in vassalage. The Tuscaroras, a tribe which had 
been expelled from their home in North Carolina, were adopted by the Five Na- 
tions in 1712, and from this time forward these tribes Were kuown to the English 
as the Six Nations, called by the Lenapes, Mingoes, and by the French, Iroquois. 
There was, therefore, properly a United States before the thirteen colonies ( 
achieved their independence. The porson and character of those tribes were 
marked. They were above the ordinary stature, erect, bold, and commanding, 
of great decorum in council, and when aroused showing nativo eloquence. In 
warfare, they exhibited all the bloodthirsty, revengeful, cruel instincts of the 
savage, and for the attainment of tiieir purposes were treacherous and crafty. 

The Indian character, as developed by intercourse with Europeans, exhibits 
some tr .its that are peculiar While coveting what they saw that pleased 
them, and thievish to the last degree, they were nevertheless generous. This 
may be accounted for by their habits. "They held that the game of the for- 
est, the tish of the rivers, and the grass of the field were a common heritage, 
and free to all who would take the trouble to gather them, and ridiculed the 
idea of fencing in a meadow." Bancroft says: " The hospitality of the Indian 
has rarely been questioned. The stranger enters his cabin, by day or by 
night, without asking leave, and is entertained as freely as a thrush or a 
blackbird, that regales himself on the luxuries of the fruitful grove. He 
will take his own rest abroad, that ho may give up his own skin or mat of 
sedge to his guest. Nor is the traveler questioned as to the purpose of his 
visit. He chooses his own time freely to deliver his mossage." Fenn, who, 
from frequent intercourse came to know them well, in his letter to the society 
of Free Traders, says of them: "In liberality they excel; nothing is too good 
for their friend. Give them a fine gun, coat or other thing, it may pass 
twenty hands before it sticks; light of heart, strong affections, but soon spent. 
Tho most merry creatures that live; feast and dance perpetually. They never 
have much nor want much. Wealth circnlateth like the blood. All parts 
partake; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers 
of property. Some Kings have sold, others presented me with several parcels 
of land. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the particu- 
lar owners, but the neighboring Kings and clans being present when the 
goods wore brought out. the parties chiefly concerned consulted what and to 
whom they should give them. To every King, then, by the hands of a per- 
son for that work appointed is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and 
with that gravity that is admirable. Then that King subdivideth it in like man- 
ner among his dependents, they hardly leaving themselves an equal share 
with one of their subjects, and be it on such occasions as festivals, or at their 
common meals, the Kings distribute, and to themselves last. They care for 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 

little because they want but little, and the reason is a little contents them. In 
this tbey are sufficiently revenged on us. They are also free from our pains. 
They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed 
with chancery suits and exchequer reckonings. We sweat and toil to live; 
their pleasure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing and fowling, and 
this table is spread everywhere. They eat twice a day, morning and evening. 
Their neats and table are the ground. Since the Europeans came into these 
parts they are grown great lovers of strong liquors, rum especially, and for it 
exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquors, 
they are restless till they have enough to sleep. That is their cry, ' Some 
more and I will go to sleep; ' but when drunk one of the most wretched spec- 
tacles in the world." 

On the 28th of August, 1609, a little more than a century from the time 
of the first discovery of the New World by Columbus, Hendrick Hudson, an 
English navigator, then in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, hav- 
ing been sent out in search of a northwestern passage to the Indies, discovered 
the mouth of a great bay, since known as Delaware Bay, which he entered and 
partially explored. But finding the waters shallow, and being satisfied that 
this was onl} r an arm of the sea which received the waters of a great river, 
and not a passage to the western ocean, he retired, and, turning the prow of 
his little craft northward, on the 2d of September, he discovered the river 
which bears his name, the Hudson, and gave several days to its examination. 
Not finding a passage to the West, which was the object of his search, he returned 
to Holland, bearing the evidences of his adventures, and made a full report of 
his discoveries in which he says, " Of all lands on which I ever set my foot, 
this is the best for tillage." 

A proposition had been made in the States General of Holland to form a 
West India Company with purposes similar to those of the East India Com- 
pany; but the conservative element in the Dutch Congress prevailed, and while 
the Government was unwilling to undertake the risks of an enterprise for 
which it would be responsible, it was not unwilling to foster private enter- 
prise, and on the 27th of March, 1614, an edict was passed, granting the 
privileges of trade, in any of its possessions in the New World, during four 
voyages, founding its right to the territory drained by the Delaware and 
Hudson upon the discoveries by Hudson. Five vessels were accordingly 
fitted by a company composed of enterprising merchants of the cities of Am- 
sterdam and Hoorn, which made speedy and prosperous voyages under com- 
mand of Cornelia Jacobson Mey, bringing back with them fine furs and rich 
woods, which so excited cupidity that the States General was induced.on the 
14th of October, 1614, to authorize exclusive trade, for four voyages, extend- 
ing through three years, in the newly acquired possessions, the edict designat- 
ing them as New Netherlands. 

One of the party of this first enterprise, Cornells Hendrickson, was left 
behind with a vessel called the Unrest, which had been built to supply the 
place of one accidentally burned, in which he proceeded to explore more fully 
the bay and river Delaware, of which he made report that was read before the 
States General on the 19th of August, 1616. This report is curious as dis- 
closing the opinions of the first actual explorer in an official capacity: " He 
hath discovered for his aforesaid masters and directors certain lands, a bay, 
and three rivers, situate between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did their 
trade with the inhabitants, said trado consisting of sables, furs, robes and 
other skins. He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit, oaks, hick- 
ory and pines, which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath 



20 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

seen in said country bucks and does, turkeys and partridges. He hath found 
the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to bo as temperate as 
this country, Holland. He also traded for and .bought from the inhabitants, 
the Minquas, three persons, being people belonging to this company, which 
three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans, 
giving for them kettles, beads, and merchandise." 

This second charter of privileges expired in January, 1618, and during its 
continuance the knowledge acquired of the country and its resources promised 
so much of success that the States General was ready to grant broader privi- 
leges, and on the 3d of June, 1621, the Dutch West India Company was in- 
corporated, to extend for a period of twenty- four years, with the right of 
renewal, the capital stock to be open to subscription by all nations, and 
"privileged to trade and plant colonies in Africa, from the tropic of Cancer 
to the Cape of Good Hope, and in America from the Straits of Magellan to the 
remotest north." The past glories of Holland, though occupying but an in- 
significant patch of Europe, emboldened its Government to pass edicts for the 
colonizing and carrying on an exclusive trado with a full half of the entire 
world, an example of the biting off of more than could be well chewed. But 
the light of this enterprising people was beginning to pale before the rising 
glories of the stern race in their sea girt isle across the channel. Dissensions 
were arising among the able statesmen who had heretofore guided its affairs, 
and before the periods promised in the original charter of this colonizing com- 
pany had expired, its supremacy of the sea was successfully resisted, and its 
exolusive rights and privileges in the New World had to be relinquished. 

The principal object in establishing this West India Company was to 
secure a good dividend upon the capital stock, which was subscribed to by the 
rich old burgomasters. The fine furs and products of the forests, which had 
been taken back to Holland, had proved profitable. But it was seen that if 
this trade was to be permanently secured, in face of the active competition of 
other nations, and these commodities steadily depended upon, permanent set- 
tlements must bo provided for. Accordingly, in 1623, a colony of about forty 
families, embracing a party of Walloons, protestant fugitives from Belgium, 
sailed for the new province, under the leadership of Cornel is Jacobson Mey and 
Joriz Tienpont. Soon after their arrival, Mey, who had been invested with 
the power of Director General of all the territory claimed by the Dutch, see- 
ing, no doubt, the evidences of some permanence on the Hudson, determined 
to take these honest minded and devoted Walloons to the South River, or Del- 
aware, that he might also gain for his country a foothold there. The testi- 
mony of one of the women, Catalina Tricho, who was of the party, is 
curious, and sheds some light upon this point. " That she came to this prov- 
ince either in the year 1623 or 1624, and that four women came along with 
her in the same ship, in which Gov. Arien Jorissen came also over, which four 
women were married at sea, and that they and their husbands stayed about 
three weeks at this place (Manhattan) and then they with eight seamen more, 
went in a vessel by orders of the Dutch Governor to Delaware River, and 
there settled." Ascending the Delaware some fifty miles, Mey landed 
on the eastern shore near where now is the town of Gloucester, and built a 
fort which he called Nassau. Having duly installed his little colony, he re- 
turned to Manhattan; but beyond the building of the fort, which served as a 
trading post, this attempt to plant a colony was futile; for these religious 
zealots, tiring of the solitude in which they were left, after a few months 
abandoned it, and returned to their associates whom they had left upon the 
Hudson. Though not successful in establishing a permanent colony upon the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 

Delaware, ships plied regularly between the fort and Manhattan, and this 
became the rallying point for the Indians, who brought thither their commodi- 
ties for trade. At about this time, 1(320, the island of Manhattan estimated 
to contain 22,000 acres, on which now stands the city of New York with its 
busy population, surrounded by its forests of masts, was bought for the insig- 
nificant sum of sixty guilders, about $24, what would now pay for scarcely a 
square inch of some of that very soil. As an evidence of the thrift which had 
begun to mark the progress of the colony, it may be stated that the good ship 
" The Arms of Amsterdam,' 1 which bore tho intelligence of this fortunate pur- 
chase to the assembly of the XIX in Holland, bore also in the language of 
O'Calaghan, the historian of New Netherland, the " information that the col- 
ony was in a most prosperous state, and that the women and the soil were 
both fruitful. To prove the latter fact, samples of the recent harvest, consist- 
ing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, were sent forward, 
together with 8, 130. beaver skins, valued at over 45,000 guilders, or nearly 
$19,000." It is accorded by another historian that this same ship bore also 
" 853J otter skins, eighty-one mink skins, thirty-six wild cat skins and thirty -four 
rat skins, with a quantity of oak and hickory timber." From this it may be 
seen what the commodities were which formed the subjects of trade. Doubt- 
less of wharf rats Holland had enough at home, but the oak and hickory tim- 
bor came at a time when there was sore need of it. 

Finding that the charter of privileges, enacted in 1621, did not give suffi- 
cient encouragement and promise of security to actual settlers, further con- 
cessions were made in 1629, whereby " all such persons as shall appear and 
desire the same from the company, shall be acknowledged as Patroons [a sort 
of feudal lord] of New Netherland, who shall, within the space of four years 
next after they have given notice to any of the chambers of the company here, 
or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a colony there of 
fifty souls, upward of fifteen years old; one fourth part within one year, and 
within three years after sending the first, making together four years, the re- 
mainder, to the full number of fifty persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain, 
in case of willful neglect, of being deprived of the privileges obtained." * * 
" The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall be permitted, at such places as they 
shall settle their colonies, to extend their limits four miles along the shore, or 
two miles on each side of a river, and so far into the country as the situation 
of the occupiers will permit." 

Stimulated by these flattering promises, Goodyn and Bloemmaert, two 
wealthy and influential citizens, through their agents — Heyser and Coster — 
secured by purchase from the Indians a tract of land on the western shore, 
at the mouth of the Delaware, sixteen miles in length along the bay front, and 
extending sixteen miles back into the country, giving a square of 256 miles. 
Goodyn immediately gave notice to the company of their intention to plant a 
colony on their newly acquired territory as patroons. They were joined by an 
experienced navigator, De Vries, and on the 12th of December, 1630, a vessel, 
the Walrus, under command of Do Vries, was dispatched with a company of 
settlers and a stock of cattle and farm implements, which arrived safely in 
the Delaware. De Vries landed about three leagues within the capes, "near 
the entrance of a fine navigable stream, called the Hoarkill," where he pro- 
ceeded to build a house, well surrounded with cedar palisades, which served 
the purpose of fort, lodging house, and trading post. The little settlement, 
which consisted of about thirty persons, was christened by the high sounding 
title of Zwanendal — Valley of Swans. In the spring they prepared their fields 
and planted them, and De Vries returned to Holland, to make report of his 
proceedings. 



22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

But a ead fate awaited the little colony atZwanendal. In accordance with 
the custom of European nations, the commandant, on taking possession of the 
new purchase, erected a post, and affixed thereto a piece of tin on which was 
traced the arms of Holland and a legend of occupancy. An Indian chieftain, 
passing that way, attracted by the shining metal, and not understanding the 
object of the inscription, and not having the fear of their high mightinesses, 
tho States General of Holland before his eyes, tore it down and proceeded to 
make for himself a tobacco pipe, considering it valuable both by way of orna- 
ment and use. When this act of trespass was discovered, it was regarded by 
the doughty Dutchman as a direct insult to the great State of Holland, and 
so great an ado was raised over it that the simple minded natives became 
frightened, believing that their chief had committed a mortal offense, and in 
tho strength and sincerity of their friendship immediately proceeded to dis- 
patch the offending chioftain, and brought the bloody emblems of their deed to 
tho head of the colony. This act excited the anger of the relatives of tho mur- 
dered man, and in accordance with Indian law, they awaited the chance to 
take revenge. O'Calaghan gives the following account of this bloody massa- 
cre which ensued: '"The colony at Zwanendal consisted at this time of thirty- 
four persons. Of these, thirty- two were one day at work in the tields, while 
Commissary Hosset remained in charge of the house, where another of the set- 
tlers lay sick abed. A large bull dog was chained out of doors. On pretence 
of selling some furs, three savages entered tho house and murdered Hosset 
and the sick man. They found it not so easy to dispatch the mastiff. It was 
not until they had pierced him with at least twenty-five arrows that he was 
destroyed. The men in the tields were then set on, in an equally treacherous 
manner, under the guise of friendship, and every man of them slain." Thus 
was a worthless bit of tin tho cause of the cutting off and utter extermination 
of the infant colony. 

De Vries was upon the point of returning to Zwanendal when he received 
intimation of disaster to the settlers. With a large vessel and a yacht, he set 
sail on the 24th of May, 10*32, to carry succor, provided with the means of 
prosecuting the whale fishery which he had been led to believe might be made 
very profitable, and of pushing the production of grain and tobacco. On ar- 
riving in tho Delaware, he fired a signal gun to give notice of his approach. 
The report echoed through the forest, but, alas! the ears which would have 
been gladened with the sound were heavy, and no answering salute came from 
the shore. On landing, ho found his house destroyed, the palisades burned, 
and the skulls and bones of his murdered countrymen bestrewing the earth, 
sad relics of tho little settlement, which had promised so fairly, and warning 
tokens of the barbarism of the natives. 

De Vries knew that he was in no position to attempt to punish the guilty 
parties, and hence determined to pursue an entirely pacific policy. At his 
invitation, the Indians gathered in with their chief for a conference. Sitting 
down in a circle beneath the shadows of the somber forest, their Sachem in 
the centre, De Vries, without alluding to their previous acts of savagery, 
concluded with them a treaty of peace and friendship, and presented them in 
token of ratification, "some duffels, bullets, axes and Nuremburg trinkets." 

In place of finding his colony with plenty of provisions for the immediate 
needs of his party, he could get nothing, and began to be in want. Ho accord- 
ingly sailed up the river in quest of food. The natives were ready with 
their furs for barter, but they had no supplies of food with which they wished 
to part. Game, however, was plenty, and wild turkeys were brought in weigh- 
ing over thirty pounds. One morning after a frosty night, while the little 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 

craft was up the stream, the party was astonished to find tho waters frozen 
over, and their ship fast in the ice. Judging by the mild climate of their own 
country, Holland, thoy did not suppose this possible. For several weeks thoy 
wore held fast without tho power to move their floating home. Being in need 
of a bettor variety of food than ho found it possible to obtain, Do Vries sailed 
away with a part of his followers to Virginia, where he was hospitably enter- 
tained by the Governor, who sent a present of goats as a token of friendship to 
tbo Dutch Governor at Manhattan. Upon his return to the Delaware, De 
Vries found that the party he had left behind to prosecute the whale fishery 
had only taken a few small ones, and those so poor that tho amount of oil ob- 
tained was insignificant. He had been induced to embark in the enterprise of 
a settlement here by the glittering prospect of prosecuting tho whale fishery 
along the shore at a great profit. Judging by this experience that tho hope 
of great gains from tliis source was groundless, and doubtless haunted by a 
superstitious dread of making their homes amid the relics of the settlers of the 
previous year, and of plowing fields enriched by their blood who had been 
so utterly cut off, and a horror of dwelling amongst a people so revengeful and 
savage, De Vries gathered all together, and taking his entire party with him 
sailed away to Manhattan and thence homo to Holland, abandoning utterly the 
settlement. 

The Dutch still however sought to maintain a foothold upon the Dela- 
ware, and a fierce contention having sprung up between the powerful patroons 
and tho Director General, and they having agreed to settle differences by 
the company authorizing the purchase of tho claims of thepatroons, those upon 
the Delaware were sold for 15,000 guilders. Fort Nassau was accordingly re oc- 
cupied and manned with a small military force, and when a party from Con- 
necticut Colony came, under one Holmes to make a settlement upon the Dela- 
ware, the Dutch at Nassau were found too strong to be subdued, and Holmes 
and his party were compelled to surrender, and were sent as prisoners of war 
to Manhattan. 



CHAPTER II. 

Sib William Keift, 1638-47— Peter Minuit, 1638-41— Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43— 
John Printz, 1648-53— Peter Stuyvesant, 1647-64— Joun Pappaooya, 1653-54— 
John Claude Rysingu, 1654-55. 

AT this period, the throne of Sweden was occupied by Gustavus Adolphus, 
a monarch of the most enlightened views and heroic valor. Seeing the 
activity of surrounding nations in sending out colonies, he proposed to his 
people to found a commonwealth in the New World., not for the mere purpose 
of gain by trade, but to set up a refuge for the oppressed, a place of religious 
liberty and happy homes that should prove of advantage to " all oppressed 
Christendom." Accordingly, a company with ample privileges was incorpo- 
rated by the Swedish Government, to which the King himself pledged $400,000 
of the royal treasure, and men of every rank and nationality were invited to 
join in the enterprise. Gustavus desired not that his colony should depend 
upon serfs or slaves to do the rough work. " Slaves cost a great deal, labor 
with reluctance, and soon perish from hard usage. The Swedish nation is 
laborious and intelligent, and surely we shall gain more by a free people with 
wives and children." 



24 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In the meantime, the fruits of the reformation in Germany were menaced, 
and the Swedish monarch determined to unsheath his sword and lead his 
people to the aid of Protestant faith in the land where its standard had been 
successfully raised. At the battle of Liitzen, where for the cause which he had 
espoused, a signal victory was gained, the illustrious monarch, in the llower 
of life, received a mortal wound. Previous to the battle, and while engaged in 
active preparations for the great struggle, he remembered the interests of his 
contemplated colony in America, and in a most earnest manner commended 
the enterprise to the people of Germany. 

Oxenstiern, the minister of Gustavus, upon whom the weight of govern- 
ment devolved during the minority of the young daughter, Christina, declared 
that he was but the executor of the will of the fallen King, and exerted him- 
self to further the interests of a colony which he believed would be favorable to 
"all Christendom, to Europe, to the whole world." Four years however 
elapsed before the project was brought to a successful issue. Peter Minuit, 
wbo had for a time been Governor of New Netherlands, having been displaced, 
sought employment in the Swedish company, and was given the command of 
the first colony. Two vessels, the Key of Calmar and the Griffin, early in the 
year 1638, with a company of Swedes and Fins, made their way across the 
stormy Atlantic and arrived safely in the Delaware. They purchased of the 
Indians the lands from the ocean to the falls of Trenton, and at the mouth of 
Christina Creek erected a fort which they called Christina, after the name of 
the youthful Queen of Sweden. The soil was fruitful, the climate mild, and 
the scenery picturesque. Compared with many parts of Finland and Sweden, 
it was a Paradise, a name which had been given the point at the entrance of 
the bay. As tidings of the satisfaction of the first emigrants were borne back 
to the fatherland, the desire to seek a home in the new country spread rap- 
idly, and the ships sailing were unable to take the many families seeking pas- 
sage. 

The Dutch were in actual possession of Fort Nassau when the Swedes 
first arrived, and though they continued to hold it and to seek the trade of the 
Indians, yet the artful Minuit was more than a match for them in Indian bar- 
ter. William Keift, the Governor of New Netherland, entered a vigorous 
protest against the encroachments of the Swedes upon Dutch territory, in 
which he said "this has been our property for many years, occupied with 
forts and sealed by our blood, which also was done when thou wast in the 
service of New Netherland, and is therefore well known to thee." But Minuit 
pushed forward the work upon his fort, regardless of protest, trusting to the 
respect which the fiag of Sweden had inspired in the hands of Banner and 
Torstensen. For more than a year no tidings were had from Sweden, and no 
supplies from any source were obtained; and while the fruits of their labors 
were abundant there were many articles of diet, medicines and apparel, the 
lack of which they began to sorely feel. So pressing had the want become, 
that application had been made to the authorities at Manhattan for permission 
to remove thither with all their effects. But on the very day before that on 
which they were to embark, a ship from Swedeu richly laden with provisions, 
cattle, seeds and merchandise for barter with the natives came joyfully to their 
relief, and this, the first permanent settlement on soil where now are the States 
of Delaware and Pennsylvania, was spared. The success and prosperity of the 
colony during the first few years of its existence was largely due to the skill 
and policy of Minuit, who preserved the friendship of the natives, avoided an 
open conflict with the Dutch, and so prosecuted trade that the Dutch Governor 
reported to his government that trade had fallen off 30,000 beavers. Minuit 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 25 

was at the head of the colony for about three years, and died in the midst 
of the people whom he had led. 

Minuit was succeeded in the government by Peter Hollandaer, who had 
previously gone in charge of a company of emigrants, and who was now, in 
1641, commissioned. The goodly lands upon the Delaware were a constant 
attraction to the eye of the adventurer; a party from Connecticut, under the lead- 
ership of Robert Cogswell, came, and squatted without authority upon the site 
of the present town of Salem, N. J. Another company had proceeded up the 
river, and, entering the Schuylkill, had planted themselves upon its banks. 
The settlement of the Swedes, backed as it was by one of the most powerful 
nations of Europe, the Governor of New Netherland was not disposed to 
molest; but when these irresponsible wandering adventurers came sailing past 
their forts and boldly planted themselves upon the most eligible sites and fer- 
tile lands in their territory, the Dutch determined to assume a hostile front, 
and to drive them away. Accordingly, Gen. Jan Jansen Van Upendam — his 
very name was enough to frighten away the emigrants — was sent with two 
vessels and a military force, who routed the party upon the Schuylkill, destroy- 
ing their fort and giving them a taste of the punishment that was likely to be 
meted out to them, if this experiment of trespass was repeated. The Swedes 
joined the Dutch in breaking up the settlement at Salem and driving away the 
New England intruders. 

In 1642, Hollandaer was succeeded in the government of the Swedish 
Colony by John Printz, whose instructions for the management of affairs were 
drawn with much care by the officers of the company in Stockholm. " He was, 
first of all, to maintain friendly relations with the Indians, and by the advan- 
tage of low prices hold their <rade. His next care was to cultivate enough 
grain for the wants of the colonists, and when this was insured, turn his atten- 
tion to the culture of tobacco, the raising of cattle and sheep of a good species, 
the culture of the grape, and the raising of silk worms. The manufacture of 
salt by evaporation, and the search for metals and minerals were to be prose- 
cuted, and inquiry into the establishment of fisheries, with a view to profit, 
especially the whale fishery, was to be made." It will be seen from these in- 
structions that the far-sighted Swedish statesmen had formed an exalted con- 
ception of the resources of the new country, and had figured to themselves 
great possibilities from its future development. Visions of rich silk products, 
of the precious metals and gems from its mines, flocks upon a thousand hills 
that should rival in the softness of their downy fleeces the best products of the 
Indian looms, and the luscious clusters of the vine that could make glad the 
palate of the epicure filled their imaginations. 

With two vessels, the Stoork and Renown, Printz set sail, and arrived at 
Port Christina on the 15th of February, 1643. He was bred to the profession 
of arms, and was doubtless selected with an eye to his ability to holding posses- 
sion of the land against the conflict that was likely to arise. He had been a 
Lieutenant of cavalry, and was withal a man of prodigious proportions, " who 
weighed," according to De Vries, " upward of 400 pounds, and drank three 
drinks at every meal." He entertained exalted notions of his dignity as Govern- 
or of the colony, and prepared to establish himself in his new dominions with 
some degree of magnificence. He brought with him from Sweden the bricks 
to be used for the construction of his royal dwelling. Upon an inspection of 
the settlement, he detected the inherent weakness of the location of Fort 
Christina for commanding the navigation of the river, and selected the island 
of Tinacum for the site of a new fort, called New Gottenburg, which was 
speedily erected and made strong with huge hemlock logs. In the midst of 



26 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

the island, he built his royal residence, which was surrounded with trees and 
shubbery. He erected another fort near the mouth of Salem Creek, 
called Elsinborg, which he mounted with eight brass twelve-pounders, 
and garrisoned. Here all ships ascending the river were brought to, 
and required to await a permit from the Governor before proceeding 
to their destination. Gen. Van Upendam, who had been sent to drive 
away the intruders from New England, had remained after executing 
his commission as commandant at Fort Nassau: but having incurred the dis- 
pleasure of Director Keift, be had been displaced, and was succeeded by An- 
dreas Hudde, a crafty and politic agent of the Dutch Governor, who had no 
sooner arrived and become settled in his place than a conflict of authority 
sprang up between himself and the Swedish Governor. Dutch settlers secured 
a grant of land on the west bank of Delaware, and obtained possession by pur- 
chase from the Indians. This procedure kindled the wrath of Printz, who 
tore down the ensign of the company which had been erected in token of 
the power of Holland, and declared that he would have pulled down the 
colors of their High Mightinesses had the}' been erected on this the Swed- 
ish soil. That there might be no mistake about his claim to authority, the 
testy Governor issued a manifesto to his rival on the opposite bank, in which 
were these explicit declarations: 

" Andreas Hudde! I remind you again, by this written warning, to discon- 
tinue the injuries of which you have been guilty against the Royal Majesty 
of Sweden, my most gracious Queen; against Her Royal Majesty's rights, pre- 
tensions, soil and land, without showing the least respect to the Royal Majes- 
ty's magnificence, reputation and dignity; and to do so no more, considering 
how little it would be becoming Her Royal Majesty to bear such gross violence, 
and what great disasters might originate from it, yea, might be expected. * 
* * Ail this I can freely bring forward in my own defense, to exculpate me 
from all future calamities, of which we give you a warning, and place it at 
your account. Dated New Gothenburg, 3d September, stil, veteri 1646." 

It will be noted from the repetition of the high sounding epithets applied 
to the Queen, that Printz had a very exalted idea of his own position as the 
Vicegerent of the Swedish monarch. Hudde responded, saying in reply: " The 
place we possess we hold in just deed, perhaps before the name of South River 
was heard of in Sweden." This paper, upon its presentation, Printz flung to 
the ground in contempt, and when the messenger, who bore it, demanded an 
answer, Printz unceremoniously threw him out doors, and seizing a gun would 
have dispatched the Dutchman had he not been arrested; and whenever any of 
Hudde's men visited Tinicurn they were sure to be abused, and frequently came 
back " bloody and bruised. " Hudde urged rights acquired by prior posses- 
sion, but Printz answered: " The devil was the oldest possessor in hell, yet he, 
notwithstanding, would sometimes admit a younger one." A vessel which had 
come to the Delaware from Manhattan with goods to barter to the Indians, was 
brought to, and ordered away. In vain did Hudde plead the rights acquired 
by previous possession, and finally treaty obligations existing between the 
two nations. Printz was inexorable, and peremptorily ordered the skipper 
away, and as his ship was not provided with the means of fighting its way up 
past the frowning battlements of Fort Elsinborg, his only alternative was to 
return to Manhattan and report the result to his employers. 

Peter Stuyvesant, a man of a good share of native talent and force of char- 
acter, succeeded to the chief authority over New Netherland in May, 1647. 
The affairs of his colony were not in an encouraging condition. The New 
England colonies were crowding upon him from the north and east, and the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 27 

Swedes upon the South River were occupying the territory which the Dutch 
for many years previous to the coming of Christina's colony had claimed. 
Amid the thickening complications, Stuyvesant had need of all his power of 
argument and executive skill. He entered into negotiations with the New En- 
gland colonies for a peaceful settlement of their difficulties, getting the very 
best terms he could, without resorting to force; for, said his superiors, the 
officers of the company in Holland, who had an eye to dividends, " War can- 
not be for our advantage; the New England people are too powerful for us.'" 
A pacific policy was also preserved toward the Swedes. Hudde was rotained 
at the head of Dutch affairs upon the Delaware, and he was required to make 
full reports of everything that was transpiring there in order that a clear in- 
sight might be gained of the policy likely to be pursued. Stuyvesant was en- 
tirely too shrewd a politician for the choleric Printz. He recommended to the 
company to plant a Dutch colony on the site of Zwanendal at the mouth of 
the river, another on the opposite bank, which, if effectually done, would com- 
mand its navigation; and a third on tho upper waters at Beversreede, which 
would intercept the intercourse of the native population. By this course of 
active colonizing, Stuyvesant rightly calculated that the Swedish power would 
be circumscribed, and finally, upon a favorable occasion, be crushed out. 

Stuyvesant, that he might ascertain the nature and extent of the Swedish 
claims to tho country, and examine into the complaints that were pouring in 
upon him of wrongs and indignities suffered by the Dutch at the hands of the 
Swedish power, in 1651 determined to visit the Delaware in his official capac- 
ity. He evidently went in some state, and Printz, who was doubtless impressed 
with the condecension of the Governor of all New Netherland in thus coming, 
was put upon his good behavior. Stuyvesant, by his address, got completely 
on the blind side of the Swedish chief, maintaining the garb of friendship 
and brotherly good- will, and insisting that the discussion of rights should be 
carried on in a peaceful and friendly manner, for we are informed that they 
mutually promised " not to commit any hostile or vexatious acts against one 
another, but to maintain together all neighborly friendship and correspond- 
ence, as good friends and allies aro bound to do.'' Printz was thu3, by this 
agreement, entirely disarmed and placed at a disadvantage; for the Dutch 
Governor took advantage of the armistice to acquire lands below Fort Chris- 
tina, where he proceeded to erect a fort only five miles away, which he named 
Fort Casimir. This gave the Dutch a foothold upon the south bank, and in 
nearer proximity to the ocean than Fort Christina. Fort Nassau was dis- 
mantled and destroyed, as being no longer of use. In a conference with the 
Swedish Governor, Stuyvesant demanded to see documental proof of his right 
to exercise authority upon he Delaware, and the compass of the lands to 
which the Swedish Government laid claim. Printz prepared a statement in 
which he set out the "Swedish limits wide enough.'' But Stuyvesant de- 
manded the documents, under the seal of the company, and characterized this 
writing as a "subterfuge," maintaining by documentary evidence, on his part, 
the Dutch WeBt India Company's right to the soil. 

Printz was great as a blusterer, and preserver of authority when personal 
abuse and kicks and cuffs could be resorted to without the fear of retaliation; 
but no match in statecraft for the wily Stuyvesant. To the plea of pre-occu- 
pancy he had nothing to answer more than he had already done to Hudde's 
messenger respecting the government of Hades, and herein was the cause of 
the Swedes inherently weak. In numbers, too, the Swedes were feeble com- 
pared with the Dutch, who had ten times the population. But in diplomacy 
he had been entirely overreached. Fort Casimir, by its location, rendered 



28 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

the rival Fort Elsinborg powerless, and 'under plea that the mosquitoes had be- 
come troublesome there, it was abandoned. Discovering, doubtless, that a cloud 
of complications was thickening over him, which be would be unable with the 
forces at his commaud to successfully withstand, he asked to be relieved, and, 
without awaiting an answer to his application, departed for Sweden, leaving 
his son-in-law, John Pappegoya, who had previously received marks of the 
royal favor, and been invested with the dignity of Lieutenant Governor, in 
supreme authority. 

The Swedish company had by this time, no doubt, discovered that forcible 
opposition to Swedish occupancy of the soil upon Delaware was destined soon 
to come, and accordingly, as a precautionary measure, in November, 1653, the 
College of Commerce sent John Amundson Besch, with the commission of 
Captain in the Navy, to superintend the construction of vessels. Upon his 
arrival, he acquired lands suitable for the purpose of ship-building, and set 
about laying his keels. He was to have supreme authority over the naval force, 
and was to act in conjunction with the Governor in protecting the interests of 
the colony, but in such a manner that neither should decide anything without 
consulting the other. 

On receiving the application of Printz to be relieved, the company ap- 
pointed John Claude Bysingh, then Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, 
as Vice Director of New Sweden. He was instructed to fortify and extend 
the Swedish possessions, but without interrupting the friendship existing 
with the English or Dutch. He was to use his power of persuasion in induc- 
ing the latter to give up Fort Casimir, which was regarded as an intrusion 
upon Swedish possessions, but without resorting to hostilities, as it was better 
to allow the Dutch to occupy it than to have it fall into the hands of the En- 
glish, "who are the - more powerful, and, of course, the most dangerous in that 
country." Thus early was the prowess of England foreshadowed. Gov. 
Bysingh arrived in the Delaware, on the last day of May, 1654, and immediately 
demanded the surrender of Fort Casimir. Adriaen Van Tienhoven, an aide- 
de-camp on the staff of the Dutch commandant of the fort, was sent on board 
the vessel to demand of Gov. Bysingh by what right he claimed to dis- 
possess the rightful occupants; but the Governor was not disposed to discuss 
the matter, and immediately landed a party and took possession without more 
opposition than wordy protests, the Dutch Governor saying, when called on to 
make defense, "What can I do? there is no powder." Bysingh, however, in 
justification of his course, stated to Teinhoven, after he had gained possession 
of the fort, that he was acting under orders from the crown of Sweden, whose 
embassador at the Dutch Court, when remonstrating against the action of Gov. 
Stuyvesant in erecting and manning Fort Casimir had been assured, by 
the State's General and the offices of the West India Company, that they had 
not authorized the erection of this fort on Swedish soil, saying, " if our people 
are in your Excellency's way, drive them off." "Thereupon the Swedish 
Governor slapped Van Teinhoven on the breast, and said, ' Go! tell your Gov- 
ernor that.'" As the capture was made on Trinity Sunday, the name was 
changed from Fort Casimir to Fort Trinity. 

Thus were the instructions of the new Governor, not to resort to force, but 
to secure possession of the fort by negotiation, complied with, but by a forced 
interpretation. For, although he had not actually come to battle, for the very 
good reason that the Dutch had no powder, and were not disposed to use 
their lists against fire arms, which the Swedes brandished freely, yet, in mak- 
ing his demand for the fort, he had put on the stern aspect of war. 

Stuyvesant, on learning of the loss of Fort Casimir, sent a messenger to the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 

Delaware to invite Gov. Rysingh to come to Manhattan to hold friendly confer- 
ence upon the subject of their difficulties. This Rysingh refused to do, and the 
Dutch Governor, probably desiring instructions from the home Government be- 
fore proceeding to extremities, made a voyage to tbe West Indies for the purpose 
of arranging favorable regulations of trade with the colonies, though without 
the instructions, or even the knowledge of the States-General. Cromwell, 
who was now at the head of the English nation, by the policy of his agents, 
rendered this embassy of Stuyvesant abortive. 

As soon as information of the conduct of Rysingh at Zwanendal was 
known in Holland, the company lost no time in disclaiming the representa- 
tions which he had made of its willingness to have the fort turned over to the 
Swedes, and immediately took measures for restoring it and wholly dispossess- 
ing the Swedes of lands upon the Delaware. On the 10th of November, 1655, 
the company ordered Stuyvesant " to exert every nerve to avenge the insult, 
by not only replacing matters on the Delaware in their former position, but 
by driving the Swedes from every side of the river," though they subsequent- 
ly modified this order in such manner as to allow the Swedes, after Fort Casi- 
mir had been taken, "to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built," with 
a garden to cultivate tobacco, because it appears that they had made the pur- 
chase with the previous knowledge of the company, thus manifesting a disin- 
clination to involve Holland in a war with Sweden. "Two armed nhips were 
forthwith commissioned; 'the drum was beaten daily for volunteers ' in the 
streets of Amsterdam; authority was sent out to arm and equip, and if neces- 
sary to press into the company's service a sufficient number of ships for the 
expedition." In the meantime, Gov. Rysingh, who had inaugurated his 
reign by so bold a stroke of policy, determined to ingratiate himself into the 
favor of the Indians, who had been soured in disposition by the arbi- 
trary conduct of the passionate Printz. He accordingly sent out on all sides 
an invitation to the native tribes to assemble on a certain day, by their chiefs 
and principal men, at the seat of government on Tinicum Island, to brighten 
the chain of friendship and renew their pledges of faith and good neighbor- 
hood. 

On the morning of the appointed day, ten grand sachems with their at- 
tendants came, and with the formality characteristic of these native tribes, the 
council opened. Many and bitter were the complaints made against the Swedes 
for wrongs suffered at their hands, " chief among which was that many of 
their number had died, plainly pointing, though not explicitly saying it, to the 
giving of spirituous liquors as the cause." The new Governor had no answer 
to make to these complaints, being convinced, probably, that they were but too 
true. Without attempting to excuse or extenuate the past, Rysingh brought 
forward the numerous presents which he had taken with him from Sweden for 
the purpose. The sight of the piled up goods produced a prof ound impression 
upon the minds of the native chieftains. They sat apart for conference before 
making any expression of their feelings. Naaman, the fast friend of the white 
man, and the most consequential of the warriors, according to Campanius, 
spoke: " Look," said he, "and see what they have brought to us." So say- 
ing, he stroked himself three times down the arm, which, among the Indians, 
was a token of friendship; afterward he thanked the Swedes on behalf of his 
people for the presents they had received, and said that friendship should be 
observed more strictly between them than ever before; that the Swedes and 
the Indians in Gov. Printz's time were as one body and one heart, striking his 
breast as he spoke, and that thenceforward they should be as one head; in 
token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motion 

2 



30 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

as if he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison: " That, as the 
calabash was round, without any crack, so they should be a compact body with- 
out any fissure; and that if any should attempt to do any harm to the Indians, 
the Swedes should immediately inform them of it; and, on the other hand, the 
Indians would give immediate notice to the Christians, even if it were in the 
middle of the night." On this they were answered that that would be indeed 
a true and lasting friendship, if every one would agree to it; on which they 
gave a general shout in token of consent. Immediately on this the great guns 
were fired, which pleased them extremely, and they said, "Poo, hoo, hoo; 
mokerick picon" that is to say "Hear and believe; the great guns are fired." 
Rysingh then produced all the treaties which had ever been concluded between 
them and the Swedes, which were again solemnly confirmed. ""When those 
who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to rejoice, but, 
when the names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads in 
sorrow." 

After the first ebulition of feeling had subsided on the part of the Dutch 
Company at Amsterdam, the winter passed without anything further being 
done than issuing the order to Stuyvesant to proceed against the Swedes. In 
the spring, however, a thirty-six-gun brig was obtained from the burgomasters 
of Amsterdam, which, with four other crafts of varying sizes, was prepared for 
duty, and the little fleet set sail for New Netherland. Orders were given for 
immediate action, though Director General Stuyvesant had not returned from 
the West Indies. Upon the arrival of the vessels at Manhattan, it was an- 
nounced that " if any lovers of the prosperity and security of the province of 
New Netherland were inclined to volunteer, or to serve for reasonable wages, 
they should come forward," and whoever should lose a limb, or be maimed, was 
assured of a decent compensation. The merchantmen were ordered to furnish 
two of their crews, and the river boatmen were to be impressed. At this junct- 
ure a grave question arose: "Shall the Jews be enlisted?" It was decided 
in the negative; but in lieu of service, adult male Jews were taxed sixty five 
stivers a head per month, to be levied by execution in case of refusal. 

Stuyvesant had now arrived from his commercial trip, and made ready for 
opening the campaign in earnest. A day of prayer and thanksgiving was held 
to beseech the favor of Heaven upon the enterprise, and on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1655, with a fleet of seven vessels and some 600 men, Stuyvesant hoisted 
sail and steered for the Delaware. Arrived before Fort Trinity (Casimir), the 
Director sent Capt. Smith and a drummer to summon the fort, and ordered a 
flank movement by a party of fifty picked men to cut off communication with 
Fort Christina and the headquarters of Gov. Eysingh. ' Swen Schute, the com- 
mandant of the garrison, asked permission to communicate with Rysingh, 
which was denied, and he was called on to prevent bloodshed. An interview 
in the valley midway between the fort and the Dutch batteries was held, when 
Schute asked to send an open letter to Eysingh. This was denied, and for a 
third time the fort was summoned. Impatient of delay, and in no temper for 
parley, the great guns were landed and the Dutch force ordered to advance. 
Schute again asked for a delay until morning, which was granted, as the day 
was now well spent and the Dutch would be unable to make the necessary 
preparations to open before morning. Early on the following day, Schute went 
on board the Dutch flag- ship, the rJalance, and agreed to terms of surrender 
very honorable to his flag. He was permitted to send to Sweden, by the first 
opportunity, the cannon, nine in number, belonging to the crown of Sweden, 
to march out of the fort with twelve men, as his body guard, fully accoutered, 
and colors flying; the common soldiers to wear their side arms. The com- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31 

rnandant and other officers were to retain their private property, the muskets 
belonging to the crown were to be held until sent for, and finally the fort was 
to be surrendered, with all the cannon, ammunition, materials and other goods 
belonging to the "West India Company. The Dutch entered the fort at noon 
with all the formality and glorious circumstance of war, and Dominie Meo-ap- 
olensis, Chaplain of the expedition, preached a sermon of thanksgiving on the 
following Sunday in honor of the great triumph. 

While these signal events were transpiring at Casimir, Gov. Rysing, at his 
royal residence on Tinicum, was in utter ignorance that he was being despoiled 
of his power. A detachment of nine men had been sent by the Governor to 
Casimir to re-enforce the garrison, which came unawares upon the Dutch lines, 
and after a brief skirmish all but two were captured. Upon learning that the 
fort was invested, Factor Ellswyck was sent with a flag to inquire of the in- 
vaders the purpose of their coming. The answer was returned "To recover 
and retain our property." Rysingh then communicated the hope that they 
would therewith rest content, and not encroach further upon Swedish territory, 
having, doubtless, ascertained by this time that the Dutch were too strong lor 
him to make any effectual resistance. Stuyvesant returned an evasive answer, 
but made ready to march upon Fort Christina. It will be remembered that 
by the terms of the modified orders given for the reduction of the Swedes, 
Fort Christina was not to be disturbed. But the Dutch Governor's blood was 
now up, and he determined to make clean work while the means were in his 
haDds. Discovering that the Dutch were advancing, Rysingh spent the whole 
night in strengthening the defenses and putting the garrison in position to 
make a stout resistance. Early on the following day the invaders made their 
appearance on the opposite bank of Christina Creek, where they threw up de 
fenses and planted their cannon. Forces were landed above the fort, and the 
place was soon invested on all sides, the vessels, in the meantime, having been 
brought into the mouth of the creek, their cannon planted west of the fort and 
on Timber Island. Having thus securely shut up the Governor and his garri- 
son, Stuyvesant summmoned him to surrender. Rysingh could not in honor 
tamely submit, and at a council of war it was resolved to make a defense and 
" leave the consequence to be redressed by our gracious superiors." But their 
supply of powder barely sufficed for one round, and his force consisted of only 
thirty men. In the meantime, the Dutch soldiery made free with the property 
of the Swedes without the fort, killing their cattle and invading their homes. 
"At length the Swedish garrison itself showed symptoms of mutiny. The 
men were harassed with constant watching, provisions began to fail, many 
were sick, several had deserted, and Stuyvesant threatened, that, if they held 
out much longer, to give no quarter." A conference was held which ended 
by the return of Rysingh to the fort more resolute than ever for defense. 
Finally Stuyvesant sent in his ultimatum and gave twenty-four hours for a 
final answer, the generous extent of time for consideration evincing the humane 
disposition of the commander of the invading army, or what is perhaps more 
probable his own lack of stomach for carnage. Before the expiration of the 
time allowed, the garrison capitulated, " after a siege of fourteen days, dur- 
ing which, very fortunately, there was a great deal more talking than cannon- 
ading, and no blood shed, except those of the goats, poultry and swine, which 
the Dutch troops laid their hands on. The twenty or thirty Swedes then 
marched out with their arms; colors flying, matches lighted, drums beating, 
and fifes playing, and the Dutch took possession of the fort, hauled down the 
Swedish flag and hoisted their own." 

By the terms of capitulation, the Swedes, who wished to remain in the 



32 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

• 
country, were permitted to do so, on taking the oath of allegiance, and rights 
of property were to be respected under the sway of Dutch law. Gov. By- 
singh, and all others who desired to return to Europe, were furnished passage, 
and by a secret provision, a loan of £300 Flemish was made to Bysingh, to be 
refunded on bis arrival in Sweden, the cannon and other property belonging 
to the crown remaining in the hands of the Dutch until the loan was paid. 
Before withdrawing Stuyvesant offered to deliver over Fort Christina and the 
lands immediately about it to Bysingh, but this offer was declined with dig- 
nity, as the matter had now passed for arbitrament to the courts of the two na- 
tions. 

The terms of the capitulation were honorable and liberal enough, but the 
Dutch authorities seem to have exercised little care in carrying out its provis- 
ions, or else the discipline in the service must have been very lax. For By- 
singh had no sooner arrived at Manhattan, than he entered most vigorous pro- 
tests against the violations of the provisions of the capitulation to Gov. Stuy- 
vesant. He asserted that the property belonging to the Swedish crown had 
been left without guard or protection from pillage, and that he himself had 
not been assigned quarters suited to his dignity. He accused the Dutch 
with having broken open the church, and taken away all the cordage and sails 
of a new vessel, with having plundered the villages, Tinnakong, Uplandt, Fin- 
land, Printzdorp and other places. " In Christina, the women were violently 
torn from their houses; whole buildings were destroyed; yea, oxen, cows, hogs 
and other creatures were butchered day after day; even tbe horses were not 
Bpared, but wantonly shot; the plantations destroyed, and tbe whole country 
so desolated that scarce any means were left for the subsistence of the inhab- 
itants." "Your men carried off even my own property, " said Bysingh, 
" with that of my family, and we were left like sheep doomed to the knife, 
without means of defense against the wild barbarians." 

Thus the colony of Swedes and Fins on the South Biver, which had been 
planned by and had been the object of solicitude to the great monarch himself , 
and had received tbe fostering care of the Swedish Government, came to an 
end after an existence of a little more than seventeen years — 1638-1655. But 
though it no longer existed as a colony under the government of the crown of 
Sweden, many of the colonists remained and became the most intelligent and 
law-abiding citizens, and constituted a vigorous element in the future growth 
of the State. Some of the best blood of Europe at this period flowed in the 
veins of the Swedes. "A love for Sweden," says Bancroft, "their dear 
mother country, the abiding sentiment of loyalty toward its sovereign, con- 
tinued to distinguish the little band. At Stockholm, they remained for a 
century the objects of disinterested and generous regard; affection united them 
in the New World; and a part of their descendants still preserve their altar 
and their dwellings around the graves of their fathers." 

Tbis campaign of Stuyvesant, for the dispossessing of the Swedes of terri- 
tory upon the Delaware, furnishes Washington Irving subject for some of the 
most inimitable chapters of broad humor, in his Knickerbocker's New York, to 
be found in the English language. And yet, in the midst of his side-splitting 
paragraphs, he indulges in a reflection which is worthy of remembrance. 
"He who reads attentively will discover the threads of gold which run 
throughout the web of history, and are invisible to the dull eye of ignorance. 
* * * By the treacherous surprisal of Fort Casimir, then, did the crafty 
Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance 
of Pei,er Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. By the 
conquest of New Sweden, Peter Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Balti- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 33 

more, who appealed to the cabinet of Great Britain, who subdued the whole 
province of New Netherlands. By this great achievement, the whole extent of 
North America, from Nova Scotia to the Floridas, was rendered one entire 
dependency upon the British crown. But mark the consequence: The hith- 
erto scattered colonies being thus consolidated and having no rival colonies to 
check or keep them in awe, waxed great and powerful', and finally becoming 
too strong for the mother country, were enabled to shake off its bonds. But 
the chain of effects stopped not here; the successful revolution in America pro- 
duced the sanguinary revolution in France, which produced the puissant 
Bonaparte, who produced the French despotism. " 

In March, 1G56, the ship "Mercury," with 130 emigrants, arrived, the 
government at Stockholm having had no intimation of the Dutch conquest. 
An attempt was made to prevent a landing, and the vessel was ordered to 
report to Stuyvesant at Manhattan, but the order was disregarded and the col- 
onists debarked and acquired lands. The Swedish Government was not dis- 
posed to submit to these high-handed proceedings of the Dutch, and the min- 
isters of the two courts maintained a heated discussion of their differences. 
Finding the Dutch disposed to hold by force their conquests, the government 
of Sweden allowed the claim to rest until 1664. In that year, vigorous meas- 
ures were planned to regain its claims upon the Delaware, and a fleet bearing 
a military force was dispatched for the purpose. But, having been obliged to 
put back on account of stress of weather, the enterprise was abandoned. 



CHAPTEE III. 



John Paul Jacqttet, 1655-57— Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59— Goeran Van Dyck, 1657 
-58— William Beekman, 1658-63— Alexander D'Hinoyossa, 1659-64. 

fTTHE colonies upon the Delaware being now under exclusive control of the 
JL Dutch, John Paul Jaquet was appointed in November, 1655, as Vice 
Director, Derek Smidt having exercised authority after the departure of Stuy- 
vesant. The expense of fitting out the expedition for the reduction of the 
Swedes was sorely felt by the West India Company, which had been obliged 
to borrow money for the purpose of t'de city of Amsterdam. In payment of 
this loan, the company sold to the city all the lands upon the south bank of 
the Delaware, from the ocean to Christina Creek, reaching back to the lands 
of the Minquas, which was designated Nieur Amstel. Again was there di- 
vided authority upon the Delaware. The government of the new possession 
was vested in a commission of forty residents of Amsterdam, who appointed 
Jacob Alrichs as Director, and sent him with a force of forty soldiers and 1 50 
colonists, in three vessels, to assume the government, whereupon Jaquet relin- 
quished authority over this portion of his territory. The company in commu- 
nicating with Stuyvesant upon the subject of his course in dispossessing the 
Swedes, after duly considering all the complaints and remonstrances of the 
Swedish government, approved his conduct, "though they would not have been 
displeased had such a formal capitulation not taken place," adding as a paren- 
thetical explanation of the word formal " what is written is too long preserved, 
and may be produced when not desired, whereas words not recorded are, in the 
lapse of time, forgotten, or may be explained away." 



34 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

Stuyvesant still remained in supreme control over both the colony of the 
city and the colony of the company, to the immediate governorship of the lat- 
ter of which, Goeran Van Dyck was appointed. But though settlements in 
the management of affairs were frequently made, they would not remain set- 
tled. There was couflict of authority between Alrichs and Van Dyck. The 
companies soon found that a grievous system of smuggling had sprung up. 
After a searching examination into the irregularities by Stuyvesant, who vis- 
ited the Delaware for the purpose, he recommended the appointment of one 
general agent who should have charge of all the revenues of both colonies, 
and William Beekman was accordingly appointed. The company of the city 
seems not to have been (satisfied with the profits of their investment, and ac- 
cordingly made new regulations to govern settlement, by which larger returns 
would accrue. This action created discontent among the settlers, and many 
who were meditating the purchase of lands and the acquisition of homes, de- 
termined to go over into Maryland where Lord Baltimore was offering far more 
liberal terms of settlement. To add to tbe discomforts of the settlers, " the 
miasms which the low alluvial soil and the rank and decomposed vegetation 
of a new country engenders, ' ' produced wasting sicknesses. When the planting 
was completed, and the new soil, for ages undisturbed, had been thoroughly 
stirred, the rains set in which descended almost continuously, producing fever 
and ague and dysentery. Scarcely a family escaped the epidemic. Six in 
the family of Director Alrichs were attacked, and his wife died. New colo- 
nists came without provisions, which only added to the distress. " Scarcity of 
provisions," says O'Calaghan, " naturally followed the failure of the crops; 
900 schepels of grain had been sown in the spring. They produced scarcely 
600 at harvest. Rye rose to three guilders the bushel; peas to eight guilders 
the sack; salt was twelve guilders the bushel at New Amsterdam; cheese and 
butter were not to be had, and when a man journeys he can get nothing but 
dry bread, or he must take a pot or kettle along with him to cook his victuals." 
" The place had now got so bad a name that the whole river could not wash it 
clean." The exactions of the city company upon its colony, not only did not 
bring increased revenue, but by dispersing the honest colonists, served to 
notify Lord Baltimore — who had laid claim to the lands upon Delaware, on 
account of original discovery by Lord De la War, from whom the river takes 
its name, and from subsequent charter of the British crown, covering territory 
from the 38th to the 40th degree of latitude— of the weakness of the colonies, 
and persuade him that now was a favorable opportunity to enforce his claims. 
Accordingly, Col. Utie, with a number of delegates, was dispatched to demand 
that the Dutch should quit the place, or declare themselves subjects of Lord 
Baltimore, adding, " that if they hesitated, they should be responsible for 
whatever innocent blood might be shed." 

Excited discussions ensued between the Dutch authorities and the agents 
of the Maryland government, and it was finally agreed to refer the matter to 
Gov. Stuyvesant, who immediately sent Commissioners to the Chesapeake to 
settle differences, and enter into treaty regulations for the mutual return of 
fugitives, and dispatched sixty soldiers to the Delaware to assist in preserving 
order, and resisting the English, sbould an attempt be made to dispossess the 
Dutch. 

Upon the death of Alrichs, which occurred in 1(559, Alexander D'Hinoyossa 
waa appointed Governor of the city colony. The new Governor was a man of 
good business capacity, and sought to administer the affairs of his colony for 
the best interests of the settlers, and for increasing the revenues of the com- 
pany. To further the general prosperity, the company negotiated a new loan 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 35 

with which to strengthen and improve its resources. This liberal policy had 
the desired effect. The Swedes, who had settled above on the river, moved 
down, and acquired homes on the lands of the city colony. The Fins and dis- 
contented Dutch, who had gone to Maryland, returned and brought with them 
some of the English settlers. 

Discouraged by the harassing conflicts of authority which seemed inter- 
minable, the West India Company transferred all its interests on the east side 
of the river to the colony of the city, and upon the visit of D'Hinoyossa to 
Holland in 1663, he secured for himself the entire and exclusive government 
of the colonies upon the Delaware, being no longer subject to the authority of 
Stuyvesant. 

Encouraged by liberal terms of settlement, and there being now a prospect 
of stable government, emigrants were attracted thither. A Mennonite commu- 
nity came in a body. " Clergymen were not allowed to join them, nor any 
' intractable people such as those in communion with the Roman See, usurious 
Jews, English stiff-necked Quakers, Puritans, foolhardy believers in the mil- 
lennium, and obstinate modern pretenders to revelation.' " They were obliged 
to take an oath never to seek for an office; Magistrates were to receive no com- 
pensation, "not even a stiver." The soil and climate were regarded as excel- 
lent, and when sufficiently peopled, the country would be the " finest on the 
face of the globe." 



CHAPTER IT. 



Richard Nichols, 1664-67 — Robert Neelham, 1664-68— Francis Lovelace, 
1667-73— John Carr, 1668-73— Anthony Colve, 1673-74— Peter Alrichs. 
1673-74. 

AFFAIRS were scarcely arranged upon the Delaware, and the dawning of 
a better day for the colonists ushered in, before new complications 
began to threaten the subversion of the whole Dutch power in America. The 
English had always claimed the entire Atlantic seaboard. Under Cromwell, 
the Navigation act was aimed at Dutch interests in the New World. Captain 
John Scott, who had been an officer in the army of Charles I, having 
obtained some show of authority from the Governor of Connecticut, had visited 
the towns upon the west end of Long Island, where was a mixed population of 
Dutch and English, and where he claimed to have purchased large tracts of 
land, and had persuaded them to unite under his authority in setting up a 
government of their own. He visited England and " petitioned the King to be 
invested with the government of Long Island, or that the people thereof be 
allowed to choose yearly a Governor and Assistants." By his representation, 
an inquiry was instituted by the King's council, "as to his majesty's title to the 
premises; the intrusions of the Dutch; their deportment; management of the 
country; strength, trade and government; and lastly, of the means necessary 
to induce or force them to acknowledge the King, or if necessary, to expel 
them together from the country. '' The visit of Scott, and his prayer to the 
King for a grant of Long Island, was the occasion of inaugurating a policy, 
which resulted in the overthrow of Dutch rule in America. But the attention 
of English statesmen had for some time been turned to the importance of the 
territory which the Dutch colonies had occupied, and a belief that Dutcli trade 
in the New World was yielding great returns, stimulated inquiry. James, 



36 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

Duke of York, brother of the King, who afterward himself became King, was 
probably at this time the power behind the throne that was urging on action 
looking to the dispossession of the Dutch. The motive which seemed to actuate 
him was the acquisition of personal wealth and power. He saw, as he 
thought, a company of merchants in Amsterdam" accumulating great wealth out 
of these colonies, and he meditated the transfer of this wealth to himself. He 
was seconded in this project by the powerful influence of Sir George Downing, 
who had been Envoy at The Hague, under Cromwell, and was now under Charles 
II. "Keen, bold, subtle, active, and observant, but imperious and unscrupulous, 
disliking and distrusting the Dutch," he had watched every movement of the 
company's granted privileges by the States General, and had reported every- 
thing to his superiors at home. "The whole bent," says O'Calaghan,'' of this 
man's mind was constantly to hold up before the eyes of his countrymen the 
growing power of Holland and her commercial companies, their immense 
wealth and ambition, and the danger to England of permitting these to pro- 
gress onward unchecked.''' 

After giving his testimony before the council, Scott returned to America 
with a letter from the King recommending his interests to the co-operation nnd 
protection of the New England colonies. On arriving in Connecticut, he was 
commissioned by the Governor of that colony to incorporate Long Island under 
Connecticut jurisdiction. But the Baptists, Quakers and Mennonites, who formed 
a considerable part of the population, " dreaded falling into the hands of the 
Puritans." In a quaint document commencing, "In the behalfe of sum hun- 
dreds of English here planted on the west end of Long Island wee address," 
etc.," they besought Scott to come and settle their difficulties. On his arrival 
he acquainted them with the fact, till then unknown, that King Charles had 
granted the island to the Duke of York, who would soon assert his rights. 
Whereupon the towns of Hemstede, Newwarke, Crafford, Hastings, Folestorie 
and Gravesend, entered into a "combination" as they termed it, resolved to 
elect deputies to draw up laws, choose magistrates, and empowered Scott to 
act as their President; in short set up the first independent State in America. 
Scott immediately set out at the head of ]50 men, horse and foot, to subdue 
the island. 

On the 22d of March, 1664, Charles II made a grant of the whole of Long 
Island, and all the adjoining country at the time in possession of the Dutch, 
to the Duke of York. Borrowing four men-of-war of the king, James sent 
them in command of Col. Richard Nicholls, an old officer, with whom was as- 
sociated Sir Robert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esq., 
and a force of 450 men, to dispossess the Dutch. To insure the success of the 
expedition, letters were addressed to each of the Governors of the New England 
colonies, enjoining upon them to unite in giving aid by men and material to 
Nicholls. The fleet sailed directly for Boston, where it was expected, and 
whence, through one Lord, the Dutch were notified of its coming. The great- 
est consternation was aroused upon the receipt of this intelligence, and the 
most active preparations were making for defense. But in the midst of these 
preparations, notice was received from the Chambers at Amsterdam, doiibtless 
inspired by the English, that " no apprehension of any public enemy or dan- 
ger from England need be entertained. That the King was only desirous to 
reduce the colonies to uniformity in church and state, and with this view was 
dispatching some Commissioners with two or three frigates to New England to 
introduce Episcopacy in that quarter." Thrown completely off his guard by 
this announcement, the Director General, Stuyvesant abandoned all preparations 
for resistance, and indulged in no anticipations of a hostile visitation. Thus 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37 

were three full weeks lost in which the colonies might have been put in a very 
good state of defense. 

Nicholls on arriving in American waters, touched at Boston and Connecti- 
cut, where some aid was received, and then hastened foward to Manhattan. 
Stuyvesant had but a day or two before learned of the arrival, and of the hos- 
tile intent. Scarcely had he issued orders for bringing out his forcos and for 
fortifying before Nicholls scattered proclamations through the colony promis- 
ing to protect all who submitted to his Brittanic majesty in the undisturbed 
possession of their property, and made a formal summons upon Stuyvesant to 
surrender the country to the King of Great Britain. The Director found that 
he had an entirely different enemy to treat with from Bysingh, and a few half- 
armed Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware. Wordy war ensued between the 
Commissioners and the Director, and the English Governor finding that Stuy- 
vesant not in the temper to yield, landed a body of his soldiers upon the lower end 
of the island, and ordered Hyde, the commander of the fleet, to lay the frigates 
broadside before the city. It was a critical moment. Stuyvesant was stand- 
ing on one of the points of the fort when he saw the frigates approaching. 
The gunner stood by with burning match, prepared to fire on the fleet, and 
Stuyvesant seemed on the point of giving the order. But he was restrained, 
and a further communication was sent to Nicholls, who would listen to nothing 
short of the full execution of his mission. Still Stuyvesant held out. The 
inhabitants implored, but rather than surrender " he would be carried a corpse 
to his grave." The town was, however, in qo condition to stand a siege. The 
powder at the fort would only suffice for one day of active operations. Pro- 
visions were scarce. The inhabitants were not disposed to be sacrificed, and 
the disaffection among them spread to the soldiers. They were overheard mut- 
tering, " Now we hope to pepper those devilish traders who have so long 
salted us; we know where booty is to be found, and where the young women 
live who wear gold chains." 

The Bev. Jannes Myapoleuses seems to have been active in negotiations and 
opposed to the shedding of blood. A remonstrance drawn by him was finally 
adopted and signed by the principal men, and presented to the Director Gen- 
eral, in which the utter hopelessness of resistance was set forth, and Stuyve- 
sant finally consented to capitulate. Favorable terms were arranged, and 
Nicholls promised that if it should be finally agreed between the English and 
Dutch governments that the province should be given over to Dutch rule, he 
would peacefully yield his authority. Thus without a gun being fired, the En- 
glish made conquest of the Manhattoes. 

Sir Bobert Carr, with two frigates and an ample force, was dispatched to \ 
the Delaware to reduce the settlements there to English rule. The planters, 
whether Dutch or Swedes, were to be insured in the peaceable possession of 
their property, and the magistrates were to be continued in office. 

Sailing past the fort, he disseminated among the settlers the news of the 
surrender of Stuyvesant, and the promises of protection which Nicholls had 
made use of. But Gov. D'Hinoyossa was not disposed to heed the demand 
for surrender without a struggle. Whereupon Carr landed his forces and ' 
stormed the place. After a fruitless but heroic resistance, in which ten were 
wounded and three were killed, the Governor was forced to surrender. Thus 
was the complete subversion of the State's General in America consummated, 
and the name of New Amsterdam gave place to that of New York, from the 
name of the English proprietor, James, Duke of York. 

The resistance offered by D'Hinoyossa formed a pretext for shameless 
plunder. Carr, in his report which shows him to have been a lawless fel- ) 



38 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

low, says, " Ye soldiers never stoping until 1 they stormed ye fort, and sae con- 
sequently to plundering; the seanien, noe less given to that sport, were quickly 
within, and have g iton good store of booty." Carr seized the farm of 
D'Hinoyossa, hir broker, John Carr, that of Sheriff Sweringen, and Ensign 
Stock that of Peter Alrichs. The produce of the land for that year was seized, 
together with a cargo of goods that was unsold. " Even the inoffensive Men- 
nonists, though non-combatant from principle, did not escape the sack and 
plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and his marauders. 
A boat was dispatched to their settlement, which was stripped of everything, 
to a very naile." 

Nicholls, on hearing of the rapacious conduct of his subordinate, visited 
the Delaware, removed Carr, and placed Robert Needhani in command. Pre- 
vious to dispatching his fleet to America, in June, 1664, the Duke of York had 
granted to John, Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, and Sir George Carteret, 
of Sal tram in Devon, the territory of New Jersey, bounded substantially as the 
present State, and this, though but little settled by the Dutch, had been in- 
cluded in the terms of surrender secured by Nicholls. In many ways, he 
showed himself a man of ability and discretion. He drew up with signal 
success a body of laws, embracing most of the provisions which had been in 
force in the English colonies, which were designated the Duke's Laws. 

In May, 1667, Col. Francis Lovelace was appointed Governor in place of 
Nicholls, and soon after taking charge of affairs, drew up regulations for the 
government of the territory upon the Delaware, and dispatched Capt. John 
Carr to act there as his Deputy Governor. It was provided that whenever 
complaint duly sworn to was made, the Governor was to summon " the schout, 
Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock and Peter Alrichs, or any 
two of them, as counsellors, to advise him, and determine by the major vote 
what is just, equitable and necessary in the case in question." It was further 
provided that all men should be punished in an exemplary manner, though 
with moderation; that the laws should be frequently communicated to the 
counsellors, and that in cases of difficulty recourse should be had to the Gov- 
ernor and Council at New York. 

In 1668, two murders were perpetrated by Indians, which caused consider- 
able disturbance and alarm throughout the settlements. These capital crimes 
appear to have been committed while the guilty parties were maddened by 
liquor. So impressed were the sachems and leading warriors of the baneful 
effects of strong drink, that they appeared before the Council and besought its 
authority to utterly prohibit the sale of it to any of their tribes. These re- 
quests were repeated, and finally, upon the advice of Peter Alrichs, " the 
Governor (Lovelace) prohibited, on pain of death, the selling of powder, shot 
and strong liquors to the Indians, and writ to Carr on the occasion to use the 
utmost vigilance and caution." 

The native murderers were not apprehended, as it was difficult to trace 
them; but the Indians themselves were determined to ferret them out. One 
was taken and shot to death, who was the chief offender, but the other escaped 
and was never after beard of. The chiefs summoned their young men, and in 
presence of the English warned them that such would be the fate of all offend- 
ers. Proud justly remarks: "This, at a time when the Indians were numer- 
ous and strong and the Europeans few and weak, was a memorable act of jus- 
tice, and a proof of true friendship to the English, greatly alleviating the 
fear, for which they had so much reason among savages, in this then wilder- 
ness country." 

In 1669, a reputed son of the distinguished Swedish General, Connings- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 39 

marke, commonly called the Long Fin, with another of his nationality, Henry 
Coleman, a man of property, and familiar with the language and habits of the 
Indians, endeavored to incite an insurrection to throw off the English rule and 
establish the Swedish supremacy. The Long Fin was apprehended, and was 
condemned to die; but upon reconsideration his sentence was commuted to 
whipping and to branding with the letter B. He was brought in chains to 
New York, where he was incarcerated in the Stadt- house for a year, and was 
then transported to Barbadoes to be sold. Improvements in the modes of 
administering justice were from time to time introduced. New Castle was 
made a corporation, to be governed by a Bailiff and six associates. Duties on 
importations were laid, and Capt. Martin Pringer was appointed to collect and 
make due returns of them to Gov. Lovelace. 

In 1673, the French monarch, Louis XIV, declared war against the Neth- 
erlands, and with an army of over 200,000 men moved down upon that de- 
voted country. In conjunction with the land force, the English, with a power- 
ful armament, descended upon the Dutch waters. The aged Du Ruyter and 
the youthful Van Tromp put boldly to sea to meet the invaders. Three great 
naval battles were fought upon the Dutch coast on the 7th and 14th of June, 
and the 6th of August, in which the English forces were finally repulsed and 
driven from the coast. In the meantime, the inhabitants, abandoning their 
homes, cut the dikes which held back the sea, and invited inundation. Deem- 
ing this a favorable opportunity to regain their possessions wrenched from them 
in the New World, the Dutch sent a small fleet under Commodores Cornelius 
Evertse and Jacobus Benkes, to New York, to demand the surrender of all 
their previous possessions. Gov. Lovelace happened to be absent, and his 
representative, Capt. John Manning, surrendered with but brief resistance, 
and the magistrates from Albany, Esopus, East Jersey and Long Island, on 
being summoned to New York, swore fealty to the returning Dutch power. 
Anthony Colve, as Governor, was sent to Delaware, where the magistrates 
hastened to meet him and submit themselves to his authority. Property in 
the English Government was confiscated; Gov. Lovelace returned to England, 
and many of the soldiers were carried prisoners to Holland. Before their de- 
parture, Commodores Evertse and Benkes, who styled themselves " The honora- 
ble and awful council of war, for their high mightinesses, the State's General 
of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange," 
commissioned Anthony Colve, a Captain of foot, on the 12th of August, 1673, 
to be Governor General of "New Netherlands, with all its appendences," 
and on the 19th of September following, Peter Alrichs, who had manifested 
his subserviency and his pleasure at the return of Dutch ascendancy, was ap- 
pointed by Colve Deputy Governor upon the Delaware. A body of laws was 
drawn up for his instruction, and three courts of justice were established, at 
New Castle, Chester and Lewistown. Capt. Manning on his return to En- 
gland was charged with treachery for delivering up the fort at New York with- 
out resistance, and was sentenced by a court martial "to have bis sword broken 
over his head in public, before the city hall, and himself rendered incapable 
of wearing a sword and of serving his Majesty for the future in any public 
trust in the Government. " 

But the revolution which had been affected so easily was of short duration. 
On the 9th of February, 1674, peace was concluded between England and 
Holland, and in the articles of pacification it was provided '"that whatsoever 
countries, islands, towns, ports, castles or forts, have or shall be taken, on both 
sides, since the time that the late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe, or 
elsewhere, shall be restored to the former lord and proprietor, in the same con- 



40 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

• 
dition they shall be in when the peace itself shall be proclaimed, after which 
time there shall be no spoil nor plunder of the inhabitants, no demolition 
of fortifications, nor carrying away of guns, powder, or other military stores 
which belonged to any castle or port at the time when it was taken." This 
left no room for controversy about possession. But that there might be no legal 
bar nor loophole for question of absolute right to his possessions, the Duke of 
York secured from the King on the 29th of June following, a new patent cov- 
ering the former grant, and two days thereafter sent Sir Edmund Andros, to 
possess and govern the country. He arrived at New York and took peaceable 
possession on the 31st of October, and two days thereafter it was resolved in 
council to reinstate all the officers upon Delaware as they were at the surrender 
to the Dutch, except Peter Alrichs, who for his forwardness in yielding his 
power was relieved. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were sent to 
occupy the fort at New Castle, in the capacities of Deputy Governor and Sec- 
retary. In May, 3675, Gov. Andros visited the Delaware, and held court at 
New Castle " in which orders were made relative to the opening of roads, the 
regulation of church property and the support of preaching, the prohibition 
of the sale of liquors to the Indians, and the distillation thereof by the inhab- 
itants." On the 23d of September, 1676, Cantwell was superseded by John 
Collier, as Vice Governor, when Ephraim Hermans became Secretary. 

As was previously observed, Gov. Nicholls, in 1661, made a complete di- 
gest of all the laws and usages in force in the English-speaking colonies in 
America, which were known as the Duke's Laws. That these might now be 
made the basis of judicature throughout the Duke's possessions, they were, on 
the 25th of September, 1676, formally proclaimed and published by Gov. 
Lovelace, with a suitable ordinance introducing them. It may here be ob- 
served, that, in the administration of Gov. Hartranft, by act of the Legislature 
of June 12, 1878, the Duke's Laws were published in a handsome volume, to- 
gether with the Charter and Laws instituted by Penn, and historical notes 
covering the early history of the State, under the direction of John B. Linn, 
Secretary of the commonwealth, edited by Staughton George, Benjamin M. 
Nead, and Thomas McCamant, from an old copy preserved among the town rec- 
ords of Hempstead, Long Island, the seat of the independent State which 
had been set up there by John Scott before the coming of Nicholls. The num- 
ber of taxable male inhabitants between the ages of sixteen and sixty years, 
in 1677, for Uplandt and New Castle, was 443, which by the usual estimate of 
seven to one would give the population 3,101 for this district. Gov. Collier 
having exceeded his authority by exercising judicial functions, was deposed 
by Andros, and Capt. Christopher Billop was appointed to succeed him. But 
the change resulted in little benefit to the colony; for Billop was charged 
with many irregularities, " taking possession of the fort and turning it into 
a stable, and the court room above into a hay and fodder loft; debarring the 
court from sitting in its usual place in the fort, and making use of soldiers for 
his own private purposes." 

The hand of the English Government bore heavily upon the denomination 
of Christians called Friends or Quakers, and the earnest-minded, conscientious 
worshipers, uncompromising in their faith, were eager for homes in a land 
where they should be absolutely free to worship the Supreme Being. Berke- 
ley and Carteret, who had bought New Jersey, were Friends, and the settle- 
ments made in their territory were largely of that faith. In 1675, Lord Ber- 
keley sold his undivided half of the province to John Fenwicke, in trust for 
Edward Byllinge, also Quakers, and Fenwicke sailed in the Griffith, with a 
company of Friends who settled at Salem, in West Jersey. Byllinge, having 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 41 

become involved in debt, made an assignment of his interest for the benefit of 
his creditors, and William Perm was induced to become trustee jointly with 
Gowen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas. Penn was a devoted Quaker, and he was 
of that earnest nature that the interests of his friends and Christian devotees 
were like his own personal interests. Hence he became zealous in promoting 
the welfare of the colony. For its orderly government, and that settlers might 
have assurance of stability in the management of affairs, Penn drew up " Con- 
cessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of West 
New Jersey in America " in forty- four chapters. Foreseeing difficulty from 
divided authority, Penn secured a division of the province by " a line of par- 
tition from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the 
country to the utmost branch of the Delaware River." Penn's half was called 
New West Jersey, along the Delaware side, Carteret's New East Jersey along the 
ocean shore. Penn's purposes and disposition toward the settlers, as the 
founder of a State, are disclosed by a letter which he wrote at this time to a 
Friend, Richard Hartshorn, then in America: "We lay a foundation for 
after ages to understand their liberty, as men and Christians; that they may 
not be brought into bondage, but by their own consent; for we put the power 
in the people. * * So every man is capable to choose or to be chosen ; no man 
to be arrested, condemned, or molested, in his estate, or liberty, but by twelve 
men of the neighborhood; no man to lie in prison for debt, but that his estate 
satisfy, as far as it will go, and he be set at liberty to work; no man to bo 
called in question, or molested for his conscience." Lest any should be in- 
duced to leave home and embark in the enterprise of settlement unadvisedly, 
Penn wrote and published a letter of caution, " That in whomsoever a desire to 
be concerned in this intended plantation, such would weigh the thing before 
the Lord, and not headily, or rashly, conclude on any such remove, and that 
they do not offer violence to the tender love of their near kindred and relations, 
but soberly, and conscientiously endeavor to obtain their good wills; that 
whether they go or stay, it may be of good savor before the Lord and good 
people." 



CHAPTER V. 



Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-81— Edmund Cantwell, 1674-76— John Collier, 1676- 
77— Christopher Billop, 1677-81. 

WILLIAM PENN, as Trustee, and finally as part owner of New Jersey, 
became much interested in the subject of colonization in America. 
Many of his people had gone thither, and he had given much prayerful study 
and meditation to the amelioration of their condition by securing just laws for 
their government. His imagination pictured the fortunate condition of a 
State where the law-giver should alone study the happiness of his subjects, and 
his subjects should be chiefly intent on rendering implicit obedience to 
just laws. From his experience in *the management of the Jerseys, he had 
doubtless discovered that if he would carry out his ideas of government suc- 
cessfully, he must have a province where his voice would be potential and his 
will supreme. He accordingly cast about for the acquirement of such a land in 
the New World. 

Penn had doubtless been stimulated in his desires by the very roseate ac- 
counts of the beauty and excellence of the country, its salubrity of climate, its 



42 ' HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

balmy airs, the fertility of its soil, and the abundance of the native fish, flesh 
and fowl. In 1680, one Malhon Stacy wrote a letter which was largely circu- 
lated in England, in which he says: "It is a country that produceth all things 
for the support and furtherance of man, in a plentiful manner. * * * I 
have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration; their very limbs torn to 
pieces with weight, most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have 
seen an apple tree, from a pippin- kernel, yield a barrel of curious cider; and 
peaches in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach gathering; I 
could not but smile at the conceit of it; they are very delicious fruit, and hang 
almost like our onions, that are tied on ropes. I have seen and know, this 
summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown. From May till 
Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits as strawberries, cranberries 
and hurtleberries, which are like our billberries in England, only far sweeter; 
the cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be 
kept till frnit comes again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, 
turkeys, and other great fowl, and they are better to make tarts of than either 
gooscoerries or cherries; we have them brought to our houses by the Indians 
in great plenty. My brother Robert had as many cherries this year as would 
have loaded several carts. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty; 
we have brought home to our countries by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks 
in a day. We went into the river to catch herrings after the Indian fashion. 
* * * "\\, T e could have filled a three-bushel sack of as good large herrings 
as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and good 
sheep. The common grass of this country feeds beef very fat. Indeed, the 
country, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country." 

The father of William Penn had arisen to distinction m tne British Navy. 
He was sent in Cromwell's time, with a considerable sea and land force, to the 
West Indies, where he reduced the Island of Jamaica under English rule. At 
the restoration, he gave in his adhesion to the royal cause. Under James, 
Duke of York, Admiral Penn commanded the English fleet which descended 
upon the Dutch coast, and gained a great victory over the combined naval 
forces led by Van Opdam. For this great service to his country, Penn was 
knighted, and became a favorite at court, the King and his brothor, the Duke, 
holding him in cherished remembrance. At his death, there was due him 
from the crown the sum of £16,000, a portion of which he himself had ad- 
vanced for the sea service. Filled with the romantic idea of colonization, and 
enamoi'ed with the sacred cause of his people, the son, who had come to be re- 
garded with favor for his great father's sake, petitioned King Charles II to 
grant him, in liquidation of this debt, " a tract of land in America, lying 
north of Maryland, bounded east by the Delaware River, on the west limited 
as Maryland, and northward to extend as far as plantable." There were con- 
flicting interests at this time which were being warily watched at court. The 
petition was submitted to the Privy Council, and afterward to the Lords of 
the committee of plantations. The Duke of York already held the counties of 
New Castle, Kent and Sussex. Lord Baltimore held a grant upon the south, 
with an indefinite northern limit, and the agents of both these territories 
viewed with a jealous eye any new grant that should in any way trench upon 
their rights. These claims were fully debated and heard by the Lords, and, 
being a matter in which the King manifested special interest, the Lord Chief 
Justice, North, and the Attorney General, Sir William Jones, were consulted 
both as to the grant itself, and the form or manner of making it. Finally, 
after a careful study of the whole subject, it was determined by the highest 
authority in the Government to grant to Penn a larger tract than he had asked 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 43 

for, and the charter was drawn with unexampled liberality, in unequivocal 
terms of gift and perpetuity of holding, and with remarkable minuteness of 
detail, and Chat Penn should have the advantage of any double meaning con- 
veyed in the instrument, the twenty- third and last soction provides: "And, 
if perchance hereafter any doubt or question should arise concerning the true 
sense and meaning of any word, clause or sentence contained in this, our present 
charter, we will ordain and command that at all times and in all things such 
interpretation be made thereof, and allowed in any of our courts whatsoever 
as shall be adjudged most advantageous and favorable unto the said William 
Penn, his heirs and assigns." 

It was a joyful day for Penn when he finally reached the consummation of 
his wishes, and saw himself invested with almost dictatorial power over a 
country as large as England itself, destined to become a populous empire. 
But his exultation was tempered with the most devout Christian spirit, fearful 
lest in the exercise of his great power he might be led to do something that 
should be displeasing to God. To his dear friend, Robert Turner, he writes 
in a modest way: " My true love in the Lord salutes thee and dear friends 
that love the Lord's precious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my 
business here know that after many waitings, watchings, solicitings and dis- 
putes in council, this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal 
of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of Pennsylvania, a 
name the King would give it in honor of my father. I chose New Wales, be- 
ing, as this, a pretty hilly country; but Penn being Welsh for a head, as Pen- 
manmoire in Wales, and Penrith in Cumberland, and Penn in Buckingham- 
shire, the highest land in England, called this Pennsylvania, which is the high 
or head woodlands; for I proposed, when the Secretary, a Welshman, refused 
to have it called New Wales, Sylvania, and they added Penn to it; and though 
I much opposed it, and went to the King to have it struck out and altered, he- 
said it was past, and would take it upon him; nor could twenty guineas move 
the Under Secretary to vary the name; for I feared lest it should be looked on 
as a vanity in me, and not as a respect in the King, as it truly was to my 
father, whom he often mentions with praise. Thou may est communicate my 
grant to Friends, and expect shortly my proposals. It is a clear and just 
thing, and my God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I be- 
lieve, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the 
government, that it be well laid at first." 

Penn had asked that the western boundary should be the same as that of 
Maryland; but the King made the width from east to west five full degrees. 
The charter limits were " all that tract, or part, of land, in America, with the 
islands therein contained as the same is bounded, on the east by Delaware 
River, from twelve miles distance northwards of New Castle town, unto the 
three and fortieth degree of northern latitude. * * * * 

The said land to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed 
from the said eastern bounds; and the said lands to be bounded on the north 
by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and, 
on the south, by a circle drawn at twelve miles distance from New Castle 
northward and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree of northern 
latitude; and then by a straight line westward to the limits of longitude above 
mentioned." 

It is evident that the royal secretaries did not well understand the geogra- 
phy of this section, for by reference to a map it will be seen that the begin- 
ning of the fortieth degree, that is, the end of the thirty- ninth, cuts the 
District of Columbia, and hence Baltimore, and the greater part of Maryland 



44 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

and a good slice of Virginia would have "been included in the clear terms of 
the chartered limits of Pennsylvania. But the charters of Maryland and Vir- 
ginia antedated this of Pennsylvania. Still, the terms of the Penn charter 
were distinct, the beginning of the fortieth degree, whereas those of Maryland 
were ambiguous, the northern limit being fixed at the fortieth degree ; but whether 
at the beginning or at the ending of the fortieth was not stated. Penn 
claimed three full degrees of latitude, and when it was found that a contro- 
versy was likely to ensue, the King, by the hand of his royal minister, Con- 
way, issued a further declaration, dated at Whitehall, April 2, 1681, in which 
the wording of the original chartered limits fixed for Pennsylvania were 
quoted verbatim, and his royal pleasure declared that these limits should be 
respected " as they tender his majesty's displeasure." This was supposed to 
settle the matter. But Lord Baltimore still pressed his claim, and the ques- 
tion of southern boundary remained an open one, causing much disquietude 
to Penn, requiring watchful care at court for more than half a century, and 
until after the proprietor's death. 

We gather from the terms of the charter itself that the King, in making 
the grant, was influenced "by the commendable desire of Penn to enlarge our 
British Empire, and promote such useful commodities as may be of benefit 
to us and our dominions, as also to reduce savage nations by just and gentle 
manners, to the love of civil society and Christian religion," and out of "re- 
gard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and par- 
ticularly to his conduct, courage and discretion, under our dearest brother, 
James, Duke of York, in the signal battle and victory, fought and obtained, 
against the Dutch fleet, commanded by the Herr Van Opdam in 1665." 

The motive for obtaining it on the part of Penn may be gathered from the 
following extract of a letter to a friend: " For my country I eyed the Lord in 
obtaining it; and more was I drawn inward to look to Him, and to owe it to His 
hand and power than to any other way. I have so obtained and desire to keep 
it, that I may be unworthy of His love, but do that which may answer His 
kind providence and people." 

The charter of King Charles II was dated April 2, 1681. Lest any 
trouble might arise in the future from claims founded on the grant previously 
made to the Duke of York, of "Long Island and adjacent territories occupied 
by the Dutch," the prudent forethought of Penn induced him to obtain a deed, 
dated August 31, 1682, of the Duke, for Pennsylvania, substantially in the 
terms of the royal charter. But Penn was still not satisfied. He was cut off 
from the ocean except by the uncertain navigation of one narrow stream. He 
therefore obtained from the Duke a grant of New Castle and a district of 
twelve miles around it, dated on the 24th of August, 1682, and on the same 
day a further grant from the Duke of a tract extending to Cape Henlopen, 
embracing the two counties of Kent and Sussex, the two grants comprising 
what were known as the territories, or the three lower counties, which were 
for many years a part of Pennsylvania, but subsequently constituted the State 
of Delaware. 

Being now satisfied with his province, and that his titles were secure, Penn 
drew up such a description of the country as from his knowledge he was able 
to give, which, together with the royal charter and proclamation, terms of 
settlement, and other papers pertaining thereto, he published and spread 
broadcast through the kingdom, taking special pains doubtless to have the 
documents reach the Friends. The terms of sale of lands were 40 shillings for 
100 acres, and 1 shilling per acre rental. The question has been raised, why 
exact the annual payment of one shilling per acre. The terms of the grant by 




I MS 



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HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 4T 

the royal charter to Perm were made absolute on the " payment therefor to us, 
our heirs and successors, two heaver skins, to be delivered at our castle in 
"Windsor, on the 1st day of January in every year," and contingent payment 
of one-fifth part of all gold and silver which shall from time to time happen 
to be found clear of all charges." Penn, therefore, held his title only upon 
tho payment of quit-rents. He could consequently give a valid title only by 
tho exacting of quit-rents. 

Having now a great province of his own to manage, Penn was obliged to 
relinquish his share in "West New Jersey. He had given largely of his time and 
energies to its settlement; he had sent 1,400 emigrants, many of them people 
of high character; had seen farms reclaimed from the forest, the town of 
Burlington built, meeting houses erected in place of tents for woi'ship, good 
Government established, and the savage Indians turned to peaceful ways. 
"With satisfaction, therefore, he could now give himself to reclaiming and set- 
tling his own province. He had of course in his published account of the 
country made it appear a desirable place for habitation. But lest any should 
regret having gone thither when it was too late, he added to his description a 
caution, " to consider seriously the premises, as well the inconveniency as 
future ease and plenty; that so none may move rashly or from a fickle, but from 
a solid mind, having above all things an eye to the providence of God in the 
disposing of themselves." Nothing more surely points to the goodness of 
heart of William Penn, the great founder of our State, than this extreme 
solicitude, lest he might induce any to go to the new country who should af- 
terward regret having gone. 

The publication of the royal charter and his description of the country 
attracted attention, and many purchases of land were made of Penn before 
leaving England. That these purchasers might have something binding to 
rely upon, Penn drew up what he termed " conditions or concessions " between 
himself as proprietor and purchasers in the province. These related to the 
settling the country, laying out towns, and especially to the treatment of the 
Indians, who were to have the same rights and privileges, and careful regard 
as the Europeans. And what is perhaps a remarkable instance of provident 
forethought, the eighteenth article provides " That, in clearing the ground, 
care be taken to leave one acre of trees for every five acres cleared, especially 
to preserve oak and mulberries, for silk and shipping." It could be desired 
that such a provision might have remained operative in the State for all 
time. 

Encouraged by the manner in which his proposals for settlement were 
received, Penn now drew up a frame of government, consisting of twenty- 
four articles and forty laws. These were drawn in a spirit of unexampled 
fairness and liberality, introduced by an elaborate essay on the just rights of 
government and governed, and with such conditions and concessions that it 
should never be in the power of an unjust Governor to take advantage of the 
people and practice injustice. " For the matter of liberty and privilege, I pur- 
pose that which is extraordinary, and leave myself and successors no power of 
doing mischief, that the will of one man may not hinder that of a whole coun- 
try. This frame gave impress to tho character of the early government. It im- 
planted in the breasts of the people a deep sense of duty, of right, and of obli- 
gation in all public affairs, and the relations of man with man, and formed a 
framework for the future constitution. Penn himself had felt the heavy hand 
of government for religious opinions and practice' sake. He determined, for 
the matter of religion, to leave all free to hold such opinions as they might 
elect, and hence enacted for his State that all who " hold themselves obliged 

3 



48 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

in conscience, to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways, 
be molested, nor prejudiced, for their religious persuasion, or practice, in mat- 
tern of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled, at any time, to fre- 
quent, or maintain, any religious worship, place, or ministry whatever. " At 
this period, such governmental liberality in matters of religion was almost un- 
known, though Roger Williams m the colony of Rhode Island had previously, 
under similar circumstances, and having just escaped a like persecution, pro- 
claimed it, as had likewise Lord Baltimore in the Catholic colony of Mary- 
land 

The mind of Penn was constantly exercised upon the affairs of his settlement. 
Indeed, to plant a colony in a new country had been a thought of his boyhood, 
for he says in one of his letters: "I had an opening of joy as to these parts in 
the year 1651, at Oxford, twenty years since." Not being in readiness to go 
to his province during the first year, he dispatched three ship loads of set- 
tlers, and with them sent his cousin, William Markham, to take formal pos- 
session of the country and act as Deputy Governor Markham sailed for New 
York, and upon his arrival there exhibited his commission, bearing date March 
6, 1681, and the King's charter and proclamation. In the absence of Gov. An- 
dros, who, on having been called to account for some complaint made against 
him, had gone to England, Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Acting Governor, re- 
ceived Markham's papers, and gave him a letter addressed to the civil officers 
on the Delaware, informing them that Markham's authority as Governor had 
been examined, and an official record made of it at New York, thanking them 
for their fidelity, and requesting them to submit themselves to the new author- 
ity. Armed with this letter, which was dated June 21, 1681, Markham pro- 
ceeded to the Delaware, where, on exhibiting his papers, he was kindly re- 
ceived, and allegiance was cheerfully transferred to the new government. In- 
deed so frequently had the power changed hands that it had become quite a 
matter of habit to transfer obedience from one authority to another and they 
had scarcely laid their heads to rest at night but with the consciousness that 
the morning light might bring new codes and new officers. 

Markham was empowered to call a council of nine citizens to assist him in 
the government, and over whom he was to preside. He brought a letter ad- 
dressed to Lord Baltimore, touching the boundary between the two grants, and 
exhibiting the terms of the charter for Pennsylvania. On receipt of this let- 
ter, Lord Baltimore came to Upland to confer with Markham. An observation 
fixing the exact latitude of Upland showed that it was twelve miles south of 
the forty-first degree, to which Baltimore claimed, and that the beginning of 
the fortieth degree, which the royal charter explicitly fixed for the southern 
boundary of Pennsylvania, would include nearly the entire State of Maryland, 
and cut the limits of the present site of the city of Washington. "If this be 
allowed," was significantly asked by Baltimore, "where is my province?" 
He returned to his colony, and from this time forward an active contention 
was begun before the authorities in England for possession of the disputed 
territory, which required all the arts and diplomatic skill of Penn. 

Markham was accompanied to the province by four Commissioners sent 
out by Penn — William Crispin, John Bezer, William Haige and Nathaniel 
Allen. The first named had been designated as Surveyor General, but he 
having died on the passage, Thomas Holme was appointed to succeed him. 
These Commissioners, in conjunction with the Governor, had two chief duties 
assigned them. The first was to meet and preserve friendly relations with the 
Indians and acquire lands by actual purchase, and the second was to select the 
site of a great city and make the necessary surveys. That they might have a 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49 

suitable introduction to the natives from him, Penn addressed to them a dec- 
laration of his purposes, conceived in a spirit of brotherly love, and expressed 
in such simple terms that these children of the forest, unschooled in book 
learning, would have no difficulty in apprehending his meaning. The refer- 
ring the source of all power to the Creator was fitted to produce a strong im- 
pression upon their naturally superstitious habits of thought. "There is a 
great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein, to 
whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well being; and to whom 
you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. This 
great God hath written His law in our hearts, by which we are taught and com- 
manded to love, and help, and do good to one another. Now this great God hath 
been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King 
of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein; but I de- 
sire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that wo may always live together, 
as neighbors and friends; else what would the great God do to us, who hath 
made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly 
together in the world ? Now I would have you well observe that I am very 
sensible of the unkindness and injustice that have been too much exercised 
toward you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought them- 
selves, and to make great advantages by you. rather than to be examples of 
goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble 
to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shedding 
of blood, which hath made the great God angry. But I am not such a man, 
as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward 
you, and desire to gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable 
life, and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things be- 
have themselves accordingly; and if in anything any shall offend you or 
your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an 
equal number of just men on both sides that by no means you may have just 
occasion of being offended against them. I shall shortly come to you myself, 
at which time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these 
matters. In the meantime, I have sent my Commissioners to treat with you 
about land, and form a league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to 
them and their people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent 
you as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, 
peaceably and friendly with you." 

In this plain but sublime statement is embraced the whole theory of Will 
iam Penn's treatment of the Indians. It was the doctrine which the Savior 
of mankind came upon earth to promulgate — the estimable worth of every 
human soul. And when Penn came to propose his laws, one was adopted 
which forbade private trade with thenatives in which they might be overreached; 
but it was required that the valuable skins and furs they had to sell should be 
hung up in the market place where all could see them and enter into compe- 
tition for their purchase. Penn was- offered £6,000 for a monopoly of trade. 
But he well knew the injustice to which this would subject the simple-minded 
natives, and he refused it saying: " As the Lord gave it me over alt and 
great opposition, I would not abuse His love, nor act unworthy of His provi- 
dence, and so defile what came to me clean " — a sentiment worthy to be. treas- 
ured with the best thoughts of the sages of old. And to his Commissioners he 
gave a letter of instructions, in which he says: "Be impartially just to all; 
that is both pleasing to the Lord, and wise in itself. Be tender of offending 
the Indians, and let them know that you come to sit down lovingly among 
them. Let my letter and conditions be read in their tongue, that they may see 



50 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

we have their good in our eye. Be grave, they love not to be smiled on." 
Acting upon these wise and just considerations, the Commissioners had no diffi- 
culty in making large purchases of the Indians of lands on the right bank of 
the Delaware and above the mouth of the Schuylkill. 

But they found greater difficulty in settling the piace for the new city. 
Penn had given very minute instructions about this, and it was not easy 
to find a tract which answered all the conditions. For seven weeks they kept 
up their search. Penn had written, " be sure to make your choice where it is 
most navigable, high, dry and healthy; that is, where most ships may bestride, 
of deepest draught of water, if possible to load and unload at the bank or 
key's side without boating and lightening of it. It would do well if the river 
coming into that creek be navigable, at least for boats up into the country, 
and that the situation be high, at least dry and sound and not swampy, which 
is best known by digging up two or three earths and seeing the bottom." By 
his instructions, the site of the city was to be between two navigable streams, 
and embrace 10,000 acres in one block. " Be sure to settle the figure of the 
town so that the streets hereafter may be uniform down to the water from the 
country bounds. Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the 
middle of its plat, as to the breadth way of it, that so there may be ground on 
each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town, 
which will never be burnt and always wholesome." The soil was examined, 
the streams were sounded, deep pits were dug that a location might be found 
which should gratify the desires of Penn. All the eligible sites were inspected 
from the ocean far up into the country. Penn himself had anticipated that 
Chester or Upland would be adopted from all that he could learn of it; but 
this was rejected, as was also the ground upon Poquessing Creek and that at 
Pennsbury Manor above Bristol which had been carefully considered, and the 
present site of Philadelphia was finally adopted as coming nearest to the 
requirements of the proprietor. It had not 10,000 acres in a solid square, but 
it was between two navigable streams, and the soil was high and dry, being for 
the most part a vast bed of gravel, excellent for drainage and likely to prove 
healthful. The streets were laid out regularly and crossed each other at 
right angles. As the ground was only gently rolling, the grading was easily 
accomplished. One broad street, Market, extends from river to river through 
the midst of it, which is crossed at right angles at its middle point by Broad 
street of equal width. It is 120 miles from the ocean by the course of the 
river, and only sixty in a direct line, eighty-seven miles from New York, 
ninety-five from Baltimore, 136 from Washington, 100 from Harrisburg and 
300 from Pittsburgh, and lies in north latitude 39° 56' 54", and longitude 75° 
8' 45" west from Greenwich The name Philadelphia (brotherly love), was 
one that Penn had before selected, as this founding a city was a project which 
he had long dreamed of and contemplated with never-ceasing interest. 




HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 51 



CHAPTER VI. 

William Markham, 1681-82— William Penn, 1682-84. 

HAVING now made necessary preparations and settled his affairs in En- 
gland, Penn embarked on board the ship Welcome, in August, 1682, in 
company with about a hundred planters, mostly from his native town of Sussex, 
and set his prow for the New World. Before leaving the Downs, he addressed 
a fai-ewell letter to his friends whom he left behind, and another to his wife 
and children, giving them much excellent advice, and sketching the way of 
life he wished them to lead. With remarkable care and minuteness, he points 
out the way in which he would have his children bred, and educated, married, 
and live. A single passage from this remarkable document will indicate its 
general tenor. " Be sure to observe," in educating his children, " their genius, 
and do not cross it as to learning ; let them not dwell too long on one thing ; 
but let their change be agreeable, and let all their diversions have some little 
bodily labor in them. When grown big, have most care for them ; for then 
there are more snares both within aud without. When marriageable, see that 
they have worthy persons in their eye ; of good life and good fame for piety 
and understanding. I need no wealth but sufficiency ; and be sure their love 
be dear, fervent and mutual, that it may be happy for them." And to his 
children he said, " Betake yourselves to some honest, industrious course of 
life, and that not of sordid covetousness, but for example and to avoid idle- 
ness. ***** Love not money nor the world ; use them only, 
and they will serve you ; but if you love them you serve them, which will 
debase your spirits as well as offend the Lord. ***** Watch 
against anger, neither speak nor act in it ; for, like drunkenness, it makes a 
man a beast, and throws people into desperate inconveniences." The entire 
letters are so full of excellent counsel that they might with great profit be 
committed to memory, and treasured in the heart. 

The voyage of nearly six weeks was prosperous ; but they had not been 
long on the ocean before that loathed disease — the virulent small-pox — broke 
out, of which thirty died, nearly a third of the whole company. This, added 
to the usual discomforts and terrors of the ocean, to most of whom this was 
probably their first experience, made the voyage a dismal one. And here was 
seen the nobility of Penn. ""For his good conversation" says one of them, 
" was very advantageous to all the company. His singular care was manifested 
in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick with the small-pox 
then on board." 

His arrival upon the coast and passage up the river was hailed with dem- 
onstrations of joy by all classes, English, Dutch, Swedes, and especially by his 
own devoted followers. He landed at New Castle on the 24th of October, 1682, 
and on the following day summoned the people to the court house, where pos- 
session of the country was formally made over _.o him, and he renewed the 
commissions of the magistrates, to whom and to the assembled people he an- 
nounced the design of his coming, explained the nature and end of truly good 
government, assuring them that their religious and civil rights should be re- 
spected, and recommended them to live in sobriety and peace. He then pro- 



52 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

ceedod to Upland, hencef oward known as Chester, where, on the 4th of Novem- 
ber, he called an assembly of the people, in which an equal number of votes 
was allowed to the province and the territories. Nicholas Moore, President of 
the Free Society of Traders, was chosen speaker. As at New Castle, Penn 
addressed the assembly, giving them assurances of his beneficent intentions, 
for which they returned their grateful acknowledgments, the Swedes beiag 
especially demonstrative, deputing one of their number, Lacy Cock, to say 
" That they would love, serve and obey him with all they had, and that this 
was the best day the} 7 ever saw. " We can well understand with what satisfac- 
tion the settlers upon the Delaware hailed the prospect of a stable government 
established in their own midst, after having been so long at the mercy of the 
government in New York, with allegience trembling between the courts of 
Sweden, Holland and Britain. 

The proceedings of this first assembly were conducted with great decorum, 
and after the usages of the English Parliament. On the 7th of December, 
1682, the three lower counties, what is now Delaware, which had previously 
been under the government of the Duke of York, were formerly annexed to the 
province, and became an integral part of Pennsylvania. The frame of govern- 
ment, which had been drawn with much deliberation, was submitted to the 
assembly, and, after some alterations and amendments, was adopted, and be- 
came the fundamental law of the State. The assembly was in session only 
three days, but the work they accomplished, how vast and far-reaching in its 
influence ! 

The Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners were then naturalized, and the 
government was launched in fair running order: That some idea may be had 
of its character, the subjects treated are here given: 1, Liberty of conscience; 
2, Qualification of oflicers; 3, Swearing by God, Christ or Jesus; 4, Swearing 
by any other thing or name: 5, Profanity; 6, Cursiug; 7, Fornication; 8, In- 
cest; 9, Sodomy; 10, Rape; 11, Bigamy; 12, Drunkenness; 13, Suffering 
drunkenness; 14, Healths drinking; 15, Selling liquor to Indians; 16, Arson; 
17, Burglary; 18, Stolen goods; 19, Forcible entry; 20, Riots; 21, Assaulting 
parents: 22, Assaulting Magistrates; 23, Assaulting masters; 24, Assault and 
battery; 25, Duels; 26, Riotous sports, as plays; 27, Gambling and lotteries; 
28, Sedition; 29, Contempt; 30, Libel; 31, Common scolds; 32, Charities; 
33, Prices of beer and ale; 34, Weights and measures; 35, Names of days and 
months; 36, Perjury; 37, Court proceedings in English; 38, Civil and crim- 
inal trials; 39, Fees, salaries, bribery and extortion; 40, Moderation of fines; 
41, Suits avoidable; 42, Foreign arrest; 43, Contracts; 44, Charters, gifts, 
grants, conveyances, bills, bonds and deeds, when recorded; 45, Wills; 46, 
Wills of non compos mentis; 47, Registry of Wills; 48, Registry for servants; 
49, Factors; 50, Defacers, corruptors and embezzlers of charters, conveyances 
and records; 51, Lands and goods to pay debts; 52, Bailable offenses; 53, 
Jails and jailers; 54, Prisons to be workhouses; 55, False imprisonment; 56, 
Magistrates may elect between fine or imprisonment; 57, Freemen; 58, Elec- 
tions; 59, No money levied but in pursuance of law; 60, Laws shall be printed 
and taught in schools; 61, All other things, not provided for nerein, are re- 
ferred to the Governor and freemen from time to time. 

Very soon after his arrival in the colony, after the precept had been issued, 
but before the convening of the Assembly, Penn, that he might not be wanting 
in respect to the Duke of York, made a visit to New York, where he was kind- 
ly received, and also after the adjournment of the Assembly, journeyed to Mary- 
land, where he was entertained by Lord Baltimore with great ceremony. The 
settlement of the disputed boundaries was made the subject of formal confer- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 53 

ence. But after two clays spent in fruitless discussion, the weather becoming 
severely cold, and thus precluding the possibility of taking observations or 
making the necessary surveys, it was agreed to adjourn further consideration 
of the subject until the milder weather of the spring. We may imagine that 
the two Governors were taking the measure of each other, and of gaining all 
possible knowledge of each other's claims and rights, preparatory to that 
struggle for possession of this disputed fortieth degree of latitude, which was 
destined to come before the home government. 

With all his cares in founding a State and providing a government over a 
new people, Penn did not forget to preach the "blessed Gospel," and wherever 
he went he was intent upon his " Master's business." On his return from 
Maryland, Lord Baltimore accompanied him several miles to the house of 
William Richardson, and thence to Thomas Hooker's, where was a religious 
meeting, as was also one held at Choptauk. Penn himself says: "I have 
been also at New York, Long Island, East Jersey and Maryland, in which I 
have had good and eminent service for the Lord." And again he says; "As to 
outward things, we are satisfied — the land good, the air clear and sweet, the 
springs plentiful, and provisions good and easy to come at, an innumerable 
quantity of wild fowl and fish; in fine, here is what an Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob would be well contented with, and service enough for God: for the 
fields are here white for the harvest. O, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, 
freed from the anxious and troublesome solicitations, hurries and perplexities 
of woeful Europe! * * * Blessed be the Lord, that of twenty-three ships, 
none miscarried; only two or three had the small-pox; else healthy and swift 
passages, generally such as have not been known; some but twenty-eight days, 
and few longer than six weeks. Blessed be God for it; my soul fervently 
breathes that in His heavenly guiding wisdom, we may be kept, that we may 
serve Him in our day, and lay down our heads in peace." And then, as if re- 
proached for not having mentioned another subject of thankfulness, he adds in 
a postscript, " Many women, in divers of the ships, brought to bed; they and 
their children do well." 

Penn made it his first care to take formal possession of his province, and 
adopt a frame of government. When this was done, his chief concern was 
to look to the establishment of his proposed new city, the site of which had 
already been determined on by his Commissioners. Accordingly, early in 
November, at a season when, in this section, the days are golden, Penn em- 
barked in an open barge with a number of his friends, and was wafted 
leisurely up the Delaware to the present site of the city of Philadel- 
phia, which the natives called Coaquannock. Along the river was a bold shore, 
fringed with lofty pines, which grew close down to the water's edge, so much 
so that when the first ship passing up with settlers for West Jersey had brushed 
against the branches, the passengers remarked that this would be a good place 
for a city. It was then in a wild state, the deer browsing along the shore and 
sipping the stream, and the coneys burrowing in the banks. The scattered 
settlers had gathered in to see and welcome the new Governor, and when he 
stepped upon the shore, they extended a helping hand in assisting him up the 
rugged bluff. Three Swedes had already taken up tracts within the limits of 
the block of land chosen for the city. But they were given lands in exchange, 
and readily relinquished their claims. The location was pleasing to Penn, and 
was adopted without further search, though little could be seen of this then 
forest-encumbered country, where now is the home of countless industries, the 
busy mart, the river bearing upon its bosom the commerce of many climes, 
and the abiding place of nearly a million of people. But Penn did not con- 



54 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

sider that he had as yet any just title to the soil, holding that the Indians 
were its only rightful possessors, and until it was fairly acquired by purchase 
from them, his own title was entirely void. 

Hence, he sought an early opportunity to meet the chiefs of the tribes and 
cultivate friendly relations with them. Tradition fixes the first great treaty 
or conference at about this time, probably in November, and the place under 
the elm tree, known as the " Treaty Tree," at Kensington. It was at a sea- 
son when the leaves would still be upon the trees, and the assembly was called 
beneath the ample shade of the wide-sweeping branches, which was pleasing 
to the Indians, as it was their custom to hold all their great deliberations and 
smoke the pipe of peace in the open air. The letter which Penn had sent had 
prepared the minds of these simple-hearted inhabitants of the forest to regard 
him with awe and reverence, little less than that inspired by a descended god. 
His coming had for a long time been awaited, and it is probable that it had 
been heralded and talked over by the wigwam fire throughout the remotest 
bounds of the tribes. And when at length the day came, the whole popula- 
tion far around had assembled. 

It is known that three tribes at least were represented — the Lenni Lenape, 
living along the Delaware; the Shawnees, a tribe that had come up from the 
South, and were seated along the Lower Susquehanna; and tbe Mingoes, 
sprung from the Six Nations, and inhabiting along the Conestoga. Penn was 
probably accompanied by the several officers of his Government and his most 
trusted friends. There were no implements of warfare, for peace was a cardi- 
nal feature of the Quaker creed 

No veritable account of this, the great treaty, is known to have been made; 
but from the fact that Penn not long after, in an elaborate treatise upon the 
country, the inhabitants and the natives, has given the account of the manner 
in which the Indians demean themselves in conference, we may infer that he 
had this one in mind, and hence we may adopt it as his own description of the 
scene. 

" Their order is thus: The King sits in the middle of a half moon, and 
hath his council, the old and wise, on each hand; behind them, or at a little 
distance, sit the younger fry in the same figure. Having consulted and re- 
solved their business, the King ordered one of them to speak to me. He stood 
up, came to me, and, in the name of the King, saluted me; then took' me by 
ths hand and told me he was ordered by the King to speak to me; and now it 
was not he, but the King that spoke, because what he would say was the 
King's mind. * * * * During the time that this person spoke, not 
a man of them was observed to whisper or smile; the old grave, the young 
reverant, in their deportment. They speak little, but fervently, and with ele- 
gance." 

In response to the salutation from the Indians, Penn makes a reply in 
suitable terms: "The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the 
heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows 
that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship 
with you, and to serve you to the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom 
to use hostile weapons against our fellow-creatures, for which reason we have 
come unarmed. Our object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great 
Spirit, but to do good. We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and 
good will, so that no advantage is to be taken on either side; but all to be open- 
ness, brotherhood and love." Having unrolled his parchment, he explains to 
them through an interpreter, article by article, the nature of the business, and 
laying it upon the ground, observes that the ground shall be for the use of 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 55 

both people. " I will not do as the Marylanders did, call you children, or 
brothers only; for parents are apt to whip their children too severely, and 
brothers sometimes will differ; neither will I compare the friendship between 
us to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I 
will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same 
as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts." Having ended his 
business, the speaker for the King comes forward and makes great promises 
"of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must 
live in love as long as the sun gave light." This ended, another Indian makes 
a speech to his own people, first to explain to them what had been agreed on, 
and then to exhort them "to love the Christians, and particularly live in peace 
with me and the people under my government, that many Governors had been 
in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here be- 
fore, and having now such an one, that had treated them well, they should never 
do him nor his any wrong." At every sentence they shouted, as much as to 
say, amen. 

The Indians had no system of writing by which they could record their 
dealings, but their memory of events and agreements was almost miraculous. 
Heckewelder records that in after years, they were accustomed, by means of 
strings, or belts of wampum, to preserve the recollection of their pleasant in- 
terviews with Penn, after he had departed for England. He says, " They fre- 
quently assembled together in the woods, in some shady spot, as nearly as pos- 
sible similar to those where they used to meet their brother Miquon (Penn), and 
there lay all his words and speeches, with those of his descendants, on a 
blanket, or clean piece of bark, and with great satisfaction go successively 
over the whole. This practice, which I have repeatedly witnessed, continued 
until the year 1780, when disturbances which took place put an end to it, 
probably forever." 

The memory of this, the "Great Treaty," was long preserved by the na- 
tives, and the novel spectacle was reproduced upon canvas by the genius of 
Benjamin West. In this picture, Penn is represented as a corpulent old man, 
whereas he was at this time but thirty-eight years of age, and in the very 
height of manly activity. The Treaty Tree was preserved and guarded from 
injury with an almost superstitious care. During the Revolution, when Phila- 
delphia was occupied by the British, and their parties were scouring the coun- 
try for firewood, Gen. Simcoe had a sentinel placed at this tree to protect it 
from mutilation. It stood until 1810, when it was blown down, and it was 
ascertained by its annual concentric accretions to be 283 years old, and was, 
consequently, 155 at the time of making the treaty. The Penn Society erected 
a substantial monument on the spot where it stood. 

Penn drew up his deeds for lands in legal form, and had them duly exe- 
cuted and made of record, that, in the dispute possible to arise in after times, 
there might be proof definite and positive of the purchase. Of these purchases 
there are two deeds on record executed in 1683. One is for land near Nesha- 
miny Creek, and thence to Penypack, and the other for lands lying between 
Schuylkill and Chester Rivers, the first bearing the signature of the great 
chieftain, Taminend. In one of these purchases it is provided that the tract 
"shall extend back as far as a man could walk in three days. " Tradition 
runs that Penn himself, with a number of his friends, walked out the half this 
purchase with the Indians, that no advantage should be taken of them by mak- 
ing a great walk, and to show his consideration for them, and that he was not 
above the toils and fatigues of such a duty." They began to walk out this 
land at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walked up the Delaware; in one day 



56 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

• 
and a half they got to a spruce tree near the mouth of Baker's Creek, when 
Penn, concluding that this would include as much land as he would want at 
present, a line was run and marked from the spruce tree to Neshaminy, and 
the remainder left to be walked when it should be wanted. They proceed- 
ed after the Indian manner, walking leisurely, sitting down sometimes to 
smoke their pipes, eat biscuit and cheese, and drink a bottle of wine. Id the 
day and a half they walked a little less than thirty miles. The balance of the 
purchase was not walked until September 20, 17b3, when the then Governor of 
Pennsylvania offered a prize of 500 acres of land and £6 for the man who 
would walk the farthest. A distance of eighty-six miles was covered, in 
marked contrast with the kind consideration of Penn. 

During the first year, the country upon the Delaware, from the falls of 
Trenton as far as Chester, a distance of nearly sixty miles, was rapidly taken up 
and peopled. The large proportion of these were Quakers, and devotedly attached 
to their religion and its proper observances. They were, hence, morally, of the 
best classes, and though they were not generally of the aristocracy, yet many 
of them were in comfortable circumstances, had valuable properties, were of 
respectable families, educated, and had the resoiuces within themselves to live 
contented and happy. They were provident, industrious, and had come hither 
with no fickle purpose. Many brought servants with them, and well supplied 
wardrobes, and all necessary articles which they wisely judged would be got 
in a new country with difficulty. 

Their religious principles were so peaceful and generous, and the govern- 
ment rested so lightly, that the fame of the colony and the desirableness of 
settlement therein spread rapidly, and the numbers coming hither were unpar- 
alleled in the history of colonization, especially when we consider that a broad 
ocean was to be crossed and a voyage of several weeks was to be endured. In 
a brief period, ships with passengers came from London, Bristol, Ireland, 
Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Holland, Germany, to the number of about fifty. 
Among others came a company of German Quakers, from Krisheim, near 
Worms, in the Palatinate. These people regarded their lot as particularly 
fortunate, in which they recognized the direct interposition and hand of Provi- 
dence. For, not long afterward, the Palatinate was laid waste by the French 
army, and many of their kindred whom they had left behind were despoiled of 
their possessions and reduced to penury. There came also from Wales a com- 
pany of the stock of ancient Britons. 

So large an influx of population, coming in many cases without due pro- 
vision for variety of diet, caused a scarcity in many kinds of food, especially 
of meats. Time was required to bring forward flocks and herds, more than 
for producing grains. But Providence seemed to have graciously considered 
their necessities, and have miraculously provided for them, as of old was pro 
vision made for the chosen people. For it is recorded that the "wild pigeons 
came in such great numbers that the sky was sometimes darkened by their 
flight, and, flying low, they were frequently knocked down as they flew, in 
great quantities, by those who had no other means to take them, whereby the) 
supplied themselves, and, having salted those which they could, not immedi- 
ately use, they preserved them, both for bread and meat." The Indians were 
kind, and often furnished them with game, for which they would receive no 
compensation. 

Their first care on landing was to bring their household goods to a place 
of safety, often to the simple protection of a tree. For some, this was their 
only shelter, lumber being scarce, and in many places impossible to obtain. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 57 

Some made for themselves caves in the earth until better habitations could be 
secured. 

John Key, who was said to have been the first child born of English par- 
ents in Philadelphia, and that in recognition of which William Penn gave 
him a lot of ground, died at Kennet, in Chester County, on July 5, 1768, 
in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was born in one of these caves upon 
the river bank, long afterward known by the name of Penny- pot, near Sassa- 
fras street. About six years before his death, he walked from Kennet to the 
city, about thirty miles, in one day. In the latter part of his life he went 
under the name of 1^'irst Born. 

The contrasts between the comforts and conveniences of an old settled 
country and this, where the heavy forests must be cleared away and severe la- 
bors must be endured before the sun could be let in sufficiently to produce 
anything, must have been very marked, and caused repining. But they had 
generally come with meek and humble hearts, and they willingly endured 
hardship and privation, and labored on earnestly for the spiritual comfort 
which they enjoyed. Thomas Makin, in some Latin verses upon the early set- 
tlement, says (we quote the metrical translation): 

"Its fame to distant countries far has spread, 
And some for peace, and some for profit led; 
Born in remotest climes, to settle here 
They leave their native soil and all that's dear, 
And still will flock from far, here to be free, 
Such powerful charms has lovely liberty." 

But for their many privations and sufferings there were some compensat- 
ing conditions. The soil was fertile, the air mostly clear and healthy, the 
streams of water were good and plentiful, wood for fire and building unlimit- 
ed, and at certain seasons of the year game in the forest was abundant. Rich- 
ard Townsend, a settler at Germ an town, who came over in the ship with Penn, 
in writing to his friends in England of his first year in America, says: "I, 
with Joshua Tittery, made a net, and caught great quantities of fish, so that, 
notwithstanding it was thought near three thousand persons came in the first 
year, we were so providentially provided for that we could buy a deer for 
about two shillings, and a large turkey for about one shilling, and Indian corn 
for about two shillings sixpence a bushel." 

In the same letter, the writer mentions that a young deer came out of the 
forest into the meadow where he was mowing, and looked at him, and when 
he went toward it would retreat; and, as he resumed his mowing, would come 
back to gaze upon him, and finally ran forcibly against a tree, which so 
stunned it that he was able to overmaster it and bear it away to his home, and 
as this was at a time when he was suffering for the lack of meat, he believed 
it a direct interposition of Providence. 

In the spring of 1683, there was great activity throughout the colony, and 
especially in the new city, in selecting lands and erecting dwellings, the* Sur- 
veyor General, Thomas Holme, laying out and marking the streets. In the 
center of the city was a public square of ten acres, and in each of the four 
quarters one of eight acres. A large mansion, which'had been undertaken be- 
fore his arrival, was built for Penn, at a point twenty-six miles up the river, 
called Pennsbury Manor, where he sometimes resided, and where he often met 
the Indian sachems. At this time, Penn divided the colony into counties, 
three for the province (Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester) and three for the 
Territories (New Castle, Kent and Sussex). Having appointed Sheriffs and 
other proper officers, he issued writs for the election of members of a General 



58 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Assembly, three from each county for the Council or Upper House, and nine 
from each county for the Assembly or Lower House.* 

This Assembly convened and organized for business on the 10th of Jan- 
uary, 1683, at Philadelphia. One of the first subjects considered was the 
revising some provisions of the frame of government which was effected, re- 
ducing the number of members of both Houses, the Council to 18 the As- 
sembly to 36, and otherwise amending in unimportant particulars. In 
an assembly thus convened, and where few, if any, had had any experience in 
serving in a deliberative body, we may reasonably suppose that many crude 
and impracticable propositions would be presented. As an example of these 
the following may be cited as specimens: That young men should be obliged 
to marry at, or before, a certain age; that two sorts of clothes only shall be 
worn, one for winter and the other for summer. The session lasted twenty two 
days. 

The first grand jury in Pennsylvania was summoned for the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1683, to inquire into the cases of some persons accused of issuing 
counterfeit money. The Governor and Council sat as a court. One Picker- 
ing was convicted, and the sentence was significant of the kind and patriarchal 
nature of the government, "that he should make full satisfaction, in good 
and current pay, to every person who should, within the space of one month, 
bring in any of this false, base and counterfeit coin, and that the money 
brought in should be melted down before it was returned to him, and that he 
should pay a fine of forty pounds toward the building a court house, stand 
committed till the same was paid, and afterward find security for his good 
behavior." 

The Assembly and courts having now adjourned, Penn gave his attention 
to the grading and improving the streets of the new city, and the managing 
the affairs of his land office, suddenly grown to great importance. For every 
section of land taken up in the wilderness, the purchaser was entitled to a 
certain plot in the new city. The Kiver Delaware at this time was nearly a 
mile broad opposite the city, and navigable for ships of the largest tonnage. 
The tide rises about six feet at this point, and flows back to the falls of 
Trenton, a distance of thirty miles. The tide in the Schuylkill flows only 
about five miles above its confluence with the Delaware. The river bank along 
the Delaware was intended by Penn as a common or public resort. But in 
his time the owners of lots above Front street pressed him to allow them to 
construct warehouses upon it, opposite their properties, which importunity in- 
duced him to make the following declaration concerning it; "The bank is a 
top common, from end to end; the rest next the water belongs to front-lot 
men no more than back- lot men. The way bounds them; they may build stairs, 
and the top of the bank a common exchange, or wall, and against the street, 
common wharfs may be built freely; but into the water, and the shore is no 
purchaser's." But in future time, this liberal desire of the founder was dis- 
regarded, and the bank has been covered with immense warehouses. 

* It may be a matter of curiosity to know the names of the members of this first regularly elected Legis- 
lature in Pennsylvania, ami they are accordingly appended as given in official records: 

Council: William Markham, CIristopher Taylor, Thomas Holme. Lacy Cock, William Haige, John Moll, 
Ralph Withers, John Simcock, Edward Cantwell, William Clayton, William Biles, James Harrison, William 
Clark, Francis Whitewell, John Richardson. John Hillyard. 

Assembly: From Bucks, William Yardly, Samuel Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Walne, John Wood, John 
Clowes, Thomas Fitzwater, Robert Hall, James Boyden ; from Philadelphia, John Longhurst, John Hart, Wal- 
ter King, Andros Binkson, John Moon, Thomas Wynne (Speakeri, Griffith Jones, William Warner, Swan Swan- 
son, from Chester, John Hoskins, Robert Wade,' George Wood, John Blunston, Dennis Rochford, Thomas 
Bracy, John Bezer, John Harding, Joseph Phipps; from New Castle, John Cann, John Darby, Valentine Holl- 
ingsworth, Gasparus Herman. John Dchoaef, James Williams, William Guest, Peter Alrich, Henrick Williams; 
from Kent, John Biggs, Simon Irons, Thomas Halfold John Curtis, Robert Bedwell, William Windsmore, John 
Brinkloe, Daniel Brown, Benony Bishop; from Sussex, Luke Watson, Alexander Draper, William Futcher, 
Henry Bowman, Alexander Moleston, John Hill, Robert Bracy, John Kipshaven, Cornelius Verhoof. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 59 

Seeing now his plans of government and settlement fairly in operation, as 
autumn approached, Penn wrote a letter to the Free Society of Traders in 
London, which had been formed to promote settlement in his colony, in which 
he touched upon a great variety of topics regarding his enterprise, extending to 
quite a complete treatise. The great interest attaching to the subjects dis- 
cussed, and the ability with which it was di'awn, makes it desirable to insert 
the document entire; but its great length makes its use incompatible with the 
plan of this work. A few extracts aud a general plan of the letter is all that 
can be given. He first notices the injurious reports put in circulation in En- 
gland during his absence: " Some persons have had so little wit and so much 
malice as to report my death, and, to mend the matter, dead a Jesuit, too. 
One might have reasonably hoped tha^- this distance, like death, would have 
been a protection against spite and envy. * * * However, to the great sorrow 
and shame of the inventors, I am still alive and no Jesuit, and, I thank God, 
very well." Of the air and waters he says: " The air is sweet and clear, the 
heavens serene, like the south parts of France, rarely overcast. The waters 
are generally good, for the rivers and brooks have mostly gravel and stony bot- 
toms, and in number hardly credible. We also have mineral waters that 
operate in the same manner with Barnet and North Hall, not two miles from 
Philadelphia. " He then treats at length of the four seasons, of trees, fruits, 
grapes, peaches, grains, garden produce: of animals, beasts, birds, fish, whale fish- 
ery, horses and cattle, medicinal plants, flowers of the woods; of the Indians 
and their persons. Of their language he says: "It is lofty, yet narrow; but, 
like the Hebrew, in signification, full, imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their 
moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections. I have made it my busi- 
ness to understand it, and I must say tbat I know not a language spoken in Europe 
that hath words of more sweetness or greatness in accent and emphasis than 
theirs." Of their customs and their children : " The children will go very young, 
at nine months, commonly ; if boys, they go a fishing, till ripe for the woods, which 
is about fifteen; then they hunt, and, after having given some proofs of their 
manhood by a good return of skins, they may marry, else it is a shame to think 
of a wife. The girls stay with their mother and help to boe the ground, plant 
corn and carry burdens. When the young women are fit for marriage, they 
wear something upon their heads as an advertisment; but so, as their faces hardly 
to be seen, but when they please. The age they marry at, if women, is about 
thirteen and fourteen; if men, seventeen and eighteen; they are rarely elder." 
In a romantic vein he speaks of their houses, diet, hospitality, revengefulness 
and concealment of resentment, great liberality, free manner of life and 
customs, late love of strong liquor, behavior in sickness and death, their re- 
ligion, their feastings, their government, their mode of doing business, their 
manner of administering justice, of agreement for settling difficulties entered into 
with the pen, their susceptibility to improvement, of the origin of the Indian race 
their resemblance to the Jews. Of the Dutch and Swedes whom he found set- 
tled here when he came, he says: " The Dutch applied themselves to traffick. 
the Swedes and Finns to husbandry. The Dutch mostly inhabit those parts 
that lie upon the bay, and the Swedes the freshes of the Delaware. They are 
a plain, strong, industrious people; yet have made no great progress in culture 
or propagation of fruit trees. They are a people proper, and strong of body, 
so they have fine children, and almost every house full; rare to find one of them 
without three or four boys and as many girls — some, six, seven and eight sons, 
and I must do them that right, I see few young men more sober and laborious." 
After speaking at length of the organization of the colony and its manner of 
government, he concludes with his owu opinion of the country: "I say little 



60 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of the town itself; but this I will say,' for the good providence of God, that 
of all the many places I have seen in the world, I remember not one better 
seated, so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a town, whether we 
regard the rivers or the conveniency of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness 
and soundness of the land and the air, held by the people of these parts to be 
very good. It is advanced within less than a year to about fourscore bouses 
and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations 
as fast as they .can, while the countrymen are close at their farms. * * * I 
bless God I am fully satisfied with the country and entertainment I got in it; 
for I find that particular content, which hath always attended me, where God in 
His providence hath made it my place and service to reside." 

As we have seen, the visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore soon after his arrival 
in America, for the purpose of settling the boundaries of the two provinces, after 
a two days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the' 
winter, when the efforts for settlement were to be resumed. Early in the 
spring, an attempt was made on the part of Peun, but was prevented till May, 
when a meeting was held at New Castle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid 
of counselors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complain- 
ing of the sultryness of the weather, the conference was broken up. In the 
meantime, it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had 
issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than 
Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured 
from the Duke of York, but which Baltimore no,w claimed. Besides, it was 
ascertained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the 
latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex parte 
statement of the case before the Lords of the Committee of Plantations in En- 
gland, and was pressing for arbitrament. This state of the case created much 
uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Balti- 
more was likely to bring the two governments into conflict on territory mutu- 
ally claimed. But Lord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diplo- 
macy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly com- 
missioned his agent, Col. George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683, 
to go to Schuylkill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part 
of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of 
the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony, 
both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth 
degree reaches a considerable distance above Philadelphia. Penn was absent 
at the time in New York, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore, 
the deputy of Penn. Upon his return, the proprietor made a dignified but 
earnest rejoinder. While he felt that the demand could not be justly sus- 
tained, yet the fact that a controversy for the settlement of the boundary was 
likely to arise, gave him disquietude, and though he was gratified with the 
success of his plans for acquiring lands of the Indians and establishing friendly 
relations with them, the laying-out of his new city and settling it, the adop- 
tion of a stable government and putting it in successful operation, and, more 
than all, the drawing thither the large number of settlers, chiefly of his own 
religious faith, and seeing them contented and happy in the new State, he 
plainly foresaw that his skill and tact would be taxed to the utmost to defend 
and hold his claim before the English court. If the demand of Lord Balti- 
more were to prevail, all that he had done would be lost, as his entire colony 
would be swallowed up by Maryland. 

The anxiety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the 40° of latitude was 
not to increase thereby his territory by so much, for two degrees which he 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 61 

securely had, so far as amount of land was concerned, would have entirely 
satisfied him; but he wanted this degree chiefly that he might have the free 
navigation of Delaware Bay and River, and thus open communication with the 
ocean. lie desired also to hold the lower counties, which were now well 
settled, as well as his own counties rapidly being peopled, and his new city of 
Philadelphia, which he regarded as the apple of his eye. fSo anxious was he 
to hold the land on the right bank of the Delaware to the open ocean, that at 
his second meeting, he asked Lord Baltimore to set a price per square mile on 
this disputed ground, and though he had purchased it once of the crown and 
held the King's charter for it, and the Duke of York's deed, yet rather than 
have any further wrangle over it, he was willing to pay for it again. But this 
Lord Baltimore refused to do. 

Bent upon bringing matters to a crisis, and to force possession of his 
claim, early in the year 1(584 a party from Maryland made forcible entry 
upon the plantations in the lower counties and drove off the owners. The 
Governor and Council at Philadelphia sent thither a copy of the answer of 
Penn to Baltimore's demand for the land south of the Delaware, with orders 
to William Welch, Sheriff at New Castle, to use his influence to reinstate the 
lawful owners, and issued a declaration succinctly stating the claim of Penn, 
for the purpose of preventing such unlawful incursions in future. 

The season opened favorably for the continued prosperity of the young 
colony. Agriculture was being prosecuted as never before. Goodly flocks 
and herds gladdened the eyes of the settlers. An intelligent, moral and in- 
dustrious yeomanry was springing into existence. Emigrants were pouring 
into the Delaware from many lands. The Government was becoming settled 
in its operations and popular with the people. The proprietor had leisure to 
attend to the interests of his religious society, not only in his own dominions, 
but in the Jerseys and in New York. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86— Five Commissioners, 1686-88— John Black-well, 1688 
-90— Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91— William Markham, 1691-93— Benjamin 
Fletcher, 1693-95— William Markham, 1693-99. 

BUT the indications, constantly thickening, that a struggle was likely soon 
to be precipitated before the crown for possession of the disputed terri- 
tory, decided Penn early in the summer to quit the colony and return to En- 
gland to defend his imperiled interests. There is no doubt that he tuok this 
step with unfeigned regret, as he was contented and happy in his new country, 
and was most usefully employed. There were, however, other inducements 
which were leading him back to England. The hand of persecution was at 
this time laid heavily upon the Quakers. Over 1,400 of these pious and in- 
offensive people were now, and some of them had been for years, languishing 
in the prisons of England, for no other offense than their manner of worship. 
By i is friendship with James, and his acquaintance with the King, he might 
do r<G -nething to soften the lot of these unfortunate victims of bigotry. 

1I( accordingly empowered the Provincial Council, of which Thomas 
Lloyd was President, to act in his stead, commissioned Nicholas Moore, Will- 
iam Welch, William Wood, Robert Turner and John Eckley, Provincial 



62 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Judges for two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert 
Turner to sign land patents and warrants, and William Clark as Justice of 
the Peace for all the counties; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe. 
His feelings on leaving his colony are exnibited by a farewell address which 
he issued from on board the vessel to his people, of which the following are 
brief extracts: "My love and my life is to you, and with you, and no water 
can quench it, nor distance wear it out, nor bring it to an end. I have been 
with you, cared over you and served over you with unfeigned love, and you 
are beloved of me, and near to me, beyond utterance. I bless you in the 
name and power of the Lord, and may God bless you with His righteousness, 
peaoe and plenty all the land over. * * * Oh! now are you come to a 
quiet land; provoke not the Lord to trouble it. And now liberty and author- 
ity are with you, and in your hands. Let the government be upon His 
shoulders, in all your spirits, that you may rule for Him, under whom the 
princes of this world will, one day, esteem their honor to govern and serve in 
their places * * * And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of 
this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what serv- 
ice and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from 
such as would abuse arid defile thee! * * * So, dear friends, my love 
again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy and peace, with all temporal 
blessings, may abound richly among you — so says, so prays, your friend and 
lover in the truth. William Penn." 

On the 6th of December of this same year, 1684, Charles II died, and was 
succeeded by his brother James, Duke of York, under the title of James II. 
James was a professed Catholic, and the people were greatly excited all over 
the kingdom lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be repeated, and that the 
Catholic should become the established religion. He had less ability than 
his brother, the deceased King, but great discipline &nd industry. Penn en- 
joyed the friendship and intimacy of the new King, and he determined to use 
his advantage for the relief of his suffering countrymen, not only of his sect, 
the Quakers, but of all, and especially for the furtherance of universal liberty. 
But there is no doubt that he at this time meditated a speedy return to his 
province, for he writes: "Keep up the peoples' hearts and loves; I hope to be 
with them next fall, if the Lord prevent not. I long to be with you. Nc 
temptations prevail to fix me here. The Lord send us a good meeting." By 
authority of Penn, dated 18th of January, 1685, William Markham, Penn's 
cousin, was commissioned Secretary of the province, and the proprietor's Sec- 
retary. 

That he might be fixed near to court for the furtherance of his private as 
well as public business, he secured lodgings for himself and family, in 1685, at 
Kensington, near London, and cultivated a daily intimacy with the King, who, 
no doubt, found in the strong native sense of his Quaker friend, a valued ad- 
viser upon many questions of difficulty. His first and chief care was the set- 
tlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of 
their provinces. This was settled in November, 1685, by a compromise, by 
which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesepeake Bays was divided 
into two equal parts — that upon the Delaware was adjudged to Penn, and that 
upon the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore. This settled the matter in theory; 
but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the language of 
the Royal Act, it was found that the royal secretaries did not understand the 
geography of the country, and that the line which their language described was 
an impossible one. Consequently the boundary remained undetermined till 
1732. The account of its location will be given in its proper place. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63 

Having secured this important decision to his satisfaction, Peon applied 
himself with renewed zeal, not only to secure the release of his people, who 
were languishing in prisons, but to procure for all Englishmen, everywhere, 
enlarged liberty and freedom of conscience. His relations with the King fa- 
vored his designs. The King had said to Penn before he ascended the throne 
that he was opposed to persecution for religion. On the first day of his reign, 
he made an address, in which he proclaimed himself opposed to all arbitrary 
principles in government, 'and promised protection to the Church of England. 
Early in the year 1686, in consequence of the King's proclamation for a gen- 
eral pardon, over thirteen hundred Quakers were set at liberty, and in April, 
1687, the King issued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience, and sus- 
pending the penal laws in matters ecclesiastical. This was a great step in ad- 
vance, and one that must ever throw a luster over the brief reign of this un- 
fortunate monarch. Penn, though holding no official position, doubtless did 
as much toward securing the issue of this liberal measure as any Englishman. 

Upon the issue of these edicts, the Quakers, at their next annual meeting, 
presented an address of acknowledgment to the King, which opened in these 
words: "We cannot but bless and praise the name of Almighty God, who 
hath the hearts of princes in His hands, that He hath inclined the King to hear 
the cries of his suffering subjects for conscience' sake, and we rejoice that he 
hath given us so eminent an occasion to present him our thanks." This ad- 
dress was presented by Penn in a few well -chosen words, and the King re- 
plied in the following, though brief, yet most expressive, language: " Gentle- 
men — I thank you heartily for your address. Some of you know (I am sure 
you do Mr. Penn), that it was always my principle, that conscience ought not 
to be forced, and that all men ought to have the liberty of their consciences. 
And what I have promised in my declaration, I will continue to perform so 
long as I live. And I hope, before I die, to settle it so that after ages shall 
have no reason to alter it." 

It would have been supposed that such noble sentiments as these from a 
sovereign would have been hailed with delight by the English people. But 
they were not. The aristocracy of Britain at this time did not want liberty of 
conscience. They wanted comformity to the established church, and bitter 
persecution against all others, as in the reign of Charles, whirh filled the 
prisons with Quakers. The warm congratulations to James, and fervent prayers 
for his welfare, were regarded by them with an evil eye. Bitter reproaches 
were heaped upon Penn, who was looked upon as the power behind the throne 
that was moving the King to the enforcing of these principles. He was ac- 
cused of having been educated at St. Omer's, a Catholic college, a place which 
he never Baw in his life, of having taken orders as a priest in the Catholic 
Church, of having obtained dispensation to marry, and of being not only a 
Catholic, but a Jesuit in disguise, all of which were pure fabrications. But in 
the excited state of the public mind they were believed, and caused him to be 
regarded with bitter hatred. The King, too, fell rapidly into disfavor, and so 
completely had the minds of his people become alienated from him, that upon 
the coming of the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, in 1688, James was 
obliged to flee to France for safety, and they were received as the rulers of 
Britain. 

But while the interests of the colony were thus prospering at court, they 
were not so cloudless in the new country. There was needed the strong hand 
of Penn to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper chan- 
nels. He had labored to place the government entirely in the hands of the 
people — an idea, in the abstract, most attractive, and one which, were the entire 

4 



64 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

population wise arid just, would result fortunately: yet, in practice, he found 
to his sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been 
gone before troubles arose between the two Houses of the Legislature relative 
to promulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of 
the charter Nicholas Moore, the Chief Justice, was impeached for irregular- 
ities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though 
formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he suc- 
cessfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. 
Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the 
trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the government 
were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the 
most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor 
io check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province, 
" that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was £10,000 out of his 
way, and £100,000 out of the country." 

In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole Council was too 
unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the 
number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James 
Claypole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should consti- 
tute a quorum, to be Commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In 
place of Moore and Claypole, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. 
They were to compel the attendance of the Council; see that the two Houses 
admit of no parley; to abrogate all laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss 
the Assembly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them, 
"Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a 
letter to these Commissioners, he says: " Three things occur to me eminently: 
First, that you be watchful that none abuse the King, etc. ; secondly, that you 
get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least offensive way to 
support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and 
sessions." 

In a letter to James Harrison, his confidential agent at Pennsbury Manor, 
he unbosoms himself more freely respecting his employment in London than 
in any of his State papers or more public communications, and from it can be 
seen how important were his labors with the head of the English nation. " I 
am engaged in the public business of the nation and Friends, and those in au- 
thority would have me see the establishment of the liberty, that I was a small 
instrument to begin in the land. The Lord has given me great entrance and 
interest with the King, though not so much as is said; and I confess I should 
rejoice to see poor old England fixed, the penal laws repealed, that are now 
suspended, and if it goes well with England, it cannot go ill with Pennsyl- 
vania, as unkindly used as I am: and no poor slave in Turkey desires more 
earnestly, I believe, for deliverance, than I do to be with you." In the sum- 
mer of 1687, Penn was in company with the King in a progress through the 
counties of Berkshire, Glocestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire, 
Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, during which he 
held several religious meetings with his people, in some of which the King ap- 
pears to have been present, particularly in Chester. 

Since the departure pf Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as President of 
the Council, and later of the Commissioners of State. He had been in effect 
Governor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while pos- 
sessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. Tiring of this anomalous 
position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. It was difficult to find a person of 
sufficient ability to fill the place; but Penn decided to relieve him, though 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 

showing his entire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to ap- 
point him absolute Governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter, 
or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be President, his 
will being that each should preside a month in turn, or that the oldest mem- 
ber should be chosen. 

Penn foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged in 
the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people. 
Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wran- 
gles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he 
deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the col- 
ony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blackwell, July 
27, 1688, to be Lieutenant Governor, who was at this time in New England, 
and who had the esteem and confidence of Penn. With the commission, the 
proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being: 
" Rule the meek meekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule with authority." 
Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the Council, 
probably because neither of the persens designated were willing to serve. 
Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the 
appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in con 
fortuity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the Assembly 
in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and im- 
perious, or the Assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax 
discipline; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches 
of the government were at variance." Lloyd refused to give up the great seal, 
alleging that it had been given him for life. The Governor, arbitra- 
rily and without warrant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the 
validity of all laws passed by the Assembly previous to his administration, and 
set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea 
of threatened hostility of France. The Assembly attempted to arrest his 
proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party 
among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign 
was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for En- 
gland, whereupon the government again devolved upon the Council, Thomas 
Lloyd, President. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity 
of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for 
ability, integrity and virtue." 

Three forms of administering the executive department of the government 
had now been tried, by a Council consisting of eighteen members, a commission of 
five members, and a Lieutenant Governor. Desirous of leaving the government 
as far as possible in the hands of the people who were the sources of all 
power, Penn left it to the Council to decide which form should be adopted. 
The majority decided for a Deputy Governor. This was opposed by the mem- 
bers from the provinces, who preferred a Council, and who, finding themselves 
outvoted, decided to withdraw, and determined for themselves to govern the 
lower counties until Penn should come. This obstinacy and falling out be- 
tween the councilors from the lower counties and those from the province 
was the beginning of a controversy which eventuated in a separation, and 
finally in the formation of Delaware as a separate commonwealth. A deputa- 
tion from the Council was sent to New Castle to induce the seceding members 
to return, but without success. They had never regarded with favor the re- 
moval of the sittings of the Council from New Castle, the first seat of gov- 
ernment, to Philadelphia, and they were now determined to set up a govern- 
ment for themselves. 



66 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In 1689, the Friends Public School in Philadelphia was first incorporated, 
confirmed by a patent from Penn in 1701, and another in 1708, and finally, 
with greatly enlarged powers, from Penn personally, November 29, 1711. The 
preamble to the charter recites that as "the prosperity and welfare of any 
people depend, in great measure, upon the good education of youth, and their 
early introduction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying 
them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in reading, 
writing, and learning of languages and useful arts and sciences suitable to 
their sex, age and degree, which cannot be effected in any manner so well as 
by erecting public schools," etc. George Keith was employed as the first mas- 
ter of this school. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a man of learning, 
and had emigrated to East Jersey some years previous, where he was Surveyor 
General, and had surveyed and marked the line between East and West New 
Jersey. He only remained at the head of the school one year, when he was 
succeeded by his usher, Thomas Makin. This was a school of considerable 
merit and pretension, where the higher mathematics and the ancient lan- 
guages were taught, and was the first of this high grade. A school of a pri- 
mary grade had been established as early as 1683, in Philadelphia, when 
Enoch Flower taught on the following terms: "To learn to read English, 
four shillings by the quarter; to write, six shillings by ditto; to read, write and 
cast accounts, eight shillings by the quarter; boarding a scholar, that is to 
say, diet, lodging, washing and schooling, £10 for one whole year,'' from which 
it will be seen that although learning might be highly prized, its cost in 
hard cash was not exorbitant. 

Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to-be sus- 
pected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come to 
the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in 
White Hall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though 
nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appear- 
ance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the sec- 
ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was 
cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on 
the charge of having been in correspondence with the late King. He ap- 
pealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to 
release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when 
he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with 
eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was 
cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexa- 
tious suits apparently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers 
to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Govern- 
ment, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed 
convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by 
the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Parliament subsequently de- 
clared a "cheat and an iraposter." Seeing that he must prepare again for his 
defense, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive 
preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his 
attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he with- 
drew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye. 

But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his 
attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious 
and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of 
public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced retire- 
ment. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says: 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Qj 

" My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly, 
but falsely against me. " 

His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For 
lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, 
which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commis- 
sioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Mark- 
ham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this 
division is disclosed in a letter to a friend in the province: "I left it to them, 
to chqose either the government of theCouncil, five Commissioners or a deputy. 
What could be tenderer? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the 
three upper, but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken 
choice. This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of 
a ip * * * f or e j 8e t£, e Governor of New York is like to have all, if he 
has it not already." 

But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. 
His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- 
siderable power in argumentation, but of overweaning self-conceit, attacked the 
Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So 
venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of de- 
nial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his 
conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet- 
ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who 
termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the 
American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in 
speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. Whereupon 
he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of 
England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of London. He afterward re- 
turned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final- 
ly fixed in a benefice in Sussex, England. On his death bed, he said, " I wish 
I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well 
with my soul." 

But Keith had not been satisfied with attacking the principles and prac- 
tices of his church. He mercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, say- 
ing that ' : He was not fit to be a Governor, and his name would stink," and of 
the Council, that " He hoped to God he should shortly see their power taken 
from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed 
a mild-tempered man, and had befriended Keith, that he was " an impu- 
dent man and a pitiful Governor," and asked him "why he did not send him 
to jail," saying that "his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and 
that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe." 
So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice 
of his conduct and to warn him to desist. 

Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in En- 
gland. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity these troubles 
in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church, 
gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his 
colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had 
no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, 
and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints 
had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692, 
they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the 
province and territories under his government. There was another motive 
operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the 



68 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

King and Queen to put the government of Pennsylvania under the Governor 
of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the 
English. Already the expense for defense bad become burdensome to New 
York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, 
with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but that through the influence of 
Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured. 

Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19, 
1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commis- 
sion and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th 
inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a 
numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been 
accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having 
arisen between the Governor and tbe Assembly about the manner of calling and 
electing the Representatives, certain members united in an address to the Gov- 
ernor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and 
must be administered until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as 
good a right to be governed according io the usages of Pennsylvania as New 
York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Leg- 
islature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the 
Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany 
against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this 
was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help 
bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained 
that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and 
when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat 
of annexing Pennsylvania to New York, they mildly but lirmly requested that 
if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would 
communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now 
amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly, 
and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his 
government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usu- 
ally mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced. 

Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this 
session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assem- 
bly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth 
the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, and concluding in 
these words : "That he considered their principles ; that they could not carry arms 
nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that 
they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to 
supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their contin- 
ued friendship to their provinces." But notwithstanding the adroit sugar- 
coating of the pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a 
brief session in September closed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by 
Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of 
the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that 
he took an entirely different view of the subject from that which was antici- 
pated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for 
what he calls the common defense. 

Through the kind offices of Lords Rochestei , Ranelagh, Sidney and Somers, 
the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was asked to 
hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who 
would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he 
would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 69 

answered that William Perm was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that 
he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say- 
to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent 
dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark- 
ham Lieutenant Governor. 

When Markham called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of the 
charter, assuming that the removal of Penn had annulled the grant. The 
Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions in the old 
charter that they desired to have changed. Accordingly, when the appropria- 
tion bill was considered, a new constitution was attached to it and passed. 
This was approved by Markham and became the organic law, the third consti- 
tution adopted under the charter of King Charles. By the provisions of this 
instrument, the Council was composed of twelve members, and the Assembly 
of twenty-four. During the war between France and England, the ocean 
swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was declared, many of 
these crafts, which had richly profited by privateering, were disposed to con- 
tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. Judging that the peace 
principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible seizure, they were 
accustomed to run into the Delaware for safe harbor. Complaints coming 
of the depredations of these parties, a proclamation was issued calling on 
magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so damaging to the 
good name of the colony. It was charged in England that evil-disposed per- 
sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not parties to it, and that 
the failure of the Government to break it up was a proof of its inefficiency, 
and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Penn was 
much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant Governor 
and to his friends in the Assembly, urged ceaseless vigilance to effect reform. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



William Penn, 1699-1701— Andrew Hamilton, 1701-3— Edward Shippen 
1703-4— John Evans, 1704-9— Charles Gookin, 1709-17. 

BEING free from harassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn de- 
termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex- 
pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, 
and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the 
ocean. Just before his arrival in his colony, the yellow fever raged there with 
great virulence, having been brought thither from the West Indies, but had 
been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now disappeared. An 
observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of this scourge, writes thus of it 
in his journal: " Great was the majesty and hand of the Lord. Great was 
the fear that fell upon all flesh. I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor 
heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty repartee to raise 
mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the lusts and desires of the flesh 
above measure; but every face gathered paleness, and many hearts were hum- 
bled, and countenances fallen and sunk, as such that waited every moment to 
be summoned to the bar and numbered to the grave. " 

Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arriv- 



70 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

al of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to 
stay. He met the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement 
season, he only detained them long enough to pass two measures- aimed against 
piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread 
broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. 
At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his 
concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were 
taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could 
hear the Word. It is more than probable that he had fears from the first that 
his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to re- 
quire his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he 
never expected to meet them again. His greatest solicitude, consequently, 
was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that 
human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years 
would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisions of the 
first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past, 
and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in admin- 
istering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called 
hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to 
generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while 
the State should exist. 

In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the In- 
dian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna and to the Ononda- 
goes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he 
renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active 
friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands, 
be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the In- 
dians " by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English 
goods and merchandises." 

Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which' great harmony pre- 
vailed, and much attention was giving to revising and recomposing the consti- 
tution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic 
law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the 
House of Lords for reducing all the proprietary governments in America to 
regal ones, under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and 
the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap- 
pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn 
could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming 
hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to 
go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and 
in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage 
without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a 
wilderness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be 
able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my 
family and posterity in it. * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal), 
of some suitable expedient and provision for your safety as well in your privi- 
leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will 
find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer 
union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then 
proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to the appoint- 
ment of a Lieutenant Governor. Penn proposed that the Assembly should 
choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. 
Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71 

union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to 
reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitution was 
adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the 
union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance, 
it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any 
time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city 
of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and always an object 
of his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his Deputy, he ap- 
pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and 
sometime Governor of both East and West Jersey, and for Secretary of the 
province and Clerk of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of sin- 
gular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar. 

Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his 
arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den- 
mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he- 
might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing- 
ton. The bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him 
so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was 
never again called up. During his leisure hours, he now busied himself in 
writing "several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects." 

Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when 
he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite 
with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging 
that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. 
He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, 
for the safety of the colony. 

The executive authority now devolved upon the CoTincil, of which Edward 
Shippen was President. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in- 
terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish- 
ment of much, by way of legislation, in the Assembly which convened in 1703; 
though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should 
thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. This separation proved 
final, the two bodies never again meeting in common. 

Though the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority failed, 
yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors was so strong 
that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the 
royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to 
consider the Queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extrac- 
tion, only twenty-six years old, a member of the Queen's household, and not a 
Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col- 
ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., who was 
elected a member of the Council, the number having been increased by author- 
ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election. 

The first care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties, 
though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter so 
well that the lower counties, from which the difficulty had always come, were 
willing to return to a firm union. But now the provincial Assembly, having 
become impatient of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the dele- 
gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward 
remained separate in a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, 
under the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they con- 
tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted,, 
and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of Delaware, 



72 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

During two years of the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord be- 
tween the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan on the one 
side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and 
little legislation was effected. 

Realizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to 
organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience 
to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end that the inhabitants of this 
government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and 
repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all per- 
sons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, per- 
mit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do pro- 
vide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist them- 
selves in the militia, which I am now settling in this government. " The Gov- 
ernor evidently issued this proclamation in good faith, and with a pure pur- 
pose. The French and Indians had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north, 
and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had 
done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn. 
The " fire-locks" were not brought out, and none enlisted. 

Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious temper of 
the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious prin- 
ciples of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the nature of their Christian 
zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of 
threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed 
to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river, 
whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of 
the fair in Philadelphia, 10th of March, 1706, a messenger came, post haste 
from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the 
enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city. 
Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the 
town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an ex- 
cited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all 
good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives 
and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it 
had an immense effect. " The suddenness of the surprise," says Proud, " with 
the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw many of the people into 
very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their 
plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others 
hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up 
the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the 
creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as 
far as Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to 
have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and 
much mischief ensued." 

The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the 
deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming 
earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the 
more inconsiderate of the population that the consternation and commotion 
was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next 
year opposite this date was this distich: 

"Wise men wonder, good men grieve, 
Knaves invent and fools believe." 

Though this ruse was played upon all classes alike, yet it was generally 

believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of their 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 73 

principles, and see if they would not rush to arms when danger should really 
appear. But in this the Governor was disappointed. For it is said that only 
four out of the entire population of this religious creed showed any disposition 
to falsify their faith. It was the day of their weekly meeting, and regardless 
of the dismay and consternation which were everywhere manifest about them, 
they assembled in their accustomed places of worship, and engaged in their 
devotions as though nothing unusual was transpiring without, manifesting 
such unshaken faith, as Whittier has exemplified in verse by his Abraham 
Davenport, on the occasion of the Dark Day : 

', Meanwhile in the old State House, dim as ghosts, 
Sat the law-givers of Connecticut, 
Trembling beneath their legislative robes. 
'It is the Lord's great day! Let us adjourn,' 
Some said; and then, as with one accord, 
All eyes were turned on Abraham Davenport. 
He rose, slow, cleaving with his steady voice 
The intolerable hush. ' This weli may be 
The Day of Judgment which the world awaits; 
But be it so or not, I only know 
My present duty, and my Lord's command 
To occupy till He come. So at the post. 
Where He hath set me in His Providence, 
I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face, 
No faithless servant frightened from my task, 
But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; 
And therefore, with all reverence, I would say. 
Let God do His work, we will see to ours. 
Bring in the candles.' And they brought them in." 

In conjunction with the Legislature of the lower counties, Evans was in- 
strumental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage 
of the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for com- 
pelling obedience. This was in direct violation of the fundamental compact, 
and vexatious to commerce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its impo- 
sition abandoned. His administration was anything but efficient or peaceful, 
a series of contentions, of charges and counter-charges having been kept up 
between the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was pow- 
erless to properly direct or control. " He was relieved in 1709. Possessed of 
a good degree of learning and refinement, and accustomed to the gay society 
of the British metropolis, he found in the grave and serious habits of the 
Friends a type of life and character which he failed to comprehend, and with 
which he could, consequently, have little sympathy. How widely he mistook 
the Quaker character is seen in the result of his wild and hair- brained experi- 
ment to test their faith. His general tenor of life seems to have been of a 
piece with this. Watson says: 'The Indians of Connestoga complained of 
him when there as misbehaving to their women, and that, in 1709, Solomon 
Cresson, going his rounds at night, entered a tavern to suppress a riotous as- 
sembly, and found there John Evans, Esq., the Governor, who fell to beat- 
ing Cresson.' " 

The youth and levity of Gov. Evans induced the proprietor to seek for a 
successor of a more sober and sedate character. He had thought of proposing 
his son, but finally settled upon Col. Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a 
man of wisdom and prudence, though as was afterward learned, to the sorrow 
of the colony, he was subject to fits of derangement, which toward the close of 
his term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. He had scarcely ar- 
rived in the colony before charges were preferred against the late Governor, 
and he was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This 



74 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

was the occasion of a renewal of contentions between the Governor and his 
Council and the Assembly, which continued during the greater part of his ad- 
ministration. In the midst of them, Logan, who was at the head of the Coun- 
cil, having demanded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure 
one, sailed for Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in ad- 
ministering the government so strongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to 
sell his interest in the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by 
expenses he had incurred in making costly presents to the natives, and in set- 
tling his colony, for which he had received small return. In the year 1707, 
he had become involved in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former 
steward, in the course of which he was confined in the Old Baily during this 
and a part of the following year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony 
in the sum of £6,600 to relieve himself. Foreseeing the great consequence 
it would be to the crown to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several 
English colonies in America before they would grow too powerful, negotia- 
tions had been entered into early in the reign of William and Mary for their 
purchase, especially the "'fine province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these 
troubles, and by debts and litigations at home, Penn seriously entertained the 
proposition to sell in 1712, and offered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000 
was offered on the part of the crown, which was agreed upon, but before the 
necessary papers were executed, he was stricken down with apoplexy, by which 
he was incapacitated for transacting any business, and a stay was put to fur- 
ther proceedings until the Queen should order an act of Parliament for con- 
summating the purchase. 

It is a mournful spectacle to behold the great mind and the great heart of 
Penn reduced now in his declining years, by the troubles of government and 
by debts incurred in the bettering of his colony, to this enfeebled condition. 
He was at the moment writing to Logan on public affairs, when his hand was 
suddenly seized by lethargy in the beginning of a sentence, which he never 
finished. His mind was touched by the disease, which he never recovered, 
and after lingering for six years, he died on the 30th of May, 1718, in the 
seventy- fourth year of his age. With great power of intellect, and a religious 
devotion scarcely matched in all Christendom, he gave himself to the welfare 
of mankind, by securing civil and religious liberty through the operations of 
organic law. Though not a lawyer by profession, he drew frames of govern- 
ment and bodies of laws which have been the admiration of succeeding gener- 
ations, and are destined to exert a benign influence in all future time, and by 
his discussions with Lord Baltimore and before the Lords in Council, he 
showed himself familiar with the abstruse principles of law. Though but a 
private person and of a despised sect, he was received as the friend and confi- 
dential advisee of the ruling sovereigns of England, and some of the princi- 
ples which give luster to British law were engrafted there through the influ- 
ence of the powerful intellect and benignant heart of Penn. He sought to 
know no philosophy but that promulgated by Christ and His disciples, and 
this he had sounded to its depths, and in it were anchored his ideas of public 
law and private and social living. The untamed savage of the forest bowed in 
meek and loving simplicity to his mild and resistless sway, and the members 
of the Society of Friends all over Europe flocked to his City of Brotherly Love. 
His prayers for the welfare of his people are the beginning and ending of all 
his public and private correspondence, and who will say that they have not 
been answered in the blessings which have attended the commonwealth of his 
founding? And will not the day of its greatness be when the inhabitants 
throughout all its borders shall return to the peaceful and loving, spirit of 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 

Perm ? In the midst of a licentious court, and with every prospect of advance- 
ment in its sunshine and favor, inheriting a great name and an independeDt 
patrimony, he turned aside from this brilliant track to make common lot with 
a poor sect under the ban of Government; endured stripes and imprisonment 
and loss of property; banished himself to the wilds of the American continent 
that he might secure to his people those devotions which seemed to them re- 
quired by their Maker, and has won for himself a name by the simple deeds of 
love and humble obedience to Christian mandates which shall never perish. 
Many have won renown by deeds of blood, but fadeless glory has come to 
William Penn by charity. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Sir William Keitii, 1717-2 5— Patrick Gordon, 17-26-36— James Logan, 1736-38 
—George Thomas, 1738-47— Anthony Palmer, 1747-48— James Hamilton, 
1748-54. 

IN 1712, Penn had made a will, by which he devised to his only surviving 
son, William, by his first marriage, all his estates in England, amounting 
to some twenty thousand pounds. By his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett, 
he had issue of three sons — William, Springett and William, and four daugh- 
ters — Gulielma, Margaret, Gulielma and Letitia; and by his second wife, 
Hannah Callowhill, of four sons — John, Thomas, Richard and Dennis. To 
his wife Hannah, who survived him, and whom he made the sole executrix of 
his will, he gave, for the equal benefit of herself and her children, all his 
personal estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, after paying all debts, and 
alloting tea thousand acres of land in the Province to his daughter Letitia, by 
his first marriage, and each of the three children of his son William. 

Doubts having arisen as to the force of the provisions of this will, it was 
finally determined to institute a suit in chancery for its determination. Before 
a decision was reached, in March, 1720, William Penn, Jr., died, and while 
still pending, his son Springett died also. During the long pendency of this 
litigation for nine years, Hannah Penn, as executrix of the will, assumed the 
proprietary powers, issued instructions to her Lieutenant Governors, heard 
complaints and settled difficulties with the skill and the assurance of a veteran 
diplomatist. In 1727, a decision was reached that, upon the death of William 
Penn, Jr., and his son Springett, the proprietary rights in Pennsylvania de- 
scended to the three surviving sons — John, Thomas and Richard — issue by the 
second marriage; and that the proprietors bargain to sell his province to the 
crown for twelve thousand pounds, made in 1712, and on which one thousand 
pounds had been paid at the confirmation of the sale, was void. Whereupon 
the three sons became the joint proprietors. 

A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having be 
come troublesome, he was succeeded in the Government by Sir William Keith. 
a Scotchman who had served as Surveyor of Customs to the English Govern 
ment, in which capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew 
something of its condition. He was a man of dignified and coramandins: 
bearing, endowed with cunning, of an accommdating policy, full of faithful 
promises, and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his 
arrival" in the colony, he did not summon the Assembly immediately, 



76 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

assigning as a reason in his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience 
the country members by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus 
manifested to favor the people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several 
occasions in opposition to the claims of the proprietor, gave great satisfaction 
to the popular branch of the Legislature which manifested its appreciation of 
his conduct by voting him liberal salaries, which had of ten been withheld from 
his less accommodating predecessors. By his artful and insinuating policy, 
he induced the Assembly to pass two acts which had previously met with un- 
compromising opposition— one to establish a Court of Equity, with himself as 
Chancellor, the want of which had been seriously felt; and another, for organ- 
izing the militia. Though the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful, 
yet, for lack of good markets, and on account of the meagerness of the cir- 
culating medium, prices were very low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman 
being little rewarded, and the taxes and payments on land were met with great 
difficulty. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the appointment of in- 
spectors of provisions, who, from a conscientious discharge of duty, soon 
caused the Pennsylvania brands of best products to be much sought for, and 
to command ready sale at highest prices in the West Indies, whither most of 
the surplus produce was exported. A provision was also made for the issue of 
a limited amount of paper money, on the establishment of ample securities, 
which tended to raise the value of the products of the soil and of manufact- 
ures, and encourage industry. 

By the repeated notices of the Governors in their messages to the Legis- 
lature previous to this time, it is evident that Indian hostilities had for some- 
time been threatened. The Potomac was the dividing line between the 
Northern and Southern Indians. But the young men on either side, when out 
in pursuit of game, often crossed the line of the river into the territory of the 
other, when fierce altercations ensued. This trouble had become so 
violent in 1719 as to threaten a great Indian war, in which the pow- 
erful confederation, . known as the Five Nations, would take a hand. 
To avert this danger, which it was foreseen would inevitably involve 
the defenseless familes upon the frontier, and perhaps the entire colony, 
Gov. Keith determined to use his best exertions. He accordingly made 
a toilsome journey in the spring of 1721 to confer with the Governor of 
Virginia and endeavor to employ by concert of action such means as would 
allay further cause of contention. His policy was well devised, and enlisted 
thw favor of the Governor. Soon after his return, he summoned a council of 
Indian Chieftains to meet him at Coaestoga, a point about seventy miles west 
of Philadelphia. He went in considerable pomp, attended by some seventy 
or eighty horsemen, gaily caparisoned, and many of them armed, arriving 
about noon, on the 4th of July, not then a day of more note than other days. 
He went immediately to Capt. Civility's cabin, where were assembled four 
deputies of the Five Nations and representatives of other tribes. The Gov- 
ernor said that he had come a long distance from home to see and speak to 
representatives of the Five Nations, who had never met the Governor of Penn- 
sylvania. They said in reply that they had heard much of the Governor, and 
would have come sooner to pay him their respects, but that the wild conduct of 
some of their young men had made them ashamed to show their faces. In the 
formal meeting in the morning, Ghesaont, chief of the Senecas, spoke for all 
the Five Nations. He said that they now felt that they were speaking to the 
same effect that they would wex-e William Penn before them, that they had not 
forgotten Penn, nor the treaties made with him, and the good advice he gave 
them; that though they could not write as do the English, yet they could keep 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

all these transactions fresh in their memories. After laying down a belt of 
wampum upon the table as if by way of emphasis, he began again, declaring 
that "all their disorders arose from the use of rum and strong spirits, which 
took away tbeir sense and memory, that they had no such liquors," and desired 
that no more be sent among them. Here he produced a bundle of dressed 
skins, by which he would say. "you see how much in earnest we are upon this 
matter of furnishing fiery liquors to us." Then he proceeds, declaring that 
the Five Nations remember all their ancient treaties, and they now desire that 
the chain of friendship may be made so strong that none of the links may 
ever be broken. This may have been a hint that they wanted, high-piled 
and valuable presents; for the Quakers had made a reputation of brightening 
and strengthening the chain of friendship by valuable presents which had 
reached so far away as the Five Nations. He then produces a bundle of raw 
skins, and observes "that a chain may contract rust with laying and become 
weaker; wherefore, he desires it may now be so well cleaned as to remain 
brighter and stronger than ever it was before." Here he presents another par- 
cel of skins, and continues, ''that as in the firmament, all clouds and dark- 
ness are removed from the face of the sun, so they desire that all misunder- 
standings may be fully done away, so that when they, who are now here, shall 
be dead and gone, their whole people, with their children and posterity, may en- 
joy the clear sunshine with us forever." Presenting another bundle of skins, 
he says, "that, looking upon the Governor as if William Penn were present, 
they desire, that, in case any disorders should hereafter happen between their 
young people and ours, we would not be too hasty in resenting any such acci- 
dent, until their Council and ours can have some opportunity to treat amicably 
upon it, and so to adjust all matters, as that the friendship between us may 
still be inviolably preserved." Hero he produces a small parcel of dressed 
skins, and concludes by saying "that we may uow be together as one people, 
treating one another's children kindly and affectionately, that they are fully 
empowered to speak for the Five Nations, and they look upon the Governor as 
the representative of the Great King of England, and therefore they expect 
that everything now stipulated will be made absolutely firm and good on both 
sides." And now he presents a different style of present and pulls out a 
bundle of bear skins, and proceeds to put in an item of complaint, that " they 
get too little for their skins and furs, so thai they cannot live by hunting ; 
they desire us, therefore, to take compassion on them, and coutrive some way 
to help them in that particular. Then producing a few furs, he speaks only 
for himself, "to acquaint the Governor, that the Five Nations having heard 
that the Governor of Virginia wanted to speak with them, he himself, with 
some of his company intended to proceed to Virginia, but do not know the 
way how to get safe thither." 

To this formal and adroitly conceived speech of the Seneca chief, Gov. 
Keith, after having brought in the present of stroud match coats, gunpowder, 
lead, biscuit, pipes and tobacco, adjourned the council till the following day, 
when, being assembled at Conestoga, he answered at length the items of the 
chieftain's speech. His most earnest appeal, however, was made in favor of 
peace. " I nave persuaded all my [Indian] brethren, in these parts, to con- 
sider what is for their good, and not to go out any more to war ; but your 
young men [Five Nations] as they come this way, endeavor to force them ; 
and, because they incline to the counsels of peace, and the good advice of their 
true friends, your people use them ill, and oEten prevail with them to go out 
to their own destruction. Thus it was that their town of Conestoga lost their 
good king not long ago. Their young children are left without parents ' r 



78 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

their wives without husbands ; the old in en, contrary to the course of nature, 
mourn the death of their young ; the people decay and grow weak ; we lose 
our dear friends and are afflicted. Surely you cannot propose to get either 
riches, or possessions, by going thus out to war ; for when you kill a deer, you 
have the flesh to eat, and the skin to sell ; but when you return from war, you 
bring nothing home, but the scalp of a dead man, who perhaps was husband 
to a kind wife, and father to tender children, who never wronged you, though, 
by losing him, yon have robbed them of their help and protection, and at the 
same time got nothing by it. If I were not your friend, I would not take the 
trouble to say all these things to you." When the Governor had concluded 
his address, he called the Senaca chieftain (Gbesaont) to him, and presented a 
gold coronation medal of King George I, which he requested should be taken 
to the monarch of the Five Nations, " Kannygooah," to be laid up and kept as 
a token to our children's children, that an entire and lasting friendship is now 
established forever between the English in this country and the great Five 
Nations." Upon the return of the Governor, he was met at the upper ferry of 
the Schuylkill, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, with about two hun- 
dred horse, and conducted through the streets after the manner of a conqueror 
of old returning from the scenes of his triumphs. 

Gov. Keith gave diligent study to the subject of finance, regulating the 
currency in such a way that the planter should have it in his power to dis- 
charge promptly his indebtedness to the merchant, that their mutual interests 
might thus be subserved. He even proposed to establish a considerable settle- 
ment on his own account in the colony, in order to carry on manufactures, and 
thus consume the grain, of which there was at this time abundance, and no 
profitable market abroad. 

In the spring of 1722, an Indian was barbaromsly murdered within the 
limits of the colony, which gave the Governor great concern. After having 
cautioned red men so strongly about keeping the peace, he felt that the honor 
of himself and all his people was compromised by this vile act. He immedi- 
ately commissioned James Logan and John French to go to the scene of the 
murder above Conestoga, and inquire into the facts of the case, quickly appre- 
hended the supposed murderers, sent a fast Indian runner (Satcheecho), to 
acquaint the Five Nations with his sorrow for the act, and of his determination 
to bring the guilty parties to justice, and himself set out with three of his 
Council (Hill, Norris and Hamilton), for Albany, where he had been invited 
by the Indians for a conference with the Governors of all the colonies, and 
where he met the chiefs of the Five Nations, and treated with them upon the 
subject of the murder, besides making presents to the Indians. It was on this 
occasion that the grand sachem of this great confederacy made that noble, 
and generous, and touching response, so different from the spirit of revenge 
generally attributed to the Indian character. It is a notable example of love 
that begets love, and of the mild answer that turneth away wrath. He said : 
" The great king of the Five Nations is sorry for the death of the Indian 
that was killed, for he was of his own flesh and blood. He believes that the 
Governor is also sorry ; but, now that it is done, there is no help for it, and 
he desires that Cartlidge [the murderer] may not be put to death, nor that he 
should be spared for a time, and afterward executed ; one life is enough to be 
lost ; there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governor and 
all the English." 

Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific 
policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the As- 
sembly and Council during previous administrations, at length broke out with 




1 



: 



^-*-C- C^Aa^^J^ 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81 

more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush of power had declared 
"That he should pass no laws, nor transact anything of moment relating to 
the public affairs without the advice and approbation of the Council," took it 
upon himself finally to act independently of the Council, and even went so 
far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary inter- 
ests, James Logan, President of the Council and Secretary of the Province, 
from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah 
Penn, the real Governor of the province, to re- instate him. This unwarranta- 
ble conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. Why he should 
have assumed so headstrong and unwarrantable a course, who had promised at 
the first so mild and considerate a policy, it is difficult to understand, unless it 
be the fact that he found that the Council was blocking, by its obstinacy, 
wholesome legislation, which he considered of vital importance to the pros- 
perity of the colony, and if, as he alleges, he found that the new constitution 
only gave the Council advisory and not a voice in executive power. 

The administration of Gov. Keith was eminently successful, as he did not 
hesitate to grapple with important questions of judicature, finance, trade, 
commerce, and the many vexing relations with the native tribes, and right 
manfully, and judiciously did he effect their solution. It was at a time when 
the colony was filling up rapidly, and the laws and regulations which had been 
found ample for the management of a few hundred families struggling for a 
foothold in the forest, and when the only traffic was a few skins, were entirely 
inadequate for securing protection and prosperity to a seething and jostling 
population intent on trade and commerce, and the conflicting interests which 
required wise legislation and prudent management. No colony on the Ameri- 
can coast made such progress in numbers and improvement as did Pennsylvania 
during the nine years in which William Keith exercised the Gubernatorial' 
office. Though not himself a Quaker, he had secured the passage of an act of 
Assembly, and its royal affirmation for allowing the members of the Quaker 
sect to wear their hats in court, and give testimony under affirmation instead 
of oath, which in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne had been with- 
held from them. After the expiration of his term of office, he was immedi- 
ately elected a member of the Assembly, and was intent on being elected 
Speaker, " and had his support, out- doors in a cavalcade of eighty mounted 
horsemen and the resounding of many guns fired;" yet David Lloyd was 
elected with only three dissenting voices, the out- door business having perhaps 
been overdone. 

Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective 
heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon was appointed and confirmed Lieutenant 
Governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed authority 
in July, 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address to the 
Assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a soldier, he 
knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must rely on a 
straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon him. George 
I died in June, 1727, and the Assembly at its meeting in October prepared 
and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George II. By the 
decision of the Court of Chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority over the 
colony was at an end, the proprietary interests having descended to John, 
Richard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, Sr. 
This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to ]727, one of the most pros- 
perous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of 
Hannah and the Boys." 

Gov. Gordon found the Indian troubles claiming a considerable part of his 

5 



82 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

attention. In 1728, worthless bands, who had strayed away from their proper 
tribes, incited by strong drink, bad become implicated in disgraceful broils, in 
which several were killed and wounded. The guilty parties were apprehended, 
but it was found difficult to punish Indian offenders without incurring the 
wrath of their relatives. Treaties were frequently renewed, on which occa- 
sions the chiefs expected that the chain of friendship would be polished " with 
English blankets, broadcloths and metals." The Indians found that this 
"brightening the chain" was a profitable business, which some have been un- 
charitable enough to believe was the moving cause of many of the Indian diffi- 
culties. 

As early as 1732, the French, who were claiming all the territory drained 
by the Mississippi and its tributaries, on the ground of priority of discovery 
of its mouth and exploration of its channel, commenced erecting trading posts 
in Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, and invited the Indians 
living on these streams to a council for concluding treaties with them at Mon- 
treal, Canada. To neutralize the influence of the French, these Indians were 
summoned to meet in council at Philadelphia, to renew treaties of friendship, 
and they were invited to remove farther east. But this they were unwill- 
ing to do. A treaty was also concluded with the Six Nations, in which they 
pledged lasting friendship for the English. 

Hannah Penn died in 1733, when the Assembly, supposing that the pro- 
prietary power was still in her hands, refused to recognize the power of Gov. Gor- 
don. But the three sons, to whom the proprietary possessions had descended, 
in 1727, upon the decision of the Chancery case, joined in issuing a new com- 
mission to Gordon. In approving this commission the King directed a clause 
to be inserted, expressly reserving to himself the government of the lower 
counties. This act of the King was the beginning of those series of encroach- 
ments which tinally culminated in the independence of the States of America. 
The Judiciary act of 1727 was annulled, and this was followed by an attempt 
to pass an act requiring the laws of all the colonies to be submitted to the 
Crown for approval before they should become valid, and that a copy of all 
laws previously enacted should be submitted for approval or veto. The agent 
of the Assembly, Mr. Paris, with the agents of other colonies, made so vigor- 
ous a defense, that action was for the time stayed. 

In 1732, Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn, 
the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the Province, and were re- 
ceived with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of 
the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have 
the Provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against 
this by Quakers in England, headed by Richard Penn; but lest this protest 
might prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the 
proprietary rights at court, and never again returned, he having died a bach- 
elor in 1746. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented, as an 
honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed 
the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. His term 
had been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in numbers, 
trade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having assumed ex- 
tensive proportions., 

James Logan was President of the Council and in effect Governor, during 
the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of 
his successor. The Legislature met regularly, but no laws were passed for 
lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out 
near the Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now 



history OF PENNSYLVANIA. ■ 83 

"York County. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes, 
had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be 
reinstated in their rights under Pennsylvania authority, and plead protection 
from the latter. The Sheriff of the adjoining Maryland County, with 300 
followers, advanced to drive these settlers from their homes. On hearing of 
this movement, Samuel Smith, Sheriff of Lancaster County, with a hastily sum- 
moned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a con- 
flict, an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. Soon afterward, 
however, a band of fifty Marylanders again entered the State with the design 
of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself 200 acres of land. 
They were led by one Cressap. The settlers made resistance, and in an en- 
counter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. The Sheriff of 
Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one 
of the invaders was killed, and the leader Cressap was wounded and taken 
prisoner. The Governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to 
demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of 
the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. Still determined 
to effect their purpose, a party of Marylanders, under the leadership of one 
Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the 
settlers. Again the Sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove 
out the invaders. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented 
that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. Finally 
a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Richard Lowden, broke into the Lan- 
caster jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. Learning of these disturb- 
ances, the King in Council issued an order restraining both parties from fur- 
ther acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed 
boundary question. 

Though not legally Governor, Logan managed the affairs of tbe colony 
with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a 
period of nearly a half century. He was a scholar well versed in the ancient 
languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin 
tongue. His Experimenta Melctemata de plantarum generatione, written in 
Latin, was published at Leyden in 1739, and afterward, in 1747, republished 
in London, with an English version on, the opposite page by Dr. J. Fothergill. 
Another work of his in Latin was also published at Leyden, entitled, Canonum 
pro inveniendis refractionum, turn simpliQium turn in lentibus dupUcum focis, 
demonstrationis geometricae. After retiring from public business, he lived at 
his country seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent his time among 
his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. In his old age 
he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at 
Philadelphia in 1744 with a preface by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into 
notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and 
came to America in the ship with William Penn, in his second visit in 1699, 
when about twenty-five years old, and died at seventy- seven. He had held the 
offices of Chief Commissioner of property, Agent for the purchase and sale of 
lands, Receiver General, Member of Council, President of Council and Chief 
Justice. He was the Confidential Agent of Perm, having charge of all his vast 
estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections. 
Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, "I 
know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the 
delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he 
bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the 
Loganian Library. 



84 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was Appointed Governor 
in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His first care 
was to settle the disorders in the Cumberland Valley, and it was finally agreed 
that settlers from either colony should owe allegiance to the Governor of that 
colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for 
was surveyed and marked. War was declared on the 23d of October, 1739, 
between Great Britain and Spain. Seeing that his colony was liable to be 
encroached upon by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organ- 
ize the militia, but the majority of the Assembly was of the peace element, and 
it could not be induced to vote money. Finally he was ordered by the home 
government to call for volunteers, and eight companies were quickly formed, 
and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for 
whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In 1740, the great evangelist, 
Whitefield, visited the colony, and created a deep religious interest among all 
denominations. In his first intercourse with the Assembly, Gov. Thomas en- 
deavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met 
in a deliberative body than were gathered in this Assembly at this time. 
Finding that he could not compel action to his mind, he yielded and con- 
sulted their views and decisions. The Assembly, not to be outdone in mag- 
nanimity, voted him £1,500 arrearages of salary, which had been withheld be- 
cause he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should 
take precedence of appropriations for their own pay. In March, 1744, war 
was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called 
for, and 10,000 men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense. 
Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamph- 
let entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently urged the necessity of organ- 
ized preparation for defense. Franklin was elected Colonel of one of the 
regiments, but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. On the 5th of May, 
1747, the Governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Penn, the 
eldest of the proprietors, to the Assembly, and his own intention to retire from 
the duties of his office on account of declining health. 

Anthony Palmer was President of the Council at the time of the with- 
drawal of Gordon, and became the Acting Governor. The peace party in the As- 
sembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony, 
and that for the colony to call out volunteers and become responsible for their 
payment was burdening the people with an expense which did not belong to 
them, and which the crown was willing to assume. The French were now 
deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi Valley and the en- 
tire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghanies in Pennsylvania, and were 
busy establishing trading posts along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers* They 
employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests, 
giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value. 
Pennsylvania had won a reputation among the Indians of making presents of 
substantial worth. Not knowing the difference between steel and iron, the 
French distributed immense numbers of worthless iron hatohets, which the 
natives supposed were the equal of the best English steel axes. The Indians, 
however, soon came to distinguish between the good and the valueless. Un- 
derstanding the Pennsylvania methods of securing peace and friendship, the 
the natives became very artful in drawing out " well piled up " presents. The 
government at this time was alive to the dangers which threatened from the 
insinuating methods of the French. A trusty messenger, Conrad Weiser, was 
sent among the Indians in the western part of the province to observe the 
plans of the French, ascertain the temper of the natives, and especially to 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 85 

magnify the power of the English, and the disposition of Pennsylvania to give 
great presents. This latter policy had the desired effect, and worthless and 
wandering bands, which had no right to speak for the tribe, came teeming in, 
desirous of scouring the chain of friendship, intimating that the French were 
making great offers, in order to induce the government to large liberality, 
until this "brightening the chain," became an intolerable nuisance. At a sin- 
gle council held at Albany, in 1747, Pennsylvania distributed goods to the 
value of £1,000, and of such a character as should be most serviceable to the 
recipients, not worthless gew-gaws, but such as would contribute to their last- 
ing comfort and well being, a protection to the person against the bitter frosts 
of winter, and sustenance that should minister to the steady wants of the 
body and alleviation of pain in time of sickness. The treaty of Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between 
Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encoun- 
ters between their representatives on the American continent. Palmer re- 
mained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He 
was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come 
into the colony in 1708. He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kept a 
coach and a pleasure barge. 

On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from 
England, bearing the commission of Lieutenant Governor. He was born in 
America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been Speaker of 
the Assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set- 
tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, where- 
as the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim 
to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the 
rising excitement of the natives. Richard Peters, Secretary ot the colony, a 
man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian in- 
terpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fear- 
lessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had 
built, and accepting lands on the east side of the river. The hardship was in 
many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the Secretary gave 
money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of 
2,000,000 of acres. 

But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that 
were threatening from the West. Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to 
have settled all difficulties between the two courts, the French were determined 
to occupy the whole territory drained by the Mississippi, which they claimed 
by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British Ambassador at Paris entered 
complaints before the French Court that encroachments were being made by 
the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and 
promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon 
English territory. Formal orders were sent out from the home government to 
this effect; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that 
their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was 
not displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would 
not incur its displeasure. The French deemed it necessary, in order to estab- 
lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly, 
the Marquis de la Galissoniere, who was at this time Governor General of 
Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de Celeron with a party of 215 French and 
fifty-tive Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent 
points plates of lead beai'ing inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of 
the French King. Celeron started on the 15th of June, 1749, from La Chine, 



86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

following the southern shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, until he reached a 
point opposite Lake Chautauqua, where the boats were drawn up and were taken 
bodily over the dividing ridge, a distance of tea miles, with all the impedimenta 
of the expedition, the pioneers havin ? first opened a road. Following on down 
the lake and the Conewango Creek, they arrived at Warren near the confluence 
of the creek with the Allegheny River. Here the first plate was buried. 
These plates were eleven inches long, seven and a half wide, and one-eighth 
of an inch thick. The inscription was in French, aud in the following terms, 
as fairly translated into English: "In the year 1749, of the reign of Louie 
XIV, King of France, We Celeron, commander of a detachment sent by 
Monsieur the Marquis de la Galissoniere, Governor General of New France, 
to re-establish tranquillity in some Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate of lead at the confluence of the Ohio with the Chautauqua, 
this 29th day of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise Belle Riviere, as a mon- 
ument of the renewal of the possession we have taken of the said River Ohio, 
and of all those which empty into it, and of all the lands on both sides as far 
as the sources of the said river, as enjoyed or ought to have been enjoyed by 
the King of France preceding, and as they have there maintained themselves 
by arms and by treaties, especially those of Ryswick, Utrecht and Aix-la- 
Chapelle." The burying of this plate was attended with much form and cer- 
emony. All the men and officers of the expedition were drawn up in battle 
array, when the Commander, Celeron, proclaimed in a loud voice, " Vive le 
Roi," and declared that possession of the country was now taken in the name 
of the King. A plate on which was inscribed the arms of France was affixed 
to the nearest tree. 

The same formality was observed in planting each of the other plates, the 
second at the rock known as the "Indian God," on which are ancient and un- 
known inscriptions, a few miles below Franklin, a third at the mouth of 
Wheeling Creek; a fourth at the mouth of the Muskingum; a fifth at the mouth 
of the Great Kanawha, and the sixth and last at the mouth of the Great Miami. 
Toilsomely ascending the Miami to its head- waters, the party burned their 
canoes, and obtained ponies for the march across the portage to the head-waters 
of the Maumee, down which and by Lakes Erie and Ontario they returned 
to Fort Frontenac, arriving on the 6th of November. It appears that the In- 
dians through whose territory they passed viewed this planting of plates with 
great suspicion. By some means they got possession of one of them, gener- 
ally supposed to have been stolen from the party at the very commencement of 
their journey from the mouth of the Chautauqua Creek. 

Mr. O. H. Marshall, in an excellent monograph upon this expedition, made 
up from the original manuscript journal of C6leron and the diary of Father 
Bonnecamps, found in the Department de la Marine, in Paris, gives the fol- 
lowing account of this stolen plate: 

" The first of the leaden plates was brought to the attention of the public 
by Gov.. George Clinton to the Lords of Trade in London, dated New York, 
December 19, 1750, in which he states that he would send to their Lordships 
in two or three weeks a plate of lead full of writing, which some of the upper 
nations of Indians stole from Jean Coeur, the French interpreter at Niagara, 
on his way to the River Ohio, which river, and all the lands thereabouts, the 
French claim, as will appear by said writing. He further states 'that the lead 
plate gave the Indians so much uneasiness that they immediately dispatched 
some of the Cayuga chiefs to him with it, saying that their only reliance waa 
on him, and earnestly begged he would communicate the contents to them 
which he had done, much to their satisfaction and the interests of the English.' 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87 

The Governor concludes by saying that ' the contents of the plate may be of 
great importance in clearing up the encroachments which the French have 
made on the British Empire in America.' The plate was delivered to Colonel, 
afterward Sir William Johnson, on the 4th of December, 1750, at his resi- 
dence on the Mohawk, by a Cayuga sachem, who accompanied it by the follow- 
ing speech: 

"' Brother Corlear and War-ragh-i-ya-ghey! I am sent here by the Five 
Nations with a piece of writing which the Senecas, our brethren, got by some 
artifice from Jean Coeur, earnestly beseeching you will let us know what it 
means, and as we put all our confidence in you, we hope you will explain it 
ingeniously to us.' 

" Col. Johnson replied to the sachem, and through him to the Five Na- 
tions, returning a belt of wampum, and explaining the inscription on the 
plate. He told them that 'it was a matter of the greatest consequence, involv- 
ing the possession of their lands and hunting grounds, and that Jean Coeur 
and the French ought immediately to be expelled from the Ohio and Niagara.' 
In reply, the sachem said that 'he had heard with great attention and surprise 
the substance of the "devilish writing" he had brought, and that Col. Johnson's 
remarks were fully approved.' He promised that belts from each of the Five 
Nations should be sent from the Seneca's castle to the Indians at the Ohio, to 
warn and strengthen them against the French encroachments in that direc- 
tion." On the 29th of January, 1751, Clinton sent a copy of this inscription 
to Gov. Hamilton, of Pennsylvania. 

The French followed up this formal act of possession by laying out a line 
of military posts, on substantially the same line as that pursued by the Cele- 
ron expedition; but instead of crossing over to Lake Chautauqua, they kept 
on down to Presque Isle (now Erie), where was a good harbor, where a fort 
was established, and thence up to Le Boeuf (now Water ford), where another 
post was placed; thence down the Venango River (French Creek) to its month 
at Franklin, establishing Fort Venango there; thence by the Allegheny to 
Pittsburgh, where Fort Du Quesne was seated, and so on down the Ohio. 

To counteract this activity of the French, the Ohio Company was char- 
tered, and a half million of acres was granted by the crown, to be selected 
mainly on the south side of the Ohio, between the Monongalia and Kanawha 
Rivers, and the condition made that settlements (100 families within seven 
years), protected by a fort, should he made. The company consisted of a 
number of Virginia and Maryland gentlemen, of whom Lawrence Washington 
was one, and Thomas Hanbury, of London. 

In 1752, a treaty was entered into with the Indians, securing the right of 
occupancy, and twelve families, headed by Capt. Gist, established themselves 
upon the Monongalia, and subsequently commenced the erection of a fort, 
where the city of Pittsburgh now is. Apprised of this intrusion into the 
very heart of the territory which they were claiming, the French built a fort 
at Le Boeuf, and strengthened the post at Franklin. 

These proceedings having been promptly reported to Lieut. Gov. Dinwid- 
dle, of Virginia, where the greater number of the stockholders of the Ohio 
Company resided, he determined to send an official communication — protesting 
against the forcible interference with their chartered rights, granted by the 
crown of Britain, and pointing to the late treaties of peace entered into be- 
tween the English and French, whereby it was agreed that each should respect 
the colonial possessions of the other — to the Commandant of the French, who 
had his headquarters at Fort Le Boeuf, fifteen miles inland from the present 
site of the city of Erie. 



88 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

But who should be the messenger to execute this delicate and responsible 
duty? It was winter, and the distance to be traversed was some 500 miles, 
through an unbroken wilderness, cut by rugged mountain chains and deep and 
rapid streams. It was proposed to several, who declined, and was finally 
accepted by George Washington, a youth barely twenty-one years old. On 
the last day of November, 1753, he bade adieu to civilization, and pushing on 
through the forest to the settlements on the Monongalia, where he was joined 
by Capt. Gist, followed up the Allegheny to Fort Venango (now Franklin); 
thence up the Venango to its head- waters at Fort Le Boeuf, where he held 
formal conference with the French Commandant, St. Pierre. The French 
officer had been ordered to hold this territory on the score of the dis- 
covery of the Mississippi by La Salle, and he had no discretion but to execute 
his orders, and referred Washington to his superior, the Governor General of 
Canada. Making cai'eful notes of the location and strength of the post and 
those encountered on the way, the young embassador returned, being twice 
fired at on his journey by hostile Indians, and near losing his life by being 
thrown into the freezing waters of the Allegheny. Upon his arrival, he made 
a full report of the embassage, which was widely published in this country 
and in England, and was doubtless the basis upon which action was predicted 
that eventuated in a long and sanguinary war, which finally resulted in the 
expulsion of the power of France from this continent. 

Satisfied that the French were determined to hold the territory upon the 
Ohio by force of arms, a body of 150 men, of which Washington was second 
in command, was sent to the support of the settlers. But the French, having 
the Allegheny River at flood-tide on which to move, and Washington, without 
means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous country to over- 
come, the former first reached the point of destination. Contracoeur, the 
French commander, with 1,000 men and field pieces on a fleet of sixty boats and 
300 canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the fort then being 
constructed by the Ohio Company at its mouth, and proceeded to erect there 
an elaborate work which he called Fort Du Quesne, after the Governor Gen- 
eral. Informed of this proceeding, Washington pushed forward, and finding 
that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighborhood, he made 
a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed and captured 
the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their commander, 
Jumonville, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. Fry, the com- 
mander of the Americans, died at Will's Creek, where the command devolved 
on Washington. Though re -enforcements had been dispatched from the sev- 
eral colonies in response to the urgent appeals of Washington, none reached 
him but one company of 100 men under Capt. Mackay from South Carolina. 
Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of the French, well 
supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called the Great 
Meadows, which he characterizes as a " charming field for an encounter," nam- 
ing his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity. Stung by the loss of their 
leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the place. Unfor- 
tunately onepartof Washington's position was easily commanded by the artil- 
lery of the French, which they were not slow in taking advantage of. The ac- 
tion opened on the 3d of July, and was continued till late at night. A capit- 
ulation was proposed by the French commander, which Washington reluctantly 
accepted, seeing all hope of re-enforcement3 reaching him, cut off, and on the 
4th of July marched out with honors of war and fell back to Fort Cumberland. 

Gov. Hamilton had strongly recommended, before hostilities opened, that the 
Assembly should provide for defense and establish a line of block-houses along 1 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89 

the frontier. But the Assembly, while willing to vote money for buying peace 
from the Indians, and contributions to the British crown, from which protec- 
tion was claimed, was unwilling to contribute directly for even defensive war- 
fare. In a single year, £8,000 wero voted for Indian gratuities. The proprie- 
tors were appealed to to aid in bearing this burden. But while they were 
willing to contribute liberally for defense, they would give nothing for Indian 
gratuities. They sent to the colony cannon to the value of £400. 

In February, 1753, John Penn, grandson of the founder, son of Richard, 
arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem- 
ber of the Council and made its President. In consequence of the defeat of 
Washington at Fort Necessity, Gov. Hamilton convened the Assembly in extra 
session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted; but owing to 
the instructions given by the proprietors to their Deputy Governor not to sign 
any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their disposal, 
this action of the Assembly was abortive. 

The English and French nations made strenuous exertions to strengthen 
their forces in America for the campaigns sure to be undertaken in 1754. The 
French, by being under the supreme authority of one governing power, the 
Governor General of Canada, were able to concentrate and bring all their 
power of men and resources to bear at the threatened point with more celerity 
and certainty than the English, who were dependent upon colonies scattered 
along all the sea board, and upon Legislatures penny-wise in voting money. 
To remedy these inconveniences, the English Government recommended a con- 
gress of all the colonies, together with the Six Nations, for the purpose of con- 
certing plans for efficient defense. This Congress met on the 19th of June, 
1754, the first ever convened in America. The Bepresentatives from Pennsyl- 
vania were John Penn and Bichard Peters for the Council, and Isaac Norris 
and Benjamin Franklin for the Assembly. The influence of the powerful 
mind of Franklin was already beginning to be felt, he having been Clerk of 
the Pennsylvania Assembly since 1736, and since 1750 had been a member. 
Heartily sympathizing with the movers in the purposes of this Congress, he 
came to Albany with a scheme of union prepared, which, having been pre- 
sented and debated, was, on the 10th of July, adopted substantially as it came 
from his hands. It provided for the appointment of a President General by 
the Crown, and an Assembly of forty- eight members to be chosen by the sev- 
eral Colonial Assemblies. The plan was rejected by both parties in interest, 
the King considering the power vested in the representatives of the people too 
great, and every colony rejecting it because the President General was given 
" an influence greater than appeared to them proper in a plan of government 
intended for freemen." 



OHAPTEE X. 

Robert H. Morris, 1754-56— William Denny, 1756-59— James Hamilton, 1759-63. 

FINDING himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the 
proprietors, Gov. Hamilton had given notice in 1753, that, at the end oi 
twelve months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly in October, 
1754, he was succeeded by Bobert Hunter Morris, son oi Lewis Morris, Chief 
Justice of New York and New Jersey, and Governor of New Jersey. The son 



SO HSTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

was bred a lawyer, and was for twenty-six years Councilor, and twenty Chief 
Justice of New Jersey. The Assembly, at its first session, voted a money bill, 
for £40,000, but not having the proviso required by the proprietors, it was 
vetoed. Determined to push military operations, the British Government had 
called early in the year for 3,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania, with subsis- 
tance, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the 
line, under Gen. Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexandria, 
Va. , he marched to Frederick, Md., where, finding no supplies of 
transportation, he halted. The Assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow 
£5,000, on its own account, for the use of the crown in prosecutAg the cam- 
paign, and had sent Franklin, who was then Postmaster General ixjr the colo- 
nies, to Braddock to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army 
was stopped for lack of transportation, Franklin returned into Pennsylvania, 
and by his commanding influence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts 
of burden. 

Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would 
march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort Ni- 
agara, which having conquered he would close a season of triumphs by the 
capture of Fort Frontignace. But this is not the first time in warfare that 
the result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto. 
The orders brought by Braddock giving precedence of officers of the line over 
provincials gave offense, and Washington among others threw up his commis- 
sion; but enamored of the profession of arms, he accepted a position offered 
him by Braddock as Aide-de-camp. Accustomed to the discipline of military 
establishments in old, long-settled countries, Braddock had little conception of 
making war in a wilderness with only Indian trails to move upon, and against 
wily savages. Washington had advised to push forward with pack horses, and, 
by rapidity of movement, forestall ample preparation. But Braddock had but 
one way of soldiering, and where roads did not exist for wagons he stopped to 
fell the forest and construct bridges over streams. The French, who were 
kept advised of every movement, made ample preparations to receive him. In 
the meantime, Washington fell sick; but intent on being up for the battle, he 
hastened forward as soon as sufficiently recovered, and only joined the army 
on the day before the fatal engagement. He had never seen much of the pride 
and circumstance of war, and when, on the morning of the 9th of July, the 
army of Braddock marched on across the Monongahela, with gay colors flying 
and martial music awakening the echoes of the forest, he was accustomed in 
after years to speak of it as the "most magnificent spectacle" that he had ever 
beheld. But the gay pageant was destined to be of short duration; for the 
army had only marched a little distance before it fell into an ambuscade skill- 
fully laid by the French and Indians, and the forest resounded with the un- 
earthly whoop of the Indians, and the continuous roar of musketry. The 
advance was checked and thrown into confusion by the French from their well- 
chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks of the long drawn out line con- 
cealed a murderous foe, who with unerring aim picked off the officers. A res- 
olute defense was made, and the battle raged with great fury for three hours; 
but the fire of the English was ineffectual because directed against an invisi- 
ble foe. Finally, the mounted officers having all fallen, killed or wounded, 
except Washington, being left without leaders, panic seized the survivors and 
"they ran," says Washington, "before the French and English like sheep be- 
fore dogs." Of 1,460, in Braddock's army, 456 were killed, and 421 wounded, 
a greater mortality, in proportion to the number engaged, than has ever oc- 
curred in the annals of modern warfare. Sir Peter Halkett was killed, and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91 

Braddock mortally wounded and brought, off the field only with the greatest 
difficulty. When Orme and Morris, the other aids, fell, Washington acted 
alone with the greatest gallantry. In writing to his brother, he said: "I have 
been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four 
ballets through my coat, and two horses shot under me; yet I escaped unhurt, 
though death was leveling my companions on every side." In after years, 
when Washington visited the Great Kanawha country, he was approached by 
an Indian chieftain who said that in this battle he had fired his rifle many 
times at Washington and had told his young men to do the same; but when he 
saw that his bullets had no apparent effect, he had bidden them to desist, be- 
lieving that tl^e Great Spirit was protecting him. 

The panic among the survivors of the English carried them back upon the 
reserve, commanded by Gen. Dunbar, who seems himself to have been seized 
with it, and without attempting to renew the campaign and return to the en- 
counter, he joined in the flight which was not stayed until Fort Cumberland 
was reached. The French were* anticipating a renewal of the struggle; but 
when they found that the English had fled leaving the frontier all unprotected, 
they left no stone unturned in whetting the minds of the savages for the 
work of plunder and blood, and in organizing relentless bands to range at 
will along all the wide frontier. The Indians could not be induced to pursue 
the retreating English, but fell to plundering the field. Nearly everything 
was lost, even to the camp chest of Braddock. The wounded General was 
taken back to the summit of Laurel Hill, where, four days after, he breathed 
his last. He was buried in the middle of the road, and the army marched 
over his grave that it might not be discovered or molested by the natives. 
The ea^y victory, won chiefly by the savages, served to encourage them in 
their fell work, in which, when their passions were aroused, no known people 
on earth were less touched by pity. The unprotected settler in his wilder- 
ness home was the easy prey of the torch and the scalping knife, and the burn- 
ing cabin lit up the somber forests by their continuous blaze, and the shrieks 
of women and children resounded from the Hudson to the far Potomac Be- 
fore the defeat of Braddock, there were 3,000 men capable of bearing arms 
west of the Susquehanna. In six months after, there were scarcely 100. 

Gov. Morris made an earnest appeal to the Assembly for money to ward off 
the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the As- 
sembly voted £50,000; but having no exemption of the proprietor's estates, 
it was rejected by the Governor, in accordance with his original instructions. 
Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were more fortu- 
nate than that before Du Quesne, and the Assembly voted £15,000 in bills of credit 
to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent £5,000 as a gratuity, 
not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of them. 

In this hour of extremity, the Indians for the most part showed themselves 
a treacherous race, ever ready to take up on the stronger side. Even the Shaw- 
anese and Delawares, who had been loudest in their protestations of friendship 
for the English and readiness to fight for them, no sooner saw the French vic- 
torious than they gave ready ear to their advice to strike for the recovery of 
the lands which they had sold to the English. 

In this pressing emergency, while the Governor and Assembly were waging 
a fruitless war of words over money bills, the pen of Franklin was busy in in- 
fusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a pamphlet 
that he issued, which ho put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he answered the 
objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and willing to show 
his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the command upon the 



92 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

frontier. By his exertions, a respectable force was raised, and though in the 
dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a line of forts and block-houses 
along the whole range of the Kittatinny Hills, from the Delaware to the Po- 
tomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body sufficient to with- 
stand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring, he turned over the 
command to Col. Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia took his seat in the 
Assembly. The Governor now declared war against the Indians, who had es- 
tablished their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the Susque- 
hanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and devastation, having se- 
cured the greater portion of the crops of the previous season of the settlers 
whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party strongly objected to the 
course of the Governor, and voluntarily going among the Indians induced 
them to bury the hatchet. The Assembly which met in May, 1756, prepared a 
bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as any other citizens, which 
the Governor was forbidden to approve by his instructions, "and the two 
parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle over it," when Gov. 
Morris was superseded by William Denny, who arrived in the colony and as- 
sumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was joyfully and cordially 
received, escorted through the streets by the regiments of Franklin and Duche, 
and royally feasted at the State House. 

But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibition of the 
new Governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission of 
money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the Governor and As- 
sembly; paper currency could not be issued in excess of £40,000, nor could ex- 
isting issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling 
money ; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually 
leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could 
not become a lien upon the land. In the first Assembly, the contention be- 
came as acrimonious as ever. 

Previous to the departure of Gov. Morris, as a retaliatory act he had 
issued a proclamation against the hostile Indians, providing for the payment 
of bounties: For every male Indian enemy above twelve years old, who shall 
be taken prisoner and delivered at any forts, garrisoned by troops in pay 
of this province, or to any of the county towns to the keepers of the common 
jails there, the sum of one hundred and fifty Spanish dollars or pieces of eight; 
for the scalp of every male Indian above the age of twelve years, produced as 
evidence of their being killed, the sum of one hundred and thirty pieces of 
eight; for every female Indian taken prisoner and brought in as aforesaid, 
and for every male Indian under the age of twelve years, taken and brought 
in, one hundred and thirty pieces of eight; for the scalp of every Indian 
woman produced as evidence of their being killed, the sum of fifty pieces of 
eight." Liberal bounties were also offered for the delivering up of settlers who 
had been carried away captive. 

But the operation which had the most wholesome and pacifying effect upon 
the savages, and caused them to stop in their mad career and consider the 
chances of war and the punishment they were calling down upon their own 
heads, though executed under the rule of Gov. Denny, was planned and 
provided for, and was really a part of the aggressive and vigorous policy of 
Gov. Morris. In response to the act of Assembly, providing for the calling 
out and organizing the militia, twenty-five companies were recruited, and had 
been stationed along the line of posts that had been established for the defense 
of the frontiers. At Kittanning, on the Allegheny River, the Indians had one 
of the largest of their towns in the State, and was a recruiting station and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93 

rallying point for sending out their murderous bands. The plan proposed and 
adopted by Gov. Morris, aud approved and accepted by Gov. Denny, 
was to send out a strong detachment from the militia for the reduction of this 
stronghold. Accordingly, in August, 1756, Col. Armstrong, witb a force of 
three hundred men, made a forced march, and, arriving unperceived in the neigh- 
borhood of the town, sent the main body by a wide detour from above, to come 
in upon the river a few hundred yards below. At 3 o'clock on the morning of 
the 7th of September, the troops had gained their position undiscovered, and 
at dawn the attack was made. Shielded from view by the tall corn which cov- 
ered all the flats, the troops were able to reach in close proximity to the cabins 
unobserved. Jacobs, the chief, sounded the war-whoop, and made a stout re- 
sistance, keeping up a rapid tire frorn «fco loop holes in his cabin. Not desir- 
ing to push his advantage to the issue of no quarter, Armstrong called on the 
savages to surrender: but this they refused to do, declaring that they were 
men and would never be prisoners. Finding that they would not yield, and 
that they were determined to sell their lives at the dearest rate, he gave orders 
•to tire the huts, and the whole town was soon wrapt in flames. As the heat 
began to reach the warriors, some sung, while wrung with the death agonies; 
others broke for the river and were shot down as they fled. Jacobs, in attempt- 
ing to climb through a window, was killed. All calls for surrender were re- 
ceived witb derision, one declaring that he did not care for death, and that he 
could kill four or five before he died. Gunpowder, small arms and valuable 
goods which had been distributed to them only the day before by the French, 
fell into the hands of the victors. The triumph was complete, few if any 
escaping to tell the sad tale. Col. Armstrong's celerity of movement and 
well conceived and executed plan of action were publicly acknowledged, and 
he was voted a medal and plate by the city of Philadelphia. 

The finances of the colony, on account of the repeated failures of the 
money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not 
be carried on and vigorous campaigns prosecuted without ready money. Ac- 
cordingly, in the first meeting of the Assembly after the arrival of the new 
Governor, a bill was passed levying £100,000 on all property alike, real and 
personal, private and proprietary. This Gov. Deuny vetoed. Seeing that 
money must be had, the Assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprie- 
tary estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the Crown. To 
this end, two Commissioners were appointed, Isaac Norris and Benjamin 
Franklin, to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal Gov- 
ernment in their behalf. Failing health and business engagements of Norris 
prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often de- 
fended the Assembly in public and in drawing remonstrances that the whole 
subject was at his fingers' ends. 

Military operations throughout the colonies, during the year 1757, con- 
ducted under the command of the Earl of Loudoun were sluggish, and resulted 
only in disaster and disgrace. The Indians were active in Pennsylvania, and 
kept the settlers throughout nearly all the colonies in a continual fermeut, 
hostile bands stealing in upon the defenseless inhabitants as they went to 
their plantings and sowings, and greatly interfering with or preventing alto- 
gether the raising of the ordinary crops. In 1758, Loudoun was recalled, 
and Gen. Abercrombie was given chief command, with Wolfe, Amherst and 
Forbes as his subordinates. It was determined to direct operations simul- 
taneously upon three points — Fort Du Quesne, Louisburg and the forts upon 
the great lakes. Gen. Forbes commanded the forces sent against Fort Du 
Quesne. With a detachment of royal troops, and militia from Pennsylvania 



94 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

and Virginia, under command of Cols. Bouquet and Washington, his column 
moved in July, 1758. The French were well ordered for receiving the attack, 
and the battle in front of the fort raged with great fury; but they were finally 
driven, and the fort, with its munitions, fell into the hands of the victors, and 
was garrisoned by 400 Pennsylvanians. Returning, Forbes placed his remain- 
ing forces in barracks at Lancaster. 

Franklin, upon his arrival in England, presented the grievances before the 
proprietors, and, that he might get his case before the royal advisers and the 
British public, wrote frequent articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet 
entitled " Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsyl- 
vania. " The dispute was adroitly managed by Franklin before the Privy 
Council, and was finally decided substantially in the interest of the Assem- 
bly. It was provided that the proprietors' estates should be taxed, but that 
their located uncultivated lands should be assessed as low as the lowest uncul- 
tivated lands of the settlers, that bills issued by the Assembly should be re- 
ceivable in payment of quit rents, and that the Deputy Governor should have 
a voice in disposing of the revenues. Thus was a vexed question of loDg 
standing finally put to rest. So successfully had Franklin managed this con- 
troversy that the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia appointed 
him their agent in England. 

In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed Governor, in place 
of Gov. Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc- 
tions. The British Government, considering that the colonies had borne more 
than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French 
and Indians, voted £200,000 for five years, to be divided among the colonies, 
the share falling to Pennsylvania being £26,000. On the 25th of October, 
1760, George II died, and was succeeded by his grandson, George III. Early 
in 1762, war was declared between Great Britain and Spain, but was of short 
continuance, peace having been declared in November following, by which 
Spain and France relinquished to the English substantially the territory east 
of the Mississippi. The wise men of the various Indian nations inhabiting 
this wide territory viewed with concern this sudden expansion of English 
power, fearing that they would eventually be pushed from their hunting 
grounds and pleasant haunts by the rapidly multiplying pale faces. The In- 
dians have ever been noted for proceeding against an enemy secretly and 
treacherously. Believing that by concerted action the English might be cut 
off and utterly exterminated, a secret league was entered into by the Shawa- 
nese and the tribes dwelling along the Ohio River, under the leadership of a 
powerful chieftain, Pontiac, by which swift destruction was everywhere to be 
meted out to the white man upon an hour of an appointed day. The plan was 
thoroughly understood by the red men, and heartily entered into. The day 
dawned and the blow fell in May, 1763. The forts at Presque Isle, Le Boeuf. 
Venango, La Ray, St. Joseph's, Miamis, Onaethtanon, Sandusky and Michili- 
mackinack, all fell before the unanticipated attacks of tho savages who were 
making protestations of friendship, and the garrisons were put to the slaugh- 
ter. Fort Pitt (Du Quesne), Niagara and Detroit alone, of all this line of 
forts, held out. Pontiac in person conducted the siege of Detroit, which he 
vigorously pushed from May until October, paying his warriors with promises 
written on bits of birch bark, which he subsequently religiously redeemed. It is 
an evidence of his great power that he could unite his people in so gen- 
eral and secretly kept a compact, and that in this siege of Detroit he was able 
to hold his warriors up to the work so long and so vigorously even after all hope 
of success must have reasonably been abandoned. The attack fell with great 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95 

severity upon the Pennsylvania settlers, and tbey continued to be driven in 
until Shippensbung, in Cumberland County, became the extreme outpost of 
civilization. The savages stole unawares upon the laborers in the fields, or 
came stealthily in at the midnight hour and spared neither trembling age nor 
helpless infancy, firing houses, barns, crops and everything combustible. 
The suffering of the frontiersmen in this fatal year can scarcely be conceived. 

Col. Armstrong with a hastily collected force advanced upon their towns 
and forts at Muncy and Great Island, which he destroyed; but the Indians 
escapod and withdrew before him. He sent a detachment under Col. Bouquet 
to the relief of Fort Pitt, which still held out, though closely invested by the 
dusky warriors. At Fort Ligonier, Bouquet halted and sent forward thirty 
men, who stealthily pushed past the Indians under cover of night, and reached 
the fort, carrying intelligence that succor was at hand. Discovering that a 
force was advancing upon them, the Indians turned upon the troops of Bou- 
quet, and before he was aware that an enemy was near, he found himself sur- 
rounded and all means of escape apparently cut off. By a skillfully laid 
ambuscade, Bouquet, sending a small detachment to steal away as if in retreat, 
induced the Indians to follow, and when stretched out in pursuit, the main 
body in concealment fell upon the unsuspecting savages, and routed them with 
immense slaughter, when he advanced to the relief of the fort unchecked. 

As we have already seen, the boundary line between Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania had long been in dispute, and had occasioned serious disturbances 
among the settlers in the lifetime of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not 
definitely settled till 1760, when a beginning was made of a final adjustment, 
though so intricate were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven 
years by a large force of surveyors, axmen and pioneers. The charter of Lord 
Baltimore made the northern boundary of Maryland the 40th degree of lati- 
tude; but whether the beginning or end of the 40th was not specified. The 
charter of Penn, which was subsequent, made his southern boundary the 
beginning of the 40th parallel. If, as Lord Baltimore claimed, his northern 
boundary was the end of the 40th, then the city of Philadelphia and all the 
settled parts of Pennsylvania would have been included in Maryland. If, as 
Penn claimed by express terms of his charter, his southern line was the begin- 
ning of the 40th, then the city of Baltimore, and even a part of the District of 
Columbia, including nearly the whole of Maryland would have been swal- 
lowed up by Pennsylvania. It was evident to the royal Council that neither 
claim could be rightfully allowed, and nence resort was had to compromise. 
Penn insisted upon retaining free communication with the open ocean by the 
Delaware Bay. Accordingly, it was decided that beginning at Cape Henlopen, 
which by mistake in marking the maps was fifteen miles below the present 
location, opposite Cape May, a line should be run due west to a point half way 
between this cape and the shore of Chesapeake Bay; from this point " a line 
was to be run northerly in such direction that it should be tangent on the west 
side to a circle with a radius of twelve miles, whose center was the center of 
the court house at New Castle. From the exact tangent point, a line was to be 
run due north until it should reach a point fifteen miles south on the parallel 
of latitude of the most southern point in the boundary of the city of Phila- 
delphia, and this point when accurately found by horizontal measurement, was 
to be the corner bound between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and subsequently, 
when Delaware was set off from Pennsylvania, was the boundary of the three 
States. From this bound a line was to be run due west five degrees of longi- 
tude from the Delaware, which was to be the western limit of Pennsylvania, 
and the line thus ascertained was to mark the division between Maryland and 



96 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Pennsylvania, and forever- settle the fexed question. If the due north line 
should cut any part of the circle about New Castle, the slice so cut should be- 
long to New Castle. Such a segment was cut. This plan of settlement was 
entered into on the 10th of May, 1732, between Thomas and Richard, sons of 
William Penn, on the one part, and Charles, Lord Baltimore, great grandson 
of the patentee. But the actual marking of the boundaries was still deferred, 
and as the settlers were taking out patents for their lands, it was necessary 
that it should be definitely known in which State the lands lay. Accordingly, 
in 1739, in obedience to a decree in Council, a temporary line was run upon a 
new basis, which now often appears in litigations to plague the brain of the 
attorney. 

Commissioners were again appointed in 1751, who made a few of the 
measurements, but owing to objections raised on the part of Maryland, the 
work was abandoned. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas and Richard Penn, 
and Frederic, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement for the executing of 
the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on the part of the Penns, 
and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of Lord Baltimore, were 
appointed with a suitable corps of assistants to lay off the lines. After these 
surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors in England, thinking 
that there was not enough energy and practical and scientific knowledge mani- 
fested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two 
mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to America and take charge of the 
work. They brought with them the most perfect and best constructed instru- 
ments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 15th of November, 
1763, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered upon their work. By 
the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of the Little Allegheny, 
when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked with an evil eye on 
the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a secret dread and 
fear of the consequences of the frequent and long continued peering into the 
heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to the further prog- 
ress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William Johnson a 
treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work unmolested, 
and a number of chieftains were sent to accompany the surveying party. 
Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, and fif- 
teen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave cause of 
fear, and on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors abandoned the 
expedition and returned to Philadelphia. Having reached a point 244 miles 
from the Delaware, and within thirty-six miles of the western limit of the 
State, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley, they came upon a well-worn 
Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that it was the will of the Six 
Nations that this survey proceed no further. There was no questioning this 
authority, and no means at command for resisting, and accordingly the party 
broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was the end of the labors of 
Mason and Dixon upon this boundary. From the fact that this was subse- 
quently the mark of division between the Free and Slave States, Mason and 
Dixon's line became familiar i»n American politics. The line was marked by 
stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side having the 
arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These stones 
were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile a 
smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P., and on the 
opposite side the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked 
in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards in 
width the whole distance, which seemed in looking back through it to come to a 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 9 i 

point at the distance of two miles. In 1849, the stone at the northeast corner 
of Maryland having been removed, a resnrvey of the Hue was ordered, and 
suryeyors were appointed by the three States of Pennsylvania, Delaware and 
Maryland, who called to their aid Col. James D. Graham. Some few errors 
were discovered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate. 
John Penn, grandson of the founder, and son of Richard, had come to the 
colony in 1753, and, having acted as President of the Council, was, in 1763, 
commissioned Governor in place of Hamilton. The conspiracy of Pontiac, 
though abortive in the results contemplated, left the minds of the Indians in 
a roost dangerous state. The more resolute, who had entered heartily into the 
views of their leader, still felt that his purposes were patriotic, and hence 
sought, by every means possible, to ravage and destroy the English settlements. 
The Moravian Indians at Nain and Wichetunk, though regarded as friendly, 
were suspected of indirectly aiding in the savage warfare by trading firearms 
and ammunition. They were accordingly removed to Philadelphia that they 
might be out of the way of temptation. At the old Indian town of Conestoga 
there lived some score of natives. Many heartless murders had been com- 
mitted along the frontier, and the perpetrators had been traced to this Con- 
estoga town ; and while the Conestoga band were not known to be impli- 
cated in these outrages, their town was regarded as the lurking place of roving 
savages who were. For protection, the settlers in the neighboring districts of 
Paxton and Donegal, had organized a band known as the Paxton boys. Earnest 
requests were made by Rev. John Elder and John Harris to the Government 
to remove this band at Conestoga ; but as nothing was done, and fearful 
depredations and slaughter continued, a party of these Paxton rangers attacked 
the town and put the savages to the sword. Some few escaped, among them a 
known bloodthirsty savage, who were taken into the jail at Lancaster for pro- 
tection ; but the rangers, following them, overpowered the jailer, and breaking 
into the jail murdered the fugitives. Intense excitement was occasioned by 
this outbreak, and Gov. Penn issued his proclamation offering rewards for the 
apprehension of the perpetrators. Some few were taken ; but so excellent was 
their character and standing, and such were the provocations, that no convic- 
tions followed. Apprehensions for the safety of the Moravian Indians induced 
the Government to remove them to Province Island, and, feeling insecure 
there, they asked to be sent to England. For safety, they were sent to New 
York, but the Governor of that province refused them permission to laud, as 
did also the Governor of New Jersey, and they were brought back to Philadel- 
phia and put in barracks under strong guard. The Paxton buys, in a consider- 
able body, were at that time at Germantown interceding for their brethren, 
who were then in durance and threatened with trial. Franklin was sent out 
to confer with them on the part of the Government. In defending their course, 
they said : " Whilst more than a thousand families, reduced to extreme dis- 
tress, during the last and present war, by the attacks of skulking parties of 
Indians upon the frontier, were destitute, and were suffered by the public to 
depend on private charity, a hundred and twenty of the perpetrators of the 
most horrid barbarities were supported by the province, and protected from 
the fury of the brave relatives of the murdered." Influenced by the persua- 
sions of Franklin, they consented to return to their homes, leaving only 
Matthew Smith and James Gibson to represent them before the courts. 



98 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



OHAPTEE XL 

John Penn, 1763-71 — James Hamilton, 1771— Richard Penn, 1771-73— John 

Penn, 1773-76. 

A DIFFERENCE having arisen between the Governor and Assembly on the 
vexed question of levying money, the Assembly passed a series of reso- 
lutions advocating that the " powers of government ought to be separated from 
the power attending the immense proprietary property, and lodged in the 
hands of the King." After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection 
and discussion might be given — the Assembly again convened, and adopted a 
petition praying the King to assume the direct government of the province, 
though this policy was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as 
Isaac Norris and John Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in 
favor of the change. 

Indian barbarities still continuing along the frontier, Gov. Penn declared 
war against the Shawanese and Delawares in July, 1765, and sent Col. Bouquet 
with a body of Pennsylvania troops against them. By the 3d of October, he 
had come up to the Muskingum, in the heart of the most thickly peopled 
Indian territory. So rapid had been the movement of Bouquet that the savages 
had no intelligence of his advance until he was upon them with no preparations 
for defense. They sued for peace, and a treaty was entered into by which the 
savages agreed to abstain from further hostilities until a general treaty could 
be concluded with Sir William Johnson, the general agent for Indian affairs 
for all the coloaies, and to deliver up all English captives who had been carried 
away during the years of trouble. Two hundred and eight were quickly 
gathered up and brought in, and many others were to follow, who were now 
widely scattered. The relatives of many of these captives had proceeded with 
the train of Bouquet, intent on reclaiming those who had been dear to them. 
Some were joyfully received, while others who had been borne off in youth had 
become attached to their captors, and force was necessary to bring them away. 
" On the return of the army, some of the Indians obtained leave to accompany 
their former captives to Fort Pitt, and employed themselves in hunting and 
carrying provisions for them on the road." 

The great struggle for ihe independence of the colonies of the British 
crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the controversy were be- 
ginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising Governor whose 
head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed 
to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for 
the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British Minister, 
notified the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against 
this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports, to be paid in coin, 
was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The Assembly of Rhode 
Island, in October, 1765, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies, with 
a view to uniting in a common petition to the King against parliamentary 
taxation. This was favorably acted on by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and 
Franklin was appointed agent to represent their cause before the British Par- 
liament. The Stamp Act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its 
passage excited bitter opposition, and a resolution, asserting that the Colonial 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 99 

Assemblies had the exclusive right to levy taxes, was passed by the Virginia 
Assembly, and concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts Assembly 
proposed a meeting of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October, 
1765, to confer upon the subject. The Pennsylvania Assembly adopted the 
suggestion, and appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan and Dickenson as dele- 
gates. This Congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful pe- 
tition to the King, and a memorial to Parliament, which were signed by all 
the members and forwarded for presentation by the Colonial Agents in En- 
gland. The Stamp Act was to go into effect on the 1st of November. On the 
last day of October, the newspapers were dressed in mourning, and suspended 
publication. The publishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The 
people, as with one mind, determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to 
use imported goods, and, to stimulate the production of wool the colonists cov- 
enanted not to eat lamb for the space of one year. The result of this policy 
was soon felt by British manufacturers who became clamorous for repeal of 
the obnoxious measures, and it was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March, 
1766. 

Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was 
passed in 1767, to lay a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors, and glass. The As- 
sembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768, 
instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May 
received and entered upon its minutes a circular letter from the Massachusetts 
Assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be 
urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the 
Secretary for foreign affairs wrote to Gov. Penn to urge the Assembly to 
take no notice of it; but if they approved its sentiments, to prorogue their 
sittings. This letter was transmitted to the Assembly, aod soon after one 
from the Virginia Assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies 
in opposing the several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was 
adopted, and committees appointed to draw a petition to the King and to each 
of the Houses of Parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well 
grounded in the arguments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the 
ablest of the Pennsylvania legislators at this time, published a number of 
articles purporting to come from a plain farmer, under the title of the Farmer's 
Letters, which became popular, the idea that they were the work of one in 
humble life, helping to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished 
in all the colonies, and exerted a commanding influence. Alarmed at the 
unanimity of feeling against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was 
the amount of the tax that gave offense, Parliament reduced the rate in 1769 
to one sixth of the original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except 
three pence a pound on tea But it was the principle, and not the amount 
that was objected to, and at the next session of the Assembly in Pennsylvania, 
their agent in London was directed to urge its repeal altogether. 

It would seem incredible that the colony of Connecticut should lay claim 
to any part of the territory of Pennsylvania, but so it was. The New En- 
gland charters gave limitless extent westward even to the shores of the Pacific 
Ocean, and south to the northern limits of the tract ceded to Lord Baltimore — 
the territory between the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude, and from 
ocean to ocean. To encroach upon New York with its teaming popu- 
lation was not calculated to tempt the enterprise of the settler; but 
the rich virgin soil, and agreeable climate of the wide Wyoming Val- 
ley, as yet unappropriated, was likely to attract the eye of the explorer. 
Accordingly, at the general conference with the Indians held at Albany 



100 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

in 1754, the Connecticut delegates made a purchase of a large tract in 
this valley; a company, known as the Susquehanna Company, was formed in 
Connecticut to promote the settlement of these lands, and a' considerable im- 
migration commenced. The proprietors of Pennsylvania had also made pur- 
chase of the Indians of these identical lands, and the royal charters of Charles 
and James covered this ground. But the Plymouth Charter antedated Penn's. 
Remonstrances were made to the Governor of Connecticut against encroach- 
ments upon the territory of Pennsylvania. The answer returned was under- 
stood to disclaim any control over the company by the Connecticut authorities; 
but it subsequently appeared that the Government was determined to defend 
the settlers in the possession of their lands. In 1768, the proprietors of Penn- 
sylvania entered into treaty stipulations with the Indians for all this tract cov- 
ered by the claim of the Susquehanna Company. Pennsylvania settlers, 
attracted by the beauty of the place, gradually acquired lands under Penn- 
sylvania patents, and the two parties began to infringe on each other's claims. 
Forts and block-houses were erected for the protection of either party, and a 
petty warfare was kept up, which resulted in some loss of life. Butler, the 
leader of the Connecticut party, proposed to settle their differences by per- 
sonal combat of thirty picked men on each side. In order to assert more direct 
legal control over the settlers, a new county was formed which was called 
Northumberland, that embraced all the disputed lands. But the Sheriff, even 
with the aid of the militia, whicb he called to his assistance, was unable to 
execute his processes, and exercise legal control, the New Englanders, proving 
a resolute set, determined to hold the splendid farms which they had marked 
out for themselves, and were bringing rapidly under cultivation. To the re- 
monstrances of Gov. Penn, Gov. Trumbull responded that the Susquehanna Com- 
pany was proceeding in good faith under provisions secured by the charter of 
the Plymouth Colony, and proposed that the question be submitted to a com- 
petent tribunal for arbitrament. An ex parte statement was submitted to 
Council in London by the Connecticut party, and an opinion was rendered 
favorable to its claims. In September, 1775, the matter was submitted to the 
Continental Congress, and a committee of that body, to whom it was referred, 
reported in favor of the Connecticut claim, apportioning a tract out of the 
very bowels of Pennsylvania nearly as large as the whole State of Connecticut. 
This action was promptly rejected by the Assembly of ^Pennsylvania, and a 
final decision was not reached until 1802, when Congress decided in favor of 
the integrity of the chartered rights of Penn. 

Richard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Gov. John 
Penn returned to England, leaving the President of the Council, James Ham- 
ilton, at the head of the Government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc- 
ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction 
with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second 
son, was commissioned Governor. He held the office but about two years, and 
in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people, and so much attached 
was he to the popular cause, that upon his return to England, in 1775, he was 
intrusted by Congress with the last petition of the colonies ever presented to 
the King. In August, 1773, John Penn returned with the commission of 
Governor, superseding his brother Richard. Soon after his arrival, the Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issued his proclamation, laying claim to a 
vast territory in the Monongalia Valley, including the site of the present 
city of Pittsburgh, and upon the withdrawal of the British garrison, one Con- 
nolly had taken possession of it in the name of Virginia. Gov. Penn issued a 
counter-proclamation, calling on all good citizens within the borders of Penn- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 

sylvania, to preserve their allegiance to his Government, seized and imprisoned 
Connolly, and sent Commissioners to Virgiuia to effect an amicable settlement. 
These, Dunmore refused to bear, and was preparing to assert hia authority by 
force; but his Council refused to vote him money for this purpose: 

To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies, and establish the principle of 
taxation, the export duty was removed. The colonies took the alarm. At a 
public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, on the 18th of 
October, 1773, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared : " That the 
disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can 
be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our 
consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America, is, in other words, a claim 
of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.'' The East India Company 
now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colonies. 
The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port, and 
being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to England 
with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor; but at night a 
party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and breaking open 
the packages, emptied 300 chests into the sea. The ministry, on being apprised 
of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted the colonipl charter. 
Early in the year, committees of correspondence had been established in all 
the colonies, by means of which the temper and feeling in each was well un- 
derstood by the others, and concert of action was secured. The hard condi- 
tions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massachusetts Bay, 
aroused the sympathy of all ; for, they argued, we know not how soon the heavy 
hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. Philadelphia declared at a pub- 
lic meeting that the people of Pennsylvania would continue firmly to adhere 
to the cause of American liberty, and urged the calling of a Congress of dele- 
gates to consider the general interests. 

At a meetiug held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which 
nearly 8,000 people were convened, it was decided that a Continental Congress 
ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communi- 
cate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the 
several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties, 
summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that 
there existed an absolute necessity for a Colonial Congress. They accordingly 
recommended that the Assembly appoint delegates to such a Congress to 
represent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Rhoads, George Ross, 
Edward Biddle, John Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were 
appointed. 

On the 4th of Septemtjer, 1774, the first Continental Congress assembled m 
Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and 
Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Secretary. It was resolved 
that no more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification 
was effected previously, no more Colonial produce of the soil be exported 
thither after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and 
addresses to the King, the people of Great Britain, and of British America 
were agreed to, after which the Congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th 
of May, 1775. 

In January, 1775, another meeting of the county delegates was held in 
Philadelphia, at which the action of the Colonial Congress was approved, and 
while a restoration of harmony with the mother country was desired, yet if 
the arbitiary acts of Parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard 
defend the "rights and liberties of America." The delegates appointed to 



102 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

represent the colony in the Second Congress were Mifflin, Humphries, Biddle, 
Dickinson, Morton, Franklin, Wilson and Willing. 

The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to 
compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the 
battle of Lexington, and the crimson fountain was opened. That blow was 
felt alike through all the colonies. The cause of one was the cause of all. 
A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved to organize 
military companies in all the counties. The Assembly heartily seconded these 
views, and engaged to provide for the pay of the militia while in service. 
The Second Congress, which met in May, provided for organizing a continental 
army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania at 4,300 men. The Assembly adopted 
the recommendation of Congress, provided for arming, disciplining and pay- 
ing the militia, recommended the organizing minutemen for service in an 
emergency, made appropriations for the defense of the city, and offered a pre- 
mium on the production of salt peter. Complications hourly thickened. Ticon- 
deroga was captured on the 10th of May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was 
fought on the 17th of June. On the 15th of June, George Washington was 
appointed Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, supported by four 
Major Generals and eight Brigadiers. 

The royal Governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the 
popular movement, as were also the Assemblies where they refused to represent 
the popular will. Accordingly, Congress recommended that the several col- 
onies should adopt such government as should " best conduce to the happiness 
and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general." This 
meant that each colony should set up a government for itself independent of 
the Crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at 
which it was resolved that the present Assembly is " not competent to the pres- 
ent exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be 
adopted as recommended by Congress. The city committee of correspondence 
called on the county committees to secure the election of delegates to a colonial 
meeting for the purpose of considering this subject. On the 18th of June, 
the meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas 
McKean President. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new con- 
stitution, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to 
the people. 

Having thus by frequent argumentation grown familiar with the declara- 
tion of the inherent rights of every citizen, and with flatly declaring to the 
government of Great Britain that it had no right to pursue this policy or that, 
and the several States having been recommended to absolve themselves from 
allegience to the royal governments, and set up independent colonial govern- 
ments of their own, it was a natural inference, and but a step further, to de- 
clare the colonies entirely independent of the British Government, and to or- 
ganize for themselves a general continental government to hold the place of King 
and Parliament. The idea of independence had been seriously proposed, and 
several Colonial Assemblies had passed resolutions strongly recommending it. 
And yet there were those of age and experience who had supported independ- 
ent principles in the stages of argumentation, before action was demanded, 
when they approached the brink of the fatal chasm, and had to decide 
whether to take the leap, hesitated. There were those in the Assembly of 
Pennsylvania who were reluctant to advise independence; but the majority 
voted to recommend its delegates to unite with the other colonies for the com- 
mon good. The convention which had provided for holding a meeting of del- 
egates to frame a new constitution, voted in favor of independence, and au- 
thorized the raising of 6,000 militia. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 103 

On the 7th of June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, introduced in 
Congress the proposition that, "the United Colonies are, and of right ought to 
be, free and independent States, and that all political connection between 
them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." 
It was impossible to mistake or misinterpret the meaning of this language. 
The issue was fairly made up. It was warmly discussed. John Dickinson, 
one of the Pennsylvania delegates, and one who had been foremost in speak- 
ing and writing on the popular side, was not ready to cut off all hope of rec- 
onciliation, and depicted the disorganized condition in which the colonies 
would be left if the power and protection of Britain were thus suddenly re- 
moved. The vote upon the resolution was taken on the 2d of July, and re- 
sulted in the affirmative vote of all the States except Pennsylvania and 
Delaware, the delegates from these States being divided. A committee con- 
sisting of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston and Sherman had been, some 
time previous, appointed to draw a formal statement of the Declaration, and 
the reasons "out of a decent respect to the opinions of mankind," which led 
to so important an act. The work was intrusted to a sub-committee consisting of 
Adams and Jefferson, and its composition was the work of Mr. Jefferson, though 
many of the ideas, and even the forms of expression, had been used again and 
again in the previous resolutions and pronunciamentoes of the Colonial Assem- 
blies and public meetings. It had been reported on the 28th of June, and was 
sharply considered in all its parts, many verbal alterations having been made in 
the committee of five; but after the passage of the preliminary resolution, the 
result was a foregone conclusion, and on the 4th of July it was finally adopted 
and proclaimed to the world. Of the Pennsylvania delegation, Franklin, 
Wilson and Morton voted for it, and Willing and Humphrey against, Dickin- 
son being absent. The colonial convention of Pennsylvania, being in session 
at the time, on receiving intelligence that a majority of its delegates in Con- 
gress had voted against the preliminary resolution, named a new delegation, 
omitting the names of Dickinson, Willing and Humphrey, and adding others 
which made it thus constituted — Franklin, Wilson, Morton, Morris, Clymer, 
Smith, Taylor and Ross. An engrossed copy of the Declaration was made, 
which was signed by all the members on the 2d of August following, on 
which are found the names from Pennsylvania above recited. 

The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the 
15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin President, and on the 
28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law 
and made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the mean- 
time the old proprietary Assembly adjourned on the 14th of June to the 26th 
of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to 
the 23d of September, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly 
providing for the payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of 
September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this Assembly, the 
creature of Penn, adjourned never to meet again. With the ending of the As- 
sembly ended the power of Gov. Penn. It is a singular circumstance, much 
noted by the believers in signs, that on the day of his arrival in America, 
which was Sunday, the earth in that locality was rocked by an earthquake, 
which was interpreted as an evil omen to his administration. He married the 
daughter of William Allen, Chief Justice of the colony, and, though at times 
falling under suspicion of favoring the royal cause, yet, as was believed, not 
with reason, he remained a quiet spectator of the great struggle, living at his 
country seat in Bucks County, where he died in February, 1795. 

The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action 



104 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of the convention, and on the 27th of November, 1779, the Legislature passed 
an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors a 
gratuity of £130,000, "in remembrance of the enterprising spirit of the 
Founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor 
the tenths of manors. The Britioh Government, in 1790, in consideration of 
the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony, and 
afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights, 
voted an annuity of £4,000 to the heirs and descendants of Penn. This annuity 
has been regularly paid to the present time, 1884. 



CHAPTER XII 



Thomas "Wharton, Jr., 1777-78— George Bryan, 1778— Joseph Beed, 1778-81— 
William Moore, 1781-82— John Dickinson, 1782-85— Benjamin Franklin. 

1785-88. 

THE convention which framed the constitution appointed a Committee of 
Safety, consisting of twenty-five members, to whom was intrusted the 
government of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and 
put in operation. Thomas Rittenhouse was chosen President of this body, 
who was consequently in effect Governor. The new constitution, which was 
unanimously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take effect from its 
passage. It provided for an Assembly to be elected annually; a Supreme Ex- 
ecutive Council of twelve members to be elected for a term of three years; As- 
semblymen to be eligible but four years out of seven, and Councilmen but 
one term in seven years. Members of Congress were chosen by the Assembly. 
The constitution could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the 
election of censors every seven years, who were to decide whether there was 
a demand for its revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the pur- 
pose. On the 6th of August, 1776, Thomas Wharton, Jr., was chosen Presi- 
dent of the Council of Safety. 

The struggle with the parent country was now fully inaugurated. The 
British Parliament had declared the colonists rebels, had voted a force of 
55,000 men, and in addition had hired 17.000 Hessian soldiers, to subdue them. 
The Congress on its part had declared the objects for which arms had been 
taken up, and had issued bills of credit to the amount of $6,000,000. Par- 
liament had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid 
blows, and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in 
Massachusetts, and by the efficient conduct of Washington, Gen. Howe, the 
leader of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in 
March, 1776. On the 28th of June, Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detach- 
ment, in conjunction with Sir Peter Parker of the navy, made a combined 
land and naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston Harbor, where he was 
met by Gen. William Moultrie, with the Carolina Militia, and after a severe 
battle, in which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton withdrew and 
returned to New York, whither the main body of the British Army, under Gen. 
Howe, had come, and where Admiral Lord Howe, with a large fleet directly 
from England, joined them. To this formidable power led by the best talent 
in the British Army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose, 
and he was obliged to withdraw from Long Island, from New York, from 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 105 

Harlem, from White Plains, to cross into New Jersey, and abandon position 
after position, until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Penn- 
sylvania soil. A heavy detachment under Cornwallis followed, and would 
have crossed the Delaware in pursuit, but advised to a cautious policy by 
Howe, he waited for ice to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing 
over. The fall of Philadelphia now seemed imminent. Washington had not 
sufficient force to face the whole power of the British Array. On the 2d of 
December, the Supreme Council ordered all places of business in the city to 
be closed, the schools to be dismissed, and advised preparation for removing 
the women and children and valuables. On the 12th, the Congress which was 
in session here adjourned to meet in Baltimore, taking with them all papers 
and public records, and leaving a committee, of which Robert Morris was 
Chairman, to act in conjunction with Washington for the safety of the place. 
Gen. Putnam was dispatched on the same day with a detachment of soldiers 
to take command in the city. 

In this emergency the Council issued a stirring address: "If you wish 
to live in freedom, and are determined to maintain that best boon of heaven, 
you have no time to deliberate. A manly resistance will secure every bless- 
ing, inactivity and sloth will bring horror and destruction. * * * May 
heaven, which has bestowed the blessings of liberty upon you, awaken you to 
a proper sense of your danger and arouse that manly spirit of virtuous resolu- 
tion which has ever bidden defiance to the efforts of tyranny. May you ever 
have the glorious prize of liberty in view, and bear with a becoming fortitude 
the fatigues and severities of a winter campaign. That, and that only, will 
entitle you to the superlative distinction of being deemed, under God, the 
deliverers of your country." Such were the arguments which our fathers 
made use of in conducting the struggle against the British Empire. 

Washington, who had, from the opening of the campaign before New 
York, been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the 
plan to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on 
the night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up 
several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood tide 
and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detachment 
of the British Army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. Taken by 
surprise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in favor of 
the Americans. Some fifty of the enemy were slain and over a thousand 
taken prisoners, with quantities of arms, ammunition and stores captured. A 
triumphal entry was made at Philadelphia, when the prisoners and the spoils 
of war moved through the streets under guard of the victorious troops, and 
were marched away to the prison camp at Lancaster. Washington, who was 
smarting under a forced inactivity, by reason of paucity of numbers and lack 
of arms and material, and who had been forced constantly to retire before a 
defiant foe, now took courage. His name was upon every tongue, and foreign 
Governments were disposed to give the States a fair chance in their struggle 
for nationality. The lukewarm were encouraged to enlist under the banner of 
freedom. It had great strategic value. The British had intended to push 
forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being now virtually the cap- 
ital of the new nation, had it been caotured at this juncture, would have given 
them the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of the war. But this ad^ 
vantage, though gained by a detachment small in numbers yet great in cour- 
age, caused the commander of a powerful and well appointed army to give up 
all intention of attempting to capture the Pennsylvania metropolis in this 
campaign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon the Raritan to await 



106 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast of operations. 
Washington, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into New Jersey, 
and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, had brought 
his main body by a forced march, under cover of darkness, attacked the 
British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary and vig- 
ilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened back to 
the relief of his hard pressed columns. Washington, finding that the enemy's 
whole army was within easy call and knowing that he had no hope of success 
with his weak army, withdrew. Washington now went into winter quarters at 
Morristown, and by constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties 
of the British who ventured far away from their works. 

Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the 
Delaware, and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being 
summoned to the army was succeeded by Gen. Irvine, and he by Gen. Gates. 
On the 4th of March, 1777, the two Houses of the Legislature, elected under 
the new constitution, assembled, and in joint convention chose Thomas 
Wharton, Jr., President, and George Bryan Vice President. Penn had expressed 
the idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony, 
and, accordingly, this event was celebrated with much pomp, the result being 
declared in a loud voice from the court house, amid the shouts of the gathered 
throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of 
Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief officer of the State was fitted 
by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and 
reverence: "His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of 
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain General, and Com- 
mander-in-chief in and over the same." 

While the enemy was disposed to be cautious after the New Jersey cam- 
paign so humiliating to the native pride of the Britain, yet he was determined 
to bring all available forces into the field for the campaign of 1777, and to 
strike a decisive blow. Early in April, great activity was observed among the 
shipping in New York Harbor, and Washington communicated to Congress his 
opinion that Philadelphia was the object against which the blow would be 
aimed. This announcement of probable peril induced the Council to issue a 
proclamation urging enlistments, and Congress ordered the opening of a camp 
for drilling recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this 
time a trusted General, was ordered to the command of it. So many new ves- 
sels and transports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New 
York Harbor, probably forwarded from England, that Washington sent Gen. 
Mifflin, on the 10th of June, to Congress, bearing a letter in which he ex- 
pressed the settled conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent 
upon some part of Pennsylvania. Gen. Mifflin proceeded to examine the de- 
fensive works of the city which had been begun on the previous advance of 
the British, and recommended such changes and new works as seemed best 
adapted for its protection. The preparations for defense were vigoroxisly pros- 
ecuted. The militia were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester 
and the other at Downington. Fire ships were held in readiness to be used 
against vessels attempting the ascent of the river. 

Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were 
completed, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he 
advanced. Finally, having embarked a force of 19,500 men on a fleet of 300 
transports, he sailed southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding 
march overland, passing through, Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe, 
suspecting that preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 107 

Delaware, sailed past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead, de- 
barked fifty-four miles from Philadelphia and commenced the march north- 
ward. Great activity was now manifested in the city. Tne water-spouts were 
melted to furnish bullets, fair hands were busied in rolling cartidges, power- 
ful chevaux-de-frise were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and 
' the last division of the militia of the city, which had been divided into three 
classes, was called out. Washington, who had crossed the Brandy wine, soon 
confronted the advance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. See- 
ing that lie was likely to have the right of his position at Red Clay Creek, 
where he had intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior force of 
the enemy, under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he 
withdrew across the Brandy wine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with 
the militia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and pre- 
cipitous, and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon. the right at Brin- 
ton's Ford under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions, 
Sterling's, Stephens', and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at 
Chad's. Howe, discovering that Washington was well posted, determined to 
flank him. Accordingly, on the 11th, sending Knyphausen with a division of 
Hessians to make vigorous demonstrations upon Washington's front at Chad's, 
he, with the corps of Cornwallis, in light marching order, moved up the Brandy- 
wine, far past the right flank of Washington, crossed the Brandywine at the 
fords of Trumbull and Jeffrey unopposed, and, moving down came upon 
Washington's right, held by Sullivan, all unsuspecting and unprepared to re- 
ceive him. Though Howe was favored by a dense fog which on that morning 
hung on all the valley, yet it had hardly been commenced before Washingtou 
discovered the move and divined its purpose. His resolution was instantly 
taken. He ordered Sullivan to cross the stream at Brinton's, and resolutely 
turn the left flank of Knyphausen, when he himself with the main body would 
move over and crush the British Army in detail. Is was a brilliant conception, 
was feasible, and promised the most complete success. But what chagrin and 
mortification, to receive, at the moment when he expected to hear the music of 
Sullivan's guns doubling up the left of the enemy, and giving notice to him 
to commence the passage, a message from that officer advising him that he had 
disobeyed his orders to cross, having received intelligence that the enemy were 
not moving northward, and that he was still in position at the ford. Thus 
balked, Washington had no alternative but to remain in position, and it was not 
long before the guns of Howe were heard moving in upon his all unguarded 
right flank. The best dispositions were made which time would permit. His 
main body with the force of Sullivan took position along the brow of the hill 
on which stands the Birmingham meeting house, and the battle opened and 
was pushed with vigor the whole day. Overborne by numbers, and weakened 
by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, leaving the enemy in possession 
of the field. The young French nobleman, Lafayette, was wounded while gal- 
lantly serving in this fight. The wounded were carried into the Birmingham 
meeting house, where the blood stains are visible to this day, enterprising 
relic hunters for many generations having been busy in loosening small slivers 
with the points of their knives. 

The British now moved cautiously toward Philadelphia. On the 16th of 
September, at a point some twenty miles west of Philadelphia, Washington 
again made a stand, and a battle opened with brisk skirmishing, but a heavy 
rain storm coming on the powder of the patriot soldiers was completely rained on 
account of their defective cartridge boxes. On the night of the 20th, Gen. 
Anthony Wayne, who had been hanging on the rear of the enemy with his 



108 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

detachment, was surprised by Gen. Gray with a heavy column, who fell sud- 
denly upon the Americans in bivouac and put them to the sword, giving no 
quarter. This disgraceful slaughter which brought a stigma and an indelible 
stain upon the British arms is known as the Paoli Massacre. Fifty-three of 
the victims of the black flag were buried in one grave. A neat monument 
of white marble was erected forty years afterward over their moldering 
remains by the Republican Artillerists of Chester County, which vandal hands 
have not spared in their mania for relics. 

Congress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were 
going on at its very doors; but on the 18th of September adjourned to meet 
at Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, removed across the Susque- 
hanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in 
the following summer. The Council remained until two days before the fall 
of the city, when having dispatched the records of the loan office and the more 
valuable papers to Easton, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th, the British 
Army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says: " The army 
marched in and took possession in the city in the morning. We were up-stairs 
and saw them pa*s the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad, 
and the contrast between them and our own poor, bare-footed, ragged troops 
was very great and caused a feeling of despair. * * * * Early 

in the afternoon, Lord Cornwallis' suite arrived and took possession of 
my mother's house." But though now holding undisputed possession of the 
American capital, Howe found his position an uncomfortable one, for his fleet 
was in the Chesapeake, and the Delaware and all its defenses were in posses- 
sion of the Americans, and Washington had manned the forts with some of 
his most resolute troops. Varnum's brigade, led by Cols. Angell and Greene, 
Rhode Island troops, were at Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, and this the enemy 
determined to attack. On the 21st of October, with a force of 2,500 men, led 
by Count Donop, the attack was made. In two colums they moved as to an 
easy victory. But the steady fire of the defenders when come in easy range, 
swept them down with deadly effect, and, retiring with a loss of over 400 and 
their leader mortally wounded, they did not renew the fight. Its reduction was 
of prime importance, and powerful works were built and equipped to bear upon 
the devoted fort on all sides, and the heavy guns of the fleet were brought up 
to aid in overpowering it. For six long days the greatest weight of metal was 
poured upon it from the land and the naval force, but without effect, the 
sides of the fort successfully withstanding the plunging of their powerful 
missiles. As a last resort, the great vessels were run suddenly in close under 
the walls, and manning the yard-arms with sharp-shooters, so effectually 
silenced and drove away the gunners that the fort fell easily into the Brit- 
ish hands and the river was opened to navigation. The army of Washing- 
ton, after being recruited and put in light marching order, was led to German- 
town where, on the morning of the 3d of October the enemy was met. A 
heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, occasioning con- 
fusion in the ranks, and though the opening promised well, and some progress 
was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the American leader 
was forced to retire to his camp at AVhite Marsh. Though the river had now 
been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resisting attack, yet 
Howe felt not quite easy in having the American Army quartered in so close 
striking distance, and accordingly, on the 4th of December, with nearly his 
entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at White Marsh, sixteen 
miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain an easy victory. But 
by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who, as she had often done before 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 109 

passed the guard? to go to the mil] for flour, the news of the coming of Howe 
wap communicated to Washington, who was prepared to receive him. Finding 
that he could effect nothing. Howe returned to the city, having had the weari- 
some march at this wintry season without effect. 

Washington now ci'ossed the Schuylkill and went into winter quarters at 
Valley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense; the troops, half clad and 
indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and 
snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small 
results from the immensely expansive campaigns carried on across the ocean, 
the Ministry relieved Lord Howe, and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the 
chief command. 

The Commissioners whom Congress had sent to France early in the fall of 
1776 — Franklin, Dean and Lee had been busy in making interest for the 
united colonies at the French Court, and so successful were they, that arms and 
ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Indeed, so 
persuasive had they become that it was a saying current at court th-at, "It was 
fortunate for the King that Franklin did not take it into his head to ask to 
have the palace at Versailles stripped of its furniture to send to his dear 
Americans, for his majesty would have been unable to deny him." Finally, 
a convention was concluded, by which France agreed to use the royal army and 
navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a 
fleet of four powerful frigates, and twelve ships were dispatched under com- 
mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Delaware. The 
plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. But 
by some means, intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reached Che 
English cabinet, who immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware, 
whereupon the Admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to 
New York, and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found 
that the bird had flown. 

Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey in the direc- 
tion of New York. Washington closely followed and came up with the enemy 
on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguin- 
ary battle was fought which lasted ths whole day, resulting in the triumph of 
the American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops. 

The enemy was no suoner well away from the city than Congress returned 
from York and resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and 
on the following day, the Colonial Legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen 
Arnold, who was disabled by a wound received at Saratoga, from field duty, 
was given command in the city and marched in with a regiment on the day 
following the evacuation. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died 
suddenly of quinsy, while in attendance upon the Council at Lancaster, when 
George Bryan, the Vice President, became the Acting President. Bryan was a 
philanthropist in deed as well as word. Up to thia time, African slavery had 
been tolerated in the colony. In his message of the 9th of November, he said: 
' ' This or some better scheme, would tend to abrogate s avery — the approbrium 
of America — from among us. * * * In divestiag the State of slaves, you 
will equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, ?,nd offer to God one of 
the most proper and best returns of gratitude for ffis great deliverance of us 
and our posterity from thraldom; you will also set your character for justice 
and benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who a*e astonished to see 
a people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill 
for the extinguishment of claims to slaves which was passed by the Assembly, 
March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four to eighteen, providing that no child 



110 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, bnt a servant till the 
age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by a 
simple enactment resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out 
of Pennsylvania. 

In the summer of 1778, a force of savages and sour- faced tories to the num- 
ber of some 1,200, under the leadership of one Col. John Butler, a cruel and in- 
human wretch, descending from the north, broke into the Wyoming Valley on 
the 2d of July. The strong men were in the army of Washington, and the 
only defenders were old men, beardless boys and resolute women. These, to 
the number of about 400, under Zebu! on Butler, a brave soldier who had won 
distinction in the old French war, and who happened to be present, moved 
resolutely out to meet the invaders. Overborne by numbers, the inhabitants 
were beaten and put to the sword, the few who escaped retreating to Forty 
Fort, whither the helpless, up and down the valley, had sought safety. Here 
humane terms of surrender were agreed to, and the families returned to 
their homes, supposing all danger to be past. But the savages had 
tasted blood, and perhaps confiscated liquor, and were little mindful of capitu- 
lations. The night of the 5th was given to indiscriminate massacre. The 
cries of the helpless rang out upon the night air, and the heavenB along all 
the valley were lighted up with the flames of burning cottages; " and when the 
moon arose, the terrified inhabitants were fleeing to the Wilkesbarre Mount- 
ains, and the dark morasses of the Pocono Mountain beyond. " Most of these 
were emigrants from Connecticut, and they made their way homeward as fast 
as their feet would carry them, many of them crossing the Hudson at Pough- 
keepsie, where they told their tales of woe. 

In February, 1778, Parliament, grown tired of this long and wasting war, 
abolished taxes of which the Americans had complained, and a committee, 
composed of Earl Carlisle, George Johnstone and William Eden, were sent 
empowered to forgive past offenses, and to conclude peace with the colonies, 
upon submission to the British crown. Congress would not listen to their 
proposals, maintaining that the people of America had done nothing that 
needed forgiveness, and that no conference could be accorded so long as the 
English Armies remained on American soil. Finding that negotiations could 
not be entered upon with the government, they sought to worm their way by 
base bribes. Johnstone proposed to Gen. Reed that if he would lend his aid 
to bring about terms of pacification, 10,000 guineas and the best office in the 
country should be his. The answer of the stern General was a type of the 
feeling which swayed every patriot: "My influence is but small, but were it 
as great as Gov. Johntone would insinuate, the King of Great Britain has noth- 
ing in his gift that would tempt me." 

At the election held for President, the choice feM upon Joseph Reed, with 
George Bryan Vice President, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will- 
iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the positions of Pri- 
vate Secretary to Washington, and subsequently Adjutant General of the 
army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. Upon the return 
of the patriots to Philadelphia, after the departure of the British, a bitter 
feeling existed between them and the tories who had remained at their homes, 
and had largely profited by the British occupancy. The soldiers became dem- 
onstrative, especially against those lawyers who had rlefended the tories in 
court. Some of those most obnoxious took refuge in the house of James Wil- 
son, a signer of the Declaration. Private soldiers, in passing, fired upon it, 
and shots were returned whereby one was killed and several wounded. The 
President on being informed of these proceedings, rode at the head of the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill 

city troop, and dispersed the assailants, capturing the leaders. The Academy 
and College of Philadelphia required by its charter an oath of allegiance to 
the King of Great Britain. An act was passed November 27, 1779, abrogating 
the former charter, and vesting its property in a new board. An endowment 
from confiscated estates was settled upon it of £15,000 annually. The name 
of the institution was changed to the " University of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania." 

France was now aiding the American cause with money and large land 
and naval forces. While some of the patriots remained steadfast and were 
disposed to sacrifice and endure all for the success of the struggle, many, who 
should have been in the ranks rallying around Washington, had grown luke- 
warm. The General was mortified that the French should come across the 
ocean and make great sacrifices to help us, and should find so much indiffer- 
ence prevailing among the citizens of many of the States, and so few coming 
forward to fill up the decimated ranks. At the request of Washington, Presi- 
dent Reed was invested with extraordinary pbwers, in 1780, which were used 
prudently but effectively. During the winter of this year, some of the veteran 
soldiers of the Pennsylvania line mutinied and commenced the march on 
Philadelphia with arms in their hands. Some of them had just cause. They 
had enlisted for "three years or the war," meaning for three years unless 
the war closed sooner. But the authorities had interpreted it to mean, three 
years, or as much longer as the war should last. President Reed immediately 
rode out to meet the mutineers, heard their cause, and pledged if all would re- 
turn to camp, to have those who had honorably served out the full term of 
three years discharged, which was agreed to. Before the arrival of the Presi- 
dent, two emissaries from the enemy who had heard of the disaffection, came 
into camp, offering strong inducements for them to continue the revolt. But 
the mutineers spurned the offer, and delivered them over to the officers, by 
whom they were tried and executed as spies. The soldiers who had so patriot- 
ically arrested and handed over these messengers were offered a reward of fifty 
guineas; but they refused it on the plea that they were acting under authority 
of the Board of Sergeants, under whose order the mutiny was being conducted. 
Accordingly, a hundred guineas were offered to this board for their fidelity. 
Their answer showed how conscientious even mutineers can be: "It was not 
for the sake, or through any expectation of reward; but for the love of our 
country, that we sent the spies immediately to Gen. Wayne; we therefore 
do not consider ourselves entitled to any other reward but the love of our 
coimtry, and do jointly agree to accept of no other." 

William Moore was elected President to succeed Joseph Reed, from No- 
vember 14, 1781. but held the office less than one year, the term of three years 
for which he had been a Councilman having expired, which was the limit of 
service. James Potter was chosen Vice President. On account of the hostile 
attitude of the Ohio Indians, it was decided to call out a body of volunteers, 
numbering some 400 from the counties of Washington and Westmoreland, 
where the outrages upon the settlers had been most sorely felt, who chose for 
their commander Col. William Crawford, of Westmoreland. The expedition 
met a most unfortunate fate. It was defeated and cut to pieces, and the 
leader taken captive and burned at the stake. Crawford County, which was 
settled very soon afterward, was named in honor of this unfortunate soldier. 
In the month of November, intelligence was communicated to the Legislature 
that Pennsylvania soldiers, confined as prisoners of war on board of the Jer- 
sey, an old hulk 1} ing in the New York Harbor, were in a starving condition, 
receiving at the hands of the enemy the most barbarous and inhuman treat- 



112 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

merit. Fifty barrels of flour and 300 ^bushels of potatoes were immediately 
sent to them. 

In the State election of 1782, contested with great violence, John Dickin- 
son was chosen President, and James Ewing Vice President. On the 12th of 
March, 1783, intelligence was first received of the signing of the preliminary 
treaty in which independence was acknowledged, and on the 11th of April 
Congress sent forth the joyful proclamation ordering a cessation of hostilities. 
The soldiers of Burgoyne, who had been confined in the prison camp at Lan- 
caster, were put upon the march for New York, passing through Philadelphia 
on the way. Everywhere was joy unspeakable. The obstructions were re- 
moved from the Delaware, and the white wings of commerce again came flut- 
tering on every breeze. In June, Pennsylvania soldiers, exasperated by delay 
in receiving their pay and their discharge, and impatient to return to their 
homes, to a considerable number marched from their camp at Lancaster, and 
arriving at Philadelphia sent a committee with arms in their hands to the 
State House door with a remonstrance asking permission to elect officers to 
command them for the redress of their grievances, their own having left them, 
and employing threats in case of refusal. These demands the Council rejected. 
The President of Congress, hearing of these proceedings, called a special ses- 
sion, which resolved to demand that the militia of the State should be called 
out to quell the insurgents. The Council refused to resort to this extreme 
measure, when Congress, watchful of its dignity and of its supposed supreme 
authority, left Philadelphia and established itself in Princeton, N. J., and 
though invited to return at its next session, it refused, and met at Annapolis. 

In October, 1784, the last treaty was concluded with the Indians at Port 
Stanwix. The Commissioners at this conference purchased from the natives 
all the land to the north of the Ohio River, and the line of Pine Creek, which 
completed the entire limits of the State with the exception of the triangle at 
Erie, which was acquired from the United States in 1792. This purchase 
was confirmed by the Wyandots and Delawares at Fort Mcintosh January 21, 
1785, and the grant was made secure. 

In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country 
abroad, perfecting treaties, and otherwise establishing just relations with other 
nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, then nearly eighty years old, feel- 
ing the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties 
of Minister at the Court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after 
his arrival, he was elected President of the Council. Charles Biddle was 
elected Vice President. It was at this period that a citizen of Pennsylvania, 
John Fitch, secured a patent on his invention for propelling boats by steam. 
In May, 1787, the convention to frame a constitution for the United States 
met in Philadelphia. The delegation from Pennsylvania was Benjamin Frank- 
lin, Robert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clyraer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared 
Ingersoll, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon the completion of 
their work, the instrument was submitted to the several States for adoption. A 
convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on the 2 1st of November, and 
though encountering resolute opposition, it was finally adopted on the 12th of De- 
cember. On the following day, the convention, the Supreme Council and offi- 
cers of the State and city government, moved in procession to the old court 
house, where the adoption of the constitution was formally proclaimed amidst 
the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells. 

On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was elected President, and 
George Ross Vice President. The constitution of the State, framed in and 
adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill suited to the needs of State 



114 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly, a convention assembled for 
the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was 
finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrument, 
the Executive Council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in 
the hands of a Governor. Legislation was intrusted to an Assembly and a 
Senate. The judicial system was continued, the terms of the Judges extend- 
ing through good behavior. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99— Thomas McKean, 1799-1808— Simon Snyder, 1808-17— 
William Findlay, 1817-20— Joseph Heister. 1820-23— John A. Shulze, 1823 
-29— George Wolfe, 1829-35— Joseph Ritner, 1835-39. 

THE first election under the new Constitution resulted in the choice of 
Thomas Mifflin, who was re-elected for three successive terms, giving him 
the distinction of having been longer in the executive chair than any other 
person, a period of eleven years. A system of internal improvements was now 
commenced, by which vast water communications were undertaken, and a moun- 
tain of debt was accumulated, a portion of which hangs over the State to this 
day. In 1793, the Bank of Pennsylvania was chartered, one-third of the cap- 
ital stock of which was subscribed for by the State. Branches were established 
at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Reading, Easton and Pittsburgh. The branches 
were discontinued in 1810; in 1843, the stock held by the State was sold, and 
in 1857, it ceased to exist. In 1793, the yellow fever visited Phila- 
delphia. It was deadly in its effects and produced a panic unparalleled. 
Gov. Mifflin, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the United States Treasury, 
were attacked. " Men of affluent fortunes, who gave daily employment and 
subsistence to hundreds, were abandoned to the care of a negro after their 
wives, children, friends, clerks and servants had fled away and left them to 
their fate. In some cases, at the commencement of the disorder, no money 
could procure proper attendance. Many of the poor perished without a hu- 
man being to hand them a drink of water, to administer medicines, or to per- 
form any charitable office for them. Nearly 5,000 perished bv this wasting 
pestilence." 

The whisky insurrection in some of the western counties of the State, 
which occurred in 1794, excited, by its lawlessness and wide extent, general 
interest. An act of Congress, of March 3, 1791, laid a tax on distilled spirits 
of four pence per gallon. The then counties of Washington, Westmoreland, 
Allegheny and Fayette, comprising the southwestern quarter of the State, 
were almost exclusively engaged in the production of grain. Being far re- 
moved from any market, the product of their farms brought them scarcely any 
returns. The consequence was that a large proportion of the surplus grain 
was turned into distilled spirits, and nearly every other farmer was a distiller. 
This tax was seen to bear heavily upon them, from which a non-producer of 
spirits was relieved. A rash determination was formed to resist its collection, 
and a belief entertained, if all were united in resisting, it would be taken oft J 
Frequent altercations occurred between the persons appointed United States 
Collectors and these resisting citizens. As an example, on the 5th of Septem- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 115 

her. 1791. a party in disguise set upon Robert Johnson, a Collector for Alle- 
gheny and Washington, tarred and feathered him. cut off his hair, took away 
his horse, and left him in this plight to proceed. Writs for the arrest of the 
perpetrators were issued, but none dared to venture into the territory to serve 
them. On May 8, 1792, the law was modified, and the tax reduced. In Septem- 
ber, 1792. President Washington issued his proclamation commanding all per- 
sons to submit to the law, and to forbear from further opposition. But these meas- 
ures had no effect, and the insurgents began to organize for forcible resist- 
ance. One Maj. Macfarlane, who in command of a party of insurrectionists, 
was killed in an encounter with United States soldiers at the house of Gen. 
Neville. The feeling now ran very high, and it was hardly safe for any per- 
son to breathe a whisper against the insurgents throughout all this district. 
" A breath," says Brackenridge, " in favor of the law, was sufficient to ruin 
any man. A clergyman was not thought orthodox in the pulpit unless against 
the law. A physician was not capable of administering medicine, unless his 
principles were right in this respect. A lawyer could get no practice, nor 
a merchant at a country store get custom if for the law. On the contrary, to 
talk against the law was the way to office and emolument. To go to the 
Legislature or to Congress you must make a noise against it. It was the Shib- 
boleth of safety and the ladder of ambition " One Bradford had, of his own 
notion, issued a circular letter to the Colonels of regiments to assemble with 
their commands at Braddock's field on the 1st of August, where they appoint- 
ed officers and moved on to Pittsburgh. After having burned a barn, and 
made some noisy demonstrations, they were induced by some cool heads to re- 
turn. These turbulent proceedings coming to the ears of the State and Na- 
tional authorities at Philadelphia, measures were concerted to promptly and 
effectually check them. Gov. Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean, and 
Gen. William Irvine to proceed to the disaffected district, ascertain the facts, 
and try to bring the leaders to justice. President Washington issued a proc- 
lamation commanding all persons in arms to disperse to their homes on or be- 
fore the 1st of September, proximo, and called out the militia of four States 
— Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia — to the number of 13,000 
men, to enforce his commands. The quota of Pennsylvania was 4,500 infan- 
try, 500 cavalry, 200 artillery, and Gov. Mifflin took command in person. 
Gov. Richard Howell, of New Jersey, Gov. Thomas S. Lee, of Maryland, and 
Gen. Daniel Morgan, of Virginia, commanded the forces from their States, 
and Gov. Henry Lee, of Virginia, was placed in chief command. President 
Washington, accompanied by Gen. Knox, Secretary of War, Alexander Hamil- 
ton, Secretary of the Treasury, and Richard Peters, of the United States Dis- 
trict Court, set out on the 1st of October, for the seat of the disturbance. On 
Friday, the President reached Harrisburg, and on Saturday Carlisle, whither 
the army had preceded him. In the meantime a committee, consisting of 
James Ross, Jasper Yeates and William Bradford, was appointed by President 
Washington to proceed to the disaffected district, and endeavor to persuade 
misguided citizens to return to their allegiance. 

A meeting of 260 delegates from the four counties was held at Parkinson's 
Ferry on the 14th of August, at which the state of their cause was considered, 
resolutions adopted, and a committee of sixty, one from each county, was ap- 
pointed, and a sub-committee of twelve was named to confer with the United 
States Commissioners, McKean and Irvine. These conferences with the State 
and National Committees were successful in arranging preliminary conditions 
of settlement. On the 2d of October, the Committee of Safety of the insur- 
gents met at Parkinson's Ferry, and having now learned that a well-organized 



116 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

army, with Washington at its head, was marching westward for enforcing 
obedience to the laws, appointed a committee of two, William Findley and 
David Reddick, to meet the President, and assure bim that the disaffected were 
disposed to return to their duty. They met Washington at Carlisle, and sev- 
eral conferences were held, and assurances given of implicit obedience; but 
the President said that as the troops had been called out, the orders for the 
march would not be countei'manded. The President proceeded forward on the 
11th of October to Chambersburg, reached Williamsport on the 13th and Fort 
Cumberland on the 14th, where he reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces, 
and arrived at Bedford on the 19th. Remaining a few days, and being satis- 
fied that the sentiment of the people had changed, he returned to Philadel- 
phia, arriving on the 28th, leaving Gen. Lee to meet the Commissioners and 
make such conditions of pacification as should seem just. Another meeting of 
the Committee of Safety was held at Parkinson's Ferry on the 24th, at which 
assurances of abandonment of opposition to the laws were received, and the 
same committee, with the addition of Thomas Morton and Ephriam Douglass, 
was directed to return to headquarters and give assurance of this disposition. 
They did not reach Bedford until after the departure of Washington. But at 
Uniontown they met Gen. Lee, with whom it was agreed that the citizens 
of these four counties should subscribe to an oath to support the Constitution 
and obey the laws. Justices of the Peace issued notices that books were opened 
for subscribing to the oath, and Gen. Lee issued a judicious address urging 
ready obedience. Seeing that all requirments were being faithfully carried 
out, an order was issued on the 17th of November for the return of the army 
and its disbandment. A number of arrests were made and trials and convic- 
tions were had, but all were ultimately pardoned. 

With the exception of a slight ebulition at the prospect of a war with France 
in 1797, and a resistance to the operation of the " Homestead Tax '' in Lehigh, 
Berks and Northampton Counties, when the militia was called out, the re- 
mainder of the term of Gov. Mifflin passed in comparative quiet. By an act 
of the Legislature of the 3d of April, 1799, the capital of the State was re 
moved to Lancaster, and soon after the capital of the United States to Wash- 
ington, the house on Ninth street, which had been built for the residence of the 
President of the United States, passing to the use of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

During the administrations of Thomas McKean, who was elected Governor 
in 1799, and Simon Snyder in 1808, little beyond heated political contests 
marked the even tenor of the government, until the breaking-out of the troub- 
les which eventuated in the war of 1812. The blockade of the coast of France 
in 1806, and the retaliatory measures of Napoleon in his Berlin decree, swept 
American commerce, which had hitherto preserved a neutral attitude and prof- 
ited by European wars, from the seas. The haughty conduct of Great Britain 
in boarding American vessels for suspected deserters from the British Navy, 
under cover of which the grossest outrages were committed, American seaman 
being dragged from the decks of their vessels and impressed iuto the English 
service, induced President Jefferson, in July, 1807, to issue his proclamation 
ordering all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United States, and 
forbidding any to enter, until satisfaction for the past and security for the 
future should be provided for. Upon the meeting of Congress in December, 
an embargo was laid, detaining all vessels, American and foreign, then in 
American waters, and ordering home all vessels abroad. Negotiations were 
conducted between the two countries, but no definite results were reached, and 
in the meantime causes of irritation multiplied until 1812, when President 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117 

Madison declared war against Great Britain, known as the war of 1812. 
Pennsylvania promptly seconded the National Government, +he message of 
Gov. Snyder on the occasion ringing like a silver clarion. The national call 
for 100,000 men required 14,000 from this State, but so great was the enthu- 
siasm, that several times this number tendered their services. The State force 
was organized in two divisions, to the command of the first of svmich Maj 
Gen. Isaac Morrell was appointed, and to the second Maj. Gen. AdamsonTan- 
nehill. Gunboats and privateers were built in the harbor of Erie and on the 
Delaware, and the defenses upon the latter were put in order and suitable 
armaments provided. At Tippecanoe, at Detroit, at Queenstown Heights, at 
the River Raisin, at Fort Stephenson, and at the River Thames, the war was 
waged with varying success. Upon the water, Commodores Decatur, Hull, 
Jones, Perry, Lawrence, Porter and McDonough made a bright chapter in 
American history, as was to be wished, inasmuch as the war had been under- 
taken to vindicate the honor and integrity of that branch of the service. Napo- 
leon, having met with disaster, and his power having been broken, 14,000 of 
Wellington's veterans were sent to Canada, and the campaign of the next year 
was opened with vigor. But at the battles of Oswego, Chippewa, Lundy's 
Lane, Fort Erie and Plattsburg, the tide was turned against the enemy, and 
the country saved from invasion. The act which created most alarm to 
Pennsylvania was one of vandalism scarcely matched in the annals of war- 
fare. In August, 1814, Gen. Ross, with 6,000 men in a flotilla of sixty sails, 
moved up Chesapeake Bay, fired the capitol, President's house and the various 
offices of cabinet ministers, and these costly and substantial buildings, the nation- 
al library and all the records of the Government from its foundation were utterly 
destroyed. Shortly afterward, Ross appeared before Baltimore with the design 
of multiplying his barbarisms, but he was met by a force hastily collected under 
Gen. Samuel Smith, a Pennsylvania veteran of the Revolution, and in the brief 
engagement which ensued Ross was killed. In the severe battle with the 
corps of Gen Strieker, the British lost some 300 men. The fleet in the mean- 
time opened a fierce bombardment of Fort McHenry, and during the day and 
ensuing night 1,500 bombshells were thrown, but all to no purpose, the gal- 
lant defense of Maj. Armistead proving successful. It was during this awful 
night that Maj. Key, who was a prisoner on board the fleet, wrote the song of 
the Star Spangled Banner, which became the national lyric. It was in the ad- 
ministration of Gov. Snydei in February, 1810, that an act was passed making 
Harrisburg the seat of government, and a commission raised for erecting public 
buildings, the sessions of the Legislature being held in the court house at Har- 
risburg from 1812 to 1821. 

The administrations of William Findley, elected in 1817, Joseph Heister, 
in 1820, and John Andrew Schulz in 1823, followed without marked events. 
Parties became very warm in their discussions and in their management of po- 
litical campaigns. The charters for the forty banks which had been passed in 
a fit of frenzy over the veto of Gov. Snyder set a flood of paper money afloat. 
The public improvements, principally in opening lines of canal, were prose- 
cuted, and vast debts incurred. These lines of conveyances were vitally need- 
ful to move the immense products and vast resources of the State 

Previous to the year 1820, little use was made of stone coal. Judge 
Obediah Gore, a blacksmith, used it upon his forge as early as 1769, and 
found the heat stronger and more enduring than that produced by charcoal. 
In 1791, Phillip Ginter, of Carbon County, a hunter by profession, having on 
one occasion been out all day without discovering any game, was returning at 
night discouraged and worn out, across the Mauch Chunk Mountain, when, in 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



119 



TABLE SHOWING AMOUNT OF ANTHRACITE COAL PRODUCED IN 
EACH REGION SINCE 1820. 



1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. . 
1835. , 
1836. . 
1837. . 
1838. . 
1889.. 
1840.. 
1841.. 
1842.. 
1843. . 
1844.. 
1845.. 
1846. . 
1847.. 
1848.. 
1849. . 
1850. . 
1851.. 
1852. . 
1853. . 
1854.. 
1855.. 
1856. . 
1857. . 
1858.. 
1859. . 
1860. . 
1861.. 
1862.. 
1863.. 
1864. . 
1865. . 
1866.. 
1867.. 
1868.. 
1869. . 
1870. . 
1871.. 
1872. . 
1873.. 
1874.. 
1875.. 
1876. . 
1877. . 
1878. . 
1879. . 
1880.. 
1881.. 
1882. . 
1883.. 



Lehigh, 
Tons. 



365 

1,073 

2,240 

5,823 

9,541 

28,393 

31,280 

32,074 

30,232 

25,110 

41,750 

40,966 

70,000 

123,001 

106,244 

131.250 

148,211 

223,902 

213,615 

221,025 

225,313 

143,037 

272,540 

.» 267. 793 

377,002 

429,453 

517,116 

633,507 

670,321 

781,656 

690,456 

964,224 

1,072,136 

1,054,309 

1,207,186 

1,284,113 

1,351,970 

1,318,541 

1,380,030 

1,628,311 

1,821,674 

1,738,377 

1,351,054 

1,894,713 

2,054,669 

2,040,913 

2,179,364 

2,502,054 

2,507,582 

1,929,523 

3,172,916 

2,235,707 

3,873,339 

3.705,596 

3,773,836 

2,834,605 

3,854,919 

4,332,760 

3,237,449 

4,595,567 

4,463,221 

5,294,676 

5.689,437 

6,113,809 



Schuylkill 
Tons. 



Wvoming, 
Tons. 



1,480 

1,128 

1,567 

6,500 

16,767 

31,360 

47,284 

79,973 

89,934 

81,854 

209,271 

252,971 

226,692 

339,508 

432,045 

530,152 

446,875 

463,147 

475,091 

603,003 

573,273 

700,200 

874,850 

1,121,724 

1,295,928 

1,650,831 

1,714,365 

1,683,425 

1,782,936 

2,229,426 

2,517,493 

2,551,603 

2,957,670 

3,318,555 

3,289,585 

2,985,541 

2,902,821 

3,004,953 

3,270,516 

2,697,439 

2,890,593 

3,433,265 

3,642,218 

3,755,802 

4,957,180 

4,334,820 

4,414,356 

4,821,253 

3,853,016 

6,552,772 

6,694,890 

7,212,601 

6,866,877 

6,281,712 

6 221,934 

8,195,042 

6,282,226 

8,960,329 

7,554.74'2 

9,253,958 

9,459,288 

10,074,726 



7,000 

43,000 

54,000 

84,000 

111,777 

43,700 

90,000 

103,861 

115,387 

78,207 

122,300 

.148,470 

192,270 

252,599 

285,605 

365,911 

451,836 

518,389 

583,067 

685,196 

732,910 

827,823 

1,156,167 

1,284,500 

1,475,732 

1,603,473 

1,771,511 

1,972,581 

1,952,603 

2,186,094 

2,731,236 

2,941,817 

3,055,140 

3,145,770 

3,759,610 

3,960,836 

3,254,519 

4,736,616 

5,325,000 

5,990,813 

6,068,369 

7,825,128 

6,911,242 

9,101,549 

10,309,755 

9,504,408 

10,596,155 

8,424,158 

8,300,377 

8,085,587 

12,586,298 

11,419,279 

13,951,383 

13,971,371 

15,604.492 



Lyken's 

Valley, 

Shamokin, 

etc., 

Tons. 



Total Tone. 



11,930 

15,505 

21,463 

10,000 

10,000 

13,087 

10,000 

12,572 

14,904 

19,356 

45,075 

57,684 

99,099 

119,342 

113,507 

234,090 

234,388 

313,444 

388,256 

370,424 

443,755 

479,116 

463,308 

481,990 

478,418 

519,752 

621,157 

830,722 

826,851 

921,381 

903,885 

998,839 



365 

1,073 

3,720 

6,951 

11,108 

34,893 

48,047 

63,434 

77,516 

112,083 

174,734 

176,820 

363,871 

487,748 

376,636 

560,758 

684,117 

879,441 

738,697 

818,402 

864,384 

959,973 

1,108,418 

1,263,598 

1,630,850 

2,013,013 

2,344,005 

2,882,309 

3,089,238 

3,242,966 

3,358,899 

4,448,916 

4,993,471 

5,195,151 

6,002,334 

6.608,517 

6,927,580 

6,664,941 

6,759.369 

7,808,255 

8,513,123 

7,954,314 

7,875,412 

9,566,006 

10,177,475 

9,652,391 

12,703,882 

12.991,725 

13,834,132 

13,723,030 

15,849,899 

15,699,721 

19,669,778 

21,227,952 

20,145,121 

19,712,472 

18,501,011 

20,828,179 

17,605,262 

26,142,689 

23,437,242 

28,500,016 

29,120,096 

31,793,029 



120 HISTORY 07 PENNSYLVANIA. 

the gathering shades he stumbled upofl something which seemed to have a 
glistening appearance, that he was induced to pick up and carry home. This 
specimen was taken to Philadelphia, where an analysis showed it to be a good 
quality of antbracite coal. But, though coal was known to exist, no one knew 
how to use it. In 1812, Col. George Shoemaker, of Schuylkill County, took 
nine wagon loads to Philadelphia. But he was looked upon as an imposter 
for attempting to sell worthless stone for coal. He finally sold two loads for 
the cost of transportation, the remaining seven proving a complete loss. In 
1812, White & Hazard, manufacturers of wire at the Falls of Schuylkill, in- 
duced an application to be made to the Legislature to incorporate a com- 
pany for the improvement of the Schuylkill, urging as an inducement the im- 
portance it would have for transporting coal; whereupon, the Senator from 
that district, in his place, with an air of knowledge, asserted "that there was 
no coal there, that there was a kind of black stone which was called coal, but 
that it would Dot burn." 

White & Hazard procured a cart load of Lehigh coal that cost them $1 a 
bushel, which was all wasted in a vain attempt to make it ignite. Another 
cart load was obtained, and a whole night spent in endeavoring to make a fire 
in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door and left the mill in de- 
spair. "Fortunately one of them left his jacket in the mill, and returning for 
it in about half an hour, noticed that the door was red hot, and upon opening 
it, was surprised at finding the whole furnace at a glowing white heat. The 
other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated 
and rolled by the same fire before it required renewing. The furnace was 
replenished, and as letting it alone had succeeded so well, it was concluded to 
try it again, and the experiment was repeated with the same result. The 
Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were incorporated 
in 1818, which companies became the basis of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company, incorporated in 1822. In 1820, coal was sent to Philadelphia 
by artificial navigation, but 365 tons glutted the market." In 1825, there 
were brought by the Schuylkill 5,378 tons. In 1826, by the Schuylkill, 
16,265 tons, and by the Lehigh 31,280 tons. The stage of water being in- 
sufficient, dams and sluices were constructed near Mauch Chunk, in 1819, by 
which the navigation was improved. The coal boats used were great square 
arks, 16 to 18 feet wide, and 20 to 25 feet long. At first, two of these were 
joined together by hinges, to allow them to yield up and down in passing over 
the dams. Finally, as the boatmen became skilled in the navigation, several 
were joined, attaining a length of 180 feet. Machinery was used for jointing 
the planks, and so expert had the men become that five would build an ark 
and launch it in forty-five minutes. After reaching Philadelphia, these boats 
were taken to pieces, the plank sold, and the hinges sent back for constructing 
others. Such were the crude methods adopted in the early days for bringing 
coal to a market. In 1827, a railroad was commenced, which was completed 
in three months, nine miles in length. This, with the exception of one at 
Quincy, Mass., of four miles, built in 1826, was the first constructed in the 
United States. The descent was 100 feet per mile, and the coal descended by 
gravity in a half hour, and the cars were drawn back by mules, which rode 
down with the coal. "The mules cut a most grotesque figure, standing three 
or four together, in their cars, with their feeding troughs before them, appar- 
ently surveying with delight the scenery of the mountain; and though they 
preserve the most profound gravity, it is utterly impossible for the spectator 
to maintain his. It is said that the mules, having once experienced the com- 
fort of riding down, regard it as a right, and neither mild nor severe measures 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 121 

will induce thein to descend in any other way." Bituminous coal was discov- 
ered and its qualities utilized not much earlier than the anthracite. A tract 
of coal land was taken up in Clearfield County in 1785, by Mr. S. Boyd, and 
in 1804 he sent an ark down the Susquehanna to Columbia, which caused 
much surprise to the inhabitants that " an article with which they were wholly 
unacquainted shoiild be brought to their own doors." 

During the administrations of George Wolf, elected in 1829, and Joseph 
Bitner, elected in 1835, a measure of great beneticence to the State was passed 
and brought into a good degree of successful operation — nothing less than a 
broad system of public education. Schools had been early established in 
Philadelphia, and parochial schools in the more populous portions of the 
State from the time of early settlement. In 1749, through the influence of 
Dr. Franklin, a charter was obtained for a "college, academy, and charity 
school of Pennsylvania," and from this time to the beginning of the present 
century, the friends of education were earnest in establishing colleges, the 
Colonial Government, and afterward the Legislature, making liberal grants 
from the revenues accruing from the sale of lands for their support, the uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania being chartered in 1752, Dickinson College in 1783, 
Franklin and Marshall College in 1787, and Jefferson College in 1802. Com- 
mencing near the beginning of this century, and continuing for over a period 
of thirty years, vigorous exertions were put forth to establish county acad- 
emies. Charters were granted for these institutions at the county seats of 
forty-one counties, and appropriations were made of money, varying from 
$2,000 to $6,000, and in several instances of quite extensive land grants. In 
1809, an act was passed for the education of the "poor, gratis." The Asses- 
sors in their annual rounds were to make a record of all such as were indi- 
gent, and pay for their education in the most convenient schools. But few 
were found among the spirited inhabitants of the commonwealth willing to 
admit that they were so poor as to be objects of charity. 

By the act of April 1, 1834, a general system of education by common 
schools was established. Unfortunately it was complex and unwieldy. At the 
next session an attempt was made to repeal it, and substitute the old law of 
1809 for educating the "poor, gratis," the repeal having been carried in the 
Senate. But through the appeals of Thaddeus Stevens, a man always in the 
van in every movement for the elevation of mankind, this was defeated. At 
the next session, 1836, an entirely new bill, discarding the objectionable feat- 
ures of the old one, was prepared by Dr. George Smith, of Delaware County, 
and adopted, and from this time forward has been in efficient operation. It may 
seem strange that so long a time should have elapsed before a general system of 
education should have been secured. But the diversity of origin and lan- 
guage, the antagonism of religious seats, the very great sparseness of popula- 
tion in many parts, made it impossible at an earlier day to establish schools. 
In 1854, the system was improved by engrafting upon it the feature of the 
County Superintendency, and in 1859 by providing for the establishment of 
twelve Normal Schools, in as many districts into which the State was divided,, 
for the professional training of teachers. 



122 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

OHAPTEE XIY. 

David R. Porter, 1839-45— Francis R. Shunk, 1845-48— William F. Johnstone 
1848-52— William Bigler, 1852-55— James Pollock, 1855-58— William F. 
Packer, 1858-61— Andrew G. Curtin, 1861-67— John W. Geary, 1867-73— 
John F. Hartranft, 1873-78— Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82— Robert E. Pat- 

TISON, 1882. 

IN 1837, a convention assembled in Harrisburg, and subsequently in Philadel- 
phia, for revising the constitution, which revision was adopted by a vote of 
the people. One of the chief objects of the change was the breaking up of 
what was known as "omnibus legislation," each bill being required to have 
but one distinct subject, to be definitely stated in the title. Much of the pat- 
ronage of the Governor was taken from him, and he was allowed but two terms 
of three years in any nine years. The Senator's term was fixed at three years. 
The terms of Supreme Court Judges were limited to fifteen years, Common 
Pleas Judges to ten, and Associate Judges to five. A step backward was taken 
in limiting suffrage to white male citizens twenty-one years old, it having pre- 
viously been extended to citizens irrespective of color. Amendments could be 
proposed once in five years, and if adopted by two successive Legislatures, 
and approved by a vote of the people, they became a part of the organic law. 
At the opening of the gubernatorial term of David R. Porter, who was 
chosen in October, 1838, a civil commotion occurred known as the Buckshot 
War, which at one time threatened a sanguinary result. By the returns, 
Porter had some 5,000 majority over Ritner, but the latter, who was the in- 
cumbent, alleged frauds, and proposed an investigation and revision of the 
returns. Thomas H. Burrows was Secretary of State, and Chairman of the 
State Committee of the Anti-Masonic party, and in an elaborate address to the 
people setting forth the grievance, he closed with the expression " let us treat 
the election as if we had not been defeated. " This expression gave great 
offense to the opposing party, the Democratic, and public feeling ran high 
before the meeting of the Legislature. Whether an investigation could be had 
would depend upon the political complexion of that, body. The Senate was 
clearly Anti-Masonic, and the House would depend upon the Representatives of 
a certain district in Philadelphia, which embraced the Northern Liberties. 
The returning board of this district had a majority of Democrats, who pro- 
ceeded to throw out the entire vote of Northern Liberties, for some alleged 
irregularities, and gave the certificate to Democrats. Whereupon, the minor- 
ity of the board assembled, and counted the votes of the Northern Liberties, 
which o-ave the election to the Anti-Masonic candidates, and sent certificates 
accordingly. By right and justice, there is no doubt that the Anti-Masons 
were fairly elected. But the majority of a returning board alone have 
authority to make returns, and the Democrats had the certificates which bore 
prima facie evidence of being correct, and should have been received and 
transmitted to the House, where alone rested the authority to go behind the 
returns and investigate their correctness. But upon the meeting oE the House 
the Secretary of the Commonwealth sent in the certificates of the minority of 
the returning board of the Northern Liberties district, which gave the major- 
ity to the Anti -Masons. But the Democrats were not disposed to submit, and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123 

the consequence was that two delegations from the disputed district appeared, 
demanding seats, and upon the organization, two Speakers were elected and 
took the platform — Thomas S. Cunningham for the Anti-Masons, and Will- 
iam Hopkins for the Democrats. At this stage of the game, an infuriated 
lobby, collected from Philadelphia and surrounding cities, broke into the 
two Houses, and, interrupting all business, threatened the lives of members, 
and compelled them to seek safety in flight, when they took uncontrolled pos- 
session of the chambers and indulged in noisy and impassioned harangues. 
From the capitol, the mob proceeded to the court house, where a "committee 
of safety" was appointed. For several days the members dared not enter 
either House, and when one of the parties of the House attempted to assemble, 
the person who had been appointed to act as Speaker was forcibly ejected. All 
business was at an end, and the Executive and State Departments were closed. 
At this juncture, Gov. Ritner ordered out the militia, and at the same time 
called on the United States authorities for help. The militia, under Gens. 
Pattison and Alexander, came promptly to the rescue, but the President refused 
to furnish the National troops, though the United States storekeeper at, the 
Frankford Arsenal turned over a liberal supply of ball and buckshot cartridges. 
The arrival of the militia only served to fire the spirit of the lobby, and they 
immediately commenced drilling and organizing, supplying themselves with 
arms and fixed ammunition. The militia authorities were, however, able to 
clear the capitol, when the two Houses assembled, and the Senate signified the 
willingness to recognize that branch of the House presided over by Mr. Hop- 
kins. This ended the difficulty, and Gov. Porter was duly inaugurated. 

Francis R. Shunk was chosen Governor in 1845, and during his term of 
office the war with Mexico occurred. Two volunteer regiments, one under 
command of Col. Wynkoop, and the other under Col. Roberts, subsequently 
Col. John W. Geary, were sent to the field, while the services of a much 
larger number were offered, but could not be received. Toward the close of 
his first term, having been reduced by sickness, and feeling his end approach- 
ing, Gov. Shunk resigned, and was succeeded by the Speaker of the Senate, 
William F. Johnston, who was duly chosen at the next annual election. Dur- 
ing the administrations of William Bigler, elected in 1851, James Pollock in 
1851, and William F. Packer in 1857, little beyond the ordinary course of 
events marked the history of the State. The lines of public works undertaken 
at the expense of the State were completed. Their cost had been enormous, 
and a debt was piled up against it of over $10,000,000. These works, vastly 
expensive, were still to operate and keep in repair, and the revenues therefrom 
failing to meet expectations, it was determined in the administration of Gov. 
Pollock to sell them to the highest bidder, the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany purchasing them for the sum of $7,500,000. 

In the administration of Gov. Packer, petroleum was first discovered in 
quantities in this country by boring into the bowels of the earth. From the 
earliest settlement of the country it was known to exist. As early as July 18, 
1627, a French missionary, Joseph Delaroche Daillon, of the order of Recol- 
lets, described it in a letter published in 1632, in Segard's L'Histoire du 
Canada, and this description is confirmed by the journal of Charlevois, 1721. 
Fathers Dollier and Galinee, missionaries of the order of St. Sulpice, made a 
map of this section of country, which they sent to Jean Talon, Intendent of 
Canada, on the 10th of November, 1670, on which was marked at about the 
point where is now the town of Cuba, N. Y. , "Fontaine de Bitume." The 
Earl of Belmont, Governor of New York, instructed his chief engineer, 
Wolfgang W. Romer, on September 3, 1700, in his visit to the Six Nations, 



124 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

" To go and view a well or spring whfch is eight miles beyond the Seneks* 
farthest castle, which they have told me blazes up in a flame, when a lighted 
coale or firebrand is put into it; you will do well to taste the said water, and 
give me your opinion thereof, nnd bring with you some of it." Thomas Cha- 
bert de Joncaire, who died in September, 1740, is mentioned in the journal of 
Charlevoix of 1721 as authority for the existence of oil at the place mentioned 
above, and at points further south, probably on Oil Creek. The following 
account of an event occurring during the occupancy of this part of the State 
by the French is given as an example of the religious uses made of oil by the 
Indians, as these fire dances are understood to have been annually celebrated: 
"While descending the Allegheny, fifteen leagues below the mouth of the 
Connewango (Warren) and three above Fort Venango (Oil City), we were 
invited by the chief of the Senecas to attend a religious ceremony of his tribe. 
We landed and drew up our canoes on a point where a small stream entered 
the river. The tribe appeared unusually solemn. We marched up the stream 
about a half a league, where the company, a large band it appeared, had 
arrived some days before us. Gigantic hills begirt us on every side. The 
scene was really sublime. The great chief then recited the conquests and 
heroisms of their ancestors. The surface of the stream was covered with a 
thick scum, which burst into a complete conflagration. The oil had been 
gathered and lighted with a torch. At sight of the flames, the Indians gave 
forth a triumphant shout, and made the hills and valley re-echo again." 

In nearly all geographies and notes of travel published during the early 
period of settlement, this oil is referred to, and on several maps the word petro- 
leum appears opposite the mouth of Oil Creek. Gen. Washington, in his will, 
in speaking of his lands on the Great Kanawha, says: " The tract of which the 

125 acres is a moiety, was taken up by Gen. Andrew Lewis and myself, for and 
'on account of a bituminous spring which it contains of so inflammable a nat- 
ure as to burn as freely as spirits, and is as nearly difficult to extinguish." 
Mr. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, also gives an account of a burning 
spring on the lower grounds of the Great Kanawha. This oil not only seems 
to have been kuown, but to have been systematically gathered in very early 
times. Upon the flats a mile or so below the city of Titusville are many acres 
of cradle holes dug oat and lined with split logs, evidently constructed for 
the purpose of gathering it. The fact that tbe earliest inhabitants could 
never discover any stumps from which these logs were cut, and the further fact 
that trees are growing of giant size in the midst of these cradles, are evidences 
that they must have been operated long ago. It could not have been the work 
of any of the nomadic Indian tribes found here at the coming of the white 
man, for they were never known to undertake any enterprise involving so 
much labor, and what could they do with the oil when obtained. 

The French could hardly have done the work, for we have no account of 
the oil having been obtained in quantities, or of its being transported to 
France. May this not have been the work of the Mound-Builders, or of colo- 
nies from Central xlmerica? AVhen the writer first visited these pits, in 1855, 
he found a spring some distance below Titusville, on Oil Creek, where the 
water was conducted into a trough, from which, daily, the oil, floating on its 
surface, was taken off by throwing; a woolen blanket upon it, and then wring- 
ing it into a tub, the clean wool absorbing the oil and rejecting the water, and 
in this way a considerable quantity was obtained. 

In 1859, Mr. E. L. Drake, at first representing a company in New York, 
commenced drilling near the spot where this tub was located, and when the 
company would give him no more money, straining his own resources, and his 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 125 

credit with bia friends almost to the breaking point, and when about to give 
up in despair, finally struck a powerful current of pure oil. From this time 
forward, the territory down the valley of Oil Creek and up all its tributaries 
was rapidly acquired and developed for oil land. In some places, the oil was 
sent up with immense force, at the rate of thousands of barrels each day, and 
great trouble was experienced in bringing it under control and storing it. In 
some cases, the force of the gas was so powerful on being accidentally tired, 
as to defy all approach for many days, and lighted up the forests at night 
with billows of light. 

The oil has been found in paying quantities in McKean, Warren, Forest, 
Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Butler and Armstrong Counties, chiefly along 
the upper waters of the Allegheny River and its tributary, the Oil Creek. It 
was first transported in barrels, and teams were kept busy from the first dawn 
until far into the night. As soon as practicable, lines of railway were con- 
structed from nearly all the trunk lines. Finally barrels gave place to im- 
mense iron tanks riveted upon cars, provided for the escape of the gases, and 
later great pipe lines were extended from the wells to the seaboard, and to the 
Great Lakes, through which the fluid is forced by steam to its distant destina- 
tions Its principal uses are for illumination and lubricating, though many 
of its products are employed in the mechanic arts, notably for dyeing, mixing 
of paints, and in the practice of medicine. Its production has grown to be 
enormous, and seems as yet to show no sign of diminution. We give an ex 
hibit of the annual production since its discovery, compiled for this work by 
William II. Siviter, editor of the Oil City Derrick, which is the acknowledged 
authority on oil matters: 

Production of the Pennsylvania Oil Fields, compiled from the Derrick's 
Hand-book, December, 1883: 

Barrels, Barrels. 

1859 82,000 1873 9,849,508 

1860 500,000 1874 11,102,114 

1861 2,113,000 1875 8,948,749 

1862 3,056,606 1876 9,142,940 

1863 2,611,399 1877 13,052,713 

1864 2, 1 16, 182 1878 15,011 ,425 

I860 3.497,712 1879 20.085,716 

1866 3.597,512 1880 24, 788,950 

1867 3.347,306 1881 29,674,458 

1868 3,715,741 1882 31,789,190 

1869 4,186,475 1883 24,385,966 

1870 5,308,046 

1871 5,278,076 A grand total of 243,749,558 

1872 6,505,774 

In the fall of 1860, Andrew G. Curtin was elected Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. An organized 
rebellion, under the specious name of secession, was thereupon undertaken, 
embracing parts of fifteen States, commonly designated the Slave States, and 
a government established under the name of the Confederate States of America, 
with an Executive and Congress, which commenced the raising of troops for 
defense. 

On the 12th of April, an attack was made upon a small garrison of United 
States troops shut up in Fort Sumter. This was rightly interpreted as the 
first act in a great drama. On the 15th, the President summoned 75,000 vol- 
unteers to vindicate the national authority, calling for sixteen regiments from 
Pennsylvania, and urging that two be sent forward immediately, as the capital 
was without defenders. 

The people of the State, having no idea that war could be possible, had no 



120 HISTORY 'OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

preparation for the event, There chanced at the time to be five companies in 
a tolerable state of organization. These were the Ringold Light Artillery, 
Capt. McKnight, of Reading; the Logan Guards, Capt. Selheimer, of Lewis- 
town; the Washington Artillery, Capt. Wren, and the National Light Infan- 
try, Capt. McDonald, of Pottsville; and the Allen Rifles, Capt. Yeager, of 
Allentown. , 

On the 18th, in conjunction with a company of fifty regulars, on their way 
from the West to Fort McHenry, under command of Capt. Pemberton, after- 
ward Lieut. Gen. Pemberton, of the rebel army, these troops moved by rail 
for Washington. At Baltimore, they were obliged to march two miles through 
a jeering and insulting crowd. At the center of the city, the regulars filed 
off toward Fort McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue their way alone, 
when the crowd of maddened people were excited to redoubled insults. In the 
whole battalion there was not a charge of powder; but a member of the Logan 
Guards, who chanced to have a box of percussion caps in his pocket, had dis- 
tributed them to his comrades, who carried their pieces capped and half 
cocked, creating the impression that they were loaded and ready for service. 
This ruse undoubtedly saved the battalion from the murderous assault made 
upon the Massachusetts Sixth on the following day. Before leaving, they were 
pelted with stones and billets of wood while boarding the cars; but, fortu- 
nately, none were seriously injured, and the train finally moved away and 
reached Washington in safety, the first troops to come to the unguarded and 
imperiled capital. 

Instead of sixteen, twenty-five regiments were organized for the three months' 
service from Pennsylvania. Judging from the threatening attitude assumed 
by the rebels across the Potomac that the southern frontier would be con- 
stantly menaced, Gov. Curtin sought permission to organize a select corps,, 
to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery, 
and to be known as the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, which the Legislature, in 
special session, granted. This corps of 15,000 men was speedily raised, and the 
intention of the State authorities was to keep this body permamently within 
the limits of the Commonwealth for defense. But at the time of the First 
Bull Run disaster in July, 1861, the National Government found itself with- 
out troops to even defend the capital, the time of the three months' men being 
now about to expire, and at it3 urgent call this fine body was sent forward and 
never again returned for the execution of the duty for which it was formed, 
having borne the brunt of the fighting on many a hard-fought field during the 
three years of its service. 

In addition to the volunteer troops furnished in response to the several 
calls of the President, upon the occasion of the rebel invasion of Maryland in 
September, 1862, Gov. Curtin called 50,000 men for the emergency, and 
though the time was very brief, 25,000 came, were organized under command 
of Gen. John F. Reynolds, and were marched to the border. But the battle of 
Antietam, fought on the 17th of September, caused the enemy to beat a hasty 
retreat, and the border was relieved when the emergency troops were dis- 
banded and returned to their honips. On the 19th of October, Gen. J. E. B. 
Stewart, of the rebel army, with 1,800 horsemen under command of Hampton, 
Lee and Jones, crossed the Potomac and made directly for Chambersburg, 
arriving after dark. Not waiting for .morning to attack, he sent in a flag of 
truce demanding the surrender of the town. There were 275 Union soldiers in 
hospital, whom he paroled. During the night, the troopers were busy picking 
up horses — swapping horses perhaps it should be called — and the morning saw 
them early on the move. The rear guard gave notice before leaving to re- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127 

move all families from the neighborhood of the public buildings, as they in- 
tended to fire them. There was a large amount of fixed ammunition in them, 
which had been captured from Longstreet's train, besides Government stores 
of shoes, clothing and muskets. At 11 o'clock the station house, round house, 
railroad machine shops and warehouses were fired and consigned to 
destruction. The fire department was promptly out; but it was dangerous to 
approach the burning buildings on account of the ammunition, and all 
perished. 

The year 1862 was one of intense excitement and activity. From about the 
1st of May, 1861, to the end of 1862, there were recruited in the State of Penn- 
sylvania, one hundred and eleven regiments, including eleven of cavalry and 
three of artillery, for three years' service; twenty- five regiments for three months; 
seventeen for nine months; fifteen of drafted militia; and twenty-five called out 
for the emergency, an aggregate of one hundred and ninety-three regiments — a 
grand total of over 200,000 men — a great army in itself. 

In June, 1863, Gen. ttobert E. Lee, with his entire army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, invaded Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Joseph 
Hooker, followed. The latter was superseded on the 28th of June by Gen. George 
G. Meade. The vanguards of the army met a mile or so out of Gettysburg on the 
Chambersburg pike on the morning of the 1st of July. Hill's corps of the 
rebel army was held in check by the sturdy fighting of a small division of 
cavalry under Gen. Buford until 10 o'clock, when Gen. Reynolds came to his 
relief with the First Corps. While bringing his forces into action, Reynolds 
was killed, and the command devolved on Gen. Abner Doubleday, and the 
fighting became terrible, the Union forces being greatly outnumbered. At 2 
o'clock in the afternoon, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. O. O. Howard, came to the 
support of the First. But now the corps of Ewell had joined hands with Hill, 
and a full two-thirds of the entire rebel army was on the field, opposed by 
only the two weak Union corps, in an inferior position. A sturdy fight was 
however maintained until 5 o'clock, when the Union forces withdrew through 
the town, and took position upon rising ground covering the Baltimore pike. • 
During the night the entire Union army came up, with the exception of the 
Sixth Corps, and took position, and at 2 o'clock in the morning Gen. Meade 
and staff came on the field. During the morning hours, and until 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon, the two armies were getting into position for the desperate 
struggle. The Third Corps, Gen. Sickles, occupied the extreme left, his corps 
abutting on the Little Round Top at the Devil's Den, and reaching, en echelon, 
through the rugged ground to the Peach Orchard, and thence along the Em- 
mettsburg pike, where it joined the Second Corps, Gen. Hancock, reaching 
over Cemetery Hill, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. Howard, the First, Gen. Double- 
day, and the Twelfth, Gen. Slocum, reaching across Culp's Hill — the whole 
crescent shape. To this formation the rebel army conformed, Longstreet op- 
posite the Union left, Hill opposite the center, and Ewell opposite the Union 
right. At 4 P. M. the battle was opened by Longstreet, on the extreme left of 
Sickles, and the fighting became terrific, the rebels making strenuous efforts 
to gain Little Round Top. But at the opportune moment a part of the Fifth 
Corps, Gen. Sykes, was brought upon that key position, and it was saved to 
the Union side. The slaughter in front of Round Top at the wheat-field and 
the Peach Orchard was fearful. The Third Corps was driven back from its 
advanced position, and its commander, Gen. Sickles, was wounded, losing a 
leg. In a more contracted position, the Union line was made secure, where it 
rested for the night. Just at dusk, the Louisiana Tigers, some 1,800 men, 
made a desperate charge on Cemetery Hill, emerging suddenly from a hillock 



128 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

just back of the town. The struggle' was desperate, but the Tigers being 
weakened by the fire of the artillery, and by the infantry crouching behind the 
stone wall, the onset was checked, and Carroll's brigade, of the Second Corps, 
coming to the rescue, they were finally beaten back, terribly decimated. At 
about the same time, a portion of Ewell's corps made an advance on the ex- 
treme Union right, at a point where the troops had been withdrawn to send to 
the support of Sickles, and unopposed, gained the extremity of Culp's Hill, 
pushing through nearly to the Baltimore pike, in dangerous proximity to the 
reserve artillery and trains, and even the headquarters of the Union com- 
mander. But in their attempt to roll up the Union right they were met by 
Green's brigade of the Twelfth Corps, and by desperate fighting their further 
progress was stayed. Thus ended the battle of the second day. The Union left 
and right had been sorely jammed and pushed back. 

At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 3d of July, Gen. Geary, who had been 
ordered away to the support of Sickles, having returned during the night and 
taken position on the right of Green, opened the battle for the recovery of his 
lost breastworks on the right of Culp's Hill. Until 10 o'clock, the battle raged 
with unabated fury. The heat was intolerable, and the sulphurous vapor 
hung like a pall over the combatants, shutting out the light of day. The 
fio-hting was in the midst of the forest, and the echoes resounded with fearful 
distinctness. The Twelfth Corps was supported by portions of the Sixth, 
which had now come up. At length the enemy, weakened and finding them- 
selves overborne on all sides, gave way, and the Union breastworks were re- 
occupied and the Union right made entirely secure. Comparative quiet now 
reigned on either side until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the meantime both 
sides bringing up fresh troops and repairing damages. The rebel leader hav- 
ing brought his best available artillery in upon his right center, suddenly 
opened with 150 pieces a concentric fire upon the devoted Union left center, 
where stood the troops of Hancock and Doubleday and Sickles. The shock 
was terrible. Rarely has such a cannonade been known on any field. For 
nearly two hours it was continued. Thinking that the Union line had been 
broken and demoralized by this fire, Longstreet brought out a fresh corps of 
some 18,000 men, under Pickett, and charged full upon the point which had 
been the mark for the cannonade. As soon as this charging column came into 
view, the Union artillery opened upon it from right and left and center, and 
rent it with fearful effect. When come within musket range, the Union 
troops, who had been crouching behind slight pits and a low stone wall, 
poured in a most murderous fire. Still the rebels pushed forward with a bold 
face, and actually crossed the Union lines and had their hands on the Union 
guns. But the slaughter was too terrible to withstand. The killed and 
wounded lay scattered over all the plain. Many were gathered in as prisoners. 
Finally, the remnant staggered back, and the battle of Gettysburg was at an 
end. 

Gathering all in upon his fortified line, the rebel chieftain fell to strength- 
ening it, which he field with a firm hand. At night-fall, he put his trains 
with the wounded upon the retreat During the 4th, great activity in build- 
ing works was manifest, and a heavy skirmish line was kept well out, which 
resolutely met any advance of Union forces. The entire fighting force of the 
rebel army remained in position behind their breastworks on Oak Ridge, until 
nightfall of the 4th, when, under cover of darkness, it was withdrawn, and 
before morning was well on its way to Williamsport. The losses on the Union 
side were 2,834 killed, 13,709 wounded, and 6,643 missing, an aggregate of 
23, 186. Of the losses of the enemy, no adequate returns were made. Meade 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129 

iepoiJti 13.621 prisoners taken, and the losses by killed and wounded must 
have been greater than on the Union side. On the rebel side, Maj. Gens. 
Hood, Pender, Trimble and Heth were wounded, Pender mortally. Brig. 
Gens. Barksdale and Garnett were killed, an 1 Semms mortally wounded, 
Brig. Gens. Kemper, Armistead, Scales, G, T. Anderson, Hampton, J. M. 
Jones and Jenkins were wounded; Archer was taken prisoner and Pettigrew 
was wounded and subsequently killed at Falling Waters. In the Union army 
Maj. Gen. Reynolds and Brig. Gens. Vincent, "Weed, Willard and Zook were- 
killed. Maj. Gens. Sickles, Hancock, Doubleday. Gibbon, Barlow, Warren 
and Butterfield, and Brig. Gens. Graham, Paul, Stone, Barnes and Brooke 
were wounded. A National Cemetery was secured on the center of the field, 
where, as soon as the weather would permit, the dead were gathered and care- 
fully interred. Of the entire number interred, 3,512, Maine had 104; New 
Hampshire, 49; Vermont, 61; Massachusetts, 159; Rhode Island, 12; Con~ 
necticut, 22; New York, 867; New Jersey, 78; Pennsylvania, 534; Delaware, 
15; Maryland, 22; West Virginia, 11; Ohio, 131; Indiana, 80; Illinois, 6; 
Michigan, 171; "Wisconsin, 73; Minuesota, 52; United States Regulars, 138; 
unknown, 979. In the center of the held, a noble monument has been erect- 
ed, and on the 19th of November, 1864, the ground was formally dedicated, 
when the eminent orator, Edward Everett, delivered an oration, and President 
Lincoln delivered the following dedicatory address: 

" Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this conti- 
nent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that 
all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing 
whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long en- 
dure. AVe are met on a great battle field of that war. We are met to dedi- 
cate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their 
Jives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we 
should do this. But in a lai'ger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse- 
crate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who 
struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. 
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can 
never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedi- 
cated here to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. 
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — 
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which 
they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve 
that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God, 
have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the 
people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.'' 

So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of the North by the 
rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized in two- 
military departments, that of the Susquehanna, to the command of which 
Darius N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harri-sburg, and that o£ 
the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. 
Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in 
companies, in squadrons came promptly at the call to the number of over 36,- 
000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortifications, 
were thrown up to cover Hai'risburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were moved 
to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, the great 
decisive conflict had been fought, and the enemy driven from northern soil. 
Four regiments under Gen. Brooks were moved into Ohio to aid in arresting a 
raid \mdertaken by John Morgan, who, with 2,000 horse and four guns, had 
crossed the Ohio River for a diversion in favor of Lee. s 



130 HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In the beginning of July, 1864, Gen. Early invaded Maryland, and rnado 
his way to the threshold of Washington. Fearing another invasion of the 
State, Gov. Curtin called for volunteers to serve for 100 days. Gen. Couch 
was still at the head of the department of the Susquehanna, and six regiments 
and six companies were organized, but as fast as organized they were called to 
the front, the last regiment leaving the State on the 29th of July. On the 
evening of this day, Gens. McCausland, Bradley Johnson and Harry Gilmore, 
with 3,000 mounted men and six guns, crossed the Potomac, and made their 
way to Chambersburg. Another column of 3,000, under Vaughn and Jackson 
advanced to Hagerstown, and a third to Leitersburg. Averell, with a small 
force, was at Hagerstown, but finding himself over-matched withdrew through 
Greencastle to Mount Hope. Lieut. McLean, with fifty men in front of Mc- 
Causland, gallantly kept his face to the foe, and checked the advance at every 
favorable point. On being apprised of their coming, the public stores at Cham- 
bersburg were moved northward. At six A. M. , McCausland opened his bat- 
teries upon the town, but, finding it unprotected, took possession. Ringing the 
court house bell to call the people together, Capt. Fitzhugh read an order to 
the assembly, signed by Gen. Jubal Early, directing the command to proceed 
to Chambersburg and demand $100,000 in gold, or $500,000 in greenbacks, 
and, if not paid, to burn the town. While this parley was in progress, hats, 
caps, boots, watches, clothing and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated, 
and purses demanded at the point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand 
to meet so unexpected a draft, the torch was lighted. In less than a quarter 
of an hour from the time the first match was applied, the whole business part 
of the town was in flames. No notice was given for removing the women and 
children and sick. Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town, 
which made thorough work. With the exception of a few houses upon the 
outskirts, the whole was laid in ruins. r Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel 
command recrossed the Potomac before any adequate force could be gathered 
to check its progress. 

The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops 
from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. By authority of the common- 
wealth, in 1866, the commencement was made of the publication of a history 
of these volunteer organizations, embracing a brief historical account of the 
part taken by each regiment and independent body in every battle in which it 
was engaged, with the name, rank, date of muster, period for which he en- 
listed, casualties, and fate of every officer and private. This work was com- 
pleted in 1872, in five imperial octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each. 

In May, 1861, the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organiza- 
tion of the officers of the Revolutionary war and their descendants, donated 
$500 toward arming and equipping troops. By order of the Legislature, 
this sum was devoted to procuring flags for the regiments, and each organiza- 
tion that went forth, was provided with one emblazoned with the arms of the 
commonwealth. These flags, seamed and battle stained, were returned at the 
close of the war, and are now preserved in a room devoted to the purpose in 
the State capitol — precious emblems of the daring and suffering of that great 
army that went forth to uphold and maintain the integrity of the nation. 

When the war was over, the State undertook the charge of providing for 
all soldiers' orphans in schools located in different parts of its territory, fur- 
nishing food, clothing, instruction and care, until they should be grown to 
manhood and womanhood. The number thus gathered and cared for has been 
some 7,500 annually, for a period of nineteen years, at an average annual ex- 
pense of some $600,000. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 

At the election in 1866, John W. Geary, a veteran General of the late war. 
was chosen Governor. During his administration, settlements were made with 
the General Government, extraordinary debts incurred during the war were 
paid, and a large reduction of the old debt of $40,000,000 inherited from the 
construction of the canals, was made. A convention for a revision of the con- 
stitution was ordered by act of April 11, 1872. This convention assembled in 
Harrisburg November 13, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, where it 
convened on the 7 th of January, 1873, and the instrument framed was adopted 
on the 18th of December, 1873. By its provisions, the number of Senators 
was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and Representatives from 100 to 201, 
subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; biennial, 
in place of annual sessions; making the term of Supreme Court Judges twenty- 
one in place of fifteen years; remanding a large class of legislation to the ac- 
tion of the courts; making the term of Governor four years in place of three, 
and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for. 

In January, 1873, John F. Hartranft became Governor, and at the election 
in 1878, Henry F. Hoyt was chosen Governor, both soldiers of the late war. 
In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on the several 
lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and traffic were in- 
terrupted for several days together. At Pittsburgh, conflicts occurred between 
the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. 
The opposition to the local military was too powerful to be controlled, and 
the National Government was appealed to for aid. A force of regulars was 
promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Unfortunately, Gov. 
Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles. 

At the election in 1882 Robert E. Pattison was chosen governor. The Legis- 
lature, which met at the opening of 1883, having adjourned after a session of 
156 days, without passing a Congressional apportionment bill, as was required, 
was immediately reconvened in extra session by the governor, and remained 
in session until near the close of the year, from June 1 to December 5, without 
coming to an agreement upon a bill, and finally adjourned without having 
passed one. This protracted sitting is in marked contrast to the session of that 
early Assembly in which an entire constitution and laws of the province were 
framed and adopted in the space of three days. 

November 2, 1886, James A. Beaver was elected governor. 



132 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OP PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGAN- 
IZATION OP THE STATE. 



1790. 

Thomas Mifflin 27,725 

Arthur St. Clair 2,802 

1793. 

Thomas Mifflin 18,590 

F. A. Muhlenberg 10,706 

1796. 

Thomas Mifflin 30,020 

F. A. Muhlenberg 1,011 

1799. 

Thomas McKean 38,036 

James Ross 32,641 

1802. 

Thomas McKean 47,879 

James Ross, of Pittsburgh 9,499 

James Ross 7,538 

1808. 

Simon Snyder 67,975 

James R'iss 39,575 

John Spayd 4,006 

W. Shields , 2 

Charles Nice 1 

Jack Ross 2 

W. Tilghman 1 

1811. 

Simon Snyder 52,319 

William Tighlman 3,609 

Scatt'ring,no record for whom 1,675 

' 1814. 

Simon Snyder 51,099 

Isaac Wayne 29,566 

G. Lattimer 910 

J. R. Rust 4 

1817. 

William Findlay 66,331 

Joseph Hiester 59,272 

Moses Palmer 1 

Aaron Hanson 1 

John Seffer - I 

Seth Thomas 1 

Nicholas Wiseman 8 

Benjamin R. Morgan 2 

William Tilghman 1 

Andrew Gregg 1 

1820. 

Joseph Hiester 67,905 

William Findlay 66,300 

Scattering (no record) 21 

1823. 

J. Andrew Shulze 81,751 

Andrew Gregg 64,151 

Andrew Shulze 112 

John Andrew Shulze 7,311 

Andrew Gragg 53 

Andrew Greg 1 

John A. Shulze 754 

Nathaniel B. Boileau 3 

Capt. Glosseader 3 

John Gassender 1 

Isaac Wayne 1 

George Bryan 1 

1826. 

J. Andrew Shulze 72,710 

John Sergeant 1,175 

Scattering (no record) 1,174 



1829. 

George Wolf 78,219 

Joseph Ritner 51,776 

George E. Baum 6 

Frank R. Williams 3 

1832. 

George Wolf 91,335 

Joseph Ritner 88,165 

1835. 

Joseph Ritner 94,023 

Goorge Wolf. 65,804 

Henry A. Muhlenberg 40,586 

1838. 

David R. Porter 127,827 

Joseph Ritner 122,321 

1841. 

David R. Porter 136,504 

John Banks 113,473 

T.J. Lemoyne ; 763 

George F. Horton 18 

Samuel L. Carpenter 4 

Ellis Lewis 1 

1844. 

Francis R. Shunk 160,322 

Joseph Markle 156,040 

Julius J. Lemoyne 10 

John Haney 2 

James Page 1 

1847. 

Francis R. Shunk 146,081 

James Irvin 128,148 

Emanuel C. Reigart 11,247 

F. J. Lemoyne 1,861 

George M. Keim 1 

Abijah Morrison 3 

1848. 

William F. Johnston 168,522 

Morris Longstreth 168,225 

E. B. Gazzam 48 

Scattering (no record) 24 

1851. 

William Bigler 186,489 

William F. Johnston 178,034 

Kimber Cleaver 1,850 

1854. 

James Pollock 203,822 

William Bigler 166,991 

B. Rush Bradford 2,194 

1857. 

William F. Packer 188,846 

David Wilmot 149,139 

Isaac Hazlehurst 28,168 

James Pollock 

George R. Barret 

William Steel 

F. P. Swartz 

Samuel McFarland 

George F. Horton 

1860. 

Andrew G. Curtin 262,346 

Henry D. Foster 230,239 

1863. 

A. G. Curtin 269,506 

George W. Woodward 254,171 

John Hickman 1 

Thomas M. Howe 1 



1866. 

John W. Geary 307,274 

Hiester Clymer 290,097 

Giles Lewis 7 

1869. 

John W. Geary 290,552 

Asa Packer 285,956 

W. D. Kelly 1 

W. J. Robinson 1 

1872. 

John F. Hartranft 353,387 

Charles R. Buckalen 317,760 

S. B. Chase 1,197 

William P. Schell 12 

1875. 

John F. Hartranft 304,175 

Cyrus L. Pershing 292,145 

R. Audley Brown 13,244 

James S. Negley 1 

Phillip Wendle 1 

J. W. Brown 1 

G. F. Reinhard 1 

G. D. Coleman 1 

James Staples 1 

Richard Vaux 1 

Craig Biddle 1 

Francis W. Hughes 1 

Henry C. Tyler 1 

W. D. Brown 1 

George V. Lawrence 1 

A. L.Brown 1 

1878. 

H. M. Hoyt 319,490 

Andrew H. Dill 297,137 

Samuel R. Mason 81,758 

Franklin H. Lane 3,753 

S. Matson 2 

John McKee 1 

D. Kirk 1 

R. L. Miller 1 

J. H. Hopkins 1 

A. G. Williams 1 

Samuel H. Lane 1 

John Fertig 1 

James Musgrove 1 

Silas M. Baily 1 

A. S. Post 9 

C. A. Cornen 3 

Seth Yoeum 1 

Edward E. Orvis 1 

1882. 

Robert E. Pattison 355,791 

James A. Beaver 315,589 

John Stewart 43,743 

Thomas A. Armstrong 23,996 

AlfredC Pettit 5,196 

Scattering 36 

1886. 

James A. Beaver 412,286 

Chauncey F. Black 369,634 

Charlesa Wolfe 32,458 

Robert J. Houston 4,8 s5 

Scattering 66 



PART II. 



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History of Franklin County. 






CHAPTER I. 
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION. 

The Great Eastern Valley— The Path of a Probable Gulf Stream— The 
Mountain Ranges and their Appendages— Systems of Drainage — Geo- 
logical AND MlNERALOGICAL ASPECTS— CHARACTER OF SOIL— VEGETATION— 

Climate. 



r f 



"^HE beautiful valley, of which Franklin County forms but a small part, 
JL sweeps along the entire eastern coast of the United States, extending, 
under different names, from the southern extremity of Vermont across the 
Hudson at Newburgh, the Delaware at Easton, the Susquehanna at Harris- 
burg, the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, the James at Lynchburg, the Tennes- 
see at Chattanooga, and losing itself in Alabama and the southwest. By some 
it is claimed to have been the path along which an ocean current, possibly the 
beneficent Gulf Stream, whose influence changes the natural and social con- 
ditions of both American and European civilization, flowed long prior to the 
present order of things, in either the old or the new world. It is bounded on 
either side by a chain of the great Appalachian Mountain system, running 
from the northeast to the southwest, and is of nearly uniform width, from 
twelve to twenty miles — the whole distance. It is broken into fertile agricult- 
ural sections by the beautiful streams already mentioned, apparently to meet 
the diversified wants of its future occupants. 

The section lying between the Susquehanna and the Potomac is usually 
designated as the Cumberland Valley. The valley west of "Harris Ferry," 
as Harrisburg was originally known, was called by some " Kittochtinny, " by 
others ' " North ' ' Valley. The northwestern boundary is known in Pennsylva- 
nia as North Mountain, or the Kittatinny Mountain, the latter name, signify- 
ing endless, being an euphonic change from Kekachtannin, by which the Del- 
aware Indians called it. The southwestern boundary is South Mountain, a 
beautiful range, parallel with the Kittatinny. From the Susquehanna to the 
Potomac, the Kittatinny maintains an almost uniform summit line, ranging 
from 700 to 1,200 feet above the valley beneath. Several picturesque points or 
projections, known as Clark's, Parnell's, Jordan's and Casey's Knobs, and 
Two-Top Mountains, give fine relief to the range. Of these, Parnell's and 
Casey' s were used, during the civil war, as union signal stations. Between Kit- 
tatinny and Tuscarora, lying still farther to the west, are several beautiful 
and productive valleys: Path Valley, terminating at the extreme north end in 
Horse Valley, and sending off to the right of Knob Mountain another known 
as Amberson's Valley; Bear and Horse Valleys, elevated and of smaller extent, 
having a trend northeastward ; Cove Gap, a picturesque opening, through which 
packers in the olden, and vehicles in the modern time, pass across the moun- 



138 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

tain westward, and Little Cove, a long narrow valley, that slopes sonthwestward 
toward the Potomac. In the southwestern part of what is now Franklin Coun- 
ty, formed by Kittatinny on the west, Cross Mountain on the south, and Two- 
Top Mountain on the east, lies a relic of the mythical days, when the giants 
piled Ossa on Pelion, and known as the Devil's Punch Bowl. From its spa- 
cious receptacle the gods, in their Bacchanalian revelry, quaffed their intoxi- 
cating drinks. 

South Mountain, less picturesque in its scenery, is covered with a good 
supply of valuable timber. Like Kittatinny range, its table- lands are valu- 
able for the fuel supplies they furnish to the inhabitants of the valley, as well 
as for the diversified scenery they afford to the passers-by. The richness of 
view afforded by these two mountain ranges is calculated to inspire a remark- 
able love for the beautiful in nature, and to develop the poetic sentiment in 
man. 

The drainage of Franklin County is most perfect, and consists of two sys- 
tems. The first, flowing northeastward in a tortuous course, and empyting 
into the Susquehanna River at West Fairview, two miles above Harrisburg, 
embraces the Conodoguinet and its tributaries, viz. : Spring Creek and its 
branches, Furnace and Main's, Muddy, Keasey's, Lehman's, Paxton's, Clip- 
pinger's and Trout Runs. The northern portion of the county, particularly 
Southampton, Letterkenny, Lurgan, and portions of St. Thomas, Peters, Metal 
and Fannett, is thus provided with good drainage and the means of preserving 
animals and plants against drouth. 

The second system, embracing all those water-courses which flow south- 
ward, and finally discharge their contents into the Potomac River, includes the 
following streams: 

1. The Conococheague with two distinct branches, East Conococheague and 
West Conococheague, which unite near the southern part of the county on the 
farm of Mr. Lazarus Kennedy, empties into the Potomac at Williamsport. 
East Conococheague receives from the central portion of the county the con- 
tributions of Rocky Creek, Falling Spring, Back Creek, Campbell's Run and 
Muddv Run. Several of these streams are supplied with abundant mill power, 
which is utilized to the best advantage. West Conococheague, traversing the 
whole extent of Path Valley, leaps into the broad open valley from between 
Cape Horn and Jordan's Knob, and. gathering in the waters of Broad and 
Trout Runs, Licking Creek, Welsh Run and other small streams, hastens to 
join its twin sister at their junction on the Kennedy place. 

2. Marsh Run, which divides, a part of the way, the present townships of 
Antrim and Washington. 

3. Little Antietam, which with its two branches, East Antietam and West 
Antietam, thoroughly drains the southeastern part of the county, carrying its 
sparkling waters finally into the Potomac River near Sharpsburg, Md. 

All these streams* are fed by beautiful springs, whose sparkling waters 
come gushing forth from mountain and hillside, and many of them, in addition 
to supplying pure cold water for man and beast, are richly provided with an 
excellent quality of fish. They supply a water-power, which has long been 
utilized for milling and manufacturing purposes. Chambersburg and Waynes- 
boro supply their own citizens with the clear refreshing water found in these 
mountain streams. 

An observing traveler will notice that the ledges or beds of rocks trend 
from northeast to southwest, corresponding with the course of the mountain 
ranges; likewise that the various layer? have positions one above another at 
different angles to the horizon. They have been broken up by some disturbing 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 130 

element beneath, and have left their edges outcropping at various augles from 
a level to a perpendicular. Along the range of South Mountain he will find 
the rocks of a different character from those in the valley, being a hard, com- 
pact, white sandstone, which rings when it is struck, and when broken has a 
splintery and sometimes discolored appearance. At the northern base of South 
Mountain he encounters the great limestone formation, which obtains through- 
out the whole length of Cumberland Valley. "It is usually of a bluish but 
occasionally of a grey and nearly black color, generally pure enough to yield 
excellent lime, but not unfrequently mixed with sand, clay, and oxide of iron. 
Flint stones and fossils are also occasionally met with in some parts of this 
formation. In the soil above it, iron ore is sometimes abundant enough to be 
profitably worked; and indeed some of the most productive ore banks in the 
State are found in it and its vicinity. Pipe ore and kindred varieties of that 
material have been obtained of good quality in several localities in this lime- 
stone region. About the middle of the valley, though with a very irregular 
line of demarcation, we meet with a dark slate formation extending to the foot 
of North Mountain; though its usual color is brown or bluish, it is sometimes 
reddish and even yellow. Lying between the great limestone and the coarse 
grey sandstone, it is sometimes intermingled with sandstone which contains 
rounded pebbles forming conglomerate, but this is too silicious to receive a good 
polish. The rocks of Kittatinny or North Mountain consist almost exclusively 
of this massive grey limestone of various degrees of coarseness. They are not 
valuable for either building or mineral purposes. ' ' * 

Iron ore in extensive, and copper in limited quantities have been found; 
' ' beneath the surface ore, inexhaustible deposits of magnetic iron conveniently 
near to valuable beds of hematite, which lie either in fissures between the rocky 
strata or over them in a highly ferruginous loam. This hematite is of every 
possible variety and of immense quantities. "When it has a columnar stalactite 
structure it is known under the name of pipe ore. It usually yields a superior 
iron, and at the same time is easily and profitably smelted. It generally pro- 
duces at least fifty per cent of metallic iron. ' ' 

The nature and fertility of soil are determined by the character of the un- 
derlying rocks by whose disintegration it is produced. The limestone lands 
are very productive. The slate lands, well improved by lime and other fertil- 
izers, and properly cultivated by skilled labor, yield abundant crops. These 
two kinds of soil, the limestone and the slate, are both rendered product- 
ive. In fact, the entire belt of land in the valley is susceptible of the highest 
cultivation, the only unproductive land lying along the sides of the mountain. 
And even this is prized highly for its timber; or, when cleared, for its graz- 
ing and fruit-growing qualities. 

Says Dr. Wing: " The natural productions of the soil, when it was first dis- 
covered by white men, awakened admiration quite as much as the meadows 
and the fields of grain have done at a later period. A rich luxuriance of grass 
is said to have covered the whole valley, wild fruits abounded, and in some 
parts the trees were of singular variety. Of the trees there were many species 
of oak, white and black walnut, hickory, white, red and sugar maple, cherry, 
locust, sassafras, chestnut, ash, elm, linden, beech, white and scrub pine, 
dogwood and iron-wood. The laurel, plum, juniper, persimmon, hazel, 
wild currant, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry, spice bush, sumac and the 
more humble strawberry and dewberry and wintergreen almost covered the 
open country; and their berries, in some instances, constituted no small por- 
tion of the food of the Indians and the early settlers." 

♦State Geological Survey. 



140 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The climate of Cumberland Valley does not differ essentially from that 
which prevails in the southeastern portion of the State. Hedged in by moun- 
tains, the keenness and force of the Atlantic winds are necessarily somewhat 
broken and modified; and yet strong mountain storms occasionally break in 
upon its peaceful habitations. The statements of careful observers in- 
duce the belief that perceptible changes in climate have occurred in the valley 
since its first settlement. Owing, it is thought, to the disappearance of for- 
ests and the consequently increased drainage of the lands, many streams are 
less copious and violent, the averages of cold and heat are decreased, and the 
moisture of the- atmosphere is perceptibly diminished. Dr. Rush, of Phila- 
delphia, a close observer of the climatology of the State from 1789 to 1805, 
remarked that a material change had taken place since, the days of the found- 
ers: the cold of winters and the heat of summers were less uniform than they 
had been for forty or fifty years before * * " The variableness of 

weather in our State," he continued, " is found south of 41° of latitude, 
and north of that the winters are steady and in character with the Eastern and 
Northern States; but no two successive seasons are alike, and even the same 
months differ from each other in different years. There is but one steady 
trait, and that is, it is uniformly variable " 

What Dr. C. P. Wing wrote in 1879, concerning Cumberland County, may 
be applied with equal force to its daughter, Franklin County. Hear him: 
''Within the past thirty years, there have not been more than a score of days 
when the thermometer fell below zero, and about as many when it rose above 
ninety-seven. 

" The summers more nearly resemble each other than do either of the other 
seasons; most of the days are hot and clear, but interrupted by violent thunder 
gusts, heavy rains from the northeast and warm showers from the south. 
Snow sometimes covers the ground in winter for months, and at other times 
there is scarcely enough for sleighing. The prevailing winds are, in summer, 
from the northwest and southwest, the former bringing clear and the latter 
cloudy weather; in winter, the northwest winds bring clear, cold weather, and 
the northeastern, snow, storms and rain. The winter seldom sets in with sever- 
ity until the latter part of December and commonly begins to moderate in Feb- 
ruary.* Near the close of this latter month, or early in March, the snow dis- 
appears, and in the beginning of April the fruit trees blossom and vegetation 
commences. At this season, however, the atmosphere is often damp, chilly 
and stormy, and until the beginning of May, there are frequent returns of wet 
and disagreeable weather, Owing to these changes, vegetation advances very 
unequally in different years, and the promising blossoms of the early spring are 
often blasted by the frosts of April and May. The average of rain and snow 
fall for three years was found to be, for the spring, 9.05 inches; for the sum- 
mer, 9.67; for the autumn, 7.68; for the winter, 7.61, and for the whole year, 
34.01. The autumn is usually the most agreeable season. The mornings and 
evenings become cool about the middle of September, and soon after the equi- 
noctial rain and after the first frosts of November commences that remarkable 
peculiarity of our climate, the ' Indian summer. ' The name is probably de- 
rived from the Indians, who were accustomed to say they always had a second 
summer of nine days just before the winter set in. It was the favorite time for 
their harvest, when they looked to gather in their corn, and when, from acci- 
dent or design, on their hunting excursions, the woods and grass of the moun- 
tains and prairies were burned and their game was driven from cpncealment. 

*The compiler of this history spent the time from February 11 to December 14, 1886, iu Franklin 
County, daring which he did not find it necessary to wear an overcoat. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 141 

Certainly a more delightful climate, all things considered, it would be difficult 
to find, in the United States. A stagnant pool or swamp, sufficient to produce 
malarious disease, is probably not known, and is scarcely possible on account 
of the peculiar drainage of the soil." 



CHAPTER II. 

PIONEER SETTLERS. 

Two Classes: Scotch-Irish, their Origin, Arrivals, Character and Loca- 
tions—Germans, Sketch of Persecutions, Arrivals, Trials, etc.— Trend 
of Settlements in Cumberland Valley Westward— Shippensburg a Dis- 
tributing Point — Settlements at Falling Spring — Sketch of Benjamin 
Chambers— Other Settlements and Settlers in Various Parts of the 
County— List of Taxables in 1751-52— Mason and Dixon's Line. 

Ye pioneers, it is to you 

The debt of gratitude is due; 

Ye builded wiser than ye knew 

The broad foundation 

On which our superstructure stands; 

Your strong right arms and willing hands, 

Your earnest efforts still command 

Our veneration. — Pearre. 

TWO general classes of people constituted the early settlers of Cumberland 
Valley, viz: the Scotch-Irish and the Germans. 

The Scotch-Irish were a numerous but honorable class who migrated to 
Pennsylvania and other Eastern States at an early day. The origin of the term 
is traceable to events that occurred early in the seventeenth century. James 
I, of England [reign 1603-25], was very desirous of improving the civiliza- 
tion of Ireland. The Irish Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconell having conspired 
against the English Government, and been compelled to flee the country, their 
estates, consisting of about 500, 000 acres, were confiscated. These estates the 
king divided into small tracts, and induced many Protestant people from his 
own country (Scotland) to locate upon them on condition that possession should 
be taken within four years. 

A second revolt occurring soon after, another large forfeiture of the six 
counties in the Province of Ulster followed, the confiscated property being 
seized by Government officials. The King, being a zealous Protestant, aimed 
to root out the native Irish who were all Catholic, hostile to his government and 
incessantly plotting against it. Their places he intended to supply with peo- 
ple concerning whose loyalty he had no doubt, the sturdy inhabitants of his 
own land, Scotland. Encouraged and aided by the Government, these Scotch 
went in great numbers across to the near Province of "Ulster, and took posses- 
sion of the lands, which had been hitherto neglected and almost ruined by their 
indolent occupants. They addressed themselves, at once, with intelligence 
and industry, to reclaim the country and introduce a higher material and social 
order of things. The counties of Antrim, Armagh, Caven, Donegal, Down, 
Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan and Tyrone — names familiar to all intel- 
ligent Pennsylvanians — soon became prominent because of the new blood and 
brains introduced. 



142 HISTOKY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

Thus Protestantism was planted in Ireland. Its Scotch advocates, like 
the Jews, have maintained a separate existence, refusing to intermarry with 
their Irish neighbors. Protestant in religion, they have steadily refused to 
unite with the Irish, Celtic in origin and Eoman Catholic in faith. This 
marked isolation has continued through a period of more than 250 years. 

In the succeeding reign of Charles I (1625-49), a spirit of bitter retalia- I 
tion was engendered, on the part of the native Irish, against this foreign 
element, resulting in a most deplorable condition of affairs. Incited by two 
ambitious and unscrupulous leaders, Roger More and Philim O'Neale, the | 
Irish Catholics began, October 27, 1741, a massacre which continued until 
more than 40,000 victims were slaughtered. 

Owing to these persecutions and others of similar nature during the suc- 
ceeding century, owing to the want of religious toleration by the reigning 
powers, owing to their inability to renew their land rents on satisfactory 
terms and owing to the general freedom offered them by William Penn in his 
new American colony — free lands, free speech, free worship and free govern- 
ment — these Scotch settlers left the north of Ireland and came to America by 
thousands, where they are known as Scotch-Irish. 

According to Watson, these ' ' immigrants did not come to Pennsylvania as 
soon as the Germans," few, if any, arriving prior to 1719. The first arrivals 
usually settled near the disputed line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. 
James Logan (an intelligent and influential representative of the Penn govern- 
ment, and though of Irish extraction thoroughly in sympathy with the Quaker 
principles) complains, in 1724, to the proprietaries of these people as "bold 
and indigent strangers " because they had taken uplands near the disputed 
line without securing proper authority from him as the representative of the 
Government. In 1725 he stated that at least 100,000 acres of land were 
possessed "by persons (including Germans) who resolutely set down and 
improved it without any right to it," and that he was "much at a loss to deter- 
mine how to dispossess them." In 1728, 4,500 persons, chiefly from Ireland, 
arrived in New Castle. In 1729 Logan expressed his gratification that parlia- 
ment was ' ' about to take measures to prevent the too free emigration to this 
country," intimating that the prospects were that Ireland was about " to send 
all her inhabitants hither, for last week not less than six ships arrived. " "It 
is strange," continued he, "that they thus crowd where they are not wanted. 
The common fear is that if they continue to come, they will make themselves 
proprietors of the province." In 1730 he again complains of them as " auda- 
cious and disorderly ' ' for having, by force, taken possession of the Conestoga 
Manor, containing 15, 000 acres of the ' ' best land in the country. ' ' Of this they 
were, by the sheriff, subsequently dispossessed and their cabins burned. 
About the same time, he says, in another letter, "I must own, from my own 
experience in the land office, that the settlement of five families front Ireland 
gives me more trouble than fifty of any other people. ' ' 

The captious spirit manifested by Logan against both German and Scotch- 
Irish settlers, and especially the latter, and which was subsequently shared, to 
some extent, by Peters, Dickinson and Franklin, is readily accounted for by 
his fear of losing his position in the Government, should any other than the 
Quaker influence prevail. 

From 1730 to 1740 the influx was great. Settlements were commenced in 
Cumberland (then Lancaster) County in 1730 and 1731, the Chambers broth- 
ers having crossed west of the Susquehanna about that time. After 1736, 
during the month of September, in which year alone 1,000 families are said 
to have sailed from Belfast, the influx into the Kittochtinny Valley, west of 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 143 

the Susquehanna, increased rapidly; for, in 174S, the number of taxables, not 
counting the fifty Germans, was about 800. 

Soon after the erection of Cumberland County (1750), " in consequence of 
the frequent disturbances between the governor and Irish settlers, the proprie- 
taries gave orders to their agents to sell no lands in either York or Lancaster 
Counties to the Irish; and also to make to the Irish settlers in Paxton, Swa- 
tara and Donegal Townships advantageous offers of removal to Cumberland 
County, which offers being liberal were accepted by many. " 

Injustice has been done to the Scotch-Irish settlers of these early days by 
two classes of writers: first, those who were actuated by jealousy, as was Lo- 
gan, in his inability to see good in any classes not directly connected with the 
original Friend or Penn element; secondly, those who have failed to study 
carefully the circumstances which surrounded the Scotch-Irish immigrants in 
their settlements and conduct toward the Indians. Under these circumstances 
we are not surprised to hear Mr. Sherman Day, in his Historical Collections 
of Pennsylvania, call them " a pertinacious and pugnacious race," "pushing 
their settlements upon unpurchased lands about the Juniata, producing fresh 
exasperation among the Indians." "As the result of this," he continues, 
"massacres ensued, the settlers were driven below the mountains, and the 
whole province was alive with the alarms and excitements of war." 

In reply to these serious charges, Judge George Chambers, in his ' 'Tribute 
to the Principles, Virtues, Habits and Public Usefulness of the Irish and 
Scotch Early Settlers of Pennsylvania," a carefully written and most admira- 
ble little book, enters a most emphatic protest. Without attempting to pre- 
sent in detail the facts which enable him to reach his conclusions, we give a 
brief summary of his argument: Admitting the aggressive character of the 
early Scotch-Irish settlers in pushing into the forests and occupying lands, the 
outrages and massacres by the Indians were, nevertheless, not the direct result 
of these encroachments, but a retaliatory protest against the unjust manner in 
which their lands and hunting grounds had been taken from them by so-called 
purchases and treaties with the government. By the cession of 1737, the Indi- 
ans were to convey lands on the Delaware to extend back into the woods as 
far as man can go in one day and a half. By the treaty of Albany, in 1754, 
between the Proprietary of Pennsylvania and the Six Nations, nearly all the 
lands claimed by them in the province were ceded for the small sum of £400. 
The dissatisfaction produced by this cession, which the Indians claim they did 
not understand, was fanned by the French into open hostility, manifesting 
itself in the indiscriminate and wholesale devastation and massacres following 
the Braddock campaign. The wrongs of the government, and not the en- 
croachments of a few daring settlers, it is claimed by Mr. Chambers, produced 
these destructive Indian outrages. Gov. Morris, in his address to the Assembly, 
of November 3, 1755, clearly reminds them "that it seemed clear, from the 
different accounts he had received, that the French had gained to their interest 
the Delaware and Shawnese Indians, under the ensnaring pretense of restoring 
them to their country." 

The Assembly, in their reply to Gov. Denny, in June, 1757, say: "It is 
rendered beyond contradiction plain, that the cause of the present Indian in- 
cursions in this province, and the dreadful calamities many of the inhabitants 
have suffered, have arisen, in a great measure, from the exorbitant and unrea- 
sonable purchases made, or supposed to be made of the Indians, and the man- 
ner of making them — so exorbitant, that the natives complain that they have 
not a country left to subsist in. ' ' — Smith' s Laws. 

A careful study of these people clearly shows that, while they were aggress- 



144: HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ive, they moved along the line of a higBer civilization; while they were firm 
in their convictions, they advocated the rights of man to liberty of thought and 
action; while they cherished many of the institutions and beliefs of the old 
country, they were intensely patriotic and loyal to the new; and while they 
possessed what they regarded the best lands, they were just in their dealings 
with the untutored red man. These were the people who laid broad and deep 
the foundations of social, educational and religious liberty in America. 

The German immigrants, as a class, were hardy, industrious, honest and 
economical, retaining, to a great extent, the prejudices, superstitions, manners, 
language and characteristics of the fatherland. Like the Scotch- Irish, their 
migration to America was the result of a deprivation of certain religious rights 
in their native countries, and a desire to improve their physical condition in a 
the new world. 

Like the Scotch-Irish, they, too, were Protestants, belonging to different 
denominations: (1) The Swiss Mennonites were among the earliest to come, 
about the beginning of the last century, and settled in the neighborhood of 
Philadelphia and at Pequea and other points in what is now Lancaster County. 
They. were orderly, honest, peaceable and advocates of non-resistant or peace 
principles. (2) German Baptists (Dunkards), Moravians, Seventh-day Bap- 
tists. (3) Lutherans and German Reformed, the latter two constituting the 
great body of the arrivals, and furnishing the aggressive element of the new 
settlers. They came later than the others and entered new fields. 

Many of these early Germans, having first located in the State of New 
York, were dissatisfied with the unjust treatment received at the hands of the 
authorities, and therefore came to Pennsylvania. They wrote messages to 
their friends in Europe, advising them to shun New York and come direct to 
the province of Penn, which afforded superior inducements. 

Their arrivals in the province were, briefly: Henry Frey came two years 
earlier than William Penn and one Platenbach a few years later. In 1682 a 
colony arrived and formed a settlement at Germantown; and in 1684-85, a com- 
pany of ten persons was formed in Germany, called the Frankfort Land Com- 
pany, of which F. D. Pastorius was appointed attorney. They bought 25,000 
acres of land from Penn, in addition to other tracts. From 1700 to 1720, the 
Palatines, so called because they sprang principally from the Palatinate in Ger- 
many, whither they had been driven by persecutions in various parts of Europe, 
came in vast numbers. They suffered great privations. In 1708-09, more than 
10,000 went to England, where, in a sickly and starving condition, they were 
cared for by the generous Queen Anne who, at an expense to herself of 
£135,775, alleviated their sufferings in that country and assisted them to come 
to New York and Pennsylvania. Their number was so great as to draw from 
James Logan, secretary of the province of Pennsylvania in 1717, the remark: 
" We have, of late, a great number of Palatines poured in upon us without any 
recommendation or notice, which gives the country some uneasiness; for for- 
eigners do not so well among us as our own English people." In 1719 Jona- 
than Dickinson said: " We are daily expecting ships from London, which bring 
over Palatines, in number about six or seven thousand. " 

The arrivals from 1720 to 1730 were so numerous as to produce some 
alarm lest the colony should become a German one. Says Rupp: " To arrest 
in some degree the influx of Germans, the assembly assessed a tax of twenty 
shillings a head on newly arrived servants; for as early as 1722 there were a 
number of Palatine servants or Redemption ers sold to serve a term of three or 
four years at £10 each to pay their freight. ' ' 

From 1730 to 1740, about sixty-five vessels well filled with immigrants, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 145 

having with them their own preachers and teachers, landed at Philadelphia, 
from which they scattered in various directions ; many of these located in York 
County. 

From 1740 to 1755, more than a hundred vessels arrived, some of them, • 
though small, containing from 500 to 600 passengers. In the summer and 
autumn of 1749, not less than 12,000 came. This period — 1740 to 1755 — 
witnessed many outrages upon the unsuspecting passengers. Within the State 
were certain Germans known as neulaenders, who, having resided in this 
country long enough to understand the business, profited by the ignorance and 
credulity of their own people abroad. Going to various parts of Germany and 
presenting the new world in glowing colors, they induced, by misrepresenta- 
tions and fraudulent practices, many of their friends and kinsmen to sell, and 
in some cases even to abandon their property and forsake their firesides in 
order to reach this new land of promise. Many, starting with inadequate 
means, were' unable to pay their passage, and on arriving were sold for a series 
of years as servants, to liquidate their claims. These were called redemption- 
ers, or Palatine servants. 

The number of Germans in Pennsylvania about 1755 was from 60,000 to 
70,000. About nine-tenths of the first settlers of York County, then including 
Adams, were Germans. The great influx into Cumberland County which, with 
the exception of a few English, was settled almost exclusively by Scotch and 
Scotch -Irish, began about 1770; though as early as the period from 1736 to 
1745, there were found in the Conococheague settlements, the Snivelys, Schnei- 
ders, Piscackers, Liepers, Ledermans, Haricks, Laws, Kolps, Gabriels, Ring- 
ers, Steiners, Senseneys, Radebachs, Reischers, Wolffs, Schneidts.* Rev. 
Michael Schlatter, a German reformed minister, in a letter dated May 9, 1748, 
thus describes a visit through the valley : ' ' On the Conogogig we reached the 
house of an honest Schweitzer [supposed to be Jacob Snively, of Antrim 
Township,] where we received kind entertainment with thankfulness. In this 
neighborhood there are very fine lands for cultivation and pasture, exceedingly 
fruitful without the application of manures. Turkish corn (Indian maize) 
grows to the height of ten .feet and higher, and the grasses are remarkably 
fine. Hereabout, there still remain a good number of Indians, the original 
dwellers of the soil. They are hospitable and quiet, and well affected to the 
Christians until the latter make them drunk with strong drink." 

The original German has, by imperceptible changes, been gradually trans- 
formed into a being very unlike the original, known as the Pennsylvania 
Dutch. The latter has in him more of the democratic spirit, which ignores 
the clannishne'ss of the olden time and forms friendships and alliances with 
people of other nationalities. The dialect, Pennsylvania Dutch, is sui generis 
an anomaly in the domain of language. Its possessor is a cosmopolitan, fond 
of social life, ambitious and industrious, and in these latter days quite fond of 
public office and other ' ' soft places. ' ' He is destined to take the land. 

The three original counties of Pennsylvania, established by William Penn 
in 1682, were Chester, Philadelphia and Bucks. Chester County included all 
the land (except a small portion of Philadelphia County) southwest of the 
Schuylkill to the extreme limits of the State. Lancaster County was formed 
and taken from Chester May 10, 1729; York was taken from Lancaster August 
9, 1749. Cumberland County remained a part of Lancaster until it was itself 
erected a separate county, January 27, 1750. Franklin County, the then 
southwestern part of Cumberland, and known as the "Conococheague Settle- 
ment," was established September 9, 1784. To understand the early history 
of this county, the reader will need, therefore, to bear in mind two facts: 

*Rupp. 



14(3 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

1. Prior to January 27, 1750. its territory (with the exception of Warren 
Township) was found in the county of Lancaster. 

2. From January 27, 1750, to September 9, 1784, it belonged to Cumber- 
land County. Since the latter date (September 9, 1784,) it has had a distinct 
organization of its own. 

Long prior to Greeley' s famous advice, ' ' Go west, young man, ' ' or Bishop 
Berkley's oft-quoted "Westward the course of empire takes its way," the 
tide of migration was' toward the setting sun. Since the race began, the line 
of movement has been along the parallels, and in the direction of the receding 
darkness. The early settlers of the Kittatinny or Cumberland Valley came 
from the older eastern counties, where they located soon after their landing on 
the Atlantic coast. No record exists of those who may have wandered through 
this region on prospecting or hunting tours, if any such adventurers ever did 
make these hazardous trips. As early as 1719, John Harris had commenced a 
settlement near the present site of Harrisburg, and for many years afterward 
ran a ferry across the Susquehanna at that point known as Harris' Ferry. On 
either side of the river were Indian villages, the one where Harris lived being 
known as Peixtan or Paxtan. On the western side of the river, at the mouth 
of the Conodoguinet, at the present site of Bridgeport, and at the mouth of 
the Yellow Breeches, were three Indians towns, at which trading posts were 
established. At the last-named place, James Chai\tier, an Indian trader, had 
a store and landing place. It is claimed by some that James Le Tort, one of 
these traders, after whom the beautiful stream in Cumberland County was 
named, lived at a very early period at a place called Beaver Pond, near the 
present site of Carlisle. 

What is now Cumberland County had settlements at various points away 
from the river. Richard Parker and his wife settled three miles north of Car- 
lisle in 1724. His application at the land office in 1734 was for a warrant to 
land on which he "had resided ye ten years past." George Croghan, an 
Indian trader, whose name occurs frequently in early records, lived about five 
miles from the river on the north side of the Conodoguinet. He owned tracts 
in various parts of the county, a large one being north of Shippensburg. He 
did not cultivate all these, but changed about as his convenience and trade 
demanded. He was an Irishman of common education, and in later years 
lived at Aughwick or Old Town, west of the North Mountains, where he was 
trusted as an Indian agent. In the settlement commenced by James Cham- 
bers near Newville, then known as Big Spring, a group of inhabitants, so 
numerous as to form and support a religious society as early as 1738, was 
found, consisting of David Ralston, ^Robert Patterson, James "McKehan, John 
Carson, John Erwin, Richard Fulton, Samuel McCullough and Samuel Boyd. 
Robert Chambers, brother of the preceding, as well as of Benjamin, who 
located at Falling Spring, formed a prosperous settlement near Middle Spring, 
about two miles north of Shippensburg, at the same early date. The first set- 
tlers were such men as Hugh and David Herron, Robert McComb, Alexander 
and James Young, Alexander McNutt, Archibald, John and Robert Machan, 
James Scott, Alexander Sterrett, Wm. and John Piper, Hugh and Joseph 
Brady, John and Robert McCune and Charles Morrow. In asking that the 
State road, which was laid out in 1735-36, might be directed through that 
neighborhood rather than through Shippensburg, the petitioners claimed that 
theirs was the more thickly settled part. By some* it is claimed that in the 
Middle Spring settlement the first land in the Cumberland Valley taken under 

♦Historical discourse of Rev. S. S. Wyfie at the Centennial celebration of Middle Spring. This claim, how- 
ever, is incorrect. BlunstonS license to Benjamin Chambers at Falling Spring was dated March 30, 1734. 






*w? ,; ' -&j * 







y 



^-S I -CI '--^ ^^V 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 149 

authority of the "Blunston Licenses*" and assigned to Benjamin Furley, 
located. According to the record in the county surveyor's office at Chambers- 
burg, (his tract, embracing some 1,094 acres and allowances, warranted De- 
cember L3, L735, and surveyed April L5, L738,was situated on the Conodoguinet 
Creek in what was then Pennsborough Township, Lancaster County, but now 
Southampton Township, Franklin County. It was subsequently occupied by 
William, David. James and Francis Herron. William Young and John Watt. 

Where Shippensburg now stands, a settlement was ma Le as early as 1730. 
In June of that year, according to Hon. John McCurdy, the following persons 
came to that locality and built their habitations: Alexander Steen, John 
McCall, Richard Morrow, Gavin Morrow, John Culbertson, Hugh Rippey, 
John Rippey, John Strain, Alexander Askey, John McAllister. David Magaw 
and John Johnston. They were soon followed by Benjamin Blythe, John . 
Campbell and Robert Caskey. From this settlement ultimately sprang a vil- 
lage older than any other in the Cumberland Valley. It was a distributing 
point for settlers, and hence important, as will be shown by the following let- 
ter written therefrom: 

May 21, 17:;;;. 

Dear John: I wish you would see John* Harris.'at the ferry, and get him to write 
to the Governor, to see if he can't get some guns for us; there's a good wheen of ingns 
about here, aud I fear they intend to give us a good deal of troubbel, and may do us a grate 
dale of harm. We was three days on our journey coming from Harrisses ferry here. We 
could not make much speed on account of the childer; they could not get on as fast as 
Jane and me. I think we will like this part of the country when we get our cabbin built, 
I put it on a level peese of groun, near the road or path in the woods at the tut of a lull. 
There is a fine stream of watter that comes from a sitting a half a mile south of where 
our cabbin is bilt. I would have put it near the watter, but the land islo and wet. John 
McCall, Alick Steen and John Rippey bilt theirs near the stream. Hugh Rippey's daugh- 
ter Mary (was) berried yesterday; this will be sad news to Audrew Simpson, when it 
reaches Maguire's bridge. He is to come over in the fall when they were to be married. 
Mary was a verry purty gerl; she died of a faver, and they berried her up on rising groun, 
north of the road or path where we made choice of a peese of groun for a graveyard. 
She was the furst berried there. Poor Hugh has none left now but his wife, Sam ami lit 
tie Isabel. There is plenty of timmer south of us. We have 18 cabbins bilt here now, 
and it looks (like) a town, but we have no name for it. I'll send this with John Simpson 
when he goes back to paxtan. Come up Soon; our cabbin will be ready to go into a w eek 
and you can go in till you get wan bilt; we have planted some corn and potatoes. Dan 
McGee, John Sloan and Robert Moore was here and left last week. Remember us to Mary 
aud the childer; we are all well. Tell Billy Parker to come up soon and bring Nancy 
with him. I know he will like the country. I forgot to tell you that Sally Brown was 
bit by a snaik, but she is out of danger. Come up soon. 

Yr. aft. brother. 
* James Maokaw. 

The first settlement, in what is now Franklin County, was made in 1730, at 
Falling Spring (now Chambersb»nrg ) — the confluence of the two streams, Fall- 
ing Spring and Conococheague — by Col. Benjamin Chambers and his older 
brother, Joseph. Between 172(3 and 1730, four brothers, James, Robert, Jo- 
seph and Benjamin Chambers, emigrated from the county of Antrim, Ireland, 
to the province of Pennsylvania. They settled and built a mill shortly niter 
their arrival, at the mouth of Fishing Creek, in what is now Dauphin County, 

*Samuel Blunston of Wright's Ferry (now Columbia) was authorized by the proprietariesjto make a par- 
tial survey of land and to grant to settlers permission to take up and improve, or continue to improve, such 
lands as t hey desired, with the promise that a more perfect title should be given them when the Indian claims 
snould be extinguished. The indians were also assured that these claims would be satisfied as soon ;i- Ilia 
pouting Indian treaties should be completed. The first of these licenses was dated January 24, 1733-34 ami 
the last October 31, 1737. Appended is a copy of one of these: 

■* Lancaster County, ss. — By the Proprietary: These are to license, and allow Andrew Ralston to eon-, 
tinue to improve aud dwell on a tract of two hundred acres of land on the Great spring, a branch of the < 'one-, 
doguinet, joyning to the upper side of a tract granted to Handle Chambers tor the use of his sou, James Cham- 
bers; to be hereafter surveyed to the said Ralston on the common terms other lands in those parts an- sold; 
pro\ i led the same has not been already granted to any other person, and so much can be had without prejudice 
to other tracts before granted. Given under my hand this third day of January, Anno Domini, 1736-7. 

Pennsylvania, ss. Sa. Blunston." 

9 



150 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

where they occupied a tract of fine land. These brothers were among the 
first to explore and settle the valley. James made a settlement at the head of 
Great Spring, near Newville; Robert, at the head of Middle Spring, near 
Shippensburg, and Joseph and Benjamin at Falling Spring, where Chambers- 
burg now stands. 

By an arrangement among the brothers, Joseph returned to supervise their 
property at the mouth of Fishing Creek, and Benjamin remained to develop 
the settlement at Falling Spring. He built a one-storied hewed-log house 
which he covered with lapped cedar shingles secured by nails — an innovation 
upon the prevailing style of architecture, which consisted of a round log struct- 
ure covered with a roof of clapboards, held in position by beams and wooden 
pins. Having completed this, the finest residence in the settlement, he ad- 
dressed himself to clearing land, erecting necessary buildings and planning 
the future growth of the colony. Some time after this, Benjamin had occa- 
sion to visit his former homestead at Fishing Creek. Returning, he found his 
house had been burned by some avaricious person for the ' ' sake of the nails, ' ' 
which were a rarity in those days. 

Subsequently Mr. Chambers received what was then the only authority 
for the taking up and occupying of land. The following is a copy of the inter- 
esting instrument, which was a narrow strip of common writing paper, the 
chirography on which would not stand the crucial test of modern straight 
lines, ovals and right and left curves. 

Pennsylvania, ss. 

By order of the Proprietary. These are to License and allow Benjamin Chambers to 
take and settle and Improve of four hundred acres of Land at the falling spring's mouth 
and on both sides of the Conegochege Creek for the conveniency of a Grist Mill and plan- 
tation. To be hereafter surveyed to the said Benjamin on the common terms other Lauds 
in those parts are sold. Given under my hand this thirtieth day of March, 1734. 

Lancaster County. Samuel Blunston. 

A mill-wright by occupation, he at once erected a saw-mill and subsequently 
a flouring-mill. These were both indispensable to the comfort and growth of the 
settlement, and were evidently heralded as strong inducements for others to cast 
in their lot with this growing colony. The saw-mill stood on what is known as 
the " Island," a few rods northwest of where the woolen-mill now stands; the 
flouring-mill, constructed mainly of logs, stood near the residence of its owner. 
It was shortly destroyed by fire, but its place was occupied by a new one, whose 
walls were made of stone. 

Benjamin Chambers was upward of twenty one years of age when he settled 
at Falling Spring. His death occurring February 17, 1788, in his eightieth year, 
he must have been born about 1708 or 1709. Shortly after (1741), he married a 
Miss Patterson, residing near Lancaster, who'was the mother of his eldest son, 
James. She lived but a few years. In 1748 he married a second time, his 
choice being a Miss Williams, the daughter of a Welsh clergyman living in 
Virginia. She bore seven children, viz.: Ruhamah, married to Dr. Calhoun; 
William; Benjamin; Jane, married to Adam Ross; Joseph, George and Hetty, 
married to Wm. M. Brown, Esq. 

He used his influence with his acquaintances to settle in his neighborhood, 
directing their attention to desirable locations for farms. He was early com- 
missioned a justice of the peace, and later a colonel of the militia organized. 
He served as a daysman to adjust many controversies between his neighbors, 
and thus became a general counselor in the community. During the contro- 
versy between Lord Baltimore and the Penns, concerning the boundary between 
Pennsylvania and Maryland, he went to England to assist, by his evidence and 
advice, in the adjustment of the difficulties involved. From England he went 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 151 

to Ireland, his native soil, where he induced many acquaintances with their 
families to remove to his new settlement. 

In 1704 Col. Chambers laid out the town of Chambersburg, whose history 
is sketched elsewhere in this volume. The history of this sturdy early settler 
is the history of the county and of the commonwealth for more than half a 
century. From the time he landed at the Falling Spring till his declining 
health rendered further activity impossible, he was the acknowledged leader of 
the people in all civil, military and religious movements. 

We have no means of determining the exact order of settlements in other 
parts of the county. 

lu what is Antrim Township there must have been settlers as early as 

1734. In the Johnston graveyard, near Shady Grove, is a tablet bearing the 
name of James Johnston, who died in 1765. " From documents still extant," 
says the inscription, ' ' he settled on the land on which he died as early as 

1735, and was probably the first white settler in what is now Antrim Township, 
Franklin County." He had two sons, James and Thomas, both of whom 
were colonels in the Revolutionary war. About the same time settlements 
were made near the present site of Green Castle, by Joseph Crunkleton, Jacob 
Snively and James Rody. Snively was the progenitor of a large arid respecta- 
ble family, many of whom still live in the township, concerning whom much 
will be said in the township and biographical sketches.* 

At that time the settlements in the county were known in the aggregate as 
the " Conococheague Settlement. " Owing to the peculiar condition of land 
arrangements, settlers occupied- certain tracts by virtue of a sort of "squatter 
possession, ' ' each one choosing a site according to his taste. Hence, families 
lived, often, for a series of years on tracts before they received proper legal 
authorit}" for the same. 

On the west bank of the Conococheague, near the present site of Bridge- 
port, in Peters Township, settled William McDowell in 1730 or 1731. He had 
a large family of sons and daughters, who became prominent in the subsequent 
development of the country. The records of the surveyor's office show that 
warrants for land were held in what is Peters Township, as early as 1737, by 
Rev. John Black and Samuel Harris; 1738, Andrew McCleary; 1742, Henry 
Johnston and John Taylor; 1743, James Glenn, William Burney and James 
McClellan; 1744, Robert McClellan. By McCauley it is claimed that some of 
these were settlers as early as 1730. They were mainly Scotch-Irish, as will be 
seen by the names. 

Path Valley had early settlers, likewise. The records of the surveyor's 
office show that Samuel Bechtel had a warrant in what is now Fannett Town- 
ship, for 170 acres, which bore date January 24, 1737, and was surveyed the 
24th of the following May by Zach. Butcher, deputy surveyor. At that time 
it was in Hopewell Township, Lancaster County. The same records show that 
Thomas Doyle had a warrant in same region for 530 acres, dated November 
29, 1737, and surveyed December 30 following. Neither of these men had 
neighbors imrnediatety adjoining them, showing the settlements to be sparse. 
Settlements must have been made quite rapidly in the valley, notwithstanding 
its ownership by the Indians; for in 1750 Richard Peters, secretary of the com- 
monwealth, in a letter to the governor dated July 2, in which he gives an 
account of the removal of certain citizens because of their encroachments on 
interdicted territory, says: "On Wednesday, the 30th of May, the magis- 

*Some of the earliest warrants found in the surveyor's office bear date as follows: 1737, John Mitchell, 
David McGaw; 173S, David Scott, George Eeynolds ; 1740-42, David Kennedy, Humphrey Jones ; 174o-50, John 
Potter, Samuel McPherren, John Brotherton, Robert Wallace, William Magaw, Thomas Poe, George Gibson, 
William Smith, Jacob Snively, William Allison, Abraham Gable and John Davison. 



152 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

trates* and companyf , being detained two days by rain, proceeded over the 
Kittochtinny Mountains, and entered into Tuscara [Tuscarora] Path or Path 
Valley, through which the road to Alleghany lies. Many settlements were 
formed in this valley, and all the people were sent for, and the following per- 
sons appeared, viz. : Abraham Slach, James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dun- 
lap, Alexander McCartie, David Lewis, Adam McCartie, Felix Doyle, Andrew 
Dunlap, Eobert Wilson, Jacob Pyatt, Jacob Pyatt, Jr., William Raraage, Rey- 
nolds Alexander, Samuel Patterson, Robert Baker, John Armstrong and John 
Potts, who were all convicted, by their own confession to the magistrates, of the 
like trespasses with those at Shearman's Creek, and were bound in the like 
recognizances to appear at court, and [give] bonds to the proprietaries to remove, 
with all their families, servants, cattle and effects, and having all voluntarily 
given possession of their houses to me, some ordinary log houses, to the num- 
ber of eleven, were burnt to the ground, the trespassers, most of them cheer- 
fully and a very few of them with reluctance, carrying out all their goods. 
Some had been deserted before, and lay waste. ' ' 

John Hastin was one of the early settlers on the line of Lurgan and Letter - 
kenny Townships. He may have radiated from Shippensburg as a center. 
The statement of his survey, made by Zach. Butcher, D. S. , November 4, 1736, 
says : ' ' By virtue of a warrant from the honorable proprietaries, bearing date 

, I have surveyed and laid out unto John Hastin, in the township 

of Hopewell, in the county of Lancaster, on the west side of the Susquehanna 
River, six hundred and three acres of land with allowance of six per cent." 
The warrant, it seems, though no date is given, was of prior time. Francis 
and Samuel Jones are represented as neighbors. 

John Reynolds had a warrant for land, in what is now Lurgan Township, 
dated October 6, 1738, and surveyed May 16, 1743. His neighbors at the 
time were Robert Edmonson, Samuel Reynolds and Edward Shippen, Esq. 
In what is now Hamilton Township, warrants were issued in 1737 to Matthew 
Patton and George Leonard; in 1738 to David Black and Samuel Morehead. 
Their neighbors at the time were Samuel Jones, Nathaniel Newlins, Robert 
Patton, James Brotherton, Adam Hoops, Benjamin Gass, James Young, 
Thomas Morehead and Thomas Patterson. In Montgomery, as it now exists, 
was Philip Davis in 1737; James Harland and John Davyrich were his neigh- 
bors; in 1740, Thomas Evans, with David Alexander, John Davis and Aaron 
Alexander as neighbors; in 1743, William Maxwell, with John McLellandand 
Robert McCoy as neighbors; and in same year, Robert Culbertson, with AVill- 
iam and Thomas Dinwiddy and James Gardner as neighbors. About the same 
time, also, Alexander Brown, Thomas Sellers, John McClellan, Walter Beatty, 
Alex White, Wilson Halliday and Martha Howry were settlers. In the 
present Southampton, Rev. John Blair and Thomas Edmundson had warrants 
as early as 1743. 

In St. Thomas were, 1738, Thomas Armstrong ; in 1742, John Holliday; 
1743 and 1744, Robert Clugadge, James Campbell, George Galloway, Michael 
Campbell, William Campbell, George Cuming, John McConnell, Samuel Mc- 
Clintock, Robert Ritchey. 

In Greene the oldest warrant found was that of Joseph Culbertson, in 1744. 
Alexander Culbertson had one dated 1749. Their neighbors at the time were 
John Neal, William Carr, Reuben Gillespie, John Stump. This settlement 
was known as Culbertson' s Row. 

At the early period we have thus far borne in mind, Little Cove seems not 

*Matthew Dill, George CroghaD, Benjamin. Chambers, Thomas Wilson, John Findlay and James Galbreath, 
Esqs., justices of the county of Cumberland. 
•(•Under-sheriff of Cumberland County. 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 153 

to have been settled, it being greatly exposed to Indian depredations. As a 
rule, warrants date from .1755, the earliest one found, to 1769, between which 
dates are found Enoch Williams. Rees Shelby, William Smith, William Pin- 
dell, Evan Phillips, Samuel Owen. James McClellan, Hugh Martin, John Mar- 
tin, David Huston, Lewis Davis and David Brown. 

Washington Township, it seems, was not settled so early as some of the 
eastern and southwestern districts. It and Quincy Township became largely 
the homes of the Germans, who crossed South Mountain from York and Ad- 
ams Counties. Warrants from 1743 to 1750 embrace Michael Legate, John 
Markley, John Moorhead, James Johnston,.~ , Jacob Beesecker, Edward Nichols, 
Michael Raumsawher, Mathias Ringer, John Stoner, John Steiner, John Snow- 
berger. James Whitehead and John Wallace. 

In Q'',rncy, between same dates, George Cook, William Patrick, John 
Leeper, James Jack. 

It is much to be regretted that the names of these early pioneers, who 
struggled so heroically against the wilds of the forest and the depredations of 
the savages, have not been more carefully preserved. We append, however, a 
list of taxable names in 1751 and 1752. Erom it may be learned the general 
locations of these settlers: 

TAXABLES' NAMES, 1751 AND 1752. 

In Antrim Township — which embraced the territory now in Antrim, Wash- 
ington and Quincy Townships — the taxables' names were as follows: William 
Allison, Widow Adams, Joshua Alexander, Thomas Brown, Jacob Batterly, 
William Brotherton, John Chambers, George Cassil, William Clark, Williani 
Cross. Joshua Coal, Josh. Crunkleton, Jr., Peter Craul, John Crunkleton, 
William Dunbar, Thomas Davis, John Davies, Henry Dutch, David Dun- 
can. William. Erwin, Robert Erwin, James Finley, William Grimes, Nicholas 
Gulp. John Gyles, Lorance Galocher, Thomas Grogan, George Gordon, Abra- 
ham Gabriel, Paulus Harick, Robert Harkness, William Hall, Nath. Harkness, 
Christian Hicks, Robert Hamilton, Adam Hoops, Jjpjjes Jack, James Johnston, 
Peter Johnston, Henry Kefort, James Kerr, David Kennedy, Widow Leiper, 
Peter Leiper, Kath. Leatherman, Dietrich Lauw, James Lilon, Thomas 
Long, William McGaw, Samuel McFaran, John Mitchel, William McAlmory, 
William Mearns, William McLean, George Martin, John Monk, John Moor- 
head, John McMath, William McBriar, David McBriar, James McBride, Josh. 
McFaran, David McClellan, James McClanahan, 'Hugh McClellan, Patrick 
Mclntire, Arch. McClean, Samuel Moxiagh, William McClellan, John Moor, 
John McCoon, John McDowell, Alexander Miller, James McKee, Patrick Mc- 
Clarin, Edward Nichols, Thomas Nisbit, >Jacob Pisacker, Thomas Patterson, 
John Pritchet, Thomas Poa, Henry Pauling, John Potter, James Paile, Will- 
iam Patrick, James Pattro, John Reynolds, William Rankin, William Ram- 
sey, James Ramsey, John Roass, Mathias Ringer, Joseph Roddy, John Roal, 
Samuel Smith, John Scott, Robert Southerland, John Smith, James Scott, 
Daniel Scott, John Staret, Henry Stall, Jacob Snider, William Shanon, Jacob 
Snivelv. John Stoaner, Katharine Thomson, Anthony Thomson, Moses Thom- 
son, Joseph Walter, John Willocks, John Wallace. Freemen: E. Alexander, 
Alex. Cook, W. Campbel, Jacob Gabrial, Hugh Galocher, Adam Murray, 
Hugh McKee, Daniel McCoy, Daniel McCowan, Wm. McGaughey. James 
McGowan, Joseph Morgan, James Ross, John Snively, Charles White, James 
Young— 128. 

In Guilford — including what is now Chambersburg — John Anderson, Wm. 
Adams, Thomas Baird, George Cook, Benjamin Chambers, Frederick Croft, 



151 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Peter Coaset, James Crawford, Edward Crawford, Mayant Duff, John For- 
syth, Benjamin Gass, John Henderson, Ja mes Jack 1 _Patrjck Jack, James Lind- 
say, John Lindsay, Charles McGill, Wm. McKinney, John Mttshet, John 
Noble, William Nujant, John O'Cain, Solomon Patterson, Robert Patrick, 
Nathaniel Simpson, Henry Thomson. Freemen: Archibald Douglass, Henry 
Black, Alexander McAlister, Robert Uart. 31. 

In Hamilton — which then included the present township of Hamilton and 
about one-half of the present township of St. Thomas — Joseph Armstrong, 
Matthew Arthur, Josh. Barnet, James Barnet, Thomas Barnet, Jr., James 
Boyd, Thomas Barnet, Andrew Brattan, John Blain, Wm. Boal, Robert Bar- 
net, John Campbell, Adam Carson, James Denny, Robert Donelson, John 
Dixon, Matthew Dixon, John Eaton, Josh. Eaton, James Eaton, Robert Elliot, 
Johnston Elliot, Wm. Eckery, John Galaway, James Hamilton, John Hind- 
man, Alex. Hamilton, Edward Johnston, Patrick Knox, William McCord, Sam- 
uel McCamish, Samuel Moorhead, Thomas Patterson, Joshua Pepper, George 
Reynolds, William Rankin, John Swan, Widow Swan, Edward Thorn, Aaron 
Watson. Freemen: Dennis Ivease, Josh. McCamish, 42. 

In Lui'gan — which then included the present townships of Lurgan, Letter - 
kenny, Southampton, and Greene — Benjamin All worth, James Allison, Thos. 
Alexander, Andrew Baird, Jr. , James Breckenriflge, John Boyd, James Boall, 
James Boyd, Laird Burns, Robert Boyd, Samuel Buckenstos, William Barr, 
William Baird (turner), William Baird-(at Rocky Spring), John Burns, Fran- 
cis Brain, William Breckenridge, Alexander Culbertson, Archibald Campbell, 
Dennis Cotter, Joseph Culbertson, John Cessna, James Calwell, John Craw- 
ford, John Cumins, James Culbertson, Nathaniel Cellar, Oliver Culbertson, 
Samuel Culbertson, Samuel Cochran, Steven Colwell, William Cox, William 
Cochran, William Chambers, David Carson, Wm. Devanner, Jacob Donelson, 
Williain Erwin, John Evans, John Erwin, Andrew Finley, John Finley, Sr. . 
John Finley, Esq., John Finley (sawyer), James Finley, Robert Finley, George 
Ginley, John Graham, Robert Gabie, Thomas Grier, William Greenlee, Will- 
iam Guthrie, John Grier, Arthur Graham, Isaac Grier, John Gaston, David 
Heron, Francis Heron,' Gustavus Henderson, James Henderson, Joshua Hen- 
derson, James Henry, John Hawthorn, Christian Irwin, Willi am Jack, Samuel 
Jordan, John Jones, Nathaniel Johnson, David Johnson, John Johnson, Thomas 
Jack, John Kirkpatrick, John Kirkpatrick, Jr., John Kerr, John Kennedy, 
James Kirkpatrick, John Lowrie, John Leckey, James Lawder, Robert Long, 
Samuel Laird, William Linn, William Linn, Jr., David Linn, Archibald 
Machan, Arthur Miller, Andrew Murphey, Alexander Mitchell, Alexander 
McNutt, Charles Mc^lea, David McCright, George Mitchell, Gavin Mitchell, 
Humphrey Montgomery, Henry Machan, John Miller, Esq., James McCamant, 
JohnMcKeany, John McCall, James McCall, JohnMcCrea, John McKee, John 
Mitchel, James Mitchel, John Mitchel, Jr., John McCrea, John Machen, 
Joseph McKibben, John McNaught, John McCappin, John Montgomery, John 
McCombs, Machan McCombs, Mat. McCreary, Robert McConnell, Robert Mil- 
ler, Robert Machan, YTliomas McComb. Thomas Miner, William McConnell, 
William Mitchell. William McNutt, William McCall, Charles Murray, Joseph 
Mitchell, Andrew Neal, James Norrice, Thomas Neal, James Ortan, David 

Paxon, George Pumroy, James Patterson, Mr. Riley (at Mr. Hoops' ), 

John Rippie, Josiah Ramage, James Reed, Sr. , James Reed, Jr. , James Reed, 
Samuel Rippie, Wm. Reed, Robert Reed (cordwainer), Charles Stewart, James 
Sharp, Robert Scott. Ranald Slack, William Turner, Alvard Terrence, Joseph 
Thomson, James Tait, Robert Urie, Thomas Urie, Abm. Wier. David Watson, 
Hugh Wier, John Weyley, John Weir, James Waid, John Wilson, Nathaniel 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 155 

Wilson, Oliver Wallace, Wm. Withrow, Wm. Woods, Wm. Walker, Alexander 
Walker, William Young. Freemen: James Hawthorne, Morgan Linch, Geo. 
MeKeaney, William Milrea, Charles Moor, George Ross, John Tait — 176. 

In Peters Township — which then included the present townships of Peters 
and Montgomery, and that part of St. Thomas Township west of Campbell's 
Run — Daniel Alexander. Andrew Alexander, Wm. Armstrong, Hezekiah Alex- 
ander, Adam Armstrong, Arthur Alexander, John Baird, James Blair, Alex. 
Brown, Thomas Barr, Ann Black (widow,) Thomas Boal, Samuel Brown, Win. 
Barnett, Joshua Bradner, John Black, John Baird, James Black, Widow 
Brown, Robert Barnet, David Bowel, John Blair, George Brown, Wm. Clark, 
Robert Clugage, Wm. Campbell, Michael Carsell, Samuel Chapman, Thomas 
Calhoun, Michael Campbell, Robert Crawford, Patrick Clark, Wm. Campbell, 
Robert Culbertson, Charles Campbell, Thomas Clark, John Dickey, James 
Dickey. Widow Donelson, Wm. Dunwood, John Docherty, Samuel Davis, . 
David Davis, James Davis, Widow Davis, Philip Davis, Joseph Dunlop, Ar- 
thur Donelson, David Davis, Nath. Davis, Josh. Davis, Thomas Davis, James 
Erwin, Widow Farier, John Flanaghin, James Flanaghin, Moses Fisher, James 
Galbreath, John Gilmore, Widow Garison, Samuel Gilespie, James Galaway, 
Josh. Harris, John Harris. Jeremiah Harris, Charles Harris, Widow Huston, j 
James Holland, John Huston, John Hamilton, Joseph How, John Holyday, 
Wm. Holyday, Wm. Hanbey. David Huston, John Hill, James Holiday, Alex. 
Hotchison, Mesech James, Hugh Kerrell, Wm. Lowrie, Henry Larkan, Wm. 
^_Maswell, James Mitchell, John Morlan, John Martin, James Mercer, John 
Mercer. Wm. Marshall. Wm. Moor, Widow McFarland, Andrew Morison, 
John McDowell, Alex. McKee, Robert McClellan, Wm. McDowell, Jr., Wm. 
McClellan, John McClellan, Andrew Moor, Wm. McDowell, James McConnell, 
Robert McCoy, Wm. Mclllhatton, James McMahon, James Murphy, Win. 
Morrison, James McClellan, Robert Newell, Victor Neely, James Orr, Thomas 
Orbison. Thomas Owins. Nathan Orr, Matthew Patton, John Patton, Francis 
Patterson, David Rees, James Rankin, Alex. Robertson, Win. Semple, James 
Sloan, Richard Stevens. Andrew Simpson, Wm. Shannon, Hugh Shannon, 
Widow Scott, Alex. Staret, Collin Spence, John Taylor, James Wright, Wm. 
Wilson, John Wilson, John Winton, James Wilkey, James Wilson, Matthew 
Wallace, Moses White, John Wasson, Joseph Williams, John Wood, Joseph 
White, Thomas Waddle. Freemen: Robert Anderson, David Alexander, Rob- 
ert Banefield, James Brown, James Blair, Gavin Cluggage, James Carswell, 
James Coyle. William Gueen, Alex. Hutchison. Ed. Horkan, John Laird, Alex. 
McConnell. Samuel Templeton, Wm. Tayler, James Wilson, James Wallace, 
Andrew Willabee, Oliver Wallace. David Wallace — 162. 

One of the complications in earlier times, along the southern portion of the 
county, was the difficulty which settlers had in determining whether their pos- 
sessions were in Pennsylvania or Maryland. This involved the famous Mason 
and Dixon's line. 

This remarkable line, alluded to by political writers and speakers through 
the whole period of our national existence, and even anterior to it. is named 
in honor of its surveyors, and marks the boundary between Pennsylvania and 
Maryland. Since 1820, when John Randolph was continually harping on the 
words " Mason and Dixon's Line," as Felix Walker, of North Carolina, was 
on ' ' Buncombe, " one of the counties of his district, it has been the line of 
demarkation between two distinct schools of politicians, the representatives of 
two opposing sections of territory. 

The original controversy between the States, thus lying side by side, was 
waged with great spirit and varying results between the Lords Baltimore 



156 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

and the Penn family, from 1682 to 1.767. These various phases, interesting 
and exciting in themselves, can not here be given. The reader is referred to 
the special works which trace the controversy. It needs simply to be stated 
briefly th at "on the 4th of August, 1763, the Penns — Thomas and Richard, 
and Frederick Lord Baltimore, then being together in London, agreed with 
Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two mathematicians and surveyors, to 
mark, run out, settle, hx and determine all such parts of the circle, marks, 
lines and boundaries, as were mentioned in the several articles or commissions, 
and were not yet completed; that Mason and Dixon arrived in Philadelphia, 
November 15, 1763, received their instructions from the commissioners of the 
two provinces, December 9, 1703. and forthwith engaged in the work assigned 
them; that they ascertained the latitude of the southernmost part of the city of 
Philadelphia (viz. : 39° 56' 29.1" north — or, more accurately, according to Col. 
Graham, 39° 56' 37.4"), which was agreed to be in the north wall of the house 
then occupied by Thomas Plumstead and Joseph Huddle, on the south side of 
Cedar Street; and then, in January and February, 1764, they measured thirty- 
one miles westward of the city to the forks of the Brandy wine, where they 
planted a quartzose stone, known then, and to this day, in the vicinage, as the 
star-gazer's stone; that, in the spring of 1764, they ran, from said stone, a 
due south line fifteen English statute miles, horizontally measured by levels, 
each twenty feet in length, to a post marked ' west;' that they then repaired to 
a post marked 'middle,' at the middle point of the peninsula: west 
line running from Cape Henlopen to Chesapeake Bay, and thence, during 
the summer of 1764, they ran. marked and described the tangent line agre d. 
on by the proprietaries. Then, in the autumn of 1764, from the post marked 
'west,' at fifteen miles south of Philadelphia they set off and produced a 
parallel of latitude westward, as far as the river Susquehanna; then they went 
to the tangent point, and in 1764-65 ran thence a meridian line northward until 
it intersected the said parallel of latitude, at the distance of five miles, one 
chain and fifty links — thus and there determining and fixing the northeast 
corner of Maryland. Next, in 1765. they described such portion of the semi- 
circle around New Castle, as fell westward of the said meridian, or due north 
line from the tangent point. This little bow, or arc, reaching into Maryland, 
is about a mile and a half long, and its middle width. 116 feet; from its upper 
end, where the three States join, to the fifteen -mile point, where the great Ma- 
son and Dixon's line begins, is a little over three and a half miles; and from 
the fifteen mile corner clue east to the circle, is a little over three-quarters of 
a mile — room enough for three or four good Chester County farms. This was 
the only part of the circle which Mason and Dixon ran." 

In 176(3-67 they continue! the west line beyond the Susquehanna, extending 
the same to the distance of 230 miles. 18 chains .and 21 links from the northeast 
corner of Maryland near to an Indian war-path, on the borders of a stream 
called Dunkard Creek. The hostile attitude of the Indians prevented Mason 
and Dixon from continuing the line to the western boundary of Pennsylvania. 
The remainder of the line, less than twenty miles, was subsequently run (17S2) 
by other surveyors. The portion run by Mason and Dixon was certified 1 >y 
commissioners November 9. 176S. as having been properly marked by stones 
distant one mile from each other, every fifth mile-stone having on the north 
face the arms of Thomas and Richard Penn. and on the south face the arms of 
Lord Baltimore. These stones were oolitic rock, imported for the pirrpose 
from England. 

These surveyors were paid twenty-one shillings each per day for services 
and expenses, from the time they came to this country till they reached Eng- 




_^^-^^ /y ^jt^a^^^) 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 159 

land. The amount paid by the Penns from 1700 to 1768 was £34,200, Penn- 
sylvania currency. 



CHAPTER III. 
INDIAN WAR. 



Ihdjan Nations Described — "War Between French and English— Colonies In- 
volved — Braddock's Defeat and its Effects — Forts Located and De- 
scribed — Massacres from 1754 to 1705 — Conflict Between the Civil 
and Military at Fort Loudoun. 

AT the time the Cumberland Valley was opened up to the colonization of the 
white race, it was virtually in possession of the aggregation of tribes known 
as the Six Nations. At the opening of the seventeenth century, it is declared, 
"the lower valley of the Susquehanna appears to have been a vast uninhabited 
highway, through which hordes of hostile savages were constantly roaming be- 
tween the northern and southern waters, and where they often met in bloody 
encounters. The Six Nations were acknowledged as the sovereigns of the 
Susquehanna, and they regarded with jealousy and permitted with reluctance 
the settlement of other tribes upon its margin."* 

The Six Nations were the Onondagas, Cayugas, Oneidas, Senecas, Mo- 
hawks and the Tuscaroras, the last-named tribe joining the other five from North 
Carolina in 1712. By the French they were called the Iroquois. The Lenni 
Lenape, another powerful Indian confederacy, disputed the claim of the Six 
Nations to this rich territory, and professed to be, as their name implies, "the 
original people." The Lenni Lenape were known among the white settlers as 
the Delaware Indians. They were divided into three principal tribes, viz. : 
the Turtle, the Turkeys and Monseys or Wolf tribes. Monseys or Wolf tribe 
occupied the country between the Kittatinny or Blue Mountain, and the sources 
of the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, and had settlements also on the 
banks of the Susquehanna. The Shawanees, also, by the permission of the 
Sis Nations, held for a time the Cumberland Valley as a hunting-ground. 
This rivalry between these two great Indian Confederacies, the Lenni Lenape 
and the Six Nations, both of which laid claim to the original right to the soil 
of Pennsylvania, and hence to the Cumberland Valley, led to bloody conflicts, 
and greatly retarded the permanent settlement of the region between the Sus- 
quehanna and the Potomac. It led, also, to unpleasant complications in the 
securing of legal titles. The Indians had as serious disputes among them- 
selves relative to their lands as the inhabitants of Pennsylvania and Maryland 
subsequently did. The result of this quarrel among the Indians was that the 
Six Nations overcame the Lenni Lenape and held them in a state of vassalage 
until the year 1750. The Shawanees ultimately proved bad neighbors to both 
the Delawares and the Iroquois, and were removed by the latter, in 1755, to 
the head w T aters of the Ohio. 

For the reasons previously given. Kittatinny or Cumberland Valley was a 
hunting-ground for the Indians, and highly prized by them. None of the 
tribes made permanent settlement in its forests, which accounts for the absence 

Historical Collections of Pennsylvania. 



160 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

of Indian relics so numerous in certain western and southern localities. "With 
reluctance, therefore, did they leave this beautiful valley, and seek their wild 
game and fish elsewhere, and yet they finally consented to dispose of their 
cherished possessions. On the 11th of October, 1736, the chiefs of the Six 
Nations met in Philadelphia, and, reviving all past treaties of friendship, ex- 
ecuted a deed conveying to Jphn, Thomas and Richard Penn and their heirs, 
"all the said river Susquehanna, with the lands lying on both sides thereof, to 
extend eastward as far as the head of the branches or springs which run into 
the said Susquehanna, and all the land lying on the west side of the said river 
to the setting sun." The indefiniteness of this language was destined to re- 
sult in serious trouble. Advantage of the ambiguity of treaties made with 
the Indians was taken by unscrupulous white men, and thus gradually the 
red man saw himself deprived of all he held dear; and yet it is true that no 
serious complaints were made by him until about 1712, and were then con- 
fined to unlawful settlements on lands in Tulpehocken, on the Juniata, Augh- 
wick, Path Valley and on Licking Creek near the Potomac, which embraced 
the Big and Little Coves. 

The French were eager and successful, too, in poisoning the Indian mind 
with a sense of their gross wrongs, and thus secured their co-operation against 
the regular British soldiers. The animosities existing between the two Euro- 
pean governments were readily transferred to the rival colonies in the new 
world. Twenty years of cunning effort on the part of the French had re- 
sulted in winning the Indians to them as allies, in endeavoring to establish 
French supremacy in America. Since 1711, war had existed between Eng- 
land and France, but its effects had not been felt in the colonies. The set- 
tlers of this valley, isolated as they were, did not exhibit any fears of attack 
till 1718, when they banded together for the support of their home and for- 
eign governments. Loyalty to his English majesty reigned in every heart. 
An associated regiment was formed in the valley and included among its of- 
ficers the following from what is now Franklin County: Col. Benjamin Cham- 
bers, of Chambersburg; Maj. William, Maxwell, of Peters; Lieu ts. William 
Smith, of Peters; AndrewJ^inley, of Lurgan; John Potter, of Antrim; 
Charles McGill, of Guilford; John Winton, of Peters; Ensign John Rand- 
alls, of Antrim. At first some doubts existed as to the legality and expediency 
of these organizations, but these doubts were finally removed by a letter fro 
the council to the proprietaries, dated July 30. 1718. "The zeal and industi 
the skill and regularity of the officers have surprised every one, though it ha 
been for them a hard service. The whole has been attended by such expense, 
care and fatigue, as would not have been borne or undertaken by any who 
were not warm and sincere friends of the Government, and true lovers of their 
country. In short, we have by this means, in the opinion of most strangers, 
the best militia in America; so that, had the war continued, we should have 
been in little pain about any future enterprises of our enemies. Whatever 
opinions lawyers or others, not fully acquainted with our unhappy circuni 
stances, may entertain of it, it is, in our opinion, one of the wisest and most 
useful measures that was ever undertaken in any country." 

The lull was but temporary. In 1753 war broke out in earnest. The 
French established a line of forts from the lakes to the sources of the Ohio, 
and thence along it to the Mississippi and down it to its mouth. They held 
the bow of the country, while the English held the string along the Atlantic. 
One of these strongholds was Fort Du Quesne, at Pittsburgh. Against it, in 
1755, marched the English and provincial troops under command of Gen. 
Braddock, a skillful and experienced officer in ordinary warfare, but 



as 
e. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



161 



unacquainted with the nature and intrigues of the Indian. Disregarding the 
wise suggestions of his subordinates, he was thoroughly runted by the French 
and Indians on the Monongahela July 9, ITT)-"), and his demoralized and strag- 
gling army hurled back along the line of its advance, the merciless enemy 
hanging on flank and rear to increase the consternation and destruction. 

The effect of this retreat can be better imagined than told. "News of 
contemplated attacks upon the settlements along the frontier from the Dela- 
ware to the Maryland and Virginia line came upon the people in quick succes- 
sion, and some actual massacres, burnings and captivities were reported from 
the south, west and north. Even before Braddock's defeat, and when that 
General with his army had gone only thirty miles from Fort Cumberland, a 
party of 100 Indians, under the notorious Shingas, came to the Big Cove and 
to the Conolloways (creeks on the border of Maryland, in what is now Fulton 
County) and killed and took prisoners about thirty people, and drove the 
remainder from their homes. ' ' [Penn. Archives, Vol. II. J 

The consternation which succeeded the defeat was inexpressible. The 
retreat left the whole frontier uncovered. The inhabitants, unprotected and 
undisciplined, were compelled to flee hastily or use such means of defense as 
were at hand. Men, women and children were ruthlessly slaughtered like dumb 
animals. A reign of terror prevailed everywhere. The occupations of civil 
life were suspended, and all efforts to secure safety by flight or resistance were 
resorted to. Gov. Morris, moved by the piteous appeals from the frontier, 
summoned the Assembly to convene November 3, when he presented the case 
clearly and demanded men and a law for calling out the militia. Petitions 
were pouring in upon him, asking for men and the munitions of war, and 
beseeching protection from the destruction raging on every hand. The Assem- 
bly was tardy. The people, to impress its members with the folly of the 
' ' non-resistance policy, ' ' actually sent some of the dead and mangled victims 
of savage cruelty to Philadelphia to be exhibited on the streets. Everywhere 
men flew to arms. Twenty-five companies of militia, numbering about 1,400 
men, were raised and equipped for the defense of the frontier. The second 
battalion, comprising 700 men and stationed west of the Susquehanna, was 
commanded by Col. John Armstrong, of Carlisle. His subordinates were 
Capts. Hance Hamilton, John Potter, Hugh Mercer, George Armstrong, 
Edward Ward, Joseph Armstrong and Robert Callender. Of these, Joseph 
Armstrong was an early settler of Hamilton Township, this county. The fol- 
lowing is the roster of his private soldiers, the names of the subordinate 
officers not being known: 
John Armstrong. 
Thomas Armstrong. 
James Barnet. 
John Barnet. 
Joshua Barnet. 
Thomas Barnet, Sr. 
Thomas Barnet, Jr. 
Samuel Brown. 
John Boyd. 
Alexander Caldwell. 
Robert Caldwell. 
James Dinney. 
William Dinney. 
Robert Dixson. 
William Dixson. 



James Eaton. 
John Eaton. 
Joshua Eaton. 
James Elder. 
George Gallery. 
Robert Groin. 
James Guthrie. 
John Hindrnan. 
Abram Irwin. 
Christopher Irwin. 
John Jones. 
James McCamant, Sr. 
James McCamant, Jr. 
Charles McCamant. 
James McCamish. 



John McCamish. 
William McCamish. 
Robert McConnell. 
John McCord. 
Jonathan McKearney. 
John Machan. 
James Mitchell. 
Joshua Mitchell. 
William Mitchell. 
Jon. Moore. 
James Xorrice. 
John Norrice. 
James Patterson. 
Joshua Patterson. 
W T illiam Rankin. 



162 HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

Jon. Rippey. Matthew Shields, Sr. William Swan. 

Barnet Robertson. Matthew Shields, Jr. Charles Stuart. 

Francis Scott. Robert Shilds, Sr. Daniel Stuart. 

Patrick Scott. Robert Shilds, Jr. Devard Williams. 

William Scott. Jon. Swan. Jon. Wilson. 

David Shields. Joshua Swan. 

The intense feeling of the time is shown by the following letters, which 

speak for themselves: 

Falling Springs, Sabbath morning, Nov. 2, 1755. 
To the inhabitants of the lower part of the county of Cumberland: 
Gentlemen — 
If you intend to go to the assistance of your neighbors, you need wait no longer for 
the certainty of the news. The Great Cove is destroyed. James Campbell left his com- 
pany last night and went to the fort at Mr. Steel's meeting house, and there saw some of 
the Inhabitants of the Great Cove who gave this account, that as they came over the Hill 
they saw their houses in flames. The messenger says that there are but one hundred, and 
that they are divided into two parts; the one part to go against the Cove and the other 
against the Conollaways, and that there are two French among them. They are Dela- 
wares and Shawnese. The part that came against the Cove are under the command of 
Shingas. the Delaware King. The people of the Cove that came off saw several men lying 
dead; they heard the murder shout and the firing of guns, and saw the Indians going into 
their houses that they had come out of before they left sight of the Cove. I have sent 
express to Marsh creek at the same time I send this; so I expect there will be a good com- 
pany there this day, and as there are but one hundred of the enemy, I think it is in our 
power, if God permit, to put them to fligbt, if you turn out well from your parts. I 
understand that the West settlement is designed to go if they can get any assistance to 
repel them. 

All in haste, from 

Your humble servant. 
Benjamin Chambers. 

Shlppensburg, 2d November, 1755. 
To Hon. Edward Shippen, Esq., at Lancaster: 
Dear and Honored Sir: 
We are in great confusion here at present— We have received express last night that 
the Indians and French are in a large body in the Cove, a little way from William Max- 
well, Esq. ; and that they immediately intend to fall down upon this county. We, for these 
two davs past, have been w'orking at our Fort here, and believe shall work this day (Sun- 
day). 'This town is full of people, they being all moving in with their families— five or 
six families in a house. We are in great want of arms and ammunition; but with what 
we have we are determined to give the enemy as warm a reception as we can. Some of 
our people had been taken prisoners by this patty, and have made their escape from them, 
and came in to us this morning. 

As our Fort goes on here with great vigor, and expect it to be finished in fifteen days, 
in which we intend to place all the women and children; it would be greatly encouraging, 
could we have reason to expect assistance from Philadelphia by private donation of 
Swivels, a few great guns, small arms ami ammunition, we would send our own wagons 
for them; and we do not doubt that upon proper application but something of this kind 
will be done for us from Philadelphia. 

We have one hundred men working at Fort Morris with heart and hand every day. 

Dear Sir, yours, &c, 

James Burd. 

Conococheague,. Nov 6, 175"). 
May it please your Honor: 

I have sent enclosed two qualifications, one of which is Patrick Burns', the bearer, 
aud a tomahawk which was found sticking in the breast of one David McClellan. 

The people of Path Valley are all gathered in a small fort, and according to the last 
account, were sate. The Great Cove and Conolloways are all buried to ashes, and about 
fifty persons killed or taken.— Numbers of the inhabitants of this county have moved their 
families, some to York county, some to Maryland. 

llance Hamilton, Esq.. is now at John McDowell's mill, with upwards of two hun- 
dren men (from York county) and two hundred from this county, in all about four hun- 
dred. To-morrow we intend to go to the Cove and Path'Valley, in order to bring what 
cattle and horses the Indians let live. We are informed by a Delaware Indian, who lives 
amongst us, that on the same day the murder was committed, he saw r four hundred In- 
dians in the Cove; and we have some reason to believe they are about there yet, 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 103 

The people of Shearman's creek and Juniata have all conic away and left their 
horses: and there are now about thirty miles of this county laid waste. I am afraid 
there will soon be more. 

I am your Honor's most 

Humble servant, 

Adam Hoops. 
P. S. I have just received the account of one George McSwane, who was taken cap- 
tive about 14 days ago, and has made his escape, and brought two scalps and a toma- 
hawk with him. 

Shortly after the Indians had made hostile incursions into the Great Cove 
and commenced their devastation, Sheriff Potter was in Philadelphia, as ap- 
pears from the following extract, under date of November 14, 1755. — [Prov. 
Rec. N. 289.] 

Mr. Potter, the sheriff of Cumberland being in town was sent for, and desired to give 
an account of the upper part of that county in which the Indians had committed their late 
ravages; and he said that twenty-seven plantations were burnt and a great quantity of 
cattle killed; that a woman ninety-three years of age was found lying killed with her 
breast torn off and a stake run through her body. That of ninety-three families which 
were settled in the two Coves and the Conolloways, forty-seven were cither killed or 
taken, and the rest deserted. 

The names of those murdered and abducted, besides those already men- 
tioned, are given in the Pennsylvania Gazette of November 13, 1755, and are 
as follows: 

Elizabeth Gallway, Henry Gilson, Robert Peer, William Berryhill and 
David McClelland were murdered. The missing are John Martin's wife and 
five children; William Gallway' s wife and two children, and a young woman; 
Charles Stewart's wife and two children; David McClelland' s wife and two 
children. William Fleming and wife were taken prisoners. Fleming's son 
and one Hicks were killed and scalped. 

But the times demanded more than men and ammunition. Families needed 
to be put into some place of safety while their natural protectors were gone to 
overtake the cruel savages, who had burned houses and destroyed helpless 
women and children. This necessitated the building of private and public 
forts at such natural points as would best accommodate the people. Wisely 
these were distributee! along the western line of the valley to guard against the 
hostile invasions from the west, and notably from Path Valley, Cove Gap and 
the Little Covo. 

These forts answered several purposes: 1. They were places for the con- 
centration of defenseless and helpless women and children while their natural 
protectors were absent from home. 2. They served as deposits for the sur- 
plus ammunition and other valuable stores needed in the settlements. 3. They 
served as rallying points, for protection and defense, to the frightened inhabi- 
tants. 

At a meeting of the general committee of Cumberland County, convened 
by order of John Potter, sheriff of the county, at the house of Edward Ship- 
pen, October 30, 1755, at which eighteen persons*, including Col. Benjamin 
Chambers, were present, it was resolved to build immediately live large 
forts, viz.: at Carlisle, Shippensburg. Col. Chambers', Mr. Steele's meeting- 
house and William Allison, Esq.'s, in which the women and children were to 
be deposited, from which, on any alarm, intelligence was to be sent to the other 
forts. It is thought to be doubtful whether this plan was executed in full. 

Chambers' Fort. — This fort was erected by Col. Benjamin Chambers and 
located at the confluence of the Falling Spring and the Conococheague Creek, ■ 

*Names: William Allison, John Irwin, Adam Hoops, James Burd, William Smith, James McCormick 
Benjamin Chambers, Robert Chambers, H. Alexander John Findlay, John Potter, Rev. Mr. Bay, John Mush- 
ett, Samuel Reynolds, Rev. John Blair, John Smith, Alex Culbertson, John Armstrong. 



164 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

where Chambersburg now stands. Hon. George Chambers said: "It was 
erected in the winter and spring of 1756, being a stockade, including the 
dwelling house, flour and saw-mills of the proprietor (Col. Chambers) ; within 
the fort he erected a large stone building two stories in height, the waters of 
the Falling Spring running under part of it; for safe access to the water, its 
windows were small, and adapted to defense; the roof of it was covered with 
sheet-lead, to protect it against fire from the savages. In addition to 
small arms, Col. Chambers had supplied himself with two four-pound cannon 
which were mounted and used. Within the fort he remained in safety with his 
family throughout the whole series of Indian wars. It was also a place of 
shelter and security to many of the neighboring families in times of alarm. 
In a letter dated Harris' Ferry, October 17, 1756, Jas. Young pronounces it 
' ' a good Private Fort, and on an Exceeding good situation to be made very De- 
fenceable. " He feared lest the fort, with its two four-pound cannon, with "no- 
body but a few Country People to defend it, ' ' should be captured, and they 
used against Shippensburg and Carlisle. He recommended the removal of the 
guns, or a proper force stationed for their protection. When Gov. Denny 
directed these guns to be removed from Fort Chambers, he found his orders 
disregarded, as was proper under the circumstances. 

Davis 1 Fort was erected by Philip Davis in 1756. It was about nine miles 
south of Fort Loudoun, near the Maryland line, at the northern termination of 
one of the Kittochtinny ranges, known in early times and since as Davis' 
Knob. It was sixteen and one-half miles from Chambers' Fort, and eight 
from McDowell's mill. 

McDowell's Mill. — This fort was known by several names, as "Fort at Mc- 
Dowell's Mill," " McDowell's Mill," or " McDowell's." It was named in hon- 
or of its founder, John McDowell, who settled at and around the present site 
of Bridgeport, shortly after the Chambers settlement was made at Falling 
Spring. He erected a mill of logs, and some thirty yards from it a rude two 
story log house with a liberal supply of port holes. The mill and fort sites 
are now owned by Mr. Jacob Wister. 

This fort, which occupied such a conspicuous place in the early history 
of the province for the period of only about two or three years, was built as 
early as 1754; for Col. John Armstrong, then stationed at Carlisle, in a "plan 
for the defence of the Frontier of Cumberland County from Philip Davies' to 
Shippensburg," issued in 1754, " ordered that one company cover from Philip 
Davies' to Thomas Waddel's; And as John McDowell's mill is at the most im- 
portant Pass, most exposed to danger, has a fort already made about it, and there 
provisions may be most easily had — for these Reasons let the Chief Quarters be 
there; let five men be Constantly at Philip Davies', William Marshall's and 
Thomas Waddle's, which Shall be relieved every day by the patrolling guards; 
let Ten men be sent early every morning from the Chief Quarters to Thomas 
Waddle' s, and Ten return from thence back in the evening. A likewise Ten 
men Sent from the Chief Quarters to the other extremity daily, to go by Will- 
iam Marshall's to Philip Davies', and return the same way in the afternoon. 
By this Plan the Whole Bounds will be patrolled every Day; a Watch will be 
constantly kept at four most important Places, and there will be every night 
forty- five men at ye Chief Quarters ready for any Exigence." The impor- 
tance of the place is further seen in the fact that, when Gen. Braddock, in the 
spring of 1755, was passing on his way for the reduction of Fort DuQuesne, 
he urged Gov. Morris to hurry up the army supplies along the public road 
that passed near McDowell' s mill. On the 3d of July, 1755, the Governor 
announces his compliance with the request and his purpose to ' ' form the mag- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 105 

nzine at or near McDowell's mill, and pnt some Stuccados around it to protect 
the Magazine and the people that will have the Care of it." In response, Gen. 
Braddock indicated his "Approbation of the Deposits being- made at McDow- 
ell's Mill." In November of this year (1755), as we learn from a letter by 
Adam Hoops, commissary to Gov. Morris, "Hance Hamilton, Esq., was at 
John McDowell's Mill with about 400 men." to be used in gathering up the 
cattle and horses not destroyed by the Indians in Path Valley. 

In consequence of the cutting of a new road to the Ohio, about two miles 
north, and in view of the indefensibility of McDowell's, it was determined to 
change the location of the fort; hence its successor. 

Fort Loudoun. — In the autumn of 1756, Col. John Armstrong began the 
construction of this place of defense. Some difficulty was experienced in se- 
curing a suitable site. At last one was chosen near to Parnell's Knob, where 
one Patton lived, "near the new road," making the "distance from Shippens- 
bui'g to Fort Lyttleton two miles shorter than by McDowell's." In a letter 
to Gov. Denny, dated at McDowell's, November 19, 1750, Col. Armstrong 
says: "I'm makeing the best preparation in my power to forward this Fort 
(Loudon), as well as to prepare by barracks, etc., all the others for the ap- 
proaching winter. * * To-day we begin to Digg a Cellar in the New Fort, the 
Loggs and Roof of a new House having there been erected by Patton before the 
Indians burn' d his Old One. We shall apprise this House, and then take the 
benefit of it, either for Officers' Barracks or a Store-House; by which Means the 
Provisions may the sooner be mov'd from this place, which at present divides 
our strength." December 22, 1756, A. Stephens says: "The. public stores 
are safely removed from McDowell' s mill to Fort Loudoun — the barracks for the 
soldiers are built, and some proficiency made in the Stockado, the finishing of 
which will doubtless be retarded by the in clemency of the weather." Capt. 
Thompson, in a letter dated at Loudoun, April 7, 1758, mentions the arrival 
of forty Cherokee Indians at the fort, and that more were daily expected. He 
desires Gov. Denny's immediate directions as to how they were to be treated 
and supplied, as they had come without arms or clothes; they had come for 
service in the colonies. 

Gen. Forbes, while on his expedition to Fort Du Quesne to expel the 
French and their Indian allies from the frontiers, addressed a letter from Lou- 
doun (the town being distant a mile from the fort) to Gov. Denny, urging the 
hearty co operation of the authorities and people to secure the desired success. 
September 9, 1758, he wrote: "Everything is ready, for the army is advanc- 
ing; but that I cannot do, unless I have a sufficient quantity of provisions in 
the magazines at Raystown. " His march was resumed soon afterward, and 
continued till he reached Fort Du Quesne, which the enemy evacuated Novem- 
ber 24. 1758. In October of the same year, Forbes recommended to the gov- 
ernor the necessity of distributing 1,200 men among the different forts, 100 of 
whom were to be stationed at Fort Loudoun. 

Col. Bouquet having assumed command of the regular and provincial 
troops, left Carlisle (whither Gov. Penn had accompanied him) on his expedi- 
l ion westward early in August. "On August 13 their small army got to Foil 
Loudoun; but notwithstanding all the precautions taken to prevent desertions, 
the Pennsylvania troops were now reduced to 700 men. Further ad- 
ditions were therefore requested, and furnished by the governor. While 
here he received an account from Presque Isle, by Capt. Bradstreet, of peace 
being made with the Delawares and Shawnese; but Col. Bouquet, not believing 
they were sincere, proceeded forward from Fort Loudoun to Fort Pitt, where 
he arrived on September 17." — [Bouquet's Hist. Account,] 



166 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The name Ponifret Castle was firlt suggested, but was dropped and that 
of Loudoun (spelled Loudon at present) in honor of the Earl of Loudoun, 
lately arrived as commander-in-chief of His Majesty's forces, was adopted. 
It embraced over an acre of ground. The foundations were of stone, the su- 
perstructure of logs, bastions being placed in each corner. No vestiges of it 
remain at present. The site of the fort is owned by Mr. J. H. Horner of the 
village of Loudon. 

McCord's was a private fort, erected probably in 1755 or 1756, along the 
base of Kittochtinny Mountains, north of Parnell's Knob, and intended, doubt- 
less, for temporary occupation during the early Indian wars. It is believed 
to have been not many miles from Fort Loudoun, but its precise location can 
not be definitely fixed. It was attacked and burned by the Indians in April, 
1756, and many captives taken and carried off. This circumstance greatly 
impaired confidence in private forts, and led to the early erection of those of 
greater security. 

Steele's Meeting-house. — Judge Chambers, in a note published in the Ap- 
pendix to Pennsylvania Archives, says : ' ' The first fort of which I have infor- 
mation, in the Conococheague Settlement, which comprised nearly the whole 
of the County of Franklin, was at the Rev. John Steele's meeting house, 
which was surrounded by a rude Stockade Fort in 1755. It was erected shortly 
after Braddock's defeat, we suppose, as it was referred to in the Indian Inva- 
sion in November, 1755. * It was situated where what is called The Presby- 
terian White Church, south of Fort Loudoun about five miles, and east of 
Mercersburg three miles. It was a place of notoriety during the Indian Wars. ' ' 
Upon a visit of the Indians to this settlement, in November, 1755," the Rev. 
Mr. Steele, with others, to the number of about 100, went in quest of them, 
but with no success. " In a letter from Peters Township to Gov. Morris, dated 
April 11, 1756, Mr. Steele says: " As I can neither have the men, arms nor 
blankets, I am obliged to apply to your Honor for them ; the necessity of the cir- 
cumstances has obliged me to muster before two magistrates the one-half 
of my company whom I enlisted, and am obliged to order guns. I pray that 
with all possible expedition, 54 fire arms and as many blankets, and a quan- 
tity of flints, may be sent to me; for since McCord's Fort has been taken, and 
the men defeated and pursued, our county is in the utmost confusion, great 
numbers have left the county, and many are preparing to follow. May it 
please your honor to allow me an ensign, for I find a sergeant's pay will not 
prevail with men to enlist in whom much confidence is reposed." — [Penn. 
Arch., Vol. II, p. 023.] 

Waddle' s is sometimes referred to in the old records. It must have been a 
private fort built about the same time with the others, probably near what is 
now called Waddle's (sometimes Eckert's) graveyard. 

Allison's was also a private fort near Greencastle, and served its purpose, j 

Maxwell's. — Where this was located the writer has not been able to 
ascertain. It was evidently a private fort or block-house in the general line of 
defense against the incursions of Indians from the west. 

Elliott's stood in Path Valley, about a mile north of Fannettsburg, at the 
place now known as Springtown. It was erected in 1754 or 1755. At this j 
place are half a dozen limestone springs, one of which was enclosed by the 
fort. At the time the barn of James and Samuel Walker, one mile south of 
Fannettsburg, was burned by the Indians, viz. : On the night of March 22, J 
1763, the neighbors collected together and scouts were sent by a by-path to 

♦"November ye 25, 1755. The Reveraud John. Steele at Conegochig: 2 quarter casks of powder; 2 cwt. of 
Lead."— [Government Account.] 



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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



109 



give alarm at the fort, so that it must have been still occupied by British 
soldiers. 

Baker's is supposed to have been at or near the village of Dry Run. 

The foregoing is by no means an enumeration of all the forts of a private 
character in Franklin County. The great danger, however, was to be appre- 
hended from the west, and hence the wisdom of locating a lino of these- 
defenses from Parnell's to Casey's Knobs, and patrolling them regularly. 
From Path Valley and through Cove Gap the greatest danger was to be 
apprehended. 

The massacres mentioned in the following pages are found in various 
records, which can not here be specified. It will be seen that they occurred 
more frequently and with greater malignity shortly after the defeat of Brad- 
dock's army. 

In September, 1754, Joseph Campble was killed, near Parnell's Knob, by 
an Indian of the Six Nations, named Israel. 

In February, 1756, two lads were taken at Widow Cox's, near Parnell's, 
Knob, also a man named John Craig. They afterward escaped. 

February 29, 1756, two boys were fired at by the Indians in the Little 
Cove. One was killed but the other alarmed the fort, and the Indians were 
pursued and driven away after a loss of four soldiers. 

On the same day, a man named Alexander discovered a party of Indians 
jiear Thomas Barr's place, in Peters Township. The alarm was given, and 
an engagement ensued, in which several citizens were killed, one being Barr's 
son. 

April 5, 1756, McCord's Fort was burned and many inhabitants killed and 
captured by the Indians. Immediately upon receipt of the news, Capt. 
Alexander Culbertson, with a company of fifty men, set out in pursuit, and 
overtook them at Sidling Hill, where a serious contest ensued, in which Capt. 
Culbertson was slain. So many were wounded, that a surgeon, living im 
Carlisle, was sent for, and even then much inconvenience was experienced,. 
Following is a list of killed and wounded: 



Alexander Culbertson, 

captain. 
John Reynolds, ensign, 

Capt. Chambers' Co. 
William Kerr. 
James Blair. 
John Layson. 
William Denny. 



KILLED. 

Francis Scott. 
William Boyd. 
Jacob Paynter. 
Jacob Jones. 
Robert Kerr. 
William Chambers. 
Daniel McCoy. 
James Robertson, tailor. 



James Robertson, weaver^ 

James Peace. 

John Blair. 

Henry Jones. 

John McCarty. 

John Kelly. 

James Lowder. 



William Hunter. 

Matthias Ganshorn. 
William Swailes. 



WOUNDED. 

Abraham Jones. Benjamin Blyth. 

Francis Campbell. John McDonald. 

William Reynolds. Isaac Miller. 

John Barnet. Ensign Jamieson. 

Shortly after, Capt. Jacobs (Indian chief), with a band of forty savages,, 
made an expedition into the Coves, burning and scalping. Hugh McSwine- 
was taken prisoner, and afterward escaped on the leader's horse. This he- 
took to Col. Washington, who gave him a commission as lieutenant. 

William Mitchel, living in Conococheague, was shot and killed by a band 
of Indians, while at work in the harvest field. 

10 



170 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

On the 26th of May, 1756, John Was'son, a farmer living in Peters Town- 
ship, was horribly mangled and scalped by a small party of Indians. His 
house was burned and his wife taken captive. 

July 26, 1756, Joseph Martin was killed, and John and James McCollough 
captured in the Conococheague settlement. 

August 27, 1756, William Morrison was captured and his house burned. 

August 28, Betty Ramsey, her son and the cropper were killed and daugh- 
ter taken prisoner. 

November, 1756, in the upper part of the county, near Conococheague, a 
party of savages barbarously mangled a number of the inhabitants, and took 
many women and children captives. Following is a list of killed and missing: 



James McDonald. John Woods, with his wife John Culbertson. 

William McDonald. and mother-in law. Elizabeth, wife of John 

Bartholomew McCafferty. Samuel Perry. Archer. 

Anthony McQuoid. Hugh Kerrel. 

MISSING. 

James Corkem. John Archer's four chil- Samuel Neely. 

William Cornwall. dren. James McCoid. 

March 29, 1757, the Indians made a breach at Rocky Springs, where one 
woman was killed and eleven taken prisoners. 

April 2, 1757, William McKinley and son were killed. He had left Cham- 
bers' Fort to visit his farm on the creek below Chambersburg, but was dis- 
covered and scalped by the Indians. 

April 7, 1757, three families, two named Campbell and Patterson, were cut 
off at Conococheague, and barbarously treated. 

April 23, 1757, John Martin and William Blair were killed at Conocochea- 
gue, and Patrick McClelland wounded by savages. 

May 13, 1757, William Walker and an unknown man killed at Conodo- 
guinet. 

June 21, 1757, Alexander Miller killed, and his two daughters captured 
at Conococheague. 

July 2, 1757, a man named Springson killed near Logan's mill. 

July 8, two boys taken prisoners at Cross's Fort, Conococheague. 

July 27, man named McKisson wounded, and son captured at South Moun- 
tain. 

August 17, 1757, AVilliam Manson and son killed at Cross's Fort, Conoco- 
cheague. 

September 26, 1757, Robert Rush, John McCracken killed, and live others 
captured near Chambersburg. 

May 23, 1758, Joseph Galady killed, and his wife and child captured at 
Conococheague. 

November 9, 1757, John W T oods, his. wife and mother-in-law, and the wife 
of John Archer, were killed, four children taken captives, and nine men killed 
near McDowell's mill. 

April 5, 1758, one man killed and ten taken near Black's Gap, South 
Mountain. 

April 13, 1758, one killed and nine taken near Archibald's, South Mountain. 

For a long time after this no record of any massacres has been found; but 
doubtless many were committed, and many outrages perpetrated, of which 
nothing is known. 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 171 

We are indebted to Capt. J. H. Walker, a descendant of James Walker, 
for the following well authenticated and detailed account of his captivity and 
escape from the Indians. 

' ' About the middle of August, 1 702, James Walker, who lived on the 
farm where John D. Walker now resides, near Fannettsburg, was on his way 
home from the fort at Loudon, and when near Richmond, on the old Braddock 
road, was fired at by a party of Indians. His horse was killed under him, 
and in falling the horse fell on him in such a way that before he could extricate 
himself the Indians captured him. They then took the saddle off his horse, 
and fastening it on his back compelled him to carry it, and started over the 
mountain westward. The first night they stopped near Fort Littleton, and to 
make their prisoner secure, they tied his hands and an Indian slept on each 
side of him. The next morning, discovering some horses grazing in the neigh- 
borhood of the fort, they made several attempts to capture them, but without 
success. After repeated failures they determined that their prisoner should 
make a trial of it, and lest he might wander off too far, or attempt his escape, 
they made a rope or line of hickory bark, and fastened to his leg, the Indians 
holding one end of the line, but the horses were shy, he met with no better 
success, and they were compelled to give it up, being fearful that they might 
be discovered from the fort. After remaining nearly the whole day and 
watching the operations at the fort, they again started westward. For several 
days they traveled by easy stages, crossing on their way the South or Rays- 
town branch of the Juniata River. At length, as they seemed to approach the 
Indian settlement, the party divided one evening, and left their prisoner in 
charge of two of their company for the night. Taking the precaution to tie 
him safely as before, they lay down, one on each side of him, and soon were in 
a sound sleep. The apparently sound sleep of their prisoner, however, was 
not real, as he had fully determined that now, if ever, was his opportunity to 
try to make his escape. He had a knife secreted about his person, which for- 
tunately his captors had failed to discover. After long and patient effort, he 
succeeded in getting one of his hands loosed. He then worked his knife out 
of its hiding place, and cut the cords with which he was fastened. During 
this operation one of the Indians started as if about to rouse up, but their 
prisoner affected such soundness of sleep that his suspicions were allayed, and 
he soon went to sleep again. 

"But this being too critical a position in which to remain very long, Mr. 
Walker, as soon as he thought it safe to do so, raised cautiously to his feet, but 
in doing so the same wily savage again awoke, and this time realizing the 
situation, grasped his tomahawk, and was about to spring to his feet, and 
while in the act of doing so Mr. Walker seized him by the hair, and quick as 
thought plunged his knife into the throat of his antagonist, who fell mortally 
wounded at his feet. The other Indian, being awakened by the scuffle, and 
the death knell of his companion, and supposing doubtless that they had been 
pursued by a party of whites, hastily fled, leaving Mr. Walker master of the 
situation. He knew too well the importance of having as great a space 
between himself and the scene of his encounter as practicable before daylight, 
and made all possible speed in the homeward direction. When daylight came 
he sought a secure hiding place, and remained there all day. His journey 
eastward was attended with many difficulties, and much suffering, as he trav- 
eled mostly by night to avoid recapture, and the country being a dense wilder- 
ness, he frequently became bewildered, and sometimes traveled in a wrong 
direction. Besides subsisting chiefly on roots, berries, etc., his flesh was torn 
with briars, and badly bruised when crossing the mountains, and forcing his 



172 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

way through the thickets. At length, after many weary days and nights, he 
found his way back to the fort at Littleton, where he received the medical 
attention that his situation demanded. He was greatly weakened by the 
exposure and suffering, and the condition of his sores was so horrible, the 
worms having already got into them, that he was compelled to remain there 
for some time before he could be removed to his home. ' ' 

In 1764, however, on July 26, three miles northwest of Greencastle, was 
perpetrated what Parkman, the great historian of colonial times, pronounces 
"an outrage unmatched in fiend-like atrocity through all the annals of the war. " 
This was the massacre of Enoch Brown, a kind-hearted exemplary Christian 
schoolmaster, and ten pupils — eight boys and two girls. Ruth Hart and Ruth 
Hale were the names of the girls. Among the boys were Eben Taylor, George 
Dunstan and Archie McCullough. All were knocked down and scalped by the 
merciless savages. Mourning and desolation came to many homes in the val- 
ley, for each of the slaughtered innocents belonged to a different family. The 
last named boy indeed survived the effects of the scalping knife, but in a some- 
what demented condition. 

The teacher offered his life and scalp in a spirit of self-sacrificing devotion, 
if the savages would only spare the lives of the little ones under his charge 
and care. But no! the tender mercies of the heathen are cruel, and so a per- 
fect holocaust was made to the Moloch of war by the relentless fiends in hu- 
man form. The school -house was located on the farm now owned by Mr. 
Henry Diehl, and formerly owned by Mr. Christian Koser. It stood in a 
cleared field at the head of a deep ravine, surrounded by dense forests. Down 
this ravine the savages fled a mile or two until they struck Conococheague Creek, 
along the bed of which, to conceal their tracks, they traveled to the mouth of 
Path Valley up which and across the mountains they made good their escape 
to their village near the Ohio. The bodies were given, at the time, a burial 
in a common grave — a rude box containing the forms of the teacher and his as- 
sociate victims. 

August 4, 1843, or seventy nine years after the slaughter, a number of the 
principal citizens of Greencastle made excavations to verify the traditional ac- 
count of the place and manner of burial. Some remains of the rough coffin 
were found at quite a depth from the surface, and then the skull and other re- 
mains of a grown person, alongside of which were remains of several children. 
Metal buttons, part of a tobacco box, teeth, etc. , were picked up as relics by 
those present, among whom were some of our citizens still living with us in a 
green old age, viz. : Dr. Wm. Grubb,* Dr. J. K. Davison, George W. Ziegler, 
Esq. , and Gen. David Detrich. 

The question of erecting a monument to the memory of these unfortunates 
was agitated at different times, but never reached a tangible solution till 1885, 
when, as the result of a very spirited canvass of schools, Sunday-schools, 
churches, and private individuals, as well as by excursions and other legitimate 
agencies, about $1,400 was raised for the purpose. Twenty acres of land was 
purchased, and the monument was finally unveiled August 4, 1885, in the pres- 
ence of 5,000 people. 

The meeting was called to order by Col. B. F. Winger, chief marshal. 
Mounting the base of the monument the Rev. Cort made a few preliminary re- 
marks, and then four little girls and nine boys pulled the cords, the mantle of 
red, white and blue fell, and the monument stood forth a thing of beauty and 
strength, the delight of all beholders. It is indeed a massive affair. On the 
top of four feet of solid masonry underneath the ground are nearly four feet of 

* Since deceased. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 173 

dressed limestone of immense proportions from Hawbecker's Williamson 
quarry. On the top of this limestone foundation, which is five feet square, is 
placed the granite base of the monument, four feet square and seventeen inch- 
es high, and weighing 4,600 pounds. Next comes the polished die or sub- 
base, three feet square and two feet high, on the four sides of which are en- 
graved the inscriptions. On the top of this stands the shaft of the monument, 
two feet square at the base, ten feet high and tapering gracefully to a pyrami- 
dal apex. The shaft weighs 4, 100 pounds. Inclosing the monument is a 
very substantial iron fence, fifteen feet square. The following are the in- 
scriptions : 

On the east side: 

Sacred to the Memory of School-master Enoch 
Brown and Eleven Scholars, viz. : Ruth Hart, Ruth 
Hale, Eben Taylor, George Dunstan, Archie Mc- 
cullough, and slx others (names unknown), who 
were Massacred and Scalped by Indians on this 
Spot, July 26, 1764, During the Pontiac War. 

On the north side: 

Erected by Direction op the Franklin County 
Centennial Convention of April 22, 1884, in the 
Name of the Teachers and Scholars of All the 
Schools in the County, Including Common Schools, 
Select Schools and Sunday Schools. For a Full 
List of Contributors see Archives of Franklin 
County Historical Society or Recorder's Office. 

West side inscription, next to grave: 

The Remains of Enoch Brown and Ten Scholars 
(Archie McCullough Survived the Scalping) Lie 
Buried in a Common Grave, South 62i Degrees, 
West 14£ Rods from this Monument. They Fell 
as Pioneer Martyrs in the Cause of Education 
and Christian Civilization. 

On the south side: 

The ground is holy where they fell. 

And where their mingled ashes lie, 
Ye Christian people, mark it well 

With granite columns strong and high; 
And cherish well forevermore 

The storied wealth of early years, 
The sacred legacies of yore, 

The toils and trials of pioneers. 

The small monument was unveiled at the grave by Rev. Cort after a few 
preliminary remarks. It is a very chaste and pretty structure, composed, like 
the larger monument, of Concord granite. It is about seven feet high and 
two feet square at the base. On the side facing the grave is this inscription : 
" The grave of Schoolmaster Enoch Brown and Ten Scholars, massacred by 
the Indians July 26, 1764. " Around it is also a solid iron fence ten feet square. 

George W. Ziegler, Esq., was chosen president for the day, and made a 
short address, heartily approving the cause which had brought the people to- 
gether and commending .the monument committee for its faithful and energet- 
ic labors. Rev. J. D. Hunter then offered a very appropriate prayer. The 
Reformed Church choir, under the lead of Prof. Collins, assisted by a few am- 
ateurs, sang "America," " My Country, 'tis of Thee," and afterward "The 
Infant Martyrs, " a hymn composed by Dr. Henry Harbaugh on the martyred 
babes of Bethlehem, who were slain by King Herod. The organization was 
completed by the election of the vice-presidents and secretaries, viz. : 



174 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Vice-presidents: Rev. J. Spangler Kiefer, Hagerstown, Md. ; Gen. David 
Detrich, Dr. James K. Davidson, Capt. Jacob Diehl, Antrim; Jacob Hoke, 
Judge Kimmel, Rev. Herbert, Chambersbnrg ; Jacob B. Brumbaugh, Peters; 
Simon Lecron, D. C. Shank, George J. Balsley, D. O. Nicodemus, Washing- 
ton; Joseph Winger, Montgomery; Dr. Frick, Quincy; Rev. Knappenberger, 
John Hoch, Mercersburg; Rev. Bahner, Waynesboro; Rev. Riddle, Fairfax, 
Va. ; Andrew K. Kissecker, Tiffin, Ohio. Secretaries: W. G. Davison, W. 
C. Kreps, Gz'eencastle; Bruce Laudebaugh, G. W. Atherton, Mercersburg; 
William A. Ried, Antrim; A. N. Pomeroy, Chambersburg. 

Rev. Cyrus Cort, chairman of the monument committee, then made the 
presentation speech, which was well received. 

After a sumptuous dinner, Rev. J. W. Knappenberger, of Mercersburg, of- 
fered a short but appropriate prayer. Peter A. Witmer, of Hagerstown, Md. , 
made an address heartily approving the work. He was followed by Rev. F. M. 
Woods, of Martinsburg, W. Va. John M. Cooper, of Harrisburg, read a very 
fine poem appropriate to the occasion. Dr. W. H. Egle, of Harrisburg, de- 
livered the historical address of the occasion on " Pontiac and Bouquet. " He 
complimented, in eloquent terms, Rev. Cyrus Cort* for the intense zeal he had 
manifested in the erection of this, the people' s monument — a tribute to the ed- 
ucational martyrs of the county. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. 
John R. Agnew. 

One of the last massacres committed by the Indians in »Franklin County, 
probably about the time of the Revolutionary war, was that of the Renfrew 
sisters (Sarah and Jane), on what is now the farm of A. J. Fahnestock, near 
Waynesboro. The girls, it is said, were washing clothes on the bank of the 
Little Antietam, when two Indians came upon them, and having stricken them 
down and taken their scalps, went to the little cabin standing on the hill and 
killed an infant, dashing its brains out against a tree. They then betook 
themselves in flight to the mountains, westward, but were pursued by two ex- 
perienced hunters living in the neighborhood. The savages were finally over- 
taken in an open forest, in the Big Cove, engaged in eating wild plums. Ac- 
cording to previous plans, the wary hunters approached sufficiently close to see 
the seeds of the plums drop, one by one. Raising their trusty guns, they 
fired, each bringing his victim to the ground. Scalping the savages and re- 
covering the scalps of the girls, they hastily retraced their steps and reached 
the Renfrew home in time to deposit all four scalps by the coffin ready to be 
buried. The dust of the Renfrews now rests in an humble grave in what is 
known as the Burns grave-yard, on the Fahnestock place, and is marked by a 
simple slab of rough sandstone. < 

In 1765 a difficulty occurred between the military authorities at Fort 
Loudoun, under command of Lieut. Charles Grant, and certain citizens in 
Peters Township, under the leadership of James Smith. The whole affair 
grew out of the fact that certain Indian traders from Philadelphia were in the 
habit of smuggling lead, tomahawks, scalping knives, etc. , through the lines 
and disposing of the same to the ruthless savages. With a band of men, 
blacked and painted, Smith, highly incensed at these damnable acts, ambushed 
and waylaid a company of traders, killing their ponies, capturing certain sup- 
plies and burning others. The traders repaired to the fort, and secured the 
services of a squad of Highland soldiers, under command of Sergt. Leonard 
McGlashan, to arrest the robbers, as the citizens were called. A number of in- 
nocent men were apprehended and thrown into the guard-house at the fort. 

*The writer is indebted for tbe facts contained in this account of the Enoch Brown massacre to Rev. Cort's 
excellent little volume, " Enoch Brown Memorial." 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 175 

Smith raised 300 riflemen and marched to the fort, encamping on a high hill in 
sight of the works. "We were not long there," says Smith, " until we hud 
more than double as many of the British troops prisoners in our camp, as they 
had of oiu- people in the guard-house. Capt. Grant, a Highland officer 
who then commanded Fort Loudoun, then sent a flag of truce to our camp, 
where we settled a cartel and gave them above two for one, which enabled us 
to redeem all our men from the guard-house without further difficulty." 

Grant retained a number of rifle g ins which his men had taken from the 
citizens, refusing to deliver them until he had explicit orders from his superior, 
Gen. Gage. "As he was riding out one day, ' ' continues Smith, ' ' we took 
him prisoner, and detained him until he delivered up the arms; we also de- 
stroyed a large quantity of gunpowder that the traders had stored up, lest it 
might be conveyed privately to the Indians. The king' s troops and our party 
had now got entirely out of the channel of the civil law, and many unjustifiable 
things were done by both parties. This convinced me, more than ever I had 
been before, of the absolute necessity of the civil law in order to govern man- 
kind. " 

This conflict between the civil and military authorities, the outgrowth of 
Indian difficulties, involved the magistrates of the township, the governor of 
the State and the commander-in-chief of the British forces in America. It was 
finally settled, but not without much difficulty and ill-feeling. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE EEVOLUTION. 

Its Causes— Loyalty to the Mother Country— Early Military— Ros- 
ter and Roll or Franklin Men — From Colonies to States— Hekoes 
from Franklin County— One of the First American Cannons, etc. 

THE colonists had hardly recovered from the cruelties and sufferings of 
the French and Indian war and the ensuing raids of the savages upon 
the scattered and defenseless settlers, when dark clouds began to gather in 
the distance, that were portentous of a coming storm of seven long years of 
cruel and bitter war between the feeble colonies and the mother country. 

The century and a half preceding the breaking out of the Revolutionary 
war had been a long and severe school for the colonists and their ancestors to 
prepare them for the coming ordeal. Most of the immigrants were fugitives 
from cruel religious persecutions, and outlaws from their native lands. Those 
who escaped death emerged from dismal dungeons to skulk in caves and out^ 
of-the-way places, and to hide, by strange disguises, from the inappeasable 
wrath of man, guilty of no crime save that of a determination to be free to 
think, act and serve their Divine Master in accordance with the dictates of 
their own consciences. This was a trying school in which to rear a people- 
it was the ordeal of fire, the baptism of blood; but it tended to mold charac- 
ters of iron, to instill heroic blood, to plant the seed of liberty in the hearts of 
the people thus relentlessly pursued, and raise up heroes who feared nothing 
but their God. These poor, suffering victims had heard of the New World; 
and, in the dark perspective, it was to them the guiding star of promise, bid- 
ding them come. 



176 HISTORY OP FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

They gladly fled from their native Country and landed upon the shores 
of this continent — the land of the ignorant and treacherous savages. They 
"were in the direst extremities of poverty, but rich in hope and deeply imbued 
with the first lessons in the love of freedom. Their awful persecutions, 
instead of driving them away from their religion and its practices, only made 
them the more determined in their convictions and more fearless in proclaiming 
their faith. 

Nothing that has occurred in this world has had so powerful an influence upon 
mankind as the war for independence. All men realize that it made this a great, 
free and independent people. But this was only a part of what that righteous 
war effected. It gave liberty to mankind. It was the turning point in man's 
destiny upon earth. It was the enduring and ever-growing triumph in the 
struggle between right and wrong. It lifted up the human race, and, as an 
instance of how strong and wide-reaching its effects were, it need only be 
noticed that its good results were, and have been, as strong in Great Britain 
as they have been anywhere else, and the blessings of freedom she so strove to 
crush have penetrated her entire realms, and, like the gentle dews from heaven, 
have blessed all alike. Since the earliest traditions the earth has been chiefly 
the theater of bloody wars — wars of tribes; wars of nations; civil wars; wars 
for pelf, for power, for the ambition of rulers, and religious wars and crusades 
ior sentiment. What a stream of blood it was! "What a world of wo this 
raging stream bore upon its bosom! Rulers, besotted and beastly, made war; 
men were simply food-powder- victims driven to the bloody shambles; until the 
American Revolution, no war had been successfully waged for the rights of 
the people — for liberty of the souls and bodies of men. 

In 1765 the people of Pennsylvania began to enter their first protest 
•'against the oppressive action of the mother country. At first these could not 
be called mutterings — they were merely the mild expressions of a loyal people 
against the manifold acts of injustice, with no thought of any one going fur- 
ther than words of the most respectful and loyal dissent. Their words fell up- 
on dull ears; they were not heeded, and, even if noticed at all, they were only 
answered with silent contempt. In the course of time a public sympathy 
sprang up for the people of Boston. The outrages grew in numbers and severity, 
and in the course of the next decade men became alarmed, and then public ex- 
pression and public action began to take place. 

July 12, 1774, the people of Cumberland County met at Carlisle. John 
Montgomery presided over the meeting. The state of the country was briefly, 
very briefly, it seems, discussed, and steps were promptly taken that showed the 
temper of the men of those times. They unanimously passed resolutions con- 
demning Parliament for closing the port of Boston; recommending a General 
Congress of the colonies; the abandonment of the use of British merchandise, 
and finally for the appointing of deputies to concert measures for the meeting 
of the General Congress. As emphatic as were the people of this meeting, 
there was no sentiment of revolt or war upon the mother country. Even af- 
ter the war had actually commenced and the battle of Lexington had been fought, 
the loyalty of the people to their government is manifested by the action of 
the Assembly of Pennsylvania, in November, 1775. appointing delegates to 
represent the province in Congress, and expressly instructing them ' ' that they, 
in behalf of this colony, dissent from, and utterly reject any proposition, should 
such be made, that may cause or lead to a separation from our mother country, 
or a change of the form of this government. ' ' This was in November, but the 
battle of Lexington occurred in the preceding April. 

In Vol. II, page 516, " American Archives" of date May 6, 1775, seventeen 






■'■■■¥^ 



'""-'! ■'■ : 'j$$&?-! r -W^y" 




z^-^c 




HISTORY OF FHANKLIN COUNTY. 



170 



days after the battle of Lexington, occurs the following: "Yesterday the 
county committee of Cumberland County, from nineteen townships, met on the 
short notice they had. About 3,000 have already associated. The arms re- 
turned are about 1,500. The committee have voted 500 men, besides com- 
missioned officers, to be taken into pay, armed and disciplined, to march on the 
first emergency ; to be paid and supported as long as necessary, by a tax on all 
estates real and personal." T^ie next day they again met and unanimously 
voted they "were ready to raise 1,500 or 2,000 men," should they be needed, 
and also were ready and willing to put a debt of £27,000 per annum on the 
county. A number of companies from Cumberland County were soon ready, 
and marched to join Washington's army at the siege of Boston. One of these 
companies, it is known, was from what is now Franklin County. This ^was 
Capt. James Chambers' company. He was soon promoted colonel, and after- 
ward became a brigadier-general; he and his company continued in the service 
during nearly all the seven years' war. God. James Chambers was the eldest 
son of Col. Benjamin Chambers, the founder of Chambersburg. His company 
joined Pennsylvania's first rifle regiment, under Col. William Thompson, of 
Cumberland County. This was the first regiment south of the Hudson that 
marched to the relief of Boston, and the historian says ' ' their arrival attracted 
much attention; they were stout and hardy yeomanry, the flower of Pennsyl- 
vania's frontiersmen and remarkable for the accuracy of their aim? 1 — an im- 
portant desideratum at that time. This regiment had been enlisted under the 
resolution of Congress, July 14, 1775, authorizing the raising of six companies 
of expert riflemen in Pennsylvania, ten in Maryland, and two in Virginia. 
Each company was to contain 68 privates, 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 
1 corporal and 1 drummer. They rendezvoused at Reading, where the regi- 
ment was organized by the election of William Thompson, of Carlisle, colonel; 
Edward Hand, of Lancaster, lieutenant-colonel; and Robert Magaw, of Car- 
lisle, major. 

ROSTER OF CAPT. JAMES CHAMBERS' COMPANY. 

Captain — James Chambers. 

First lieutenant — James Grier. 

Second lieutenant— Nathan McConnell. 

Third lieutenant — Thomas Buchanan. 

Sergeants — David Hay, Arthur Andrews.. Alex. Crawford. 



David Boyd. 
John Brandon. 
Johnson Brooks. 
James Black. 
Thomas Beatty. 
David Biddle. 
Michael Benker. 
Archibald Brown. 
Black Brown. 
John Brown. 
William Barnett. 
Timothy Campbell. 
William Campbell. 
Benjamin Carson. 
William Chestney. 
John Dermont. 
Joseph Eaton. 
John Everly. 
Abijah Fairchild. 
James Furmoil. 
John Fidd. 
William Gildersleeve. 



PRIVATES. 

Richard Henny. 
Peter Hogan. 
Geo. Houseman. 
John Hutchinson. 
Thomas Hutchinson. 
Charles Irwin. 
Francis Jamieson. 
Robert Joblier. 
Andrew Johnston. 
George Justice. 
Andrew Keith. 
Lewis Kettling. 
Michael Kelly. 
Thomas Kelly. 
Silas Leonard. 
David Lukens. 
Thomas Lochry. 
Patrick Logan. 
Nicholas Lowrie. 
John Lynch. 
John McCosh. 
James McEleve. 



John McDonald. 
Michael McGibson. 
Cornelius McGiggin. 
James McHaffey. 
John McMurtrie. 
Patrick McGaw. 
Thomas Mason. 
Patrick Neale. 
William Parker. 
David Riddle, 
Thomas Rogers. 
Nicholas Sawder. 
Joseph Scott. 
Jacob Shute. 
Moses Skinner. 
Timothy. Styles. 
Patrick Sullivan. 
James Sweeny. 
James Symns. 
Thomas Vaughn. 



ISO HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

This was not only the first company Of infantry that went to the war from 
what is now Franklin, but it was the first from this valley. The account of 
the patriotic Chambers family, in the Indian wars and in the war of the Revo- 
lution, is very nearly as complete an account of the doings of the people of the 
county as can now be learned. Col. Benjamin Chambers had been the most 
conspicuous figure in southern Pennsylvania in the first Indian wars and raids 
in the valley. When the war for independence broke out, he was then 
too old to go to the battle-field, but his three sons, all of whom became emi- 
nent in the ranks of the colonial armies, were the first to heed the call of duty 
and rally the people around the flag of liberty. These were James, Will- 
iams and Benjamin. James, as related above, by rapid promotion for gallantry, 
was soon made brigadier-general. Williams and Benjamin were each pro- 
moted to captain, and all served during nearly the entire war. 

A full account of the Chambers family may be found in the biography 
given elsewhere, but a brief resume is here given of the services in the field of 
Gen. Chambers, as it is, in a large measure, now the best account we can 
obtain of the part taken by the people in the war. 

August 26, 1775, 400 men drawn from Cumberland County companies were 
placed under the command of Capt. James Chambers, and sent to Prospect and 
Ploughed Hill, near Boston, to protect a force of nearly 2,000 men, who were 
erecting a redoubt near the latter hill. Here they performed some hard and 
efficient service. In March, 1776, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel vice 
Col. Hand, appointed colonel in the place of Col. Thompson, who had been 
made a brigadier-general. Col. Chambers was ordered to Long Island, was 
in the battle of Flat Bush August 22, 1776, and also in the fight at King's 
Bridge. In his report of the operations at Flat Bush, among other things, he 
says: "Capt. John Steele acted with great bravery. " In August, 1776, the 
Pennsylvania troops were selected as a reserve to cover the retreat of our army 
from Long Island. That body was composed mostly of troops from Cumberland 
and what is now Franklin County. September 26, 1776, Lieut. Col. Chambers 
was made colonel of his regiment. Col. Hand having been promoted. In June, 
1777, his command was in New Jersey, and was among the first to enter New 
Brunswick, driving the enemy before it. September 11, 1777, his command 
was opposed to the Hessians, under Gen. Knyphausen, at Chadd's ford 
and Brandywine, where Col. Chambers was wounded in the side, Lieut. Holli- 
day was killed, and Capts. Grier and Craig were wounded. With his command 
he was also in the battle of Germantown October 4, 1777, and in the fight at 
Monmouth June 28, 1778. He led the attack of Bergen Point July 20, 1780, 
and the command was highly complimented by Gen. Wayne for gallantry in 
this charge. He, with his command, was at White Plains, West Point, and in 
many other minor battles up to the time of his resignation in 1781. After his 
retirement he was three different times appointed to the command of a battalion 
in his native county. In 1794 he was appointed to command the Third Brig- 
ade of Pennsylvania troops, called out to quell the whisky insurrection. In 
1798 he was again appointed to a similar command in anticipation of a war 
with France. 

The substance of an article from the pen of Hon. John B. Linn, deputy 
secretary of the commonwealth, that appeared in the Philadelphia Weekly 
Times of April 14, 1878, is given below, confined as much as possible to 
those parts that refer to $his action of the Franklin County men: "The His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania has in its temporary possession a very inter- 
esting relic of the revolution. It is the standard of the First Pennsylvania 
Rifle Battalion. * * * This regiment was raised on the reception of the 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 181 

news of the battle of Bunker Hill, and entered the trenches in front of Boston, 
August 8, 1775. It was in the skirmishes in front of Boston, and before 
the British evacuated that city it was ordered to New York to repel their land- 
ing there. * * * The term of the battalion expired June 30, 1770, but 
officers and men in large numbers re-enlisted for three years, or during the 
war. * * * It was at Long Island, White Plains, Trenton and Princeton 
under command of Col. Hand, and under the command of Col. Chambers, at 
Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and in every other battle and skirmish 
of the main army until Col. Chambers' resignation in 1781. 

Col. Chambers was succeeded by Col. Daniel Broadhead, May 26, 1781. The 
regiment, after this long service under Gen. Wayne, joined Gen. Lafayette at 
Raccoon Ford on the Rappahannock, June 10 ; fought at Green Springs, July 
6; opened the second parallel at Yorktown. Gen. Steuben, in his orders dated 
October 21, says of this movement that he considered it the most important 
part of the siege. The regiment then went south with Gen. Wayne and fought 
in the last battle of the war at Sharon, Ga. , May 24, 1782; entered Savannah in 
triumph July 11. and Charleston December 14, 1782; went into camp on James 
Island, S. C. , May 11, 1783, and when the news of the cessation of hostilities 
reached there, they embarked for Philadelphia. In its services it traversed 
every one of the original thirteen States of the Union; for while in Boston 
Capt. Parr was ordered with a battalion to Portsmouth, N. H. , to defend that 
point." In December, 1775, the Second Pennsylvania Regiment was formed, 
It was at first under the command of Col. John Bull, afterward tinder Col. 
John Philip De Haas. 

Under a call from Congress for four more battalions, in January, 1770, 
Col. Irvine's Sixth Regiment was formed. It was composed of eight com- 
panies; and of these, three companies were mostly from Franklin County 
territory, to- wit: Company 3, Capt. Abraham Smith. There . is some dispute 
as to whether Capt. Smith's company was from what is now Cumberland 
County, or from this county. The truth probably is, it was made up of men 
from both of them. The others were Company 4, Capt. William Rippey, and 
Company 8, Capt. Jeremiah Talbott. 

It is now believed that Capt. Smith was from Lurgan Township, just north 
of the Franklin County line. There evidently were two Capt. Abraham Smiths 
from this and Cumberland County. One was a civilian; but which was 
which, the confusion in the records does not always make plain. One was. of 
Lurgan and the other of Antrim Township. This fact is now evident. 

The following are the names of the officers and men: 

COMPANY NO. 3, OP IRVINE'S REGIMENT.; 

Captain — Abraham Smith, commissioned January 9, 1776. 

First lieutenant — Robert White. 

Second lieutenants — John Alexander, Andrew Irvine. 

Ensigns — Samuel Montgomery, Samuel Kennedy. 

Sergeants— John Beatty, Samuel Hamilton, Hugh Foster, William Scott, William 
Burke. 

Corporals— William Burke,' George Standley, John Moore, William Campbell. Seth 
Richey, William McCormick, William Drennon; William Cochran, fifer; John Fannon, 
drummer. 

PRIVATES. 

David Armor. Josiah Cochran. William Downey. 

John Brown. Robert Craighead. Hugh Drennon. 

Patrick Brown. Anthony Creevy. Daniel Divinney. 

John Blakeley. William Cochran. Pat, Fleming. 

John Brannon. James Dunlap. William Gw'in. 

Philip Boyle. Thomas Drennon. Alex. Gordon. 



182 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Robt. Gregg. 
Thomas Higgins. 
James Holliday. 
Thomas Holmes. 
John Hendricks. 
Benj. Ishmail. 
Robert Jarrett. 
Thomas Johnson. 
Samuel Love. 
Geo. Lucas. 
Nicholas Little. 
James Lowrey. 
Daniel McKusick. 
John McCollam. 
William McCormick. 
Michael McGarea. 
Bryan McLaughlin. 
John McFetridge. 



Michael McMrfllin. 
James McKissock. 
Adam McBreas. 
John McDowell. 
Samuel McBrea. 
Robert Mcllno. 
Alex. McKenny. 
John McKingham. 
John Montgomery. 
Alex. Moore. 
Robert Miller. 
Hugh Milligan. 
Moses Powell. 
Nathan Points. 
John Rannell. 
Seth Richey. 
Patrick Rogers. 
John Rannell, Jr. 



Peter Runey. 
Alex. Reid. 
Borthal Rob arty. 
Thomas Smith. 
Patrick Silvers. 
Thomas Scott. 
George Simpson. 
Robert Swinie. 
John Stoops. 
Ad. Sheaver. 
William Stitt. 
Peter Sheran. 
Charles Tipper. 
John Todd. 
Mich. White. 
James White. 
John Wilson. 
John Young. 



COMPANY NO. 4. OP IRVINE' S REGIMENT. 

Captain — William Rippey. 

First lieutenants — William Alexander, Alexander Parker. 
Second lieutenant — John Brooks. 
Ensign — William Lusk. 

Sergeants — John Hughes, Robert Watt, John McClelland, William Anderson. 
Corporals — William Gibbs, Jeremiah McKibben, James McCulloh, George Gordon, 
Nath Stevenson; William Richards, fifer; Daniel Peterson, drummer. 



Jacob Anderson. 
Robert Barckley. 
Bernerd Burns. 
Robert Caskey. 
Henry Cartright. 
Robert Cortney. 
Jacob Christyardinger. 
Benjamin Cochran. 
Hugh Call. 
John Collins. 
William Dougherty. 
John Davison. 
Joseph Devine. 
Anthony Dawson. 
Thomas Dycke. 
James Finerty. 
Hugh Forsyth. 
Hugh Ferguson. 
Thomas Falls. 
William George. 
Henry Girden. 
Thomas Gell. 
Jacob Glouse. 
Nathan Hemphill. 
Robert Haslet. 
John Hendry. 
William Henderson. 
James Hervey. 



PRIVATES. 

Cumberland Hamilton. 
Neal Hardon. 
George Hewitt. 
Robert Irvine. 
Jacob Justice. 
John Johnston. 
Christopher Kechler. 
Francis Kain. 
John Kelly. 
William Lowry. 
Daniel Lavery. 
David Linsey. 
James Lynch. 
John Madden. 
Josiah McCall. 
John McMicheal. 
James McComb. 
•William Mclntyre. 
John Moore. 
James Mullin. 
Thomas McCall. 
Philip Melon. 
Alexander McNichols. 
James McCoy. 
James McCon. 
David McClain. 
John McDonell. 
Daniel McClain. 



John McGaw. 
Charles Malone. 
George McFerson. 
William Nicholson. 
John Ortman. 
John O'Neal. 
Thomas Pratt. 
Thomas Parsons. 
Aaron Patterson. 
Charles Rasbrough. 
John Rasbrough. 
John Rogers. 
Thomas Reed. 
Robert Robeson. 
Basil Regan. 
John Stoner. 
Henry Scott. 
Alexander Stephenson. 
Nathan Stephenson. 
James Smiley. 
William Thompson. 
John Tribele. 
Jacob Trash. 
John Van Kirk. 
William Winn. 
John Wright. 
Peter Young. 



COMPANY NO. 8, OP IRVINE' S REGIMENT. 

Captain — Jeremiah Talbott. 
First lieutenant — John McDonald. 
Second lieutenant — Alexander Brown. 
Ensign — William Graham. 

Sergeants — John McCollam. John Wilson, James Cupples, Samuel Mitchell. 
Corporals— William Campbell, Robert Hunter, John Chain, John Reniston and John 
Milton, drummer; John Killin, lifer. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



183 



Robert Asten. 
John Bradley. 
William Black. 
John Church. 
George Coghren. 
Francis Clark. 
Robert Carnahan. 
Charles Conna. 
John Campbell. 
Joseph Chambers. 
John Dinning. 
William Evans. 
John Faulkner. 
Hugh Fairess. 
James Gardner. 
Daniel Gibson. 
William Heaslett. 
John Heatherington. 



PRIVATES. 

Duke Handlon. 
John Higgens. 
Kern Kelley. 
Stephen Lyon. 
Jacob Lewis. 
Hugh Lilley. 
John Marten. 
Robert Mollon. 
Benj. Morrison. 
James McFarlan. 
Charles McRoun. 
Archibald McDonald. 
Matthew McConnell. 
Thomas McCreary. 
Charles McMullen. 
Thomas Mitchell. 
Charles Marry. 
Patrick Marry. 



Able Morgan. 
Archibald Nickel. 
Andrew Pinkerton. 
Samuel Power. 
John Pollock. 
James Quarre. 
William Shaw. 
Mike Sesalo. 
John Shoemaker. 
James Sloan. 
JohnTotton. 
John Thompson. 
Hugh Thompson. 
William White. 
John White. 
John Welch. 
Robert Watson. 
Isaac Wiley. 



In April, .1777, Capt. Talbott's company had been so reduced by hard serv- 
ice that it was recruited up to the required number. The following are the 
recruits that were then added: 



John McKinley. 
Charles Kelly. 
John Johnson. 
William Antrican. 
Michael Brown. 
John Milton. 
Henry Vaughan. 
James Ralls. 
Patrick Doyle. 
William McDonald. 
Michael Danfee. 
John Kellenough. 
Patrick Murrey. 
Conrad Carcass. 
William Gibbs. 
Thomas Whitely. 
Hugh Thompson. 
William Foster. 
Phelix O'Neal. 
John Crowl. 



John Fullerton. 
Pat Boyle. 
Thomas Sherry. 
John Cavenaugh. 
Robert Burns. 
Andrew McGahey. 
William McCalley. 
Isaac Shockey. 
Christopher Row. 
Francis O'Harrah. 
Thomas Dunn. 
Daniel McCartey. 
Barney McGilligen. 
Thomas Aston. 
John Smith (tanner). 
Patrick McKinley. 
John Robinson. 
John Feaghander. 
William Campbell. 
Patrick McCullum. 



John McCullum. 
John Foster. 
John Ferguson. 
Michael Black. 
John Wilson. 
Robert Hunter. 
John Brown. 
Gilbert Berryhill. 
Hugh Casserty. 
Charles Conner. 
George Corohan. 
Edward Hart. 
John Shoemaker. 
James Garlant. 
James Loe. 
Jacob Weaver. 
Patrick Guinn. 
Joseph West. 
Peter Smith. 
John Smith. 
Michael Sitsler. 

In addition to the companies enumerated above, it is an established fact 
that there were the companies of Capts. James McConnell, William Huston, 
Robert Culbertson and Conrad Schneider — four full companies — that were 
from what is now Franklin County. These were recruited and all prepared to 
go to the front, but as they were among the last men enlisted, it is not posi- 
tively known, nor are there any records by which the fact can be exactly stated, 
that they were ordered from the county and were in the field. Possibly they 
did not really join the Colonial Army, and this may account for the absence of 
them on the army rolls. 

In the early part of 1777, the first battalion of Cumberland County mili- 
tia was formed; commanded by Col. James Dunlap. The lieutenant-colo- 
nel was Robert Culbertson, of Franklin County. In this battalion were three 
companies that were from what is now Franklin County — the companies of 
Capts. Noah Abraham, of Path Valley; Patrick Jack, of Hamilton, and 
Charles Maclay, of Lurgan. The roster of Capt. Abraham's company was as 
follows : 

Captain — Noah Abraham. 

First lieutenant — Archibald Elliott. 



184 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Second lieutenant — Samuel Walker. 

Sergeants— James McConnaughy, Joseph Noble, Robert McConnell, Thomas Clark. 



John Garven. 
George Farmer. 
Samuel Elder. 
William Elliott. 
Francis Elliott. 
Abram Elder. 
George Dixson. 
Alex. Douglas (weaver). 
Henry Delmer. 
Patrick Dougherty. 
Andrew Douglas, Sr. 
Samuel Campbell. 
James Carmady. 
Hugh McCurdy. 
Robert Alexander. 
Alexander McConnell. 
James Alexander. 
Charles Gibson. 
James Harvey. 
James Howe. 
Andrew Hemphill. 
William Harvey. 



PRIVATES. 

James Mitchell. 
David Armstrong. 
John Mclellan, Jr. 
John Adams. 
Samuel Mears. 
William Adams. 
James Mackey. 
James Allen. 
^Robert McGuire. 
'John Brown. 
Henry McGee. 
James Boggs. 
John Mackey. 
Nathaniel Bryan. 
John Montgomery. 
Allen Brown. 
James Nealy. 
Alex. Hopper. 
Adam Humberg. 
John Johnson. 
Joseph Kilgore. 
Alex. Long. 
John McLellan. 



William Buchanan. 
David Neal. 
John Bell. 
James Park. 
Daniel Colbert. 
Henry Yarner. 
William Cortz. 
William Wright. 
John Canady. 
Robert Walker. 
Samuel Watson. 
William Woodrow. 
Alexander Mear. 
Samuel McCauley. 
Samuel Woodrow. 
James McLellan. 
Patrick Davidson. 
Wm. McLellan. 
Wm. Mclbbins. 
John Means. 
Nathan McColley. 
James Montgomery 
Alex. Meor. 



Henderson Harvey. 

In Col. John Davis' Second Battalion, was Capt. Charles Leeper's com- 
pany, of Lurgan Township. Capt. James McConnell, of Letterkenny, with 
his company, was in the Fourth Battalion. 

The Sixth Battalion was mostly officered by Franklin County men, as fol- 
lows: Colonel, Samuel Culbertson ; lieutenant-colonel, John Work; major, James 
McCammont (McCalmont); adjutant, John Wilson; quartermaster, Samuel 
Finley; surgeon, Richard Brownson. The officers in Company No. 2, of this 
battalion were the following: Captain, Patrick Jack; first-lieutenant William 
Reynolds ; second lieutenant, James McLen n, Francis Gardner. This 

company was recruited from Hamilton Township. 

Company 3 in this battalion, was from Letterkenny Township, and the fol- 
lowing officers: Captain, Samuel Patton; first lieutenant, John Eaton; second 
lieutenant, David Shields; ensign, William Ramsey. A company from Peters 
Township, No. 4, had the following: Captain, James Patton; first lieutenant, 
Thomas McDowell; second lieutenant, John W T elsh; ensign, John Dickey. 
Company No. 5: Captain, Joseph Culbertson; first lieutenant, John Barr; sec- 
ond lieutenant, William Cessna; ensign, Hugh Allison. This company was from 
Lurgan Township. Company 6 as follows: Captain, William Huston; first 
lieutenant, AVilliam Elliott; second lieutenant, James McFarl and; ensign, Robert 
Kyle. It is said this company was recruited from Montgomery, Peters and 
Hamilton Townships. To this company ReV. Dr. John King delivered a pa- 
triotic-address as they were about starting for the field.* 

Company 7 the following: Captain; Robert McCoy; first lieutenant, James 
Irwin; second lieutenant, Samuel Dunwoody; ensign, Walter McKinney — 
from Peters Township. Company No. 8 as follows: Captain, John McCon- 
nell; first lieutenant. Joseph Stevenson; second lieutenant, Geo. Stevenson; 
ensign, James Caldwell, from Letterkenny Township. In the Eighth Battal- 

*'The case is plain; life must lie hazarded or all is gone. You must go and fight, or send your humble 
submission, and bow as a beast to its burden, or as an ox to the slaughter. The king of Great Britain has de- 
clared us rebels, a capital crime; submission therefore consents to the rope or the ax. Liberty is doubtless gone; 
none could imagine a tyrant king should be more favorable to conquered rebels, than he was to loyal, humble, 
petitioning subjects. No! No! If ever a people lay in chains we must, if our enemies carry their point against 
us, and oblige us to unconditional submission. This is not all. Our Tory neighbors will be our proud and tor- 
menting enemies ." 



I 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 185 

ion. colonel, Abraham Smith, of Franklin County. There were four other 
field officers from this county, named: Lieutenant-colonel, James Johnston; 
major, John Johnston; adjutant, Thomas Johnston; and quartermaster, Tor- 
rance Campbell. 

Four companies in the Eighth Battalion were Franklin County men as fol- 
lows: Company No. 1. of Waynesboro — Captain, Samuel Royer; first lieu- 
tenant, Jacob Foreman; second lieutenant, John Riddlesberger; ensign, 
Peter Shaver. Company 2, Lurgan Township — Captain, John Jack; first 
lieutenant, James Brotherton; second lieutenent, Daniel McLene; ensign, 
James Drummond. Company 3, from Antrim Township — Captain, James 
Poe; first lieutenant, Joseph Patterson; second lieutenant, Jacob Stotler; 
ensign. James Dickson. Company 8, Lurgan Township — Captain, John 
Rea; first lieutenant, Albert Torrence; second lieutenant, Alexander Thom- 
son; ensign, Hugh Wiley. This is all the record now accessible concerning 
these companies. 

In 1779 a company recruited from Path Valley was mustered into the 
service, and sent west to quell an Indian disturbance. This was Capt. Noah 
Abraham's company — First-lieutenant, Nathaniel Stevenson; second lieuten- 
ant, Adam Harman; sergeants, Joseph Ferguson, Campbell Lefever, James 
Hamilton, John Roatch; privates, Daniel Colbert, Neal Dougherty, Frederick 
Dougherty, Patrick Dougherty, Thomas Knox, Daniel Lavrey, William Love, 
Redmond McDonough, Mathias Maers, John Maghan, John Millison, James 
Megraw, Isaac Miner, James Russell, John Robinson, James Ray and 
William Walker. 

At the same time another company went from Letterkenny Township: Cap- 
tain, Samuel Patton; first lieutenant, Ezekiel Sample; sergeants, John Kin- 
caid. William Spear; privates, John Bran, Thomas Crotley, Richard Cooper, 
George Hunter, Samuel Howard, John Hart, William Lowry, George Lamb, 
John Lytle, Henry Marshal, John Mathias (weaver), Lorans McReady, John 
Parker. William Patterson, Abram Rosenberry, William Sharp, John Welsh, 
Henry Williamson. 

It is supposed the above enumeration includes all of the separate organiza- 
tions that went to the war from what is now Franklin County. Just how many 
men did go cannot now be accurately told. That there were many who joined 
commands from other counties in small squads and singly, cannot be doubted; 
but on the rolls their identity is lost, and it is greatly to be regretted their 
names cannot be properly placed on the roll of the immortals. 

There were men who enacted a conspicuous part in the Revolution outside 
of the line of military duty. For instance, in the Provincial Conference, 1776, 
the Province of Pennsylvania sent a full delegation, which met in Carpenter's 
Hall, in the city of Philadelphia. The delegates from Franklin were McLene, 
Allison, Maclay, Calhoun and Creigh. 

Here and there, through all the annals of the Revolution, is to be found a 
hero, who was a native of what is now Franklin County. Of these Col. James 
Smith, a native of Peters Township, has left an illustrious record. As early 
as 1755, while engaged in opening a road from Fort Loudoun to Bedford, he 
was captured by the Indians. He was adopted in the Conewago tribe and re- 
mained with them until 1759, when he escaped to Montreal, and reached his 
home in 1760. In 1763 he was actively engaged against the Indians, as 
captain of a company of rangers. He then became an ensign in the English 
provincial army. In 1764 he served under Gen. John Armstrong, and was a 
lieutenant in Bouquet's expedition against the savages. In 1765 he was the 
leader of a band of settlers, who attacked the Indians, drove them off and burned 



186 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

the goods of some Indian traders, because they were selling, to the savages, 
powder and lead. Some of Col. Smith's neighbors, who had nothing to do 
with this burning, were arrested by British officers and locked up in Fort 
Loudoun. Smith and his sturdy and fearless gang went to the rescxie of their 
neighbors, captured the fort, released their friends and took more English sol- 
diers prisoners than Smith's command numbered. Afterward more of Smith's 
neighbors were arrested for the burning of the Indian traders' goods, and this 
time confined in Fort Bedford. Again, Smith rallied his neighbors, assaulted 
the fort, captured the garrison and liberated the prisoners. Some time after, 
Smith was arrested for this. In making the arrest a struggle ensued and 
Smith's companion was killed. He was then charged with the killing and 
thrown in prison. A body of 600 of his neighbors gathered and marched 
to Carlisle and demanded his release. He made an address to his friends, 
refused to be released, and counseled them to peacefully go home. He was 
kept in prison four months, tried and acquitted. At once he was elected 
commissioner of Bedford County. He then removed to Westmoreland, 
and there was elected to the same office. In 1774, he was again a captain of 
rangers in the field, serving against the Indians. In 1776, he, in command of 
a company of rangers serving in the Revolutionary war, and with thirty-six men. 
defeated 200 Hessians, taking the most of them prisoners. Then for two years 
he was in civil offices. In 1777 Gen. Washington offered him a major's commis- 
sion, but not liking the colonel of the regiment, he declined to accept it* He 
asked and was given permission to raise a battalion of rifle rangers to serve 
against the British in New Jersey. His major was James McCammont, a 
Franklin County man. When Col. Smith was disabled by disease, McCammont 
became commanding colonel. Col. James McCalmont (originally spelled 
McCammont), was born in Letterkenny Township, in 1739 — a typical fron- 
tiersman, wonderfully made for the troublous time in which he was born. He 
was a brave man and an ardent patriot. His services to his country, in the Revo- 
lution, were invaluable. When the British occupied Philadelphia he was com- 
manding a troop of rangers, and assigned to the duty of preventing the Tories 
of the interior from furnishing the enemy with supplies. While on this 
duty he captured a lot of Hessians in New Jersey; he not only made prisoners 
of them, but induced them to become settlers near Strasburg, where may be 
found their descendants to this day. He served as major in the Sixth Battalion 
of the Cumberland County troops under command of Col. Samuel Culbert- 
son, another rfative of Franklin County, and an eminent Revolutionary soldier 
and patriot. After the war he was for many succeeding terms elected to the 
House of Representatives; in 1789, appointed judge, which position he held 
until his death, July 19, 1809. 

Capt. Samuel Brady, already celebrated before the Revolution as an In- 
dian scout, was, of course, the first to respond to his country's call to fight 
for liberty. He was under command of Col. Hand, at Princeton, and 
at the massacre of Paoli he barely escaped. He was promoted for bravery 
after the battle of Monmouth, and then was ordered to Fort Pitt (Pittsburg), 
to join Gen. Broadhead, with whom he soon became a great favorite, and was 
almost constantly employed as a scout. His father and brother had been mas- 
sacred in 1778-79 by the Indians, and he never failed to wreak vengeance upon 
the savages at every opportunity. His name was a terror to the Indians. 
He died in West Liberty, Va., in 1800. 

Col. Joseph Armstrong was one of the early settlers in Hamilton Town- 
ship. He was a brave and fearless Indian fighter, commanding a company of 
rangers in 1755. After much service in the Indian wars, in 1776 he raised a 



- 




e JpC&t**nc6 ybe^An^rLo^) 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. L89 

battalion (the Fifth Cumberland Company), and marched to the defense of 
Philadelphia. Among his captains were John Andrew, Samuel Patton, John- 
McConnell, William Thompson (became brigadier-general), Charles Maelay, 
James McKee, John Martin, John Rea (afterward brigadier-general), John 
Murphy, George Mathews and John Boggs. This command had been chiefly 
recruited from Lurgan, Letterkenny and Hamilton Townships. They were 
noted for their activity, bravery and alertness in punishing the country's ene- 
mies, ai\ well as their rigid faith in Presbyterianism. It is said that a majority 
of them had been members of the old Rocky Spring Church. Capt. Charles 
Maclay's company, which numbered 100, was raised in Lurgan Township, and; 
every man said to be six feet in height. This company suffered severely in the 
surprise of Gen. Lacy' s command at Crooked Billet, Bucks County, May 4,, 
1778. Capt. Maclay and about half his company were killed. Gen. Lacy, 
in his report, says : ' ' The wounded were treated in a manner the most brutal 
savages could not equal; even while living, some were thrown into buckwheat 
straw, the straw set on lire and burned. ' ' 

In addition to these great Revolutionary heroes, there were noted: Rev. 
John Steele and Dr. Robert Johnston, his son, John Johnston, and many others. 

ONE OF THE FIKST AMERICAN CANNON. 

There are conflicting accounts, in different histories, on the subject of the- 
making of the first cannon in this country. We are indebted for this account of 
the making of, if not the first certainly very close to being, the first wrought iron 
cannon in the world, to -Mr. J. C. Burns, who writes from "near Waynesboro, 
May 3, 1886." He gives the current history of this successful effort at making • 
a wrought iron cannon, omitting such portions of the generally published ac- 
counts, and making such additions as his information made necessary lo 
arriving at the truth of the matter. Another man in Cumberland County,, 
about the same time, made two cannon, and one of these two was also 
captured at Brandywine, and, quoting from Hazard's Register, "is now in 
the Tower of London." He then alludes to a letter written by a British sol- 
dier soon after the battle of Brandywine, in which the writer refers to " two 
cannon of singular appearance and construction, captured ' ' froze the Amer- 
icans. Evidently one of these cannon was the one of the two n ade by the 
Cumberland County man, and the other, the one made by Mr. Fourns. In? 
further explanation, it may be stated, that John Bourns was the grandfather 
of J. C. Burns, whose account of the cannon is given, as taken from " McCaufc- 
ley's Historical Sketch of Franklin County," with Mr. Burns' corrections:. 

"A century ago near the banks of the Antietam, three miles easg of' 
Waynesboro, Penn., stood a blacksmith shop. Here, in 1775, worked Join 
Bourns, at his trade of sickle making. The war alarum rang over the country,, 
and to John Bourns it brought the tidings that he, too, must do his share fc< 
free his fair land from the tyrant's yoke. He determined to try his skil? on a 
wrought iron cannon. An extra pair of bellows was set lip, and his brother — 
James Bourns — together with some neighbors, being called upon to give all 
necessary aid in keeping up a continuous hot fire for the purpose of welding, 
the work was begun. A core of iron was first prepared, and bars of iron were 
welded together one by one longitudinally around this core. The- 
welding having been accomplished successfully, and the core withdrawn, 
the bore was brought to as perfect a degree of smoothness and circularity as 
was possible with the tools accessible.* It is likely this was one of the first 
successful attempts ever made to manufacture a wrought iron cannon. 

"This small cannon was taken to the army, and doubtless gave no uncertain. 

1 1 



190 HISTORY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

• 
voice in freedom's favor. On the 11th of September, 1777, the battle of 
Brandywine was fought, and this cannon was captured and taken to 
England. 

' ' John Bourns was drafted into the army previously to the battle of Brandy- 
wine, was in the battle himself, and no doubt regretted the loss of his pet 
when he learned that it had fallen into the hands of the enemy. On account 
of his superior skill as a smith, he was detached from active service and de- 
tailed to repair gunlocks and make bayonets for the use of the army. 

"John Bourns was the father of the late Gen. James Burns, of Waynes- 
boro, and he and William Burns — -his brother — frequently related the story, 
heretofore given, to different persons. Readers will notice the change in the 
orthography of the names of the father and son." 



CHAPTER V. 

WHISKY WAR. 

Eleven Years of Peace— Causes of the Whisky Insurrection — Its Pros- • 
ecution and its subversion— sympathy of the mllitia, etc. 

FOR eleven long years after the close of the Revolution, or until 1794, the 
country was at peace, save a few unimportant Indian troubles, and aB ? 
there was no one else to fight convenient to hand, some of the people of Fay- 
ette, Allegheny, AVestmoreland and Washington Counties, of this State, con- ■ 
eluded to get up an insurrection. Open rebellion was, therefore, proclaimed; 
against the Government because of the excise tax on whisky. It was not the* 
amount of tax on the whisky, but the principle and the Government's selection i 
of that favored product of the land that fired the warlike souls of these good, 
people. It was not any especial love of the "craythur " as an article of regu-i 
lar diet that caused these threatenings of internal war, but the fact that at that; 
time pack-horses were the only mode of transportation, and the raw products 
of the farms could not be carried to the distant markets, except when reduced 
by distillation into whisky, the people felt that the excise tax was a blow at 
their industry that free men should not in any way tolerate. Hence, near- 
ly every farmer had his still — often this was put up before he was able to 
erect his barn. Whisky was made everywhere, and, in a moderate degree, 
used in nearly every family. The evidence of the public sense on this subject 
of the use of intoxicants is furnished in a church trial. A preacher was tried 
for drunkenness; the proof was strong and clear; but the sessions let him off 
with a gentle reprimand, and returned him to his desk. The next year the 
same man was put upon trial for whistling on Sunday — conduct "unbecoming 
a minister, and showing a vacuity of mind. ' ' The sessions convicted, deposed 
him, and sent him from his church in disgrace. The wits of the day said he 
might ' ' whistle for his back pay. ' ' 

The spirit of insurrection was not wholly confined to the western part oJ 
the State — there were many warm sympathizers east of the mountains. Gen. 
James Chambers, in a letter to A. J. Dallas, from Loudon Forge, Septernbei' 
22, 1794, says: " On the 16th inst. I arrived in Chambersburg, and to my greai 
astonishment I found the Rabble had raised what they Called a Liberty pole 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 191 

Some of the most active of the inhabitants were at that time absent, and, upon 
the whole, perhaps it was best, as matters has Since taken a violent change. 
When I came here I found the magistrates had opposed the sitting of the pole 
up, to the utmost of their power, but was not supported by the majority of the 
Cittyzens. They wished to have the Koyators Subject to the Law, and (Mr. 
Justice John Riddle, John Scott and Christian Oyster) the magistrates of this 
place, informed of their zealous wish to have them brought to justice, I ad- 
vised them to call a meeting of the inhabitants of the town on the next morn- 
ing, and we would have the matter opened to them and Show the necessity of 
Soporting Government, Contrassed with the destruction of one of the best gov- 
ernments in the world. ' ' 

The meeting was duly convened in the " Coorthouse, " and John Riddle 
made a ' ' very animating address " to the people. Resolutions were drawn 
pledging them to support the justices in their efforts to bring the "Royaters 
to Tryal." Gen. Chambers then further writes to the governor: "I am now 
happy to have in my power to request you, Sir, to inform his Excellency, the 
Governour, that these exertions has worked the desired change. The magis- 
trates has sent for the men, the very same that erected the pole, and I had the 
pleasure of seeing them, on Saturday Evening, Cut it down; and with the 
same wagon that brought it into town they were oblidgeed to draw the remains 
of it out of town again. The Circumstance was mortifying, and they behaved 
very well. They seem very penetent, and no person offered them any insult. 
It has worked such a change, I believe we will be able Shortly to Send our 
Quota to Carlisle. " This letter shows the temper of the people very plainly. 
It was only the great influence and firm stand by such men as Gen. Cham- 
bers that prevented the spirit of insurrection from becoming general all over 
the State. The people were very loth to respond to President Washington's 
call for troops to quell the turbulent elements of society. Secretary Dallas, 
September 10, 1794, says: "According to the information I have from several 
parts of the country, it appears that the militia are unwilling to march to quell 
the insurrection. They say that they are ready to march against a foreign 

j enemy, but not against the citizens of their own State. ' ' 

August 7, 1794, President Washington called for 12,950 troops, from Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The New Jersey and Penn- 

I sylvania troops assembled at Carlisle. Gov. Mifflin, of Pennsylvania, and 
Gov. Richard Howell, of New Jersey, commanded the respective troops of 
their State. The quota of this State was 5,196 men. The quota of Frank- 
lin County was 281 men. It was difficult to fill these quotas, but this 
county recruited its number and sent them to Carlisle. There they were 
met by President Washington,* and the army reviewed by him. The Penn- 
sylvania troops were in one division, under command of Maj.-Gen. William 
Irvine. It was divided into three brigades: the first commanded by Gen. 
Thomas Proctor, the second by Brig. -Gen. Francis Murray, the third by Brig. - 
iGen. James Chambers. In Chambers' brigade were the men from Franklin 
County. The troops passed through this county, by way of Strasburg, and 
crossed the mountains, passed through Fort Lyttleton, and reached Pittsburgh 
in November. This display of force by the Government ended the cruel war, 
md in ten days after their arrival in Pittsburgh, they started on their return 
lome. They came by way of Greensburg, Ligonier. Bedford, Sideling Hill, 
p'ort Lyttleton, Strasburg and Shippensburg, to Carlisle, where they were 
disbanded. Their entire term of service was about one month. 

1 *In his route to the western part of the State, Washington tarried over night, some say over Sunday, in 
hanibersburg, October 11, 1794, stopping with William Morrow in a stone hotel on South Main Street. Pass- 
Jg through Greencastle he was the guest of Dr. Robert Johnston. 



192 HISTOEY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

Date of Erection — Petitions in Favor of and in Opposition to the 
Project — Fight Over the County Seat— The First Court-House and 
First Jail— Early County Officers— Estimate of Population— First 
General Election— Officials, etc. 

THE act of the Assembly creating Franklin County, was passed Septem- 
ber 9, 1784. The county of Cumberland, the sixth formed in the prov-. 
ince of Pennsylvania, was erected in 1750. It embraced ' all and singu- 
lar the lands lying within the said Province to the westward of Susquehanna/ 
and northward and westward of the county of York" (organized the year pre< 
vious). It was "bounded northward and westward with the line of the Prov-v 
ince." From this vast area and ample limits were subsequently constructed 
Bedford in 1771 ; a portion of Northumberland in 1772; Westmoreland froni 
Bedford in 1773; Washington in 1781, and Fayette in 1783 from Westmorei 
land. Originally comprising two-thirds of the area of Pennsylvania, th( 
county of Cumberland is well deserving the name " "Old Mother Cumberland. ' j 
We first hear of efforts for the formation of the county of Franklin durinj 
the closing years of the struggle for independence in petitions therefor in 1780 
but remonstrances were poured in upon the Assembly to postpone the subjec 
until the Revolutionary war was over. No sooner was the prospect of peac. 
heightened than renewed efforts were made by the inhabitants of the wester: 
parts of the county of Cumberland for a division, representing " the incoc 
veniences and hardships which they suffer by the large extent of the said coun 
^.y ? # * * * the great distance at which the said petitioners dwell fro: 
the town of Carlisle, where the courts of justice and the public offices of th 
same county are held and kept." On the 25th of March, 1782, the petitio: 
therefor were ordered by the General Assembly to be referred to Moses Mai 
lean, Mr. Agnew and Mr. Maclay, with directions to bring in a bill. A bi 
was subsequently reported and passed second reading, but the inhabitants 
"New Town " Township petitioning to have Shippensburg included in the ne 
county, while the inhabitants of Lurgan Township remonstrated forcibly again 
a division — the whole subject was dropped until the following Assembly. TJ 
next Assembly were not favorable to the new county project, and the matt 
was referred by them to their successors. The new Assembly had scarcely c 
ganized when a petition was received from John Clark for the appointment 'Mk\ 
register for the probate of wills for the new county to be erected out of Cm 
berland. This was Col. John Clark, of the town of York, a brave officer i|i 
the Revolution. His application was premature. Numerous petitions for t | k\ 
division of the county of Cumberland poured in upon the legislative bod 
with not a few remonstrances against the same. The latter were chiefly frc 
Shippensburg and Lurgan Township, a portion of whose inhabitants prefera 
since the former place was not considered eligible for the county seat, to ] 
main with the old county. On the 16th of March, 1784, the committee 
whom the petitions and remonstrances were referred reported the following: 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 193 

i 

Resolved, That a new county be granted and laid out, to begin on the York County 
line on the South Mountain; thence by a square line to be run from the said beginning to 
the North or Blue Ridge, leaving Shippensburg to the east of said line; thence from the 
summit of the said North Mountain by the ridges dividing the waters of Shearman's Val- 
ley from the waters of the Path Valley, to the Gap, near the heads of the said Path Val- 
ley joining Bedford County; thence by the Bedford County line to the Maryland line; 
thence by said line to the line of York County; thence by said county line to the place of 
beginning; to be called county; and«that the said new county town shall be estab- 
lished by law, at the well-known place called Chambers Town, and not elsewhere; and 
that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill accordingly. 

On the 18th of March the resolution was read the second time, and Messrs. 
Rush, Coleman and McPherson were appointed a committee to bring in a bill. 
As yet it will be seen no name was mentioned in connection with the new 
county project. The committee appointed were Jacob Rush, of Philadelphia, 
subsequently president judge of the courts of that city; Robert Coleman, of 
Lancaster, the great iron master, and the head of that family so intimately 
connected with the iron trade of Pennsylvania, and Col. Robert McPherson, of 
York County, a brave soldier of the Revolution, and the grandfather of Hon. 
Edward McPherson, of Gettysburg; a remarkable committee— gentlemen of 
i culture, and eminent in public affairs. To them must the credit be given of 
naming the county Franklin for that patriot, sage and philosopher, whose rep- 
utation was even then world-wide. It was a deserving honor, and the first in 
successive ones which, next to the immortal Washington, has given name to more 
itowns and counties than any other in the American Union. 

On the 25th of March the bill was reported and read the first time. Four 
days after, it was read the second time and ordered to be printed. Then fol- 
lowed a flood of petitions, for and against not only the division of the county, 
ibut the location of the county seat. For the latter, Greencastle and Ship- 
pensburg were anxious to be selected, although the latter was unwilling to be 
included within the limits of the new county unless it was thus honored. 
Greencastle contended that it was equally as central as Chambers' Town, and 
■much better situated with reference to the back counties and to Maryland. 

On the 25th of August, the Assembly took up the bill and debated it at 
length, which was continued on the 30th. On the 6th of September a clause 
was adopted to the effect "that the inhabitants of the new county of Franklin 
should have their full proportion or share of what moneys were raised for Cum- 
berland County uses, after all just demands against said county of Cumberland, 
before passing this act, are paid. ' ' 

i On the 9th of September, 1784, the bill "was enacted, and signed by the 
speaker," and thus was erected the county of Franklin with Chambers' Town 
as the seat of justice, ' ' and not elsewhere. ' ' 

The active parties in petitioning the Assembly for the new county and to fix 
the northern boundary line at Big Spring (now Newville), so as to include all of 
•Hopewell Township in the county to be formed, were John Rannells, John John- 
son, James McCammont, John Scott, Dr. George Clingin, Samuel Royer, Pat 
Campbell, Patrick Vance, Nat McDowell, Richard Brownscn, George Math- 
)wb, Oliver Brown, James Campbell, Thomas Campbell, John Colhoun, John 
Solliday, John Crawford, Josiah Crawford, Edward Crawford, John Boggs, 
fTeremiah Talbot, William Rannells, Joseph Armstrong, James Brotherton, 
Senjamin Chambers, Benjamin Chambers, Jr., Joseph Chambers, James 
Chambers, William Chambers and others. 

During the progress of the struggle to strike off the new county, some of 
he people of Lurgan Township opposed the measure in toto " because the mi- 
itia battalion, and the religious societies to which they belonged, would be divid- 
ed and thrown into different counties, and the social intercourse requisite 



194 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

in these respects would be greatly obstruatcd, ' ' not to mention the burdens that 
would come of having to erect a new court-house, etc. They therefore 
prayed to be left, quietly in Cumberland County. The people of Greencastle 
wanted their town to be the county seat, but Chambers' Town prevailed, and 
soon all was well, and the new county was thus started upon her long career 
of prosperity and glory. 

The act of the Assembly, organizing the county, appointed James Maxwell, 
James McCammont, Josiah Crawford, David Stoner and John Johnston trus- 
tees, to procure ground for county buildings. The act also provided for the 
county commissioners to pay over to the trustees $3,200, to be expended in 
erecting a court house and jail. 

September 28. 1774, Col. Benjamin Chambers, by deed, for the nominal 
consideration of $26.66§, conveyed to the county the parcel of ground on 
which the court-house stands, " to be used as a site for a court-house and pub- 
lic buildings and no other, ' ' and in the same deed conveyed to the county the 
lot on the north side of East Market Street, opposite the " Washington House, ,y 
for a jail. 

The trustees contracted with Capt. Benjamin Chambers to build the court- 
house, and with David and Joshua Riddle to build the jail. The cost of the 
court house, which was not entirely finished until 1791, was $1, 100. The 
work on the jail progressed even more slowly, it not being completed until 1797. 

The old court-house was of brick, two stories high, and about fifty feet 
square. It stood immediately west of the present building, its eastern wall being 
about four or five feet distant from the western end of the present court house, 
and it was occupied by the courts and public offices whilst the new building 
was being erected. It was then torn down and the portico and steps of the 
present building were put up on a part of its site. It was well and substan- 
tially built, presented a rather pleasing appearance, and was fully sufficient 
for those early times. The main front faced Market Street, and there was a 
heavy cornice all around the building. There were a cupola and bell on the 
building. The spire was surmounted by an iron rod with a large copper ball 
on it next the top of the spire ; then above that a rooster, and above the latter a 
smaller ball. The main entrance was on the southern front, but it was not 
used for many years. A door in the western end, near the southern corner, was 
the usual place of entrance. Opposite this last door was another door in the 
eastern end, opening into the yard. The court hall occupied all the lower 
floor. Along its southern side was a tier of seats for spectators, some three 
or four in number, rising high up on the wall. These were put in after the 
building was completed, and they crossed over and closed up the main door in 
the south side of the room. Between these seats and the bar (which occupied 
nearly one half of the floor) there was a space of about ten feet in width, paved 
with red brick. The bar was raised some two or three feet above this pave- 
ment, and the judge's seat, which was on the north side of the room, was 
some two or three steps above the bar. The traverse jury box was on the east 
side of the bar, and the grand jury box on the west side, adjoining the stairs 
leading to the second story, in which there was a grand jury room and two 
traverse jury rooms. The floor of the court-room was paved with brick. It 
was warmed by two ten-plate stoves, into which full length cordwood could be 
put. In one corner stood an old hydrant, the solitary visible memorial of the 
old water- works. 

The old court-house was torn down in 1812, and a new one erected at a cost 
of $45,515. The contractors were Philip Miterhouse, carpenter, and Silas 
Havy, mason. This building was totally destroyed by the rebels in 1864, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 195 

and the next year the work on the new and present elegant building was com- 
menced. It was completed at a cost of $52,683.25. 

The old jail was of stone, two stories high, about 40x60 feet in size, and 
stood on the northeast corner of Second and Market Streets, where Judge 
Howe' s residence now stands. It was often crowded with poor debtors in those 
early days, men who were so unfortunate as to be in debt and had neither goods 
nor money with which to pay their liabilities. To honest men it was a fearful 
place; but rogues laughed at its nail-studded doors, iron bars, and thick but 
poorly-constructed walls. Between the date of the formation of the county, 
in 1784, and the completion of the old stone jail, in 1798, persons charged 
with the commission of grave offenses were kept in the jail at Carlisle. The 
county accounts for those years contained many items for the expenses of tak- 
ing prisoners to Carlisle, keeping them there and bringing them here for trial. 
Persons charged with offenses of a minor grade were kept in a temporary prison, 
and there are also numerous charges for " repairs ' ' to that prison — for ' ' iron 
for bars, ' ' for ' ' leg bolts, manacles, etc. ' ' and for the pay of those who acted 
as " guards ' ' at the prison. Tradition says that this prison was an old log house 
on the lot now the property of Levi D. Hummelsine, on the west side of South 
Main Street. That it was some such insecure place is evidenced by the ex- 
penditures made upon it above referred to, and also from the fact that, in 1785, 
the commissioners of the county paid Samuel McClelland £2 5s. 6d. for ' ' un- 
derpinning the prison. " There were no brick buildings here in 1785, and only 
three stone ones, viz. : Chambers' Fort, John Jack's tavern and Nicholas Sni- 
der' s blacksmith shop. All the rest were of logs, small and inconvenient, and 
it must have been one of the worst of these that was used as a prison, as only 
such a one could have needed " underpinning, ' ' and require bars, leg bolts, 
manacles and guards to keep its inmates safely. The first jailor was Owen 
Aston, who lived in a small house east of the prison. In 1818 the New jail 
was erected to supply a long-felt want. This is the present jail building. 

County Officers. — From 1784 to» 1809 Edward Crawford was, by appoint- 
ment, prothonotary, register, recorder and clerk of the court. He had erected 
a building for an office on East Market Street — the site now occupied by the 
law office of Kennedy & Stewart. The old county offices were not completed 
until October, 1806. This building stood about twenty feet east of thf old 
court-house, facing Market Street; cost, $2,500. It was of brick, two stories, 
40x25 feet. The prothonotary' s and clerk's offices were in the west end, the 
register's and recorder's in the east end, a division hall in the center. In the 
rear of each office was a narrow vault for the records. On the second story 
were the offices of the .county commissioners, county treasurer, deputy sur- 
veyor, etc. This building was torn down when the new court-house was com- 
menced, in 1842. 

Tho act erecting the county provided that the court of common pleas and 
quarter sessions should be held four times a year, and that the quarter sessions 
should sit "three days each term, and no more." Edward Crawford was in 
Philadelphia when the act was passed creating the county, and was the same 
day appointed and sworn in as prothonotary, etc. 

The following papers ai*e the first of their kind found in the records of 
Franklin County after its erection, September 9, 1784. The books from which 
they were taken were opened by the skilled and long-continued officer whose 
modest preface to Deed-book A was as follows : ' ' Franklin County erected by 
Act of Assembly passed 9th September, 1784, and this Record Book A begun 
in pursuance thereof. 

Enw. Crawford." 



196 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

FIRST DEED RECORDED. 

1. Date of instrument: April 18, 1782. 

2. Parties: Robt. Dixson, Hamilton Township, Cumberland Co., Pa., to William 
Dixson, his son, same twp. 

3. Property: 276 acres and G4 perches, and usual allowances in Hamilton Township. 
4" Consideration £15 specie, as well as natural love and affection. 

5. Witnesses: Robert Boyd and John Dickson. 

6. Acknowledged before Jno. Rannella, Justice of Cumberland Co. 

7. Recorded 13 day of December, 1784. 

FIRST MORTGAGE RECORDED. 

1. Date: April 20, 1784. 

2. Parties: Jacob Ziegler Carpenter, of Guilford Township, Cumberland Co., to 
Jabob Schmiesser and Peter Menges, of York County. 

3. Property: Lot 246 and buildings thereon, in town of Chambersburg. 

4. Consideration: £17, 7s. lOd. 

5. Witnesses: -1 ™ ip Z ^|?' V , 

( George Philip Ziegler. 

6. Recorded Oct. 11, 1784. ^ 

FIRST RECORDED WILL. 

%U tlxe Hame Of (God, jymjett.— I Hanse Michael Millar of Antrim 
Township County of Franklin and State of Pennsylvania being weak in body but 
of sound Memory (Blessed be God) do make and Publish this my last Will and Testa- 
ment in Manner following that is to say, all my Just Debt & Funeral Expenses, be 
paid by my Executors hereafter mentioned. First I give and Bequeath unto my Be- 
loved Wife Elizabeth the sum of two hundred Pounds of good and lawfull money of 
Pennsylvania specie all my household Furniture one Bay Mare and two Cows which she 
shall Choose. In case my wife Elizabeth should marry the above sum of Two hundred 
pounds to be Equally Divided among my sons and daughters. Secondly I give and Be- 
queath to my son Daniel that Plantation he lives on lying and Being in Frederick County 
Maryland Two hundred and thirteen acres to him his Heirs and assigns forever, he paying 
the sum of four Hundred Pounds good and lawfull money of Pennsylvania specie in five 
years after my Decease to my executors. Thirdly I give and Bequeath unto my daugh- 
ter Rebecca Rence Two hundred Pounds good and lawful money of Pennsylvania specie 
'•to be paid in one year after my Decease. Fourthly I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter 
Hannah Cigar the one-half of the Plantation she now lives on it being upon New Creek 
which emptys into the North Branch of Potomack in Virginia under the Allygany Moun- 
tains in Hampshire County. Fifthly I give and Bequeath unto Christian Baker The sum 
of forty Pounds in one year after my Decease, and also one Hundred and Sixty Pounds 
specie which Peter Baker stands due to me at this time. Sixthly I give and Bequeath 
<unto my Daughter Maryann Stoner the sum of two Hundred and Ten pounds lawful 
money of Pennsylvania specie in one year after my Decease. Seventhly I give and 
Bequeath unto my Daughter Susanna Stover the sum of two Hundred and Ten Pounds 
good and lawfull money of Pennsylvania specie to be paid in one year after my decease. 
Eighthly I give and Bequeath unto my son John the Farm and Plantation it being in 
Antrim Township Franklin County, which I now live on. Also a Negro Boy named 
'Charles one sorrell mare and Colt and all my farming utensils. Ninthly I give and 
Bequeath unto my son Michael the one-half of the Plantation that John Cigar lives on 
to him and his heirs and assigns, to be divided equally between my Daughter Hannah 
Cigar and my son Michael at the Discretion of my executors. All my movable stock 
that is not Bequeathed I give unto my son John, also any sum or sums of Money 
that should remain as over-plush after the Discharging of the Bequeathments to be 
equally divided amongst my sons and Daughters. My son John and my son in law 
Abraham Stoner to be my whole and sole executors of my last Will and Testament, in 
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-eighth Day of Sep- 
tember, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four 1784. 

Signed Sealed in the Presence of his 

Elias Davison Hans Michael x Millar 

mark 
her 

Henry Pawling - Elizabeth x Millar 

mark 

Edward Crawford was also commissioned justice of the county, Septem- 
ber 15, 1784. Six days after the county was formed, the first county court 
convened, the justices being Humphrey Fullerton and Thomas Johnston, for 













^^t^£i^^v^ Ov>^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 199 

Antrim Township, and James Finley, of Letterkenny Township — all of them 
formerly justices of Cumberland County. There were no jurors summoned to 
this first court, no causes for trial, and the strong inference is, no lawyers were 
present, except John Clark, of the York bar, who appeared to plead guilty to 
the crime of matrimony, and by the court was married to Miss Bittinger, 
daughter of Nicholas Bittinger, of Mont Alto Furnace. He appeared in 
court, and upon his own request was admitted to the bar, the first attorney 
so admitted in the county. 

The second session of the county court convened Thursday, December 2, 
1784. in the second story of John Jack's stone tavern, which stood where 
Miller's drugstore now is. This building was burnt in 1864. The judges pres- 
ent were William McDowell, of Peters; Humphrey Fullerton, of Antrim; James 
Finley. of Letterkenny. Crawford was clerk. Talbot was sheriff. The grand 
jurors were James Poe, Henry Pawling, William Allison, William McDowell, 
Robert Wilkins, John McConnell, John McCarney, John Bay, John Jack, Jr., 
John Dickson, D. McClintock, Joseph Chambers and Joseph Long. 

The courts were held up stairs, and tradition says the crowd was so great 
as to strain the joists of the floor, causing great alarm to the court and bar, 
and others in the house. That the courts were held in John Jack's house for 
several years, while the court-house was being built, and up until 1789, inclu- 
sive, is conclusively shown by the following extracts from the county expendi- 
tures, found in the annual accounts of the commissioners for the years named, 
viz: 

1785 — By an order to John Jack for the use of his house to 

hold courts in, etc £12 7s. 6d. 

1789 — By a draw given to Margaret Jack (John's widow), for 

the use of house to hold courts in £9 

1790 — Order to Mrs. Jack for fire wood and candles for the 

court £4 4s. 5d. 

A change was then made, for in — 
1790 — An order was issued to Walter Beatty for preparing a 

place for court £15 6s. 

This place was no doubt some temporary selection. Walter Beatty was the 
sub -contractor, under Benjamin Chambers, for the building of the court-house. 
The court-house and the old stone jail were then being built. The latter must 
have been gotten under roof at least in 1791, for that year the commissioners 
paid Walter Beatty "for preparing for the court to sit in the prison, £15 19s." 
In 1793 the commissioners, by order of the court, paid to Walter Beatty, £10 
10s. " for detaining his hands from work on the court-house." The judges 
took possession and occupied the court-house for county purposes before it 
was finished, and ordered Mr. Beatty to be paid for the lost time of his hands, 
as aforesaid. 

County courts, as thus constituted, continued to administer justice until the 
adoption of the constitution of 1790. That instrument went into force, for 
most purposes, on the 2d of September, 1790, but the third section of the 
schedule to it extended the commissions of the justices of the peace and judges 
then in office until the first day of September, 1791. 

JUSTICES WHO WERE JUDGES. 

The following list gives the names of the justices of the peace who were 
iudges of the county courts for this county, from the 9th of September, 1784, 
to the 2d of September, 1791, with the townships they were appointed from 
■fcnd the dates of their respective commissions, which ran for seven years: 



200 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



William McDowell Peters November 13, 1778. 

Humphrey Fullerton Antrim *. April 18, 1782. 

Thomas Johnston Antrim April 18, 1782. 

James Finley Letterkenny March 1, 1783. 

Edward Crawford, Jr Chambersburg September 11, 



James Chambers Peters . 



.September 17, 



1784. 
1784. 



George Matthews Hamilton February 4, 1785. 



.March 1. 1785. 
.October 31, 1785. 
.November 2, 1785. 
.March 15, 1786. 
.March 27, 1786. 
.August 4, 1786. 



John Rannels Guilford. 

Noah Abraham Fannett 

John McClay Lurgan 

Richard Bard Peters 

Samuel Royer .Washington . . . 

John Scott Chambersburg. 

John Boggs Chambersburg August 4, 1786. 

James Maxwell* Montgomery August 26, 1786. 

John Harring Southampton November 1, 1786. 

John Andrew Guilford April 16, 1787. 

John Martin Chambersburg December 8, 1787. 

James Maxwell Montgomery ' September 17, 1788. 

William Henderson Greencastle September 25, 1788. 

James M'Calmont Letterkenny September 23, 1789. 

Christian Oyster Chambersburg July 16, 1790. 

Thomas Johnston Antrim September 29, 1790. 

The population in the new couDty can only be arrived at approximately. In 
1786 the records show there were taxables in the county 2,291, divided among 
the townships as follows: 



TOWNSHIPS. 


Free- 
holders. 


Non-Free- 
holders. 


Freemen. 


Total. 




195 

99 

119 

102 

145 

159 

57 

136 

108 

86 

151 


83 
8 
55 
38 
53 
47 
24 
55 
72 
27 
60 


53 
54 
34 
30 
39 
39 
21 
29 
37 
27 
49 


331 


Franklin 


161 


Fannett 


208 


Guilford 


170 


Hamilton 


237 


Letterkenny 


a45 


Lurgan 


102 


Montgomery 


220 


Peters : 


217 


Southampton 


140 


Washington 


260 






Totals 


1,357 


522 


412 


2,291 







From this can be estimated the total population at about 13,000 at the time 
the county was formed. By the census of 1790, the first taken of the county, 
the population was 15,655; in 1800, 19,638; 1810, 23,173; 1820, 31,892^ 
1830, 35,037; 1840, 37,793; 1850, 37,956; 1860, 42,121; 1870, 45,365; 
1880, 49,855. 

The first general election in the county was held October 12, 1784, in 
Chambersburg, that being the only polling place in the county. The county 
was entitled to elect one member of the Supreme Executive Council, and three 
representatives in the Legislature. James McLene was elected councilor, to 
serve three years; James Johnston, Abraham Smith and James McCalmont 
were elected representatives; Jeremiah Talbot, sheriff; John Rea, coroner; 
James Poe, John Work, John Beard, county commissioners. As some index 
of the number of votes the new county was able to poll, it may be stated that 
the vote on county commissioners was as follows: James Poe, 822; John 
Work, 421; John Beard, 339. 

By act of the Assembly, September 13, 1785, the county was divided into 

♦Commissioned president of the courts. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



'201 



two election districts : the first district, composed of the townships of Antrim, 
Peters, Guilford, Lurgan, Hamilton, Letterkenny, Franklin (Chambersburg), 
Washington, Southampton and Montgomery, to vote at the court-house, in 
Chambersburg; the second district was Fannett Township, to vote at the house 
of 'Widow Elliott. 

In 1787 the county was divided into four election districts: the First to be 
composed of the townships of Guilford, Franklin, Hamilton, Letterkenny, 
Lurgan and Southampton, to vote at the court-house, in Chambersburg; the 
Second District, Fannett Township, to vote at Widow Elliott's; the Third Dis- 
trict, composed of Antrim and Washington Townships, to vote at the house of 
George Clark, in Greencastle; the Fourth District, Peters and Montgomery 
Townships, to vote at James Crawford' s, in Mercersburg. 

The first tax collected in the county was for the year 1785, and by town- 
ships is as follows: 



Districts. 


Collectors. 


State Tax. 


County Tax. 


Antrim 


Samuel McCullock. . 

Nathaniel Paul 

Peter Fry 


£365 5s. 7d. 
69 1 7 
179 4 8 
223 6 9 
207 7 10 
320 11 7 
298 5 
312 6 5 
272 10 1 


£57 Is. 4d. 


Franklin 


11 19 11 


Fannett 


30 19 10 


Guilford 


36 8 2 


Hamilton 

Letterkenny 


William Dickson. . . . 

George Stinger 

Gavin Morrow 

Thomas Kennedy 

Frederick Foreman . . 


35 7 8 
54 18 9 




50 16 4 


Montgomery 

Peters 


51 7 4 
44 10 


Washington 


262 16 11 44 15 2 










£2.510 11 10 £418 4 6 



Being, for State purposes. 
For county purposes 



^6,694 91 
1,115 21 



PROTHONOTARIES. 

1784-1809— Edward Crawford, Jr. 1854-57- 

1809-21— John Findlay. 1857-60- 

1821-24— John Shryock. 1860-63- 

1824-30— John Hershberger. 1863-66- 

1830-36— John Flanagan. 1866-69- 

1836-39— Joseph Minnich. 1869-72- 

1839-45— Mathias Nead. 1872-79- 

1845-48— Thomas P. Bard. 1879-82- 

1848-51— James Wright. 1882-85- 

1851-54— Isaac H. McCauley. 1885 - 



-Abraham K. Wier. 
-Hiram C. Keyser. 
-Abram C. Kaufman. 
-K. S. Taylor. 
-William H. McDowell 
-George W. Welch. 
-John A. Hyssong. 
-John M. McDowell. 
-James Sweney. 
-M. E. Brown. 



REGISTERS AND RECORDERS. 



1784-1809— Edward Crawford. 
1809-18— John Findlay. 



1818-21— Peter Spyker Dechert. 
1821-24— Joseph Culbertson. 



REGISTER AND RECORDER AND CLERK OF ORPHANS COURT. 

1824-30— John Findlav, Jr. 



202 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



REGISTERS 



1830-36— Paul I. Hetich. 
1836-39— Joseph Pritts. 
1839-12— Henry Ruby. 
1842-45— John W. Reges. 
1845-48 — James Watson. 
1848-51 — Benjamin Mentzer. 
1851-54— David Oaks. 
1854-57— George H. Merklein. 



AND RECORDERS. 

1857-60— George W. Toms. 
1860-63— Edward C. Boyd. 
1863-69— Henry Strickler. 
1869-72— Hiram T. Snyder. 
1872-79— Adolphus A. Skinner. 
1879-82— John S. Sollenberger. 
1882-85— C. H. Fulweiler. 
1885 —Frederick T. Snyder. 



CLERK OF THE COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS, OYER AND TERMINER AND ORPHANS COURT. 

1784-1809— Edward Crawford. 182.1-24— John Shryock. 

1809-21— John Findlay. 



CLERK OF QUARTER SESSIONS AND OYER AND TERMINER. 



1824-30— John Hershberger. 

CLERK OF QUARTER SESSIONS, 

1830-36— Richard Morrow. 
1836-39 — Joseph Morrow. 
1839-45— John Wood. 
1845-48— John M. Fisher. 
1848-51— Josiah W. Fletcher. 
1851-57— Henry S. Stoner. 
1857-60— B. Y. Hamsher. 



OYER AND TERMINER AND ORPHANS COURT. 

1860-66— William G. Mitchell. 
1866-69— Thaddeus M. Mahon. 
1869-72— Bernard A. Cormany. 
1872-75— Lewis W. Detrich. 
1875-79— W. Rush Gillan. 
1879-85— Van T. Haulman. 
1885 —J. A. Benedict. 



1784-87— Jeremiah Talbot. 
1787-90— John Johnston. 
1790-93— Henry Work. 
1793-96— Robert Shannon. 
1796-99— George Hetich. 
1799-1802— John Hetich. 
1802-05— John Brotherton. 
1805-08— Jacob Snider. 
1808-11— Jacob Merkle. 
1811-14 — William Alexander. 
1814-17 — Thomas Alexander. 
1817-20 — Jeremiah Snider. 
1820-23— John McClay. 
1823— David Washabaugh.* 
1823-26— Archibald Fleming. 
1826-29— Joseph Culbertson. 
1829-32— David Washabaugh. 
1832-35— Ennion Elliott. 



1784— John Rea. 
1785 — John Johnston. 
1786 — Conrad Snider. 
1787— Conrad Snyder. 
1788— George Clark. 



SHERIFFS. 

1835-38- 
1838-41- 
1841-44- 
1844-47- 

1847-50- 
1850-53- 
1853-56- 
1856-59- 
1859-62- 
1862-65- 
1865-68- 
1868-71- 
1871-75- 
1875-78- 
1878-81- 
1881-84- 
1884-87- 
1887 - 



-James Burns. 
-George Hoffman. 
-William Gilmore. 
-Adam McKinnie. 
-John W. Taylor. 
-Thomas J. Earley. 
-William Skinner. 
-Jacob S. Brown. 
-William McGrath. 
-Samuel Brandt. 
-John Doebler. 
-J. W. Fletcher. 
-S. F. Greenawalt. 
-John Sweney. 
-Michael Gable. 
-W. C. Skinner. 
-Luther B. Kurtz. 
-Jacob S. Mowery. 



coroners, f 

1789— George Clark. 
1790— George Clark. 
1793 — Matthew Duncan. 
1796 — Archibald Rankin. 
1801 — Archibald Rankin. 



*.Tune to November, 1823. 

t Years named indicate date of appointment. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 203 

1805— James Campbell. 1829— Allen K. Campbell. 

1809— Andrew Kobeson. 1832— John Tritle. 

1812 — Eobert Liggett. 1835 — James McDowell. 

1815— William Young. 1838— William Slyder. 

1817 — Thomas McKinstry. 1841 — Alexander Hamilton. 

1820— William Young. " 1844— John M. McDowell. 

1824 — David Washabaugh. 1849 — James Burns. 
1827 — James Burns. 

For a long period coi-oners refused to qualify, their work being performed 
by justices of the peace in their several townships. No records of the cor- 
oners therefore appear. 

1864— Victor D. Miller. 1882— Geo. S. Hull. 

1867— Victor D. Miller. ' 1885— Geo. S. Hull, present incumbent. 
1879— Robt. W. Ramsey. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

County treasurers were appointed by the county commissioners until the 
act of May 27, 1841, provided for their election, in October of that year, to 
hold office for two years from the first Monday in January after their election. 

The following is a list of the names of those persons who have been treas- 
urers of this county, with their years of service : 
1785-90— Dr. George Cliugan. 1839-42— Henry Smith. 

1790-93— Matthew Wilson. 1842-44— Joseph Pritts. 

1793-96— John Riddle. 1844-46— George K. Harper. 

1796-1806— Patrick Campbell. 1846-48— George Garlin. 

1806-09— David Denny. 1848-50— William McLellan. 

1809-12— Jacob Heyser. 1850-52— Lewis Denig.* 

1812-14— Henry Reges. 1852-54— Washington Crooks. 

1814-17— John Hershberger. 1854-56— Daniel K. Wunderlich. 

1817-20— Jacob Heyser. 1856-58— J. Smith Grier. 

1820-23— William Heyser. 1858-60— William D. McKinstry. 

1823-24— Samuel G. Calhoun. 1860-62— John Stouffer. 

1824-25— Dr. John Sloan. 1862-64— George J. Balsley. 

1825-27— Hugh Greenfield. 1864-66— James G. Elder. 

1827— William Hamilton. 1866-68— John Hassler. 

1827-30— Daniel Spangler. 1868-70— George W. Skinner. 

1830-32— Joseph Pritts. 1870-72— William Reber. 

1832— Henry Smith. 1872-74— Samuel Knisley. 

1833-36— Jasper E. Brady. 1874-76— Hiram M. White. 

1836-39 — George Garlin, Jr. 

FOR THREE YEARS UNDER NEW CONSTITUTION. 

1876-79— Elias K. Lehman. 1882-85— W. H. H Mackey. 

1879-82— John L. Grier. 1885-88— Jacob N. Flinder. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

1785 — James Poe, John Work, John Beard. 

1786 — John Work, James Poe, John Beard. 

1787 — John Beard, James Poe, John Work. 

1788 — Robert Boyd, James McConnell, William Allison. 

1789 — James McConnell, William Allison, Josiah Crawford. 

1790 — William Allison, Josiah Crawford, Matthew Wilson. 

♦Jeremiah Snider was elected treasurer in October, 1849, but not being able to give the bond required by 
law, he resigned January 7, 1850, and the county commissioners that day appointed Lewis Denig to fill the va- 
cancy. 



204 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

1791 — Matthew -Wilson, James Poe, Daniel Royer. 

1792 — Matthew Wilson, James Poe, John Work. 

1793 — James Poe, Daniel Royer, James Chambers. 

1794 — Daniel Royer, James Chambers, George Hetich. 

1795 — James Chambers, George Hetich, Henry Work. 

1796 — George Hetich, Henry Work, William Scott. 

1797 — Henry Work, William Scott, William Allison. 

1798 — William Scott, William Allison, .James Irvin. 

1799 — William Allison, James Irvin, John Holliday. 

1800 — James Irvin. John Holliday, Nathan McDowell. 

1801— John Holliday, Robert McDowell, David Maclay. 

1802 -Robert McDowell, David Maclay. 

1803 — Robert McDowell, David Maclay, William Rankin. 

1804 — Robert McDowell, David Maclay, Archibald Rankin, Jacob Heyser. 

1805 — William McClay, Archibald Rankin, Jacob Heyser. 

1806 — William McClay, Jacob Heyser, Patrick Campbell. 

1807 — Jacob Heyser, Patrick Campbell, John Royer. 

1808 — Patrick Campbell, James Smith, Jacob Dechert. 

1809 — Jacob Dechert, John Rothbaust, Robert Crooks. - 

1810-11 — John Rothbaust, Robert Crooks, William Alexander. 

1812-13 — David Rankin, John Cox, Ludwig Heck. 

1814 — John Cox, Ludwig Heck, Isaac Eaton. 

1815 — Ludwig Heck, James McDowell, John M. Maclay. 

1816 — James McDowell, John M. Maclay, William Bleakney. 

1817 — John M. Maclay, William Bleakney. Philip Berlin. 

1818 — William Bleakney, Philip Berlin, William Rippey, Jr. 

1819 — Philip Berlin, William Rippey, Jr., David Besore. 

1820 — William Rippey, Jr. , David Besore, Frederick Miller. 

1821 — Frederick Miller, David Besore, Andrew Thomson. 

1822 — David Besore, Frederick Miller, Andrew Thomson. 

1823 — Andrew Thomson, James Walker, Jacob Wunderlich. 

1824 — Jacob Wunderlich, Philip Laufman, David Fullerton. 

1825 — Jacob Wunderlich, Philip Laufman, Benjamin Keyser. 

1826 — Philip Laufman, Benjamin Keyser, William Heyser. 

1827 — William Heyser, Benjamin Keyser, John Walker. 

1828 — William Heyser, John Walker, Daniel Shaffer. 

1829 — John Walker, Daniel Shaffer, John Radebaugh. 

1830 — Daniel Shaffer, John Radebaugh, John Walker. 

1831 — Daniel Shaffer, John Radebaugh, Jacob Walter. 

1832 — John Radebaugh, Jacob Walter, Samuel Duma. 

1833 — Samuel Dunn, Joseph Culbertson, John Cox. 

1834— Joseph Culberston, John Cox, Tobias Funk. 

1835 — John Cox, Tobias Funk, George Hoffman. 

1836 — Tobias Funk, George Hoffman, George Johnston. 

1837 — George Hoffman, John Johnston, John Johnston (of George). 

1838 — John Johnston, John Johnston (of George), George Hoffman. 

1839-40 — John Johnston (of George), D. Washabaugh, Emanuel Hade. 

1841 — D. Washabaugh, Emanuel Hade, William Seibert. 

1842 —Emanuel Hade, William Seibert, Garland Anderson. 

1843 — William Seibert, G. Anderson, James Burns. 

1844 — G. Anderson, James Burns, Jacob Oyster. 

1845 — James Burns, Jacob Oyster, Thomas Pumroy. 

1846 — Jacob Oyster, Thomas Pumroy, James Davison. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



205 



1847 — Thomas Pimiroy, James Davison, George A. Madeira. 
1848 — James Davison, George A. Madeira, Dewalt Keefer. 
1849— G. A. Madeira, Dewalt Keefer, John A. Shank. 
1850- -D. Keefer, John A. Shank, George S. Eyster. 
1851 — John A. Shank, George S. Eyster, James Lowe. 
1852 — George S. Eyster, James Lowe, John Alexander. 
1853 — James Lowe, John Alexander, John Hnber. 
1854 — John Alexander, John Huber, Jos. Johnston. 
1855 — John Huber, Jos. Johnston, Robert Mcllvaney. 
1856 — Jos. Johnston, Robert Mcllvaney, Samuel Myers. 
1857— Robert Mcllvaney, Samuel Myers, D. M. Leisher. 
1858 — Samuel Myers, D. M. Leisher, John S. Nimmon. 
1859 — D. M. Leisher, John S. Nimmon, J. A. Eyster. 
1860 — J. S. Nimmon, J. A. Eyster, Jacob S. Good. 
1861 — J. A. Eyster, Jacob S. Good, James D. Scott. 
1862 — Jacob S. Good, James D. Scott, John Nitterhouse. 
1863 — James D. Scott, John Nitterhouse, John Downey. 
1864 — John Nitterhouse, John Downey, Henry Good. 
1865 — John Downey, Henry Good, John Armstrong. 
1866 — Henry Good, John Armstrong, Daniel Skinner. 
1867 — John Armstrong, Daniel Skinner, Jonas C. Palmer. 
1868 — Daniel Skinner, J. C. Palmer, William Shinafield. 
1869— J. C. Palmer, William Shinafield, E. K. Lehman. 
1870— William Shinafield, E. K. Lehman, J. B. Brumbaugh. 
1871— E. K. Lehman, J. B. Brumbaugh, S. M. Worley. 
1872— J. B. Brumbaugh, S. M. Worley, R. J. Boyd. 
1873— S. M. Worley, R. J. Boyd, Jacob Kauffman. 
1874— R. J. Boyd, Jacob Kauffman, W. D. Guthrie. 
1875 — Jacob Kauffman, W. D. Guthrie, Samuel Coble. 
1876-79 — Daniel Gelwix, James Patton, J. Watson Craig. 
1879-82— Wm. S. Reed, John Kyner, Frank Creamer. 
1882-85 — Daniel Potter, Henry Omwake, Martin Miller. 
1885-88— Jacob Middour, Jacob S. Snively, John Waidlich. 



CLERKS TO COMMISSIONERS. 



1784-88— Unknown. 
1788— Robert Boyd. 
1789-96— Unknown. 
1796-99— James Parks. 
1799— William Scott. 
1800— William Orbison. 
1801-04— William Ward, Jr. 
1804-06— Thomas G. McCulloh. 
1806— J. M. Russell. 
1807— E. B. Mendenhall. 
1808-11 — Henry Reges. 
1811-15— William M. McDowell. 
1815-18— Peter S. Deckhert. 
1818-27— Daniel Spangler. 
1827— Hiram Cox. 
1828-36— John Colhoun. 
1836-42— Richard Morrow. 
1842— Henry Smith. 



1843 — James R. Kirby. 
1844-46—1. H. McCauley. 
1846-50— A. H. McCulloh. 
1850-53— John M. Fisher. 
1853-56— Thomas L. Fletcher. 
1856— Jacob Sellers. 
1857 — William Gelwicks. 
1858 — Jacob Sellers. 
1859 — Samuel Longenecker. 
1860-71 — George Foreman. 
1871— H. C. Koontz. 
1872— H. C. Keyser. 
1873-75— H. S. Shade. 
1875— H. C. Keyser. 
1876— Thomas M. Nelson. 
1876-77— T. M. Nelson. 
1880— E. G. Etter. 
1886— D. S. Hager. 



206 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

PARTIAL LIST OF flOUNTY AUDITORS. 

1785-88 — Unknown. 
" 1788 — James Johnston, Benjamin Chambers, James Irwin. 

1789-93— Unknown. 

1793-94 — Benjamin Chambers, James Irwin, John Rea. 

1794-98— Unknown. 

1798-1800 — James Ramsey, John Brown. 

1800-01 — John Brown, James Buchanan. 

1802 — James Buchanan, Nicholas Clopper. 

1803 — Nicholas Clopper, George Hetich. 

1804 — George Hetich, William Scott. 

1805 — Nicholas Clopper, William Scott, Robert Smith. 

1806 — William Scott, Robert Smith, Thomas Brown. 

1807 — Robert Smith, Thomas Brown, John Gilmor. 

1808 — Thomas Brown, John Gilmor, John Holliday. 

1809 — John Gilmor, John Holliday, David Rankin. 
"M810— D. Fullerton, David Maclay, Henry Thompson. 

1811 — Henry Thompson, David Fullerton, D. Maclay. 

1812 — Henry Thompson, Robert Robison, Joseph Scott. 

1813 — Robert Robison, Joseph Scott. 

1814— Patrick Campbell, David Eby, William Scott. 

1815 — David Eby, Andrew Robison, William Alexander. 

1816 — William Alexander, Sr. , Andrew Robison, John Walker. 

1817 — John Walker, John Culbertson. 

1818 — John Walker, John Culbertson, James McCoy. 

1819 — John Culbertson, James McCoy, John Flanagan. 

1820 — James McCoy, John Flanagan, Thomas McClelland. 

1821 — John Flanagan. George Hetich. 

1822— Thomas McClelland, George Hetich, Thomas Waddell. 

1823 — George Hetich, Joseph Grubb. 

1824 — Thomas Waddell, Joseph Grubb, William Gamble. 

1825 — Joseph Grubb, William Gamble, Thomas Carson. 

1826 — William Gamble, Thomas Carson, John Walker. 

1827 — Thomas Carson, John Walker, Isaac Ward. 

1828— John Walker, Jacob Negley, John Findlay, Sr. 

1829 — Isaac Ward, Jacob Negley, John McClintock. 

1830 — Jacob Negley, Archibald's. McCune. 

1831— Archibald S. McCune, J. Allison. 

1832 — J. Allison, James Colhoun. 

1833 — Jacob Heyser, Joseph Pumroy. 

1834 — Jacob Heyser, Joseph Pumroy, John McClintock. 

1835 — Joseph Pumroy, John McClintock, John Witherow. 

1836 — John McClintock, John Witherow, Jacob Negley. 

1837 — John Witherow, Jacob Negley. 

1838 — Jacob Negley, William Fleming, David Lytle. 

1839— William Fleming, David Lytle, John Orr. 

1840— David Lytle, John Orr, J. B. Guthrie. 

1841— John Orr, J. B. Guthrie, John Deardorff. 

1842— J. B. Guthrie, John D. Work. John Deardorff. 

1843— John Deardorff, John D. Work, Robert Wallace. 

1844 — Samuel Lehman, Robert Wallace, John Tritle. 

1845— Robert Wallace, John Tritle. 

1846 — John Tritle, John Johnston, Abram Stouffer. 











W^rJl^3, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 209 

/1847 — John Johnston, Abram Stouffer, Joseph Snively. 
1848 — Abram Stouffer, Joseph Snively, Thomas Carson. 
1849 — Joseph Snively, Thomas Carson, 13. A. Doyle. 
1850 — Thomas Carson, B. A. Doyle, George W. Zeigler. 
1851 — B. A. Doyle, George W. Zeigler, James L. Black. 
1852— G. W. Zeigler, James L. Black, W. A. Shields. 
1853 — William A. Shields, William Armstrong, David Spencer. 
1851 — William Armstrong, David Spencer, W. S. Amberson. 
1855 — D. Spencer, W. S. Amberson, John Bowman. 
1856 — W. S. Amberson, John Bowman, C. W. Burkholder. 
1857— John Bowman, C. W. Burkholder, D. H. McPherson. 
1858— C. W. Burkholder, D. H. McPherson, William Fleagle. 
1859— D. H. McPherson, William Fleagle, J. R. Brewster. 
1860 — William Fleagle, Andrew Davison, John Downey. 
1861 — John Downey, Andrew Davison, George Jarrett. 
1862 — John Downey, George Jarrett, D. K. Wunderlich. 
1863 — George Jarrett, D. K. Wunderlich. 
1864— D. K. Wunderlich, D. B. Martin, W. S. Amberson. 
1865— D. B. Martin, W. S. Amberson, M. Martin. 
1866— W. S. Amberson, D. B. Martin, Samuel W. Nevin. 
1867— M. Martin, Samuel W. Nevin, Samuel Myers. 
1868-69 — Samuel W. Nevin, Samuel Myers, Joseph Mowers. 
1870 — Samuel Myers, Joseph Mowers, J. W. Winger. 
1871— Joseph Mowers, J. W. Winger, John C. Tritle. 
1872— J. W. Winger, John C. Tritle,. John A. Sellers. 
1873 — John A. Sellers, John Cressler, Samuel Taylor. 
1874— John A. Sellers, John Cressler, H. R. Harnish. 
1875 — J. Cressler, H. R. Harnish, Samuel Taylor. 
1876— Samuel Taylor, W. H. Blair, William M. Gillan. 
1876-79— Samuel Taylor, W. H. Blair, Wm. M. Gillan. 
1879-82 — Simon Lecron, James W. Duffield, William Frye. 
1882-85— Aaron F. Snoke, D. C. Clark, Lemuel Snively. 
1885-88 — Samuel S. Reisher, John Pensinger, George W. Johnston. 

POOK-HOUSE. 

The Act of Assembly for the erection of the " House for the employment 
and support of the poor ' ' of the county was approved by the governor, March 
11, 1807. The second section of the act provided that at the election to be- 
held in October, 1807, five persons should be elected "to determine upon and 
fix the place on which the buildings should be erected, ' ' and also that there- 
should be elected ' ' three persons to be directors of the poor, ' ' one to serve- 
for one year, one for two years, and one for three years, their terms to be de- 
termined by lot. 

William Allison, David Fullerton, John Colhoun, Col. Joseph Culbertson 
and John Maclay, were elected the commissioners to fix the site for the poor- 
house, and Robert Liggett, James Robinson and Ludwig Heck were elected 
directors of the poor. 

The commissioners selected the farm of Thomas Lindsay (the site of the 
present poor-house) as the place where the poor-house should be erected, and 
in the year 1808 the directors purchased it for the sum of $8,200. The farm, 
then contained 165 acres, and had a stone farm house, barn, etc., upon it. 
This house was somewhat enlarged, and used until the year 1811, when the 
large stone building, now standing, was put up. 

12 



210 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

In the years 1853-54, the large brifik house was erected at a cost of about 
$12,000. The farm now contains about 210 acres. 

The following lists contain the names of the directors of the poor-house, its 
stewards, treasurers, attorneys, clerks and physicians, from the year 1807 to 
the present time, so far as they could be ascertained: 

DIRECTORS OF POOR-HOUSE. 

1808 — James Robinson, Robert Liggett, Ludwig Heck. 
1809 — Robert Liggett, Ludwig Heck, Henry Etter. 
1810 — Ludwig Heck, Henry Etter, Isaac Eaton. 
1811 — Henry Etter, Isaac Eaton, Samuel Radebaugh. 
1812 — Isaac Eaton, Samuel Radebaugh. 
1813 — Samuel Radebaugh, Matthew Lind. 

1814 , Matthew Lind, John Vance. 

1815 — Matthew Lind, John Vance, Philip Berlin. 

1816 — John Vance, Philip Berlin, John Snider. 

1817— Philip Berlin, John Snider, John Rudisil. 

1818 — John Snider, John Rudisil, Matthew Patton. 

1819 — John Rudisil, Matthew Patton, D. Washabaugh. 

1820— Matthew Patton, D. Washabaugh, J. Stouffer. 

1821 — D. Washabaugh, J. Stouffer, William McKesson. 

1822— J. Stouffer, William McKesson, John Snider. 

1823 — William McKesson, John Snider, Thomas Yeates. 

1824 — John Snider, Thomas Yeates, Jacob Heck. 

1825 — Thomas Yeates, Jacob Heck, A. Thompson. 

1826 — Jacob Heck, A. Thompson, John Davison. 

1827 — A. Thompson, John Davison, Thomas Yeates. 

1828 — John Davison, Thomas Yeates, John Vance. 

1829 — Thomas Yeates, John Vance, John Coble. 

1830 — John Vance, John Coble, Samuel Decbart. 

1831 — John Coble, Samuel Dechart, Nicholas Baker. 

1832— Samuel Dechart, Nicholas Raker, James Davison. 

1833 — Nicholas Baker, James Davison, John Radebaugh. 

1834 — James Davison, John Radebaugh, John Orr. 

.1835 — John Radebaugh, John Orr, Jacob Oyster. 

1836 — John Orr, Jacob Oyster, John Whitmore. 

1837 — Jacob, Oyster, John Whitmore, William Linn. 

1838 — John Whitmore, William Linn, Samuel Campbell. 

1839 — William Linn, Samuel Campbell. Philip Nitterhouse. 

1840 — Samuel Campbell, Philip Nitterhouse, James Davison. 

1841 — Philip Nitterhouse, James Davison, Matthew Patton. 

1842 — James Davison, Matthew Patton, Upton Washabaugh. 

1843 — Matthew Patton, Upton Washabaugh, John Monn, Jr. 

1844 — Upton Washabaugh, John Monn, Jr. , Samuel Lehman. 

1845 — John Monn, Jr., Samuel Lehman, John S. Detwiler. 

1846 — Samuel Lehman, John L. Detwiler, Daniel Bonebrake. 

1847 — John L. Detwiler, Daniel Bonebrake, Fred. Boyer. 

1848 — Daniel Bonebrake, Fred. Boyer, John Wise. 

1849— Fred. Boyer, John Wise, David Hays. 

1850 — John Wise, David Hays, S. Detwiler. 

1 851 — David Hays, S. Detwiler, Jacob Garver. 

1852 — Samuel Lehman, Jacob Garver, Martin Newcomer. 

1853 — Jacob Garver, Martin Newcomer, D. O. Gehr. 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



211 



1854 — Martin Newcomer, D. O. Gehr, James Ferguson. 

1855 — D. O. Gehr, James Ferguson, Josiah Besore. 

1856 — James Ferguson, Josiah Besore, Jacob Weaver. 

1857 — Josiah Besore, Jacob Weaver, M. Gillan. 

1858 — Jacob Weaver, M. Gillan, Jacob Strickler. 

1859 — M. Gillan, Jacob Strickler, David Spencer. 

1860 — Jacob Strickler, David Spencer, J. S. Latshaw. 

1861 — David Spencer, J. S. Latshaw, William Harris. 

1862 — J. S. Latshaw, William Harris, Samuel Seacrist. 

1863 — William Harris, Samuel Seacrist, John Dcebler. 

1864 — Samuel Seacrist, John Dcebler, John H. Criswell. 

1865 — John H. Criswell, James H. Clayton, Martin Heintzelman. 

1866 — John H. Criswell, James H. Clayton, Martin Heintzelman. 

1867 — James H. Clayton, Martin Heintzelman, John Gillan, Jr. 

1868-69 — Martin Heintzelman, John Gillan, Jr., J. R. Smith. 

1870— John Gillan, John Smith, Fred. Long. 

1871— J. R. Smith, Fred. Long, Peter McFerren. 

1872 — Fred. Long, Peter McFerren, David Deatrick. 

1873 — Peter McFerren, David Deatrick, Jacob Kreider. 

1874 — David Deatrick, Jacob Kreider, Amos Stouffer. 

1875 — Jacob Kreider, Amos Stouffer, William Bossart. 

1876 — Amos Stouffer, William Bossart, Henry Lutz. 

1877— William Bossart, Henry Lutz, B. F. Funk. 

1878— Henry Lutz, B. F. Funk, Jacob Frick. 

1879— B. F. Funk, Jacob Frick, John Lindsay. 

1880 — Jacob Frick, John Lindsay, Benjamin Lehman. 

1881 — John Lindsay, Benjamin Lehman, H. B. Angle. 

1882 — Benjamin Lehman, H. B. Angle, John E. Maclay. 

1883— H. B. Angle, John E. Maclay, Geo. W. Brindle. 

1884— John E. Maclay, Geo. W. Brindle, Charles A. Clark. 

1885 — Geo. W. Brindle, Charles A. Clark, John A. Witherspoon. 

1886— Charles A. Clark,* John A. Witherspoon, H. C. Funk.f 

1887 — John A. Witherspoon, John H. Crisswell, Levi D. C. Houser. 



STEWARDS OF POOR-HOUSE. 



1808-14— Daniel Shrceder. 
1814-21 — Benjamin Gruver. 
1821-27— Richard Morrow. 
1827-30— Philip Lauffman. 
1830-33— Andrew McLellan. 
1833-39— Col. John Snider. 
1839— David Fegley. 
1840-43— William J. Morrow. 
1843-45 — Emanuel Crosland. 
1845-54 — Samuel Jeffries. 



1854-56— David Piper. 
1856-59— William Shinafield. 
1859 — John Bowman. 
1860-64 — James Chariton. 
1864-66— William McGrath. 
1866-68— John Ditzlear. 
1868— David Piper. 
1869-73— Samuel Brandt. 
1873-84— Joseph Middouer. 
1884-87— Augustus H. Etter. 



TREASURERS OF POOR-HOUSE. 



1808-14— David Denney. 
1814-21— Unknown. 
1821-23— William Heyser. 



1823— John Sloan. 
1824-27— Hugh Greenfield. 
1827-30— Daniel Spangler. 



*Died, and vacancy filled April 27 until January, 1886, by the appointment of Levi D. C. Houser, who, at 
the November election, was elected for a full term of three years. 

+Died and vacancy filled July 17 by the appointment of John H. Crisswell until January 1, 1886, who, at 
the November election, was elected for two years, Mr. Funk's unexpired term. 



212 



HISTOKY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 



1830-32— Joseph Pritts. 
1832-35— Henry Smith. 
1835— Jasper E. Brady. 
1836-38— William Bard. 
1838— Henry Ruby. 
1839-43— Daniel Dechert. 
1843-45— William Flory. 
1845-48— Daniel S. Fahnestock. 
1848— James Wright. 



1849-56— D. S. Fahnestock. 
1856-58— J. Smith Grier. 
1858-61— John W. Reed. 
1861-69— Charles Gelwicks. 
1869-72— Alex. Martin. 
1872— Thomas Metcalfe. 
1873-80— Hugh B. Davison.* 
1881-87— S. Miller Shillito. 



CLERKS TO DIRECTORS OF POOR-HOUSE. 



1808-14— Elijah B. Mendenhall. 
1814 — F. Hershberger. 
1815— Matthew Lind. 
1816— D. C. Dehart. 
1817— James McKay. 
1818-21— Henry Reges. 
1821-23— Daniel Spangler. 
1823-27— Richard Morrow. 
1827— Hiram Cox. 
1828-31— William S. Davis. 



1831— John Colhoun. 
1832— James R. Kirby. 
1833-35— John Smith. 
1835-37— John W. Reges. 
1837-40— Richard Morrow. 
1840-43— Jacob Heck. 
1843-45— Hugh B. Davison. 
1845-48— Charles W. Heart. 
1848-50— John W. Reges. 



ATTORNEYS AND CLERKS OF POOR-HOUSE. 



1851-56- 
1856-59- 
1859-62- 
1862-66- 
1866-69- 
1869-73- 



-Lyman S. Clarke. 
-J. Wyeth Douglass. 
-Snively Strickler. 
-W T illiam S. Everett. 
-E. J. Bonebrake. 
-John R. Orr. 



PHYSICIANS 



1808— Abraham Senseny. 
1809-14— John Sloan. 
1815-18— Andrew McDowell. 
1819-20— George B. McKnight. 
1821-23— A. J. Dean. 
1824-26— Samuel D. Culbertson. 
1827— Peter Fahnestock. 
1828— N. B. Lane. 
1829-30— Andrew McDowell. 
1831-32 — Jeremiah Senseny. 
1833— D. S. Byrne. 
1834-35— J. Bayne. 
1836-37— A. H. Senseny. 
1838 — John Lambert. 
1839-41— J. Evans. 
1842-43— J. C. Richards. 
1844— William H. Boyle. 
1845-47— John Lambert. 



1873-76— James A. McKnight. 
1876-77— Frank Mehaffey. 
1878— John M. McDowell. 
1879-82— N. Bruce Martin. 
1882-85— Loren A. Culp. 
1885-87— J. F. Linn Harbaugh. 

OF POOR-HOUSE. 

1848-49— N. B. Lane. 
1850-52— John King. 
1853 — John Lambert. 
1854— A. H. Senseny. 
1855— S. G. Lane. 
1856-57— A. H. Senseny. 
1858— W. H. Boyle. 
1859-61— S. G. Lane. 
1862-63 — James Hamilton. 
1864-65 — J. L. Suesserott. 
1866-67— J. C. Richards. 
1868— C.L. Bard, T.J. McLanahan. 
1869-72— W. H. Boyle. 
1873-75— T. J. McLanahan. 
1876-77 — Samuel G. Lane. 
1878-81— T. J. McLanahan. 
1882-85— Charles F. Palmer. 
1886-87— John P. Seibert. 



CHAPLAINS OF POOR-HOUSE. 



1872-78— Augustus Bickley. 
1879-80— Philip Hamman. 



1881-87— Augustus Bickley. 



*Mr. Davison died, and on April 5, 1880, S. Miller Shillito was elected to fill remainder of year. 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 213 

Mr. Bickley commenced holding religious service at the poor-house in 
1836, and continued with few interruptions until 1872, when he was regular- 
ly elected chaplain, with a salary. 

DEPUTY SURVEYORS UNDER APPOINTMENT FROM THE SURVEYOR-GENERAL. 

1736 — Zachariah Butcher, Lancaster County. 
1743-1746 — Thomas Cookson, Lancaster County. 
1750 — Col. John Armstrong, Cumberland County. 

1784 — Matthew Henderson, of Cumberland County, to 

1784-96 — Matthew Henderson, of Lurgan Township. 

1796-1804— Daniel Henderson. 

1804-09 — Thomas Kirby, Chambersburg. 

1809-13— Thomas Poe, Antrim. 

1813-21 — Archibald Fleming, Antrim. 

1821-24— William S. Davis. 

1824-29 — William Hamilton, Peters or Montgomery. 

1830-34— William S. Davis, Chambersburg. 

1834-36 — Seth Kline, Greene. 

1836-37 — William S. Davis, Chambersburg. 

1837-39— Samuel M. Armstrong. 

1839-45— Hugh Auld, Chambersburg. 

1845-47 — Augustus F. Armstrong, Chambersburg. 

1847-50 — Hugh Auld, Chambersburg. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

By the act of the 9th of April, 1850, county surveyors were directed to 
be elected to serve for the term of three years each. 
The following persons have filled the office: 
1850-56 — Emanuel Kuhn, St. Thomas. 
1856-62 — John B. Kaufman, Letterkenny. 
1862-71 — Emanuel Kuhn, Chambersburg.* 
1871-75 — John B. Kaufman, Letterkenny. 
1875-78— John W. Kuhn, Peters. 
1878-87 — John B. Kaufman, Letterkenny (present incumbent). 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

Prior to the passage of the act of 1850, providing for the election of dis- 
trict attorneys, the State's attorney or prosecuting attorneys were the 
deputies of the attorney-general for the time being, appointed by him, 
and removable at his pleasure. The court records prior to 1842 having 
been burned, it is not possible to make more than a partial list of the former 
prosecuting attornevs, as follows: 

1789-90- John Clark. 1824— Frederick Smith. 

1790-1802— William Brown. 1842-45— Wilson Keilly. 

1802-12— William Maxwell, Gettysburgl845-47— William R. Rankin. 
1813— William M. McDowell. 1847-49— George W. Brewer. 

1819— Matthew St. Clair Clarke. 1849-51— Hugh W. Reynolds. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Elected under the act of 3d of May, 1850, to serve three years, from first 
Monday in November after election. 

♦Resigned April, 1871, and John B. Kaufman was appointed for the unexpired term. Mr. Kaufman 
was also elected for the full term in October, 1871. 



214 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

1851-54— James S. Ross. 1872-75— Theodore McGowan. 

-< or i_K7_ j Thomas B. Kennedy. 1875-78— Oliver C. Bowers. 

10 * °' ( Lyman S. Clarke. 1878-81— Oliver C. Bowers. 

1857-60— Lyman S. Clarke. 1881-84— Chas. A. Suesserott. 

1860-63— George Eyster. 1884-87— W. J. Zacharias. 

1863-72— "William S. Stenger. 1887 —Hiram J. Plough. 

JURY COMMISSIONERS. 

Elected under the act of 10th of April, 1867, to serve for three years. 

1867-70 — Addison Imbrie, William Boyd. 

1870-73— W. H. H. Mackey, Elias Patton. 

1873-76— John Gilbert, A. H. Etter. 

1876-79— J. C. McCulloh, Lewis Lecron. 

1883 — George S. Coover, David M. Lowry. 

1886— John E. Harvey, L. H. Henkell. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Selected under act of May 8, 1854, to serve for three years. 
1854-57— James McDowell, Hugh 1869-72— Samuel Gelwix. 
J. Campbell. 1872-75— Jacob S. Smith. 

1857-63— Philip M. Shoemaker. 1875-81— S. H. Eby. 

1863-66— Andrew J. McElwain 1881-87— Harry A. Disert. 

1866-69— Philip M. Shoemaker. 






CHAPTER VII. 

INTERNAL AFFAIRS. 

Lands and Land Titles— Indian Trails— Roads— Bridges— Turnpikes— Inns 
or Taverns— Militia— Muster Days— Mail Routes and Postoffices— 
Postmasters — Railroads — Cumberland Valley Railroad — First 
Sleeping Car Ever Made — Franklin Railroad— Shenandoah Valley 
Railroad— Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad— Western Mary/land Rail- 
road—Baltimore & Cumberland Valley" Railroad— Mont Alto Rail- 
road — Mont Alto Iron Works, etc. 

WHEN the white man came here he found all the lands in the possession of 
the Indians. Their title was simply that of tribal possession. There was 
no individual ownership, and to this day that race spurns the idea of individual 
property in land. When civilization put its foot down to stay upon this con- 
tinent it taught these children of the forest the sad lesson to them, of not only 
individual title to land but title acquired by right of discovery and con- 
quest. 

By grant from England, William Penn became the proprietary of the lands 
that constitute the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The spendthrift king 
was in debt to the Penn estate something over £16,000, and it was an easy 
matter for him to pay his debts by granting anything the creditor might want 
in the New World. Penn, by his agents first, and then in person, came on and 
entered upon his possessions. He used every means to bring immigrants here, 
and was very liberal in conferring titles to all who wished to occupy land. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 215 

After Penn had purchased of the English Government what he had supposed 
was an indefeasible title to the land described in his grant, and his agents 
came to occupy the same, he found that his title was disputed by tribes of In- 
dians — first the Five Nations and afterward the Six Nations. He met them in 
the spirit of the utmost fairness, and again purchased what he had already 
paid his king in full for. And more than once he had to buy the title to the 
same property from new claimant tribes, and in some instances, where the same 
tribe had sold and spent the proceeds of the sale, they demanded a second 
payment. Even these unreasonable claims were attended to and the second 
payments cheerfully made. 

Penn sold at very cheap rates to immigrants wanting to settle upon lands. 
He was as lenient to the absurd claims of some squatters, who here and there 
took possession and resisted his rights, as he had been to the ignorant Indians, 
in his sales generally reserving a small quit rent per acre, or in case of town 
lots, per lot, to be paid to proprietary per annum. In this way came all the 
titles to lands in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolution. When the independ- 
ence of the colonies was established, the right of eminent domain and the title 
to all lands, not transferred to individuals, rested in the General Government, a 
satisfactory compensation having been made the proprietaries in the adjust- 
ment of the subject. 

The modern convenient plan of sectionizing land was then unknown. 
A purchaser would get a grant for so much land in a certain locality, and then 
locate it and mark it out as his judgment dictated, his first consideration being 
a spring of water, and then to curve and crook his lines to get where he sup- 
posed would be the best land. 

TRAILS. 

The setting sun, the mountain passes, and the topography of mountain and 
valley, determined the course of the Indian trails — the only highways known 
to the savages. The " war-path" was a term full of meaning. Bloody and 
senseless wars were the chief end in life of the most of them, and the trails 
from tribe to tribe usually meant " the war-path " — the thin trails worn in the 
primeval rocks by the generations of painted braves on their bloody missions. 

These Indian trails directed the white man to the heart of the wilderness. 
They were the primitive roads pointing his course in his slow voyage from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific. The adventurous hunters woidd discover and 
first follow up these trails, and then tell the young immigrants of the wonders of 
the country they had seen. It was a hunter, that had looked upon Falling 
Springs and the surrounding beautiful land, who told young Chambers about 
it, and determined him to come here. By following the trail leading from 
about Harrisburg toward the Potomac, as directed by the hunter, the Charn- 
berses were led to the spot that will ever be a monument to the memory of that 
illustrious family. 

KOADS. 

• 
In 1736 the first road was laid out in the Cumberland Valley. It would be 
most probably termed in these days a bridle road, that is, a road over which 
the trains of pack-horses could travel and carry, as they did, the articles of 
commerce of that day. In the year named, the court of Lancaster appointed 
Col.^ Chambers, and five others, to view roads and survey important lines. In 
1735 a road had been ordered to be made from Harris' Ferry toward the Po- 
tomac River, and Col. Chambers and party surveyed the route and ' ' blazed it 
out." This first road, strange as it seems now, met with considerable opposi- 
tion "from a number of inhabitants on the west side of the Susquehanna." It 



216 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

was originally intended to extend only from Harris' Ferry to Letort Springs, 
(Carlisle.) 

Military Road, 1755. — This road extended from McDowell's Mill, near 
Chambersburg, "over the mountains to Raystown (Bedford), by the forks of 
the Youghiagheny, to intersect the Virginia road somewhere on the Mononga- 
hela," being supposed indispensable for the supply of Braddock's troops on 
the route to Fort Du Quesne, and after their arrival. One of the commission- 
ers to lay out this road was Adam Hoops, of Antrim. A route was surveyed 
from a gap in the mountain near Shippensburg over an old Indian trail to 
Raystown. The road was from ten to thirty feet wide, according to the work 
necessary to construct it; it was completed to Raystown in June. Braddock's 
defeat rendered further work unnecessary, and it was stopped. 

In 1768 the first public road extending through this county and into Fulton 
County was ordered by the court of quarter sessions of Cumberland County. 
It was an extension of the old "Harris' Ferry toward the Potomac" road. 
When made, it ran through Peters, Antrim and Washington Townships, as they 
are now formed. 

At the April session of the court of Cumberland County, 1761, a petition 
of the people of Peters Township was presented, asking for a road, saying that 
they have no prospect for a standing market for the produce of the county, 
only at Baltimore, and having no road leading from their township to said 
town of Baltimore, and flour being the principal commodity their ' ' township 
produceth, and having two mills in said township, viz. : John McDowell's and 
William Smith's," they pray the court to appoint men to view and lay out a 
road from each of said mills to meet at or near the house of William Maxwell, 
and from thence to run by the nearest and best way toward said town of Bal- 
timore, until it intersects the ' ' temporary line, ' ' or the line of York County. 
The court appointed Henry Pawling, James Jack, John Allison, Joseph Brad- 
ner, John McClellan, Jr. , and AV 7 illiam Holliday, viewers, any four of them to 
make a report. No report was made until April, 1768, when the viewers re- 
ported in favor of granting the petition of the people of Peters and Hamilton 
Townships. But the branch roads to the mills were restricted to be bridle 
roads. They were to unite at or near James Irwin's mill, in Peters Town- 
ship; thence crossing to the Conococheague Creek, at the mouth of Muddy Run; 
thence through Antrim Township to Nicholson's Gap, in the South Mountain, 
from there to Baltimore. Thus it mainly followed the old trail ; the trail being 
superseded by a bridle road, and this by a wagon road, and the last by a 
turnpike. This was the regular order of development that has now resulted 
in the railroads — the first and main lines of which substantially follow the great 
Indian trails. 

In 1 768 the court appointed Edward Crawford, Jonah Cook, George Brown, 
William McBrier, William Holliday and William McDowell, viewers, to locate 
a road from James Campbell's, near Loudon, through Chambersburg, to the 
county line in Black's Gap. This is now substantially the route of the present 
turnpike road. 

When Chambersburg was laid out as a town, the road toward Shippensburg 
crossed the spring at the present fording on King Street, and following its 
course through the Indian burial place and the yard of the Presbyterian 
Church, finally joined the present road in front of the church, and pursued its 
eastward course several rods distant from the present turnpike, but nearly 
parallel with it. The only place where the Conococheague could be crossed 
near the southern limit of the town was at the lower fording, at Lemon's 
factory, where the bridge now is. At this ancient fording Col. Chambers once 




o 




/V/ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 219 

kept a flat-boat for carrying foot passengers. Two roads ran westward from 
the ford, one of which, now Franklin Street, wound over the hill to Market 
Street, and then proceeded directly west. The other ran through Wolfstown 
and formed a junction with the former at Western Point, about a mile from 
town. 

Of the roads in early times in the county, Dr. W. C. Lane, in Public 
Opinion, June 20, 1877, says: "In the infancy of the settlement the facilities 
which merchants now enjoy for bringing their goods from the eastern cities 
were unknown. Then we were not within a few hours' ride of Philadelphia, 
and could not order goods one day and receive them the next. Turnpikes were 
yet among the things of the future, and goods from the East were slowly drawn 
over the rough roads, in small and lumbering wagons, and many days were re- 
quired for the journey. Commercial intercourse with the West was carried on 
exclusively by means of pack-horses, and the process of sending goods to, or 
bringing them from, this remote part of the State, was both slow and expen- 
sive : as a necessary consequence, merchandise of all varieties then commanded 
a much higher price than it does now. This mode of transporting goods on 
pack-horses from Chambersburg ran into the beginning of the present century. 
The roads from Chambersburg to the West were then narrow and rough, and 
wagons could hardly be drawn over them, and pack-horses were, necessarily, 
almost exclusively used as a means of transportation. Long strings of these 
horses, with small bells suspended from their necks, and laden with salt, iron 
and goods of various kinds, were accustomed to start from the town on their 
weary march to their distant destination. A wooden pack-saddle was fastened 
on the back of the horse, and over this was placed bent bars of iron, on the 
curved and projecting ends of which sacks of salt, iron bars and cast iron uten- 
sils of various kinds were strapped. .Each horse carried about 200 pounds, and 
many weary days were spent in traversing the country over which they passed. 
It will not be forgotten that, at this early date, the western counties of the 
State were sparsely settled, and that the manufacture of iron, salt and different 
other commodities, was yet undeveloped. Hence, the people of these sections 
were entirely dependent upon the East for these indispensable articles of daily 
use. We may incidentally remark that, about the year 1790, Mr. John Gil- 
more, of Strasburg, sold salt at his store in that town, for transportation to 
Washington County, on pack-horses, at $8 per bushel. Other articles of trade 
brought correspondingly high prices. In the few following years the roads 
■over the mountains were widened and otherwise improved, and wagons then 
took the places of pack-horses. The usual time required for a loaded wagon 
to make the trip from Chambersburg to Pittsburg, and return, was three 
weeks. The average price of freight between these places was $10 per hun- 
dred. 

BRIDGES. 

The first consideration to the settlers, in order to live at all, was roads. 
They had to have salt and iron. These they could, after a fashion, carry over 
the rough and narrow roads they made. The growth of their wants soon com- 
pelled the making of wagon ways, and then it was some time before they felt 
compelled to put bridges across the streams. They contented themselves with 
*' fords " — shallow places — where, by a little work in digging the banks, it was 
possible to cross on the wagons with light loads, but here, as in many places 
in the mountain passes, they would "double teams," and in mud and water, 
and in sore trials and labor, after spending the most of a day at a bad cross- 
ing, they would pass over. Then selecting places of narrow and steep banks 
they would make rude bridges. These were very imperfect affairs— often 



220 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

washed away by the freshets that went raging down the mountain streams, and 
many were the freighters and travelers who had to go into camp and patiently 
wait the subsidence of the waters. When the waters had gone down, the people 
would replace the washed- away first bridge with one better constructed, but 
still their inexperience often deceived them as to what the stream could do the 
next effort it made, and sometimes the second and third bridges would follow 
down the stream like the first one. 

TURNPIKES. 

The building of the first turnpike road was an era in the history of the de- 
velopment of the county. The people heard of its promised advantages, and 
the probabilities of its ever being really made, with some incredulity. The 
national and State governments willingly lent their aid to the construc- 
tion of these important improvements. Better ways for commercial inter- 
course among the distant communities were imperative. The great Mis- 
sissippi Valley was being rapidly taken up by settlers, and the stupendous 
national project was conceived of a great highway from Baltimore to 
the Mississippi River, through the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 
Indiana and Illinois. The work upon this enterprise was carried on for 
nearly a generation. It was never completed to the Mississippi River, but was 
built to Vandalia, the then capital of Illinois. It was the wants, the foresight 
and energy of the people of Franklin that caused the commencement of this 
national road. 

The turnpike road from Chambersburg to Baltimore was made in 1809, and 
the first broad- wheeled wagon which passed over it was made by Mr. Philip 
Berlin, of Chambersburg in that year. 

The Pittsburgh turnpike was made about 1820. The first stage coach from 
Chambersburg to Pittsburgh ' ' passed over a rough and narrow mountain road 
in the year 1801." 

The construction of the Western turnpike gave an active impulse to trade, 
and goods were shipped over it in great broad-wheeled wagons in large quan- 
tities. The business activity of Chambersburg and the surrounding country 
then greatly increased. Several lines of stages started daily for Philadelphia, 
Pittsburgh and Baltimore, besides other lines, which reached less distant places. 
The town then was a great thoroughfare for travel, and at all seasons the town's 
hotels were filled with travelers. The public highways were soon lined with 
blacksmith and wagon-makers' shops, stage and hack stands, and trading 
places. The tavern yards were crowded with wagons, and merchants were busily 
engaged receiving and shipping goods. Large numbers of men were thus em- 
ployed. The road from Chambersburg to Pittsburgh was often lined with long 
files of broad-wheeled wagons, with their high bows covered with heavy can- 
vas, and drawn by those teams of powerful draught horses, for which Pennsyl- 
vania was once famous, many of whose necks were mounted with bearskin 
housings and tinkling bells. 

The following account kept by Henry R. F. Mollwitz, keeper of the North 
Mountain turnpike gate, leading from Loudon to McConnellsburg, for the years 
1830 and 1834, exhibits at one view the amount of traveling, etc., on the 
turnpike, during those years. 

During the year 1830 1834 1830 1834 

Broad wheeled wagons 6641 6359 Riding horses 3116 2817 

Narrow wheeled " 495 374 Draft horses 39824 42330 

Single horse " 761 1243 Heads of cattle 5834 6457 

Carriages 138 107 Sheep 2180 2852 

Two horse wagons 318 779 Hogs 1180 40 

Gigs 18 00 Carts 18 00' 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 221 

The first turnpike company in the State was incorporated in April, 1792; 
bnt it was not built till about 1814, when many similar companies wore char- 
tered, and the public mind became deeply interested in their building. The 
State was a liberal subscriber to such enterprises. Every State in the Union 
subscribed largely to its enterprises of internal improvements. During these 
times three important turnpike roads were constructed into Franklin County, 
and to each of these the State contributed liberally. The three roads were; 
The Carlisle and Chambersburg road (this received from the State $100,000); 
the Chambersburg and Bedford road ($175,000); and the Waynesboro, Green- 
castle and Mercersburg road ($25,000). 

INNS OK TAVERNS. 

Inns or taverns were numerous in those days. It is said that nearly 
every tenth house along the turnpike was a hostelry, whose yards were night- 
ly filled with wagons, and whose tap-rooms were thronged with noisy and 
hilarious teamsters. A violin was then considered an indispensable adjunct to 
a country tavern; and, moved by its inspiring notes, the jolly crowd often 
stamped and thundered through the "stag dance," the Virginia reel, and the 
" hoe down." The fun was fast and furious, especially when the throng was 
maddened by their frequent and generous potations of the "worm of the 
still;" then a brawl and promiscuous fight was not unfrequent, and bloody 
noses and blackened eyes were the proud badges of the royal fun they had 
had. Certainly these were wild times — but they were jolly. The good old 
days of the wayside taverns; the era of Concord coaches and their "great men" 
drivers, who were the heroes par excellence, whether mounted upon their box, 
the "ribbons" guiding the pr.ancing horses, the long whip, and the winding 
horns blowing defiance and triumph in the face of a gaping world, like the 
heralds of the plumed knights of old; or in the bar-room, the center of an ad- 
miring crowd, to which they gave their condescending and oracular ' ' Yes ; 
with a little sugar, please." They were the country taverns' truly great men. 
The flattering ' ' treats ' ' of the men, the gracious smiles of the blooming bar- 
maid, were theirs exclusively. What a picture of rural life and happy con- 
tent your recollection conjures up! Now all is gone. The shrill whistle of 
the flying engine has blown out of this world even those great heroes, the 
stage- drivers. Your memory lingers now like a fading tradition — ye have 
passed away, like a dissolving view — a silent tear to your shades. 

MILITIA. 

The earliest settlers were, soon after landing here, compelled to resort 
to some mode of military organization, by the action of the Indians. Then 
there were the conflicting claims to the country by the Spaniards, French and 
English. The different settlements, as they happened to be from different 
nations of Europe, were often given to raids upon neighboring colonies, and 
sometimes drove them off and destroyed their property; at other times they 
were content to take the colony under their authority, and incorporate the 
conquered colonists with their own society. Except the Quakers, all the peo- 
ple were more or less militant. As early as 1750, nearly every able-bodied 
man was in some way or other connected with the militia of his county. The 
Indians had become so troublesome that parties, when they went out to open 
new roads, had to go as armed squads of militia. In 1755 Col. James Smith, 
who afterward became eminent in the wars of the country, was captured by 
the Indians while in the act of opening a road from Loudon to Bedford. 

After the Revolution the Assembly enacted laws for the regular organiza 






222 HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

tion of the militia, and appointed officers to take charge thereof, and to hold 
regular encampments and muster days. All the people of the county en- 
rolled in the militia were required to meet upon the muster days, and to 
bring their guns and learn the drill of arms. Those who had no guns, the 
State being too poor to supply any, were requested to use a stick or, as some 
did, a corn stalk; and, hence, the name of " cornstalk militia" was at onetime 
a term quite common. These muster days were eventually great annual events in 
the county. Here the people met, discussed political and current events, arbitrated 
disputes, fought out old quarrels, and some drank whisky and rather indiscrim- 
inately frolicked and fought, as opportunity offered. In the early part of the cen- 
tury the authorities ordered a change in the uniform from a black to a white cock- 
ade in the hats of the militia. In counties where the Federal party was the 
stronger, this order created in some places almost riots, and in many there 
were acts of insubordination and open denunciation of the order. Companies 
Would put on the required cockade while in the ranks drilling, but, the moment 
the commanding officer would say ' ' dismiss, ' ' they would tear off the regular 
cockades and trample them under foot, and from their pockets produce and 
place in their hats the other color cockade, and thus boisterously parade the 
town. Many court-martials of militia officers occurred for insubordinations, 
and the two political parties for a while were the ' ' white cockades ' ' and the 
1 ' black cockades. ' ' 

POSTOFFICES, MAIL ROUTES, ETC. 

It sounds strange to the people of to-day, to say that, for six years 
after the formation of the county, there was not a postoffice, or mail 
facilities of any kind, in the county, or in this part of the common- 
wealth. People in those days wrote letters and watched for opportuni- 
ties to send them by the hands of some party going to their destination. The 
Government sent letters to its army officers only by special couriers. Busi- 
ness men sent and received important business letters, and remitted and re- 
ceived money by the hands of persons going from one to the other. The 
freighters were, of course, a common convenience in this respect. But off 
these routes of general travel, it was a very difficult matter to communicate 
with friends. Practically then at one time, after there were certainly as 
many as 10,000 people in what is now Franklin County, neither letters nor 
papers were brought into the county. The first provision of the Government au- 
thorities, that refers to this county, was a resolution of Congress, passed May 20, 
1788. It provided that the Postmaster-General be directed to employ posts 
for the regular transportation of the mails between the city of Philadelphia, 
and the town of Pittsburgh, ' ' by the route of Lancaster, Yorktown, Carlisle, 
Chambers' Town and Bedford," and that the mail be dispatched, "once in 
each fortnight from the said postoffices respectively." 

The first postoffice in the county was established in Chambersburg in June, 
1790. The settlement was then sixty years old, and all this time the people 
had to supply their imperative necessities by such means as they could find. 
For many years thereafter, as the reader will see by reference to the dates of 
the establishment of the postoffices as given below, it was only the few princi- 
pal offices in the county that had any mail connections with one another. For 
a long time regular mails could only be sent from Chambersburg to Shippens- 
burg; Chambersburg to Greencastle; Chambersburg to Mercersburg, and Mer- 
cersburg to Hageretown. Papers, circulars and political addresses preceding 
a hotly contested election were distributed by horseback couriers, each political 
party sending oat its distributors. These pony riders would usually start 
from the county seat on the first of the week, each provided with horns to 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 223 

blow when he would approach a hamlet or some leading citizen's house. The 
people would gather, they would distribute their important mail matter, and 
in this way go all over the county. These trips would occupy about the en- 
tire week. Barney O' Neil and Theo. Ditz, both living near Chambersburg, 
were such mail carriers. 

A copy of the Chambersburg Gazette of June 19, 1793, contains a list of 
settlers in the Chambersburg postoffice as follows: David Adams, Falling 
Springs; Patrick Boyle; Mathew Brown; Mary Brettow, care John Scott, 
Esq. ; John Bigham, care Hugh Bigham ; Thomas Cooper, James Crawford, 
Greencastle; Archibald Cunningham, care James Finley, Esq. ; Andrew 
Dougherty, care J. Mahoney; James Dodds, care James Ramsey; John Mc- 
Donald, care John Gilmore; John Dorans, care John King; Thomas Downing, 
care Dr. Huey; David Ewing, care Andrew Kennedy; Christopher Ferris, 
Greencastle ; Mathew Fleming, care Rev. John King; John Grimes, care John 
Martin; Andrew Givins, Tuscarora Valley; John Glenn, Mercersburg; William 
Guthrie, Southampton Township; John Gilmore, Strasburg; James Gregg, 
care John Calhoun; Thomas Henderson, hatter; Eleanor Hayes, care Samuel 
Calhoun; James Henderson, care John Scott; Charles Hunter, care James 
Ramsey or John Parkhill ; Lenox Hallam, care Capt. Beatty; James Hender- 
son; Andrew Irwin, care Samuel Quigley ; Robert Kidd care Alexander Dobbin; 
John Kennon, care James Gailey; James Kelly, care James Ramsey; John Mil- 
ler, Coyler's Creek; William McKee, James McCaslin, John McCurdy, John 
McKillop, Alexander McCracken, care James Ramsey; William McCleneghan, 
care James McCleneghan; Samuel McMillin, Burnt Cabins; Robert Martin 
Cooper, care Geo. Clark; Thomas Mitchell, Susanah McShane, care Rev. 
John - King; William Martin, Sherman's Valley; Walter McKinney, care John 
King; John Neal, care Thomas Lucas; Robert Porter, Robert Peebles, 
Hamilton Township; Archibald Patterson, shoe-maker; Robert Patterson, 
cooper; Nathaniel Rankin, Greencastle; Thomas Stewart, James Semple, 
Mrs. Polly Stokes, Charles Victor Shook, Peter Shields, Joseph Thompson, 
Henry Work, Esq., M. Williams, Peter Walter, Jacob Year, John Urr. 

The following is an alphabetical list of the postoffices in the county and 
the postmasters, with dates of appointments: 

Altenwald. — Jacob B. Cook, December 21, 1881. 

Amberson's Valley. — Benjamin J. Culbertson, December 16, 1850; Samuel 
Shearman, June 21, 1852; John Creamer, June 25, 1853; Jeremiah B. Jones, 
March 29, 1865; John M. Shearer, July 2, 1866; John A. Shoemaker, April 
28, 1874; Francis L. Shoemaker, August 3, 1885. 

Antietam (late Quincy). — Abraham Stoner, July 16, 1839; changed to 
Quincy September 2, 1841. 

Black's Gap. — Robert Black, June 15, 1869; changed to Greenwood Mills, 
September 29, 1869. 

Black's Gap (late Greenwood Mills). — Robert Black, February 9, 1870; 
Nannie C. Bohn, September 23, 1885. 

Blue Ridge Summit (late Monterey Springs). — A. C. Roosman, April 5, 
1876; Maggie L. Chapman, January 7, 1881. 

Bridgeport Mills. — Martin Hoover, February 15, 1837; discontinued May 
10, 1842; re-established with Jacob Phillipi, December 19, 1873; changed to 
Lemasters, April 6, 1877. 

Brown' s Mills, — Andrew Dalrymple, May 14, 1867; Hiram Young, April 15, 
1869; John H. Grayson, April 1, 1870; John T. Valentine, March 31, 1871; 
Jeremiah R. Young, February 25, 1876; Hiram Young, January 15, 1878; 
Henry C. Gelwicks, April 14, 1882; James B. Weicht, March 17, 1886. 



224 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Carrick. — Samuel Dunn, April 16, 1834; John Dunn, May 8, 1843; Ben- 
jamin H. Eshleman, February 8, 1849; discontinued December 24, 1849. 

Carrick Furnace. — George W. Swank, July 5, 1860; William Noonan, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1864; discontinued, January 19, 1865; re-established with Samuel 
H. Brown, postmaster, October 23, 1872; Alvin W. Horning, January 12, 
1874; changed to Metal, May 19, 1884. 

Chambersburgh. — John Martin', June 1, 1790; Patrick Campbell, July 1, 
1795; Jeremiah Mahoney, January 1, 1796; John Brown, July 5, 1802; Jacob 
Deckert, April 7, 1818; John Findlay, Sr., March 30, 1829; John Findlay, 
July 9, 1836; William Gilmore, November 24, 1838; George H. Harper, April 
3, 1841; David D. Durboran, July 8, 1842; John McClintock, February 3, 
1846; Nicholas Pearse, April 18, 1849; John Noel, May 13, 1853; John Lig- 
gett, April 13, 1858; John W. Deal, April 15, 1861; Mathew P. Welsh, Sep- 
tember 19, 1866; John A. Seiders, April 8, 1869; Daniel O. Gehr, April 21, 
1877. E. W. Curriden, November 14, 1884; James Sweney, October 19, 1886. 

Clay Lick.— Elam B. Winger, April 21, 1862; Joseph W. Winger, Febru- 
ary 17, 1866; Jacob M. Winger, December 2, 1874; Albert C. Winger, March 
21, 1881; Jacob M. Winger, February 11, 1885; William B. Zullinger, July 
24, 1886 

Concord. — Edward W. Doyle, April 1, 1811; Edward Doyle, January 16, 
1816; James Wilson, April 3, 1826; William R. Pumroy, June 15, 1849; Will- 
iam Johnston, June 10, 1853; Solomon B. Hockenberg, March 13, 1861; Til- 
lie E. McElheny, March 20, 1886; Rachel J. McElheny, April 10, 1886.. 

Doylesburgh.— Philip T. Doyle, May 23, 1854; Joseph M. Doyle, April 29, 
1856; John Goshorn, February 11, 1865; Isaac Clugston, December 15, 1869; 
Alva C. Clugston, February 6, 1879. 

Dry Run. — William Campbell, Jr., February 5, 1825; James Ferguson, 
May 27, 1839; Thomas Wilson, April 27, 1849; John E. Kerr, December 1, 
1853; William W. Piles, January 16, 1854; Henry S. Doyle, June 21, 1856; 
James H. Craig, February 23, 1859; James M. Rankin, June 29, 1861 ; George 
E. Stewart, September 27, 1866; William H. H. McCoy, March 19, 1869; 
Wilson H Coons, January 6, 1882; J. B. Elder, July 30, 1885. 

Edenville. — Levi L. Springer, December 21, 1882; William C. Hartman, 
November 9, 1885. 

Fannettsburgh — James Sweeney, March 30, 1809; Chamber Anderson, April 
11, 1820; James Brewster, December 19, 1834; Jacob Flickinger, April 14, 
1838; William Uttz, June 14, 1839; John Kyle, May 16, 1845; Mary Kvle, 
October 5, 1848; William W. Skinner, September 23, 1850; John S. Skinner, 
/ May 1, 1854; Mary Kyle, July 19, 1853; John S. Skinner, May 1, 1854; George 
W. Swank, February 6, 1855; John Kegerries, November 1, 1855; Mary A. 
Kegerries, June 7, 1860; George A. Miller, December 22, 1870; Robert E. 
Typer, October 23, 1873; John J. Basore, January 6, 1875; Jacob B. Wine- 
man, December 9, 1885. 

Fayetteville. — John Darby, September 4, 1826; Frederick Ashbaugh, 
March 20, 1827; James D. Rea, December 27, 1831; Charles P. Cummings, 
June 14, 1832; William B. Cummings, October 21, 1835; R. M. French, Jan- 
uary 24, 1837; Joseph Boggs, June 22, 1841; R. M. French, July 29, 1845; 
Mary A. French, April 8, 1846; Hiram Heysinger, September 27, 1855; Will- 
iam Richey, April 24, 1857; David F. Richey, October 18, 1859; Joseph Boggs, 
June 17, 1861; Upton J. Cook, January 23, 1866; Jacob Oyler, August 29, 
1866; William N. Horner, March 19, 1869; John D. Boggs, January 6, 1882; 
John N. Baxter, September 14, 1885. 

Five Forks.— William H. Brown, March 5, 1873. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 225 

Foltz. — Appleton Berger, April 2, 1880; Thomas O. Bradley, November 1, 
1882; George F. Grove, May 15, 1884; John A. Wister, August 24, 1885. 

Fort Loudon (late Loudon). — Thomas G. McGuire, June 22, 1883; John 
H. Metz, July 30, 1885. 

Greencastle. — John Watson, April 4, 1797; David Watson, June 29, 1837; 
Jacob F. Kreps, July 7, 1845; George Eby, February 27, 1849; William W. 
Fleming, April 9, 1849; William McCrary, June 11, 1853; George Eby, May 
28, 1861; Eli Fuss, July 29, 1868; George H. Miller, May 6, 1869; Henry P. 
Prather, December 18, 1871. 

Green Village. — James McAnulty, September 12, 1827; John E. McGaw, 
March 9, 1832; Thomas Sturgis, April 16, 1832; William Blankney, February 
22, 1833; Charles W. Lego, June 18, 1841; William Blankney, February 3, 
1843; John P. Wallace, May 4, 1849; Thomas H. Wallace, November 28, 1881; 
John Ditzlear, September 23, 1885. 

Greenwood Mills, (late Black's Gap). — Bobert Black, September 29, 1869; 
changed to Black's Gap, February 9, 1870. 

Jackson Hall. — John S. Kerr, May 12, 1827; Frederick Roemer, Febru- 
ary 2, 1830; John P. Baker, March* 16, 1835; William McCleary, May 30, 
1837; John Underlich, April 11, 1839; John C. Tritle, June 21, 1853; 
Thomas C. Fitzgerald, September 19, 1854; Jacob C. Snyder, July 5, 1860; 
John McKnight, May 8, 1861; Jeremiah Y. Herman, March 30, 1868; James 

A. Davidson, December 22, 1870; Charles A. W. Baker, March 20, 1872; Fred- 
erick J. Pfoutz, March 27, 1879; changed to New Franklin August 21, 1882. 

Keeffer's Store. — Lewis Keeffer, August 25, 1849; Isaac H. Thompson, 
July 29, 1853; Lewis Keeffer, December 29, 1854; Jonathan Strine, Decem- 
ber 20, 1855; discontinued, December 5, 1856; re-established, with Philip 
D. Weaver, postmaster, May 13, 1858; George Westhafer, December 12, 
1859; discontinued, April 18, 1864; re-established with Wlliam Karper, 
postmaster, October 20, 1864; discontinued, February 9, 1871. 

Keefers. — Jacob A. Karper, December 9, 1879; Daniel G. Hoover, March 
10, 1882; Jacob A. Karper, September 24, 1883; Joshua A. Phillips, Novem- 
ber 19, 1884. 

Lemasters (late Bridgeport Mills). — Samuel Plum, April 6, 1877; Edgar 

B. Diehl, May 11, 1885. 

Loudon. — Nicholas Baker, May 2, 1814; William H. Brothert on April 8, 
1817; Alexander Elder, February 1, 1819; William H. Brotherton, , June 27, 
1821; John Easton, October 18, 1823; Benjamin Stinger, December 24, 1828; 
Hugh L. McGaw, February 14, 1831; William Minich, October 11, 1833; 
Jane Minich, August 5, 1850; John Mullan, December 10, 1852; Jacob Sny- 
der, July 5, 1860; Eliza L. B. Madden, December 4, 1861; John Thompson, 
December 14, 1863; John H. Jarrett December 28, 1866; William Burgess, 
March 19, 1869; Hettie A. Easton, June 28, 1872; Thomas G. Maguire, 
October 2, 1878; changed to Fort Loudon, June 22, 1883. (This office was 
at one time called Loudontown. ) 

Lurgan. — D. D. Swanger, February 27, 1886; MarvE. Swanger, April 14, 
1886. 

Marion. —William Martin, March 2, 1833; Abraham Scott, April 5, 1834; 
Emanuel Kuhn, January 21, 1835; John S. Scheible, March 29, 1837; John 
Clugston, April 2, 1838; Jacob Greenawalt, July 9, 1847; Jacob A. Swigert, 
October 9, 1865; Andrew Statler, March 10, 1874; Samuel S. Ledy, October 
19, 1885. 

Mason & Dixon. — Abraham B. Barnhart, May 15, 1868; Jacob H. Brewer, 
April 25, 1871; Huron A. Huyett, July 17, 1872; Henry B. Harnish, Octo- 



226 HISTOKY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

ber 9, 1875; Frank H. McLaughlin, May 25, 1877; Henry P. McLaughlin, 
March 25, 1886. 

Mercersburgh. — James Bahn, January 1, 1803; George King, October 1, 
1803; James McCoy, January 1, 1808; William B. Guthrie, January 22, 
1813; Peter W. Little, February 11, 1822; Robert King, May 5, 1827;' Elli- 
ott T. Lane, July 15, 1829; Daniel Shaffer, April 30, 1834; Thomas P. Bard, 
June 24, 1841; Daniel Shaffer, January 21, 1845; Sarah H. Findlay, April 
18, 1849; Eliza Carson, April 14, 1853; Maggie G. Grove, March 29, 1861; 
John Hoch, September 26, 1866; Elizabeth Rice, March 6, 1867; Wilson L. 
Harbaugh, February 17, 1879; W. A. Shannon, July 24, 1885 (at first called 
Messerburgh). 

Metal (late Carrick Furnace). — Alvin W. Horning, May 19, 1884; George 
W. Swank, April 16, 1886. 

Midvale.— M. R. Nevin, February 24, 1881; Oscar W. Good, March 24, 
1881; Jacob F. Good, November 28, 1881. 

Mongul.— William A. Baer, April 14, 1882. 

Mont Alto. — John Kuhn, December 14, 1843; discontinued, December 9, 
1845; re-established with Peter Heefner, August 15, 1846; Joseph F. Walter, 
April 21, 1848; Ephraim J. Small, May 29, 1849; Peter Heefner, July 15, 
1853; George W. Toms, August 27, 1853; discontinued, June 22, 1855; re- 
established with George AV. Toms, June 30, 1855; Ephraim J. Small, Octo- 
ber 6, 1855; John Small, November 21, 1857; John Keis, May 28, 1861; 
Ralph Smith, May 17, 1866; Henry Shiery, October 17, 1866; Ephraim J. 
Shank, April 10, 1869; David Ziegler, April 24, 1873; David Knepper, Janu- 
ary 9, 1882; Edward M. Small, July 24, 1885. 

Monterey Springs. — Henry Yingling, September 28, 1870; changed to Blue 
Ridge Summit, April 5, 1876. 

Mount Parnell.— John Mullan, April 3, 1862; Charles Gillan, April 6, 
1866; James D. McDowell, April 1, 1878; John A. Gillan, March 2, 1880; 
Alexander Dale, March 28, 1881; discontinued, August 19, 1881. 

Mowers ville. — Jacob H. Snoke, March 3, 1868; A. S. Baskore, February 

8, 1875; Andrew B. Gross, October 15, 1879; Samuel Taylor, March 15, 1881; 
David R. Frehn, September 23, 1885; James F. Geyer, March 25, 1886. 

New Bridge. — Harmon P. Piper, September 8, 1868. 

New Franklin (late Jackson Hall). — Jeremiah Hoover, August 21, 1882. 

New Guilford. — George Trittle, December 17, 1849; discontinued, August 
31, 1852; re-established with Jacob Snyder, December 17, 1852; Nathan R. 
Hutchinson, Jamiary 9. 1856; John L. Wingert, December 27, 1856; John 
Wolf kill, October 17, 1859; discontinued, February 27, 1866. 

Opher. — John H. McMullen, April 16, 1883; discontinued, January 12, 
1885. 

Orrstown.— James B. Orr, June 26, 1836; William L. Smith, March 19, 
1849; Ephraim Bear, April 26, 1850; Jacob R. Zearfoss, March 4, 1852; Henry 
Rubv; January 18, 1853; Cyrus B. Ruby, October 9, 1855; James B. Orr, 
May 24, 1857; William Orr, Jr., March 12, 1858; David T. Bard, December 
18, 1860; Jacob Kindig, March 25, 1861; Samuel Knisley, March 16, 1864; 
David L. Powders, January 9, 1872; Samuel Knisley, April 20, 1874; David 
E. Kendig, December 9, 1875; Lottie A. Kendig, January 5, 1883; Samuel 
Knisley, July 7, 1884; John A. Zullinger, July_20, 1885. 

Pen Mar. —Charles A. Rouzer, April 16, 1883. 

Pleasant Hall. — Charles Whealan, August 28, 1851; Jonathan Strine, May 

9, 1855; Charles Whealan, December 14, 1855; John S. Myers, May 11, 
1859; Albert M. Hunter, May 1, 1860; Abraham Keefer, April 20, 1863; 



HISTORY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 229 

discontinued October 20, 1873; re-established with Isaac Burkholder, post- 
master, January 13, 1870; Abraham W. Hoover, February 14, 1882. 

Quincy. — Jacob Byer, March 27, 1830; George Wertz, November 2, 1832; 
changed to Antietam July 16, 1839. 

Quincy (late Antietam). — James MeKinley, September 2, 1841; Jacob 
Firor, May 28, 1846; William B. Raby, December 15, 1846; John B. Way- 
nant, December 14, 1848; Jacob S. Zeigler, March 22, 1849; David Piper, 
August 12, 1852; Hugh Logan, June 11, 1853; John R. Smith, December 21, 
1853; George A. Anderson, May 2, 1854; discontinued October 12, 1860; re- 
established with David Wertz, October 31, 1860; John R. Smith, October 

3, 1866; Samuel Secrist, October 24, 1866; William B. Raby, January 20, 
1S68; Elam B. Wingar, March 19, 1869; David Sommers, May 8, 1871; 
Christian W. Good, July 1, 1874; Levi C. Kefmer, January 16, 1878; Benja- 
min R. Summer, August 6, 1885. 

Richmond Furnace. — William Burgess, Mav 23, 1872; Charles Hoffman, 
December 7, 1876; John A. Diehl, March 18, 1878. 

Rocky Spring.— Barnard Fohl, May 4, 1839; Robert E. Tolbert, March 
7, 1844; discontinued April 1, 1847. 

Rowzersville. — Samuel Gonder, January 22, 1873; Charles H. Buhrman, 
June 26, 1873; Anie E. Gresanam, December 13, 1880. 

Roxbury. — WilliamReynolds, February 5, 1822; Godlieb Wunderlich, Jan- 
uary 17, 1823; Thomas Rumroy, May 1, 1826; AVilliam I. Thompson, March 
12, 1832; George A. Dougherty, February 3, 1837; Robert Gilmore, March 

14, 1839; Samuel Stailey, June 24, 1841; William Deardorff, April 1, 1851; 
William J. G. Thompson, April 7, 1852; John Taylor, January 20, 1853; 
Esrom D. Weaver, October 9, 1855; George W. Saltsman, April 9, 1861; John 
M. Saltsman, December 18, 1862; Robert A. Hamilton, November 23, 1885. 

Saint Thomas. — James Edwards, February 21, 1824; William G. Sterrett, 
March 20, 1832; James Edwards, April 20, 1835; Henry Smith, April 18, 
1837; Daniel S. Hossler, December 7, 1848; Barnard Fohl, May 4, 1849; 
Christian W. Burkholder, July 7, 1853; William D. Dickson, January 14, 
1858; Barnard Fohl, March 29, 1861; Michael H. Keyser, September 22, 
1862; William D. Dickson, March 19, 1869; William L. Gillem, October 10, 
1872; Cyrus C. Gelwicks, August 14, 1885. 

Scotland. — George R. Mcllroy, June 29, 1849; James W. Dunmire, April 

15, 1854; James S. Chambers, July 5, 1861; William Wallace, Jr., Acril 25, 
1866; Henry Sleichter, June 15, 1869; John G. Youst, April 4, 183i; Will- 
iam L. Craig, August 4, 1885. 

Shady Grove. — Charles McCauley, April 15, 1852; Jacob B. Waynant, 
May 13, 1854; discontinued, April 25, 1856. 

Shady Grove. — Frank B. Snively, December 7, 1860; Melchi Snively, May 

4, 1879; William T. Phillips, August 24, 1885; John F. Wilt, April 29, 1886. 

Spring Run. — William A. Mackey, November 13, 1850; Isaac Clugston, 
November 22, 1858; William A. Mackey, July 5, 1861; William M. Nesbitt, 
August 21, 1877; William S. Elliott, September 7, 1880; Daniel Wolff, March 
20, 1883. 

State Line. — David Brumbaugh, Jr., February 9, 1830; Joseph Gilbert, 
May 28, 1834; Jacob Felmlee, April 2, 1838; Gearhart Brenner, April 1, 1843; 
William Martin, June 12, 1843; Jacob Felmlee, August 15, 1844; discontin- 
ued, February 13, 1845; re-established with John Rearick, postmaster, Jan- 
uary 6, 1851; Daniel S. Barnhart, June 20, 1857; John Rearigh, August 15, 
1859; John A. Orr, September 10, 1861; Daniel B. Hade, June 17, 1869; 

13 



230 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

• 
George W. Harbaugh, June 15, 1874; Jacob A. Witmer, September 10, 1875; 
Henry R. Harnish, June 7, 1877; Philip N. Brumbaugh, August 24, 1885. 
Stone Bridge. — Isaac Kuhn, September 22, 1873; discontinued May 6, 
1875. 

/Strasburgh. — George Beaver, July 1, 1797; George McClellan, April 23, 
1798; William McClellan, August 4, 1823; changed to Upper Strasburgh 
February 28, 1829. 

Sylvan. — John Zimmerman, June 6, 1843. 

Sylvan. — William Bowers, February 3, 1837; discontinued, February 

9, 1842. 

Upper Strasburgh (late Strasburgh). — William McClellan, February 28, 
1829; James McFarland, March 14? 1839; John Grove, July 2, 1841; William 
Gilmor, December 26, 1844; William S. Doyle, May 9, 1849; John Grove, 
June 10, 1850; Philip Karper, July 14, 1853; Josephus M. Wolf kill, November 
2, 1855; Samuel Gilmore, June 9, 1858; James S. Slyder, July 5, 1861;. 
William W. Britton, March 24, 1865; Frederick C. Karper, December 10, 
1880; Jacob V. B. Leedy, May 11, 1885. 

Upton (late Whitestown). — George Cook, July 24, 1837; Robert J. Boyd, 
November 15, 1867. 

Warren Point. — Archibald S. Winger, February 11, 1878; discontinued 
August 26, 1878. 

*Waynesborough. — Michael Stoner, December 19, 1807; Joseph Deardorf, 
September 22, 1830; Thomas Walker, February 28, 1833; Michael M. Stoner, 
May 2, 1837; John W. Stoner, December 17, 1840; James Brotherton, July 
19, 1845; James Brotherton, Jr., February 15, 1849; Jacob R. Welsh, June 
13, 1853; Thomas G. Pilkington, May 28, 1861; Nancy Pilkington, February 

10, 1863; Andrew G. Nevin, September 30, 1864; Jacob R. Welsh, November 
26, 1866; Andrew G. Nevin, May 6, 1869; Matilda R. Nevin, Februarv 5, 
1875; George Middow, Januarv 19, 1882; James P. Lowell, March 12, 1886. 

Welsh Run. —John Eldon,May 17,1830; James Watson, February 16, 1832;. 
Thomas Bowles, February 16, 1839; William H. Craig, June 18, 1859; Thomas 
Bowles, February 18, 1862; John R. Stover, December 27, 1877; Henry G. 
Chritzman, December 12, 1881; Frank T. Elliott, December 3, 1884. 

Whitestown. — George Cook, July 10, 1837; changed to Upton, July 24, 
1837. 

Williamson. — E. H. Hagerman, August 20, 1872; Upton G. Hawbecker, 
September 23, 1885. 

Willow Hill.— Charles Fleming, September 24, 1878; Edgar S. Bock, 
April 24, 1882. 

Wingerton. — Philip Wiesner, January 22, 1884. 

Yetter.— Christian Yetter, May 17, 1881; discontinued February 16, 1882. 

Zullinger.— David Zullinger, February 23, 1882. 

Zero. — Lewis Ripple, February 7, 1837; John P. Baker, July 28, 1838; 
discontinued, April 10, 1839. 

RAILROADS. 

The Cumberland Valley Railroad is the oldest road in this section, and 
among the pioneer roads of the country. Its history is the history of the rail- 
roads of this valley, as well as the interesting story of the simpler, crude 
beginnings that have grown into the great railroad system of the country. 
The simplest statement of the facts is a story full of interest to the general 
reader. 

The Cumberland Valley Railroad Company was chartered by the Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania on the 2d of April, 1831, to construct a railroad from 

♦First called " Waynesburgh or Waynesboro." 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 231 

Carlisle to a point on the Susquehanna River at or near Harrisbnrg. The 
charter, having expired by limitation of time, was revived by an act of Assem- 
bly of the 15th of April, 1835, and authority extended to construct the road 
from the Susquehanna River to Shippensburg and Chambersburg. In accord- 
ance with the provisions of the charter, in order to organize the eompany, an 
election for officers and managers was held on the 27th of June, 1835, in 
the borough of Carlisle with the following results: President, Thomas Gr. Mc- 
Colloh, of Chambersburg; treasurer, Joseph B. Mitchell, of Philadelphia^ 
secretary, Abraham Hendel, of Carlisle; managers, Samuel Alexander, 
Charles B. Penrose, Lewis Harlan, Frederick Watts, John K. Neff, John 
Grigg, David Mahon, Frederick Byers. Philip Berlin, Thomas Chambers, 
Charles S. Border, George W. Himes. The board of managers, at a meeting 
held on the 21st of August, 1835, selected William Milner Roberts for chief 
engineer. 

On the 23d of October, 1835, Mr. W. Milner Roberts reported to the 
board of directors the results of his survey of the line from the Susquehanna 
River, opposite Harrisbnrg to Chambersburg. He estimated the cost of build- 
ing the road to a connection with the Harrisbnrg & Lancaster Railroad, 
including the bridge across the Susquehanna at $564,064, and the average- 
annual receipts of the road at $284,617.50. He calculated on 100 
passengers each way per day at 3 cents per mile, and 35,000 tons of through 
freight and 51,950 tons of local freight, all at the rate of 4i| cents per ton per 
mile. 

On February 21, 1836, the Pennsylvania Legislature granted authority to 
bridge the Susquehanna and connect with the Pennsylvania Canal, and the 
Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy & Lancaster Railroad, and authorized 
the managers of the Cumberland Valley Railroad to manage for uninterrupted 
communication of trade and travel between Chambersburg and Philadelphia. 

The Cumberland Valley Railroad was opened for travel from White Hill to 
Carlisle in August, 1837, and through to Chambersburg in November of the 
same year. The first locomotive and cars were hauled across the Harrisbnrg 
Bridge (a part of which still stands), and over the turnpike to White Hill. 
The locomotive had two driving wheels, wooden spokes, was named " Cumber- 
land Valley," and was built by William Norris in Philadelphia. The passen- 
ger cars were like the old stage coaches. They had been run on the State road 
from Philadelphia to Columbia, and would seat, inside and out, fourteen pas- 
sengers each. The railroad track consisted of cross ties laid four and a half 
feet apart upon the ground without ballast, upon which were laid oak stringers 
5x9 inches, on which bar iron five -eighths of an inch thick and two and a 
quarter inches wide was spiked. The ends of the iron bars were mitred, and 
the bar which extended on the inside of the track would become pressed 
away from its connection, so as to be caught on the flange of the wheels 
going in an opposite direction, causing them to turn up against the bottom,, 
and sometimes through the car. As a protection against the turning up of 
bars, the bottoms of the cars were covered with two- inch plank, inside of 
which was a lining of boiler plate, and at the time the road was opened to 
Chambersburg, the iron was not laid for about three miles from Chambersburg, 
and the cars were run in on the wooden stringers. 

The railroad bridge across the Susquehanna was built in 1837-38, and 
completed in January, 1839, when on the 16th of that month it was opened for 
travel and connection made with the Harrisburg & Lancaster Railroad. A 
poster, bearing pictures of the primitive locomotive and train, was issued by 
Mr. T. G. McColloh, president of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, January 



232 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

25, 1839, announcing that "on the first day of the next February the regular 
train of passenger cars would commence running as follows: 

"Leave Charubersburg at" 4 o'clock in the morning; arrive at Harrisburg 
at 8, at Lancaster at 12, and at Philadelphia before 6 P. M. Returning, it 
will leave Harrisburg as soon as the cars from Philadelphia arrived, about 5 
o'clock in the evening, and arrive at Charubersburg at 10 P. M. " 

The first sleeping-car ever used on any railroad was put in use on the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad in the spring of 1839, a historical fact of great import- 
ance, because it was the first of the kind in the world. The berths were 
upholstered boards, in three rows, one above the other, held by leather straps, 
and in the daytime were folded back against the walls — very simple and plain 
in construction, but comfortable, and in all essential features the germ of the 
luxurious sleeper of the present day. At that time travel between Philadel- 
phia and Pittsburgh was by rail to Chambersburg, and stage from Chambers- 
burg to Pittsburgh. Passengers going east reached Chambersburg about mid- 
night, and left about 1 A. M. , reaching Harrisburg about 5 A. M. 

The oldest extant report of the operations of the Cumberland Valley J 
Railroad was made by President McColloh for the year 1839. In it he deplores 
' ' the general financial depression of the country, due to the error which has i 
everywhere prevailed, of forcing public improvements further than the means 
of the country would justify." "We start," he says, " with half means, and 
are then forced to finish on credit at a ruinous cost, and one experience has 
been an example of this prevailing error. ' ' He finds hope, however, in the t 
fact that ' ' we are an energetic and elastic people, and with care and economy ; 
our wonted prosperity will soon be attained." He announces the purchase of) 
three locomotives for $21,250, and two passenger cars at $4,175; that two 
passengers and one freight train are run each day between Chambersburg and 
Harrisburg, and that no injury has been done to any passenger since the road 
has been operated — two and one-half years. 

On the 27th of April, 1840, Thos. G. McColloh tendered his resignation asi 
president of the company, and on the same day Chas. B. Penrose, of Carlisle,; 
was elected by the board of managers to fill his place. 

On the 26th of April, 1841, Chas. B. Penrose tendered his resignation of 
the presidency of the company, having accepted the position of solicitor oi 
the treasury, under the administration of Gen. Harrison, at Washington.! 
Upon its acceptance, on the same day Frederick Watts was unanimouslj 
chosen by the board to fill the position, which he held for thirty-two continu- 
ous years. 

The next report of which we find a copy was made by Hon. Frederic! 
Watts, president for the year 1842, in which he states that the universal de 
pression of the last few years has had its effect upon the business of the com 
pany; but that it is hoped that prosperity will again bless the country, and i 
it does, he is confident that the stock of the Cumberland Valley Railroad wil 
be profitable to its owners. The total earnings for the year were $70,116.82 
For the year 1849 the earnings were $101,084.77, and the tonnage, whicl 
is for the first time shown, was 37,439, of which 7,818 was flour, 5,126 ore 
4,247 coal, 2,123 grain, 2,237 lumber. It is stated in the report for the yea 
1849 that " arrangements have been made to relay the road with heavy 
rail." 

In March, 1832, the Franklin Railroad was chartered by the Pennsylvani 
Legislature, and on January 16, 1837, by the Legislature of Maryland. Th 
road was built from Chambersburg to Greencastle in 1837, and to Hagerstow 
in 1841. It was run by steam-power for two years, when an arrangement wa 



HISTOHY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 233 

made with the Cumberland Valley Railroad to operate the line and its own motive 
power was sold. It is worthy of note that the first cab ever put on a locomo- 
tive was placed on one of the Franklin Railroad locomotives, named "Wash- 
ington," at the shops of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, in Chambersburg, 
in 1841. The Franklin Railroad was only operated a short time by the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad, when steam-power was withdrawn, and it was then 
operated by Mr. D. O. Gehr, of Chambersburg, with horse-power. It was 
never profitable, and was sold several times, until, in 1860, it was rebuilt and 
laid with T rails. The Cumberland Valley then contracted to run it, and, 
with some changes in the contract, continued to do so, except during the time 
of its possession and partial destruction by the rebels, until 1865, when the 
two roads consolidated. 

In October, 1862, the rebels destroyed the shops and depot buildings in 
Chambersburg, and on June 15, 1863, they made another raid, destroying all 
company property in the town, and tearing up and destroying five miles of the 
track of the Franklin Railroad. 

The rebel raid and burning of Chambersburg July, 1864, also caused the 
company great inconvenience and loss. 

In 1871 the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad was opened from Marion to 
Richmond, Penn. , and leased by the Cumberland Valley Railroad. 

In the year 1872 the Mont Alto Railroad was completed from a point near 
Scotland to Mont Alto. 

In 1873 the Hon. Frederick Watts, who had been president of the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad for thirty-two years, declined a re-election, as he had 
accepted the position of commissioner of agriculture at Washington, and Mr. 
Thomas B. Kennedy, of Chambersburg, was elected president. In this year 
the Martinsburg & Potomac Railroad was completed, and leased by the Cum- 
berland Valley Raih-oad. 

In June, 1882, the Shenandoah Valley Railroad was opened from Hagers- 
town to a connection with the Norfolk & Western Railroad, at Roanoke, Va., 
making a through line via the Cumberland Valley, between the northeast and 
southwest. From the year 1837 up to this time the business of the Cumber- 
land Valley Railroad had been entirely local, that is, it had originated or ter- 
minated at local points on its road. 

The management of the Cumberland Valley Railroad has always been in 
close sympathy with the patrons of the road, giving all possible accommoda- 
tions, and the benefit of the best transportation facilities of the times, keeping 
pace in improvements with the best and most enterprising railroad companies 
of the country. 

The Old "Tape Worm" Line was chartered about the same time the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad was — or in 1835. This was the day of the rage of 
internal improvements in the country. Thad. Stevens stood sponsor to this 
enterprise for many years. He was then a resident of Gettysburg, and had 
iron mills in Franklin County, and he wanted a railroad to his mills. The 
charter was for a road to start at Gettysburg, to run into Franklin County and 
then turn south, tapping the heart of the southern country wherever it was 
advisable and most convenient. The State made a large appropriation to the 
road, and the managers, when they came to spend the money, commenced 
all along the line. The result was, a great deal of money was expended, 
the appropriations were exhausted, the State internal improvement scheme 
collapsed, and the work stopped, and not a mile of the road was completed, 
and practically this was the end of the ' ' Tape Worm. ' ' 

The Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad was chartered in 1870, as the 



23-1 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Mermar Iron & Railroad Company. Its chief promoters were Daniel V. and 
Peter A. Ahl, of Newville. It was originally intended to pass through the 
county via Shippensburg, Mont Alto, Quincy and Waynesboro, but owing to 
financial difficulties was never completed. 

The Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Railroad was organized in 1876, to 
run from Chambersburg by a direct line through Waynesboro to a junction 
with the Western Maryland Railroad, at a point on the west slope of the 
Blue Ridge, two and one-half miles east of Smithsburg, and seventy-two miles 
west from Baltimore, the line to be built in the interest of the Western 
Maryland Road, and, when constructed, leased by it and operated. The length 
of the line, twenty-one miles, made the distance from Chambersburg to 
Baltimore ninety-three miles, thus lessening the old route, via Harrisburg, 
forty miles. The road was built, and May 18, 1886, the Cumberland Valley 
Railroad Extension Company leased the line to the Western Maryland Rail- 
road, at an annual rental of $32, 700. This is one of the most valuable lines 
now in Franklin County. It opens up to the trade of tbe county, not only a 
competing line to the eastern ports, but is the great highway to the South — 
to Memphis, New Orleans, Savannah and all southern points. 

Mont Alto Railroad.— In 1872 the Mont Alto Railroad, extending from Mont 
Alto to a connection with the Cumberland Valley Railroad at a point three 
and one-half miles northeast of Chambersburg, was built by the Mont Alto 
Railroad Company, Geo. B. Wiestling, engineer and superintendent. 

It was opened for business on October 2, 1872. It was ten and one- 
quarter miles in length. During 1878 and 1879 the line was extended to 
Waynesboro, Penn. , making the entire line eighteen miles in length. The 
extensive iron ore fields in the Mont Alto region were largely depended upon 
to furnish tonnage to the railroad, and it is only in prosperous stages of the 
iron business that this can be realized. 

In 1875 the magnificent summer resort, Mont Alto Park, was improved 
and opened by Geo. B. Wiestling, and has received the evidence of high 
appreciation by the liberal patronage bestowed upon it by the public. 

Mont Alto Iron Works consist of a blast-furnace, steam bloomary, re- 
finery, machine shops, foundry, blacksmith, carpenter and wheel-wright shops, 
charcoal kilns, two saw-mills, seventeen developed iron mines, seven farms and 
20. 000 acres of ore and timber lands. In prosperous times it employs 500 
men, 75 horses and mules and 21 steam engines. 

The furnace was built in 1807-08, by Daniel and Samuel Hughes, of 
Maryland. At first it was what is known as a " quarter stack," and was 31 
feet high, and 8 feet diameter of boshes. It was operated with cold blast; 
the water-wheel was 30 feet in diameter. The first output was from two to three 
tons per day of pig iron, but this only accumulated hands for want of transpor- 
tation. To reach markets, the pig iron was hauled by wagon to the Potomac 
River, at Williamsport, and then waited for a rise in the water, to be taken 
down on flat-boats. 

A foundry was built in 1815, and then the pig iron was made into stoves 
and hollow ware on the grounds, which were then wagoned to Baltimore. For 
some time the iron was not remelted to cast, but was dipped out of the fur- 
nace and poured into the molds. A cupola furnace was put up, and then the 
iron was remelted. 

In 1811 the Messrs. Hughes brought over an expert, Mr. Overmeyer. He 
leased land in East Antietam Valley, five miles from Mont Alto, and erected a 
bloomary, forge and saw-mill, and commenced manufacturing hammered bar 
iron. In 1832 a rolling-mill was put up near the bloomary, on East Antietam 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 235 

Creek. This was at that time supposed to have the best power of any mill in 
the country, and therefore could roll the largest bars of iron. 

In 1835 the Messrs. Hughes built nail works near the above rolling-mill. 
These were eventually burned. 

In 1864 the entire Mont Alto plant was purchased by the Mont Alto 
Iron Company, Ceo. B. Weistling, superintendent. The furnace was enlarged 
to 37 feet high, and nine feet diameter of boshes; two additional tuyeres were 
introduced, making it a three-quarter stack, and steam-power was introduced. 
The output was fifteen tons a day of pig iron. Another enlargement was made 
in 1880; the stack increased in height, the boshes made nine and one-half 
feet, and other modern improvements were introduced. Capacity then be 
came thirty-five tons of pig iron per day. 

The Caledonia Iron Works were constructed in 1837, by Thad. Stevens 
and James D. Paxton, in Greene Township. These men were the firm until 1848, 
when a heavy indebtedness caused a change, and Stevens bought out Paxton, 
and assumed the entire indebtedness. The new proprietor put Mr. Wm. 
Hammett in charge as superintendent, who filled the place for twenty years, 
and was succeeded by Mr. John Swaney who had charge of them at the time of 
their destruction in 1863. In the plant were about 20,000 acres of good ore 
and lumber land. The ore was converted into blooms and marketed in the 
■eastern cities — average price $65 to $75 per ton. It is supposed that Stevens 
lost considerable money by his iron-mills. The mill and machinery were en- 
tirely destroyed during the war, by order of Cen. Early. 

Mount Pleasant Iron Works were established by the Chambers, about 
1783. They afterward passed into the possession of the Kings, Dunns and 
Doyles, respectively. Through all these various changes, they were operated 
more or less successfully, until 1829, when they were permanently closed. 
Being among the earliest of iron-mills in the country, they served in their time 
a valuable purpose. 

The Carrick furnace, four miles north of the Mount Pleasant works, was 
the substitute that made the latter such a prime necessity. The Carrick fur- 
nace was erected about 1830, and continued to be operated through various 
changes, until 1844, when it closed down for want of patronage. 

The Richmond furnace, in Metal Township, at the time of the general de- 
pression of the iron trade of the country, banked its furnaces and closed up. It 
is fully equipped for the production of iron, and it is the intention to start 
it again into full operation as soon as a change in the trade will warrant it. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

WAR OF 1812-15. 

Cause of the War— Declaration of War— Franklin County Companies- 
Incidents of the War. 

FREE trade and sailors' rights" was the Nation's watch-word, that 
culminated in the second war with Great Britain. The mother country 
seems to have forgotten that the colonies had relinquished maternal depen- 
dence, and were living: a national existence of their own. The right to search 



236 HISTOKY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

our merchant vessels upon the high seas, and also the right to impress seamen, 
found in such merchant service, was the provoking cause to the national 
motto given *above. 

June 12, 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain, and the Presi- 
dent called upon the people to take up arms. 

It is not proposed here to give a history of the ensuing war. That is a 
part of the general history of our country. The part taken therein by Franklin 
County is the boundary limit of this chapter. 

During the three years of hostilities thirteen ' companies of Franklin 
County men were recruited and sent to the field of action. Some time before 
actual hostilities were declared our people anticipated the coming struggle, 
and in the towns, villages and rural districts the nuclei of military organiza- 
tions were formed. A large number of these was found in this county, 
many of them ready on short notice to march in effective martial display to the 
front. We have the names of the Antrim Greens, a rifle company of 60' 
men; Franklin County Light Dragoons, 41 men — captain, Mathew Patton; 
Mercersburg Rifles, 72 rank and file — captain, James McDowell; Concord 
Light Infantry, 30 men — captain, Michael Harper; Chambersburg Union Vol- 
unteers, 51 men — captain, Jeremiah Snider. These companies at once ten- 
dered their services, through County Brigade Inspector William McClellan, k> 
the Government. 

The first detachment of troops left the county September 5, 1812. This 
was composed of the Union Volunteers, the Franklin Riflemen, the Concord 
Light Infantry, the Mercersburg Rifles and the Antrim Greens — total, 264, 
officers and men. The quota of the county was 507, and the deficiency was 
made up by draft from the militia. Maj. William McClellan was m command of 
the detachment. They were sent to the northwest frontier, proceeding there 
by way of Bedford, Pittsburgh and Meadville, reaching the latter place in 
September. The troops were there re-organized into four regiments — two of 
rifles and two of infantry. Jeremiah Snider was elected colonel of the First 
Regiment, John Purviance, of the Second Regiment. The four regiments being 
formed into a brigade, under Gen. Tannahill, Dr. Samuel D. Culbertson, of 
Chambersburg, was appointed surgeon-in- chief; John McClintock became cap- 
tain of Snider' s company, on latter being made colonel, and Geo. K. Harper was 
promoted to the vacant lieutenancy in Snider' s company. The companies of 
Capts. McClintock, Reges and Harper were in Col. Snider' s regiment, and those 
of Capts. Oaks and Hays in Col. Jared Irwin's regiment. Immediately after 
the re-organization, the command marched to Buffalo, reaching there in No- 
vember, where it went into winter quarters, and remained until discharged, their 
term of enlistment expiring in January, 1813. 

CHAMBERSBURG COMPANY. 

Captain — Jeremiah Snider. 

Lieutenant— John McClintock. 

Ensign — Owen Aston. 

Sergeants— John Stevenson, Alexander Allison, John Calhoun, Andrew Calhoun. 

Corporals— Robert Haslett, William Tillard, H. Ruthrauff, John Reed. 

Musicians — William Donaldson, Henry Bickney. 

PRIVATES. 

Timothy Allen. A. L. Crain. Robert Foote. 

John Andrews. Andrew Clunk. Hugh Greenfield. 

Joseph Barnett. David Clouser. Isaac Grier. 

Samuel Beatty. John Cummings. Peter Glossbrenner. 

David Blythe. George Faber. John Hunter. 



\ .. 




HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



239' 



George Heist. 
Horace Hill. 
John Hutchinson. 
Thomas Harvey. 
Daniel Hood. 
Andrew Lindsay. 
James Murray. 



Alexander McConnell. 
Spencer McKinney. 
Elisha Nahb. 
John Phillipy. 
John Plummer. 
Stephen Rigler. 
William Shannon. 



George Sampson. 
Moses H. Swan. 
William Taylor. t 
Joshua Wilson. 
James Wilson. 
Bernard Wolf. 



CAPT. REGES COMPANY. 



Captain — Henry Reges. 
First lieutenant — Jeremiah Senseny. 
Second lieutenant — John Musser. 
First sergeant— Peter Flack. 



John Bayle. 
John Baughman. 
Robert Cunningham. 
John Cook. 
Edward Crawford. 
Arthur Dobbin. 
John Denig. 
John Essig. 
Isaac Erwin. 
John Favorite. 
John Gilwicks. 
William Grice. 
Joseph Good. 
John Gilmore. 



PRIVATES. 

Philip Grim. 
Christian John. 
George W. Lester. 
Josiah Lemon. 
Isaiah Lamer. ^ 
Robert McMurry. 
John Mumma. 
Hugh Marmon. 
Hugh McConnell. 
Hugh McNulty. 
John Martin. 
Benjamin Matthews. 
James McConnell. 
William Pollock. 



Richard Runnion. 
John Radebaugh. 
John Robinson. 
John Reilly. 
Jacob Snyder. "*"" 
Joseph State. 
Henry Smith. 
Thomas Schools. 
Joseph Severns. 
Daniel Sailer. 
John Whitney. 
James Wise. 
George Wilson. 
George Zimmerman. 



CAPT. OAKES COMPANY. 

Captain— Andrew Oakes. 
Lieutenant — Thomas Wilson. 
Ensign — George Zeigler. 

Sergeants— Peter Cramer, Jacob Gudtner, Jacob Fletter, James Pennell. 
Corporals— William Dugan, George Sharer, Henry Sites, Jacob Garresene, Thomas 
Brady, John Poper. , 



William Bolton. 
George Bettes. 
Henry Brendlinger. 
Joseph Byerly. 
Samuel Bender. 
William Carroll. 
Patrick Dugan. 
Evan Evans. 
William Foster. 
Thomas Fletcher. 



PRIVATES. 

John Gaff. 
John Garner. 
William Gordon. 
Richard Keller. 
Samuel Martin. 
James McCurdy. 
Samuel McLaughlin. 
William Ovelman. 
Thomas Plummer. 
William Scully. 



^ 



George Shaffer 
Samuel Smith. 
John Snyder. 
John Sreader. 
George Stuff. 
George Uller. 
Samuel Weidner. 
Daniel Weidner. 
Christian Willhelm. 



CAPT. HAY S COMPANY. 

Captain — Patrick Hays. 
Lieutenant — John Small. 
Ensign — Samuel Elder. 

Sergeants — James McQuown, Jacob Small, Jacob Williams, George Spangler. 
Corporals — Joseph Herrington, John Donothen, John Mull, Daniel Leer, Jacob Cain, 
Jacob Wise. 



James Bennett. 
Isaac Brubaker. 
Samuel Campbell. 
Joseph Cunningham. 
Henry Cline. 
John Crouch. 
William Cooper. 
Samuel Craig. 
John Clapsaddle. 
Alexander Dunlap. 



PRIVATES. 

John Dunlap. 
Fredik Divelbiss 
David Deitrick. 
James Elder. 
Jacob Groscope. 
Peter Gaster. 
Jonas Hissong. 
John Hastier. 
Abraham Hodskins. 
John Harris. 



William Hart. 
John Heart. 
Jacob Hodskins. 
John Hallin. 
James Halland. 
John King. 
Peter Kyler. 
Robert McFarland. 
James McDowell. 
William McCurdy. 



240 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Robert McQuown. Samuel Martin. Peter Teach. 

John Mowry. Charles Pettet. James Walker. 

Campbell Montgomery. Henry Suffecool. Henry Weaver. 

William McQuown. " William Stewart. Daniel Welker. 
Charles McPike. 

hakpkr's company from path valley. 

Captain— Michael Harper. 

Lieutenant — William McKinzie. 

Ensign — John Campbell. 

Sergeants— William Irwin, James McKinzie, John Widney, Hugh Barrack. 

Corporals — Jeremiah Baker, Francis McCullogh, Samuel Campbell, James Girmeren. 

PRIVATES. 

John Cannon. James Hockenberry. Isaac Scooly. 

James Dever. Peter Hockenbery. William Smith. 

Barnabas Donnelly. George Irwin. Richard Scott. 

David Evans. James Linn. James Taylor. 

Barnabas Fegan. Samuel Phillips. Peter Timmons. 
Jere Hockenberry. 

In 1814, in obedience to orders from the Government, Gov. Snyder ordered 
a draft upon the State for troops. Franklin, Cumberland, York and Adams 
Counties' quota under the call was 1,000 men, the men from this county to 
assemble in Loudon on the 1st of March. Capt. Samuel Dunn, of Path Val- 
ley, had a company of forty men. These at once volunteered. The balance 
of the county's quota was 175 men. Capt. Samuel Gordon's full company from 
Washington, and Capt. Stake's partial company from Lurgan, rendezvoused at 
Loudon, Wm. McClellan in command, who took them to Erie, leaving Loudon 
March 4. Maj. McClellan' s official report says the command, 221 privates, was 
officered by one major, three captains, five lieutenants, and two ensigns. At 
Erie they were put in the Fifth Regiment, commanded by Col. James Felton; 
James Wood, of Greencastle, was major; Thomas Poe, of Antrim, adjutant. 
The latter was a brave and gallant soldier. He was a man born to command. 
It is told of him that by the mere power of his presence he quelled an outbreak 
of his men in camp, and by a word forced them to go quietly to their quarters. 
He fell mortally wounded at the battle of Chippewa, July 6, 1814. 

Capt. Jacob Stake lived between Roxbury and Strasburg. Dr. W. C. 
Lane says of his command: ''He went as a captain of drafted men as far as 
Erie, at which place his company was merged into those of Capts. Dunn 
and Gordon. " 

dunn's company. 

Captain— Samuel Dunn. 

First lieutenant — James McConnell. 

Second lieutenant — Robert Foote. 

Third lieutenant — John Favorite. 

Ensign — William Geddes. 

Sergeants — John Snively, Samuel Baker, James McHenry, John M. Shannon. 

PRIVATES. 

Levi Black. James Connor. Abraham Flagle. 

John Brandt. Samuel Creamer. Jacob Frush. 

Jesse Beams. John Cunningham. Jere Gift. 

George Bryan. James Compton. Hugh Henderson. 

Fredk. Boreaugh. Barnabas Clark. Nehemiah Harvej'. 

Anthony Bates. Thomas Cummings. Edward Heil. 

John Barclay. Benj. Davis. Henry Halby. 

John Brewster. Samuel Davenport. Thomas Hays. 

Hugh Baker. John Doyle. Robert Hunter.* 

John Beatty. James Elliott. John Humbert. 

William Buchanan. Robert Elder. Henry Hess. 

Andrew Barclay. Joseph Finger ty. Robert Johnston. 

*Afterward colonel of the Fiftieth Regiment. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



241 



Enoch Johns. 
John Krotzer. 
James Keever. 
Michael Kester. 
James Kirkwood. 
Benjamin Long. 
David Lightuer. 
Tobias Long. 
Noah Macky. 
John McConnell. 
Robert McConnell. 
James Morhead. 
John McDowell. 
Adam Meyers. 
George Macomb. 
John Miller. 
William McClure. 
Samuel Mafeer. 
William Moore. 



John Marshal. 
James Me Kim. 
Absalom Mcllwee. 
John Murray. 
Joseph Noble. ' 
John Noble. 
John Over. 
Joseph Phipps. 
Thomas Penwell. 
George Plucher. 
Mathias Panther. 
William Reed. 
Charles Runion. 
William Ramsay. 
Philip Roan. 
Jacob Stevick. 
Peter Schell. 
Samuel Swope. 
John Shell. 



John Smith. 
John Swauger. 
Jacob Staley. 
William Sheets. 
John Stewart. 
Barney Shipton. 
John Stake. 
David Trindle. 
William Woods. 
Richard Wright. 
John Walker. 
George Wrist. 
William Williams. 
William Westcott. 
John Young. 
Robert Young. 
John Young. 
Jacob Zettle. 



This company was in service seven months, in the battles of Chippewa and 
Lundy's Lane; guarded prisoners captured on the frontier to Albany, N. Y. 
They were mustered out at Albany. 

Gordon's company, march 1, 1814. 

Captain — Samuel Gordon. 
First lieutenant — William Dick. 
Second lieutenant — William Patton. 
Third lieutenant — James Burns. 
Ensign — William Miller. 

Sergeants — Hugh Davison, Charles Miller, James Scott, Josiah Gordon. 
Corporals — Joseph Arthur, James Hall, Joseph Shilling, John Podman, Philip Mason, 
William Burgiss. 



Thomas Allen. 
William Alsip. 
Martin Beard. 
Henry Baugher. 
Benjamin Bump. 
George Burr. 
Fred'k Beverson. 
John Baker. 
Michael Borer. 
Jacob Baker. 
Peter Baker. 
Michael Bear. 
Adam Brown. 
Conrad Croft. 
John Coon. 
John Craig. 
Richard Cahil. 
William Clem. 
John Carver. 
William Clark. 
Richard Donahoe. 
William Divelbiss. 
John Dowman. 
Edward Detrick. 
Geo. Davis. 
Saml. Dean. 
Jacob Deemer. 
John Davis. 
Adam Duncan. 
Jacob Eby. 
George Ensminger. 
William Edwards. 
Nathaniel Fips. 



PRIVATES. 

Joseph Flora. 
John Fisher. 
Michael Fritz. 
Henry Geiger. 
George Glaze. 
Moses Getrich. 
John Greenly. 
John Graham. 
John Huber. 
Joseph Hoffman. 
William Hardin. 
Geo. Harmony. 
James Hardy. 
John Hawk. 
Peter Harger. 
John Irwin. 
David Johnston. 
John Jeffery. 
Nathaniel King. 
Jacob Keefer. 
William Kline. 
William King. 
Peter Keefer. 
Mathew King. 
James Logan. 
Benj. Lewis. 
Jacob Liepert. 
John McColley. 
John McConnell. 
Alexander McMulleu. 
Peter Myers. 
William Miller. 
John MeNeal. 



John McClay. 
Phillip Myers. 
William Mahaffy. 
Murdoek Mitchell. 
John McCurdy. 
Robt. McClelland. 
Daniel Mentzer. 
G. M. Miller. 
George Miller. 
George Neff. 
Joseph Neal. 
Nathan Phipps. 
Abraham Piaceare. 
William Pearslake. 
Thomas Poe. 
Erasmus Quarters. 
Andrew Robertson. 
William Reesemen. 
John Ritter. 
Adam Rankin. 
Adam Ream. 
Christopher Sites. 
Fredk. Stumbaugh. 
Jacob Stauffer. 
Nicholas Smith. 
Jacob Smith. 
Henry Satin. 
Joseph Tice. 
James Thompson. 
Henry Unger. 
William Wolf. 
William Whitman. 
Henry Weaver. 



242 



HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



August 24, 1814, the Americans, under Gen. Winder, were defeated at the 
battle of Bladensburg; the same day the British entered Washington and 
burned the capitol and other buildings. This fired anew the hearts of the peo- 
ple. The people by common impulse rang the bell and assembled in meetings. 
The people at one of these meetings, in Franklin County, dispatched one of 
their number as a messenger to the national authorities to learn if more troops 
were wanted or would be accepted. The news borne by the messenger was 
gladly received, and word returned that the Government wanted more troops. 
When the people learned this they gave expressions to their joy, and all the 
bells of the town were rung, drum and fife corps paraded the streets, and in a 
few days seven companies were organized, equipped, and on their way to Bal- 
timore. One of them was a troop of cavalry, from Mercersburg, under Capt. 
Mathew Patton, which marched to Baltimore, but their services were not 
accepted as cavalry were not needed, but the majority of the troops determined 
to go to the war, disposed of their horses, and joined different companies of 
infantry. 

The following are the rosters of the companies that left the county in the 
early part of September, 1814: 

CHAMBEESBURG COMPANY. 

Captain — John Findlay. 
First lieutenant — John Snider. 
Second lieutenant — Greenberry Murphy. 
Ensign — John Hershberger. 

Sergeants — Joseph Severns, Andrew Rea, Henry Smith, Jeremiah Senseny, Jacob 
Fedder. 

Corporals — John Robison, Geo. W. Lester, Jacob Heck, Jacob Bickley. 



Jacob Abrahams. 
John Berlin. 
Peter Bonebrake. 
John Baxter. 
James Buchanan. 
John Brindle. 
William Bratten. 
Benj. Blythe. 
John Baughman. 
John Bucher. 
Jacob Bittinger. 
Abraham Burkholder. 
Fred'k Best. 
John Campbell. 
James Carberry. 
Conrad Clouse. 
Daniel Crouse. 
Joseph Cope. 
John Clugston. 
McFarlin Cammel. 
Conrad Draher. 
Daniel Dechert. 
William Dugan. 
James Dixon. 
John Eaton. 
Simon Eaker. 
Benj. Firnwalt. 
Henry Fry. 
Thomas Fletcher. 
Henry Gauter. 



Jacob George. 
John Gillespy. 
Jacob Glosser. 
John Gelwicks. 
Michael Helman. 
Thomas Hall. 
William Harman. 
James Huston. 
Daniel Helman. 
Isaac Irvin. 
Thomas Jones. 
William Kinneard. 
David Keller. 
Thomas Kaisey. 
Jacob Laufman. 
John Lucas. 
Reuben Monroe. 
Robert McAfee. 
Daniel McAllister. 
William McKesson. 
William McKean. 
William Mills. 
Samuel McElroy. 
Soyer McFaggea. 
John Milone. . 
David Mentzer. 
Jacob McFerren. 
Cammel Montgomery. 
David Mumma. 
Ludwick Nitterhouse. 

CULBERTSON's COMPANY. 



Samuel Nogel. 
John Nitterhouse. 
Jacob Neff. 
John Nixon. 
John Porter. 
Edward Ruth. 
Jacob Reichert. 
John Radebaugh. 
Elijah Sargeant. 
Charles Stuard. 
Samuel Shillitto. 
Daniel Sharp. 
William Sipes. 
Jacob Spitel. 
Ross Sharp. 
Joseph Suttey. 
John Tritler. 
John Todd. 
Joseph Wilson. 
Benj. Wiser. 
James Walker. 
Jacob Wolfkill. 
Josiah Wallace. 
David White. 
Matthew Wright. 
James Westbay. 
Hugh Woods. 
William White. 
George Young. 
George Zimmerman. 



Captain — Samuel D. Culbertson. 
First lieutenant— John McClintock. 



HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



243 



Second lieutenant — George K. Harper. 

Ensign — John Stevenson. 

Sergeants — Andrew Calhoun, John Calhoun, Stephen Rigler, Alex Allison. 

Corporals — Hugh Greenfield, James Wilson, Samuel Beatty, John Andrew. 



John Arntt. 
Henry Burchett. 
John Besore. 
Samuel Brand. 
Mathew Besore. 
George Beaver. 
James Crawford. 
Augustus Capron. 
William Cook. 
James Campbell. 
Edward Crawford. 
Edward Capron. 
Peter Crayton. 
John Devine. 
William Denny. 
Joseph Duffield. 
John Denig. 
John Daugherty. 
Joseph Erven. 
Benj. Fahnestock. 
William Ferry. 
Isaac Grier. 
Jacob Grove. 
Henry Greenawalt. 
William Grove. 
Paul Heoflich. 



PRIVATES. 

John Holmes. 
William Heyser. 
Joseph Housem. 
John Hutchinson. 
George Harris. 
Herman Helfmire. 
John Hinkle. 
Michial S. Johns. 
William Jamison. 
George Jasonsky. 
John Kiudline. 
Jacob Kelker. 
Andrew Lindsay. 
William M. McDowell 
John McBride. 
Patrick Murray. 
John McCormick. 
George B. McKnight. 
Thos. G. McCulloh 
Henry Merklein. 
John Nunemacher. 
Wm. Nochtwine. 
George Oyster. 
John O'Neal. 
Samuel Porter. 
William Reynolds. 



James D. Riddle. 
Phillip Reges. 
John Reed. 
Samuel Ruthrauff. 
William Richey. 
Adam Rcemer. 
George Simpson. 
William Schoeplin. 
John Snider. 
Samuel Shillitt. 
William Shane. 
Daniel Stevenson. 
Jacob Smith. 
David Trittle 
Robert Thompson. 
Abraham Voress. 
Bernard Wolff. 
Jacob Widefelt. 
John Weaver. 
John Whitmore. 
John B. Watts. 
James Warden. 
Joseph Wallace. 
George Wilson. 



BARDS COMPANY. 

Captain — Thomas Bard. 

First lieutenant — James McDowell. 

Second lieutenant — John Johnston. 

Ensign — Joseph Bowers. 

Sergeants— A. T. Dean, G. Duffield, Thomas Smith, G. Spangler. 

Corporals— William Smith, Thomas Grubb, William McDowell, Thomas Johnston. 

Fifer— John Mull. 



John Abbott. 
John Brown. 
Archibald Bard. 
Robert Carson. 
Samuel Craig. 
John Coxe. 
John Cox, Jr. 
John Campbell. 
Joseph Dick. 
Joseph Dunlap. 
John Donyhon. 
Jeremiah Evans. 
Peter Elliott. 
John Furley. 
John Glaze. 
William Glass. 
Joseph Garvin. 
Henry Garner. 
Leonard Gaff. 
James Garver. 
William Hart. 
James Harrison. 



PRIVATES. 

William Houston. 
Joseph Harrington. 
Fred'k Henchy. 
James Hamilton. 
John Harrer. 
Samuel Johnson. 
John King. 
John Liddy. 
James McDowell. 
William McDowell, Sr. 
James McNeal. 
John McCurdy. 
John Maxwell. 
John McClelland. 
George McFerren. 
Augustus McNeal. 
Robert McCoy. 
William McKinstry. 
Thomas C. McDowell. 
James Montgomery. 
Samuel Markle. 



John McCulloch. 
Charles Pike. 
Mathew Patton. 
David Robston. 
William Rankin. 
Thomas Speer. 
George Stevens. 
Conrad Stinger. 
James Sheilds. 

JohnJ3ybert. 

William Stewart. 
David Smith. 
Thomas Squire. 
William Wilson. 
James Walker. 
Christopher Wise. 
Samuel Witherow. 
John Werlby. 
Thomas Williamson. 
John Witherow. 
Thomas Waddle. 



244 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



ROBISON S COMPANY. 

Captain — Andrew Robson. 

First lieutenant — John Brotherton. 

Second lieutenant — James Mitchell. 

Ensign — Jacob Besore. 

Sergeants — James Walker, Andrew Snively, Thomas Wilson, Archibald Fleming 

Corporals — John Randall, George Bellows, George Sackett, Alex Aiken. 

Paymaster — William Carson. 



William Armstrong, Jr. 
John Allison. 
Robert Bruce. 
Samuel Bradley. 
Robert Brotherton. 
John Billings. 
William H. Brotherton. 
Frederick Baird. 
William Bratten. 
Henry Beatty. 
James Brotherton. 
John Boggs. 
Benjamin Core. 
George Clark. 
James Camion. 
Walter B. Clark. 
Frederick Carpenter. 
William Clark. 
William Coffroth. 
James Davison. 
Jesse Deman. 
William T. Dugan. 
John Dennis. 
George Flora. 
David Fullerton. 
Samuel Foreman. 
Robert Guinea. 
William Gallagher. 
Peter Gallagher. 
Hugh Guinea. 



PRIVATES. 

John Gaff. 
John Garner. 
Edward Gordon. 
Fred'k Gearhart. 
Joseph Hughes. 
William Harger. 
John Henneberger. 
William Irwin. 
James Johnston. 
William Krepps. 
Jonathan Keyser. 
George Kuy. 
Mathew Kennedy. 
James McGaw, 
William H. Miller. 
Samuel McCutchen. 
Abraham McCutchen. 
John McClellan. 
John McCune. 
James McCord. 
William Moreland. 
John Miller. 
John McCoy. 
Adam McCallister. 
William McGraw. 
John McConnell. 
Archibald McLane. 
John B. McLanahan. 
Samuel Nigh. 
Robert Owen. 



Jacob Poper. 
James Poe. 
J. Piper. 
John Park. 
A. B. Rankin. 
John Reed. 
John Rowe, Sr. 
Roger Rice. 
John Rogers. 
John Shira. 
John Shearer. 
"Henry Sites. 
Robert Smith. 
Charles Stewart. 
Samuel Statler. 
George Speckman. 
John Shaup. 
Adam Sayler. 
George Schreder. 
John Snyder. 
George tiller. 
William Vanderaw. 
George Wallack. 
John Weaver. 
Thomas Welsh. 
Christian Wilhelm. 
Thomas Walker. 
James Wilson. 
Christian Wise. 
Alexander Young. 



FLANAGAN S COMPANY. 

Captain — John Flanagan. 

Lieutenant — William Bivins. 

Ensign — Daniel McFarlin. 

Sergeants — Robert Gordon, George Cochran, William Downey and George Foreman 



Samuel Allison. 
Christian Bechtel. 
Hugh Blair. 
John Bowman. 
David Beaver. 
John Bormest. 
William Barnet. 
William Call. 
James Duncan. 
Joseph Fulton. 
James Fullerton. 
Jacob Fry. 
Loudon Fullerton. 
Samuel Green. 



PRIVATES. 

James Gettys. 
George Gettys. 
Daniel Haulman, 
David Heffner. 
Peter Haulman. 
Daniel Hartman. 
James Harshman. 
James Hayden. 
George Koontz. 
John Logan. 
Daniel Logan. 
James McCray. 
William Mooney. 
William McDowell. 



Joseph Misner. 
John Oellig. 
Maximillian Obermeyer. 
George Price. 
Robert Ray. 
Abraham Roberson. 
John Sheffler. 
Alex. Stewart. 
John Stoner. 
Adam Stonebraker. 
David Springer. 
George Weagley. J> 
David Weaver. 



ALEXANDER S COMPANY. 



Captain — William Alexander. 
Lieutenant — Francis McConnell. 
Ensign — James Barkley. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 245 

Sergeants— John Maclay, Richard Childerson, Peter Foreman, William Young. 
Corporal — John Sterrett. 

PRIVATES. 

James Alexander. George Houston. Hugh Maxwell 

Thomas Childerstone. James Irwin. John McKee. 

Edward Dunn. James Jones. John Neal. 

John Elder. David Kyle. Peter Piper. 

Noah Elder. James KcConnell. John Patterson. 

Andrew Foreman. John Little. John Ryan. 

William Finnerty. Robert Lewis. William Shutter. 

Thomas Geddis. Robert McMillon. Arthur Sheilds. 

John Harry. James McKibben. John Vaulear. 

Samuel Hockenberry. Robert McCleary. David Witherow. 

John Hill. John McAlleu. James Wallace. 

Thomas Harry. Joseph McKelvy. Peter Wilt. 

These companies formed a regiment, Col. John Findlay commanding. 
After Findlay' s promotion Lieut. William Young became captain. The 
other field officers of this regiment were major, David Fullerton; surgeon, 
John McClelland; first mate, Dr. JohnBoggs; second mate, Dr. Jesse MeGaw; 
adjutant, James McDowell; quartermaster, Thomas G. McCulloh; sergeant- 
major, Andrew Lindsay; quartermaster- sergeant, William Carson; paymaster- 
general, George Clark. 

These troops continued in active service until September 23 following when 
they were mustered out. 



CHAPTER IX. 
MEXICAN WAR. 



Texas and Mexico— Whig and Democrat— Counter Arguments— Declara- 
tion of War— Franklin County Company— Its Services. 

TEXAS had revolted and conquered its independence from Mexico, and asked 
to become a part of the Union. The Lone Star State was of herself a great 
and rich empire in territory, and when she knocked at the doors of the United 
States for admission as one of the sister States, to the average American there 
was a strong desire to bid her come and welcome. Had Mexico quietly con- 
sented at that time, and abandoned all claims to still control the independent 
State, it is highly probable it woiild have peacefully become a member of the 
Union, and Mexico would have avoided a disastrous war with this country, and 
the consequent loss of her immense territories north of the Rio Grande; and 
thou, too, it is probable that the annexation of Texas would not have caused a 
political feud in the United States, over which discussion became heated, and 
new political issues were made — presidents were elected, and eminent politi- 
cians were defeated in their ambitious purposes. 

When a national question in this country assumes a political phase it is 
curious to watch its accidental outcomes. Men apparently shut their eyes and 
rush forward in spite of the most solemn warnings of their neighbors. They 
care only to know what their political rival wants them to do, and then they 
set their faces like steel to accomplish the very opposite. Thus, by curious ac- 
cident, the Mexican war became, in the minds of men of that time, a Democratic 
war; and the Whigs, as a party, were placed in the position as opposed to the 



246 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

annexation of Texas. To demonstrate how purely accidental were the controll- 
ing influences among men, we give an incident that occurred between a Demo- 
cratic and a Whig politician in Illinois in 1844. They were two bright and 
ambitious young men — both, afterward, becoming eminent in the Nation's coun- 
cils. They lived in the same village in southern Illinois, and each was striv- 
ing for his party nomination for congressman. In order to advertise their 
claims they agreed to travel together over the vast district, and hold in each 
county joint discussions. They started out on the absorbing topic of both 
Whig and Democrat, the annexation of Texas, ranged on different sides. They 
were bright, witty, brilliant and eloquent, and they drew nearly equal to a 
circus in the Illinois back counties. But, in taking sides, the Whig favored 
annexation, and the Democrat opposed it. Thus they had passed over about 
two-thirds of the district, when the long delayed news from the National 
Democratic Convention reached them, and lo, it had nominated Polk, and upon 
the strongest kind of a Texas annexation platform. Here, indeed, was a kettle 
of fish. What could they do ? Why, simply, just what they did do — swap 
sides and continue their trip and discussion through the remainder of the 
district, hammering each other over the heads, each with the other's own 
arguments. 

Congress passed a bill admitting Texas into the union of States, and on the 
4th of July, 1845, the Legislature of Texas, by solemn act, approved of the 
measure, and the union was consummated. Mexico considered this as an act 
of war; and withdrew her minister from Washington. Some feeble and pos- 
sibly halfhearted attempts to tide over the threatened conflict were made by 
the United States, and then the two nations declared war, and at once began 
marshalling their armies. In the early part of 1846 our armies had marched to 
the border lines of Mexico, and after a brief halt they invaded the country of 
the enemy. The declaration of war was made by Congress, May 11, 1846, 
and $10,000,000 voted to furnish the army, and the President was authorized 
to call for 50,000 volunteers. The temper of oar people is shown by the fact, 
that at once 200,000 volunteers offered themselves, and from every part of the 
Union it was a race among companies and regiments to get in first. Every- 
where companies were formed that the Government was compelled to reject. 

Franklin County sent one company. This was recruited in 1847, by Mar- 
tin M. Moore, of Washington, who had procured authority to enlist a Pennsyl- 
vania company for the Mexican war. He opened a recruiting office in Charn- 
bersburg, and soon filled his company, and it left Chambersburg, March 17, 
1847, for the seat of war, numbering 122 men, rank and file, officerod as fol- 
lows: 

Captain—Martin M. Moore. 

First lieutenant— Charles T. Campbell. 

Second lieutenants— Horace Haldeman, Washington Meads. 

Third sergeant— James S. Gillan. 

Corporals— Michael W. Houser, J. R. Thompson, Henry Remley. 

PRIVATES FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Jacob Arbaugh. George Barmord. "William Fisher. 

James S. Bigger. Emanuel Burns. William Johnson. 

John Bricker. David Beard. Jeremiah Keefer. »J_ 

Joseph Bricker. Hugh P. Coxe. Henry Koyler. , 

Fredrick Berkle. Washington Cramer. Samuel Kraft. 

Fredrick Baker. Jeremiah Douglas. Amos Lightner. 

William Bittinger. Mathew Downs. George Miller. 

James Briley. John Davis. Daniel Miller. 

John Beamhop. George Eldridge. James McCullough. 



yi? 







■■IwPm 







HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 249 

Johu Mehaffey. Henry Ray. Thomas Shoemaker. 

Alexander McCarthey. Lewis Rummel. John Skeaffer. 

John McCumseh. William Retter. Joseph Welch. 

William I. McClellan. Henry Reafsnider. Jaeoh West. 

Joseph McMahan. Hezekiah Stuff. Jacob Williams. 

Joseph Nave. John C. Sheffield. John Zumbro. 

John A. Pierson. David M. Stump. John Hainish. 

Jacob Pentz. John Suders. Joseph Grimes. 

William Robison. Henry Sheafer. David Cordell. 

Although we have no complete list of the men of Company B, Eleventh 
United States Infantry, as furnished by the War Department, yet we give only 
those that were known to be from Franklin County. 

This company marched to Pittsburgh, by way of Bedford, where it received 
some additional recruits. It arrived with the army at Brazos Santiago, in 
April, 1847, and for som time was in garrison at Tampico, where a number of 
men died of yellow fever. From here it went to Vera Cruz, and from there to 
the City of Mexico. • The •"•mpany was in active service until the close of the 
war, July 4, 1848. 

Capt. Moore was dismissed from the service at Tampico, and Charles T. 
Campbell was promoted to captain, and was in command until our army was 
mustered out. At the time of the close of the war it was in the interior of 
the country, about seventy-live miles from the City of Mexico. When the 
company reached New York on its return home in July, 1848, its force of 100 
men had been reduced to about twenty-four men in the line. 

There were other men recruited who went to the war from this county in ad- 
dition to those given above in Company B. Capt. Whipple and Lieut. 
Hanson got recruits for their command here. Then we are informed that 
there were several Franklin County men who joined commands that went out 
from Cumberland County, and their identity as Franklin County men was 
thereby lost. 

Captain Charles T. Campbell is now a resident of Scotland, Dak., to which 
point he removed from Franklin Countv, some years ago. 



CHAPTER X. 

THE PRESS. 

Introductory — Fiust Newspaper — Press of Ciiambersburo — Press of 
Waynesboro— Press of Mercersburg— Press of Greencastle. 

THE corner-stones of modern civilization are the family, the school, the 
church and the state. 
The family is the origin of all government — the germ of all organization. 
Upon it all social and political institutions rest. From it all others derive 
their vitality and inspiration. Without its economy, the body politic and the 
social fabric could not exist. The family may be regarded a preparatory 
university, whose president is the father, and whose chief instructor is the 
loving and faithful mother. All science and all art are taught in this univer- 
sity. The most important lessons in life are the ' ' things learned at that best 



14 



250 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

academy, a mother's knee," embracing the names and qualities of objects and 
actions; government, philosophy, religion, political economy, theology, poetry, 
literature, music — all the gems of an encyclopedic education. 

From this preparatory school pupils are admitted to the conventional 
school under the control of a licensed master or mistress. New lessons and 
new duties are to be learned. Curtain personal rights must be sacrificed to 
enjoy certain privileges that are desired. True republicanism is cultivated. 
Genuine philanthropy is developed, and the pupil qualified to enter intelligently 
the next grade — the church. It is the great theological institution intended 
to teach the higher duties and responsibilties of a moral and pious life. Self- 
control, charity, benevolence, consecration, devotion, unselfishness — all these 
are its legitimate purposes to accomplish. Its work done efficiently, the 
subject is prepared to occupy his appropriate position in the state; in other 
words, to become an intelligent, conscientious citizen. Three sets of agencies, 
each working efficiently in its own sphere, have co-operated to produce the 
highest type of manhood, the conception which inspired Holland to write: 

"God gives us men! a time like this demands 
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; 

Men whom the lust of office does not kill; 
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy; 

Men who possess opinions and a will, 
Men who have honor — men who will not lie; 

Men who can stand before a demagogue 
And damn his treacherous flatterers without winking, 

Tall men, sun crowned, who live above the fog 
In public duty, and in private thinking." 

Men may condemn the evils of church and state; they can not be divorced. 
As well attempt to separate youth and manhood, the soil and its crop, or any 
cause from its effect. If the child is the father of the man, the family, the 
school and the church are the progenitors of the state. 

But as society is organized, the life-blood of all these institutions is the 
modern newspaper. It is the food of all. In its greed it has usurped the 
prerogative formerly enjoyed by the oral teacher, secular and religious. It 
is the accepted text-book of the ordinary laborer, the learned divine and the 
profoundest statesman. It is more powerful than the throne, which it makes 
and unmakes at will. It is, in our modern civilization, the life-blood of the 
body politic. Hence the power and the responsibility of the press. 

In the history of English journalism occurs this account of the growth of 
the newspaper: "First wo have the written newsletter, furnished to the 
wealthy aristocracy; then, as the craving for information spread, the ballad of 
news, sung or recited; then the news pamphlet, more prosaically arranged; 
then the periodical sheet of news; and lastly, the newspaper." 

The English newspaper was born in London, in 1022. Its liberty at first 
was greatly restricted, nothing being allowed publication until it had passed 
proper official inspection. In its struggle for independence, the press had to 
undergo many prosecutions and trials unknown to the present generation. 
The blood of martyrs is the seed not only of the church, but of the press as 
well. Governmental influence with the subject-matter of the newspaper was 
regarded a divine right; hence we are not astonished to find the House of 
Commons resolving, in 1729, that "it is an indignity and a breach of privilege 
of the House of Commons for any person to presume to give, in written or 
printed newspapers, any account or minutes of the debates or other proceed- 
ings of this House or any committee thereof." In 1764 the editor of the 
Evening Post, of London, was fined £100 by the House of Lords, for mention- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 251 

ing the name of Lord Hereford in his paper. The good work continued, how- 
ever, till the press was disenthralled. 

Franco had much difficulty in liberating the press. During the reign of 
Louis Napoleon there were 6,000 prosecutions of publishers; but they finally 
succeeded, and France can hear from plebeians, sentiments which the throne 
did not dare to utter. Not by German battalions only was the usurper over- 
thrown. He was shot through and through by the paper bullets of a hostile 
and enraged public press. 

In America the tirst newspaper was published at Boston, September 25, 
1090, by Benjamin Harris, the printing being done by Richard Pierce. Its 
name, Public Occurrences, both Foreign and Domestick, was very significant. 
The only copy now in existence is preserved in the State office in London. 
Others sprang up in regular order, until to-day the American press stands 
forth as one of the greatest bulwarks of national liberty — the proudest munu- 
ment of the progressive spirit of the age. 

A sentence or two may serve to sketch the editor who realizes the nature 
of the trust he holds. 

1. An editor, like a poet, is born, not made. A plug hat, a waxed mustache, 
a cigar and a goose quill, will not necessarily edit a paper successfully. Pro- 
fanity, bad grammar, excessive slang and whisky, are not the indispensable 
requisites of modern journalism. 

2. He has an iuherent right to be both a gentleman and a scholar. He 
should be sufficiently educated, at least, to express an original thought occa- 
sionally, in good Anglo-Saxon. Scissors und paste have their legitimate sphere, 
but this does not imply that he should have "just enough learning to mis- 
quote, ' ' nor does it require that he should demonstrate in his own case that, 
"to follow foolish precedents, and wink with both eyes, is easier than 
to think." 

3. He should be a leader in public sentiment. It is his province to 
mould the thought of his constituents. On every new issue he should be able 
to sound forth the clarion notes of truth and progress, and lead his readers to 
occupy advanced grounds in the face of ignorant opposition. Some one has 
truly said: " To know how to say what others only know how to think, is what 
makes men poets and sages; but to dare to say what others only dare to think, 
is what makes thorn heroes or reformers or both." 

4. He should have a conscience on matters that affect the public weal. 
A newspaper is not private property in the sense that it is to reflect only the 
wishes and piques of its manager. It represents a constituency whose con- 
sciences it ought to respect, while it aims to educate them. It can not be 
made the vehicle for giving vent to private ill-will. For that reason it ought 
to treat an opponent with courtesy, so long as he exhibits marks of sincerity. 

The press of Franklin County has had an existence since the opening of the 
last decade of the eighteenth century and has had some able representatives in the 
ranks of journalism. As will be seen from the lists that are to follow, these daily, 
weekly and monthly heralds of light and life, have been exceedingly numer- 
ous, but many of them, having accomplished their mission, did obeisance to 
an apparently disinterested public, and silently departed to enjoy the rewards 
of achieved fame. For the information, and in many cases, the language 
contained in these brief skotches, obligation is publicly acknowledged to those 
faithful chroniclers of Franklin County History, Dr. \V. C. Lane,* Judge 
Henry Rubyf and I. H. McCauley, Esq. J 

*lt> Public Opinion of January 1, 1878. 
tin Shippensburg News of October 16, 1875. 
JHiatorical Sketch of Franklin County. 



252 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

PRESS OF CHAMBERSBURG. 

From the organization of the county, in September, 1784, to July 14, 
1790, no newspaper was published in Franklin County, all sheriffs' proclama- 
tions, notices of candidates for office, offers of real estate for sale, estrays, 
runaway negroes, desertions of bed and board by wives, obituaries, divorce 
and sale notices, etc., being printed in the Carlisle Gazette and Repository of 
Knowledge. 

As the population of Chambersburg increased, one of its chief wants was a 
weekly journal, to "note the passing tidings of the times." This want was 
eventually supplied by the advent of Mr. William Davison, from Philadelphia, 
who, in the month of June, 1790, issued the first number of the first news- 
paper published in Franklin County. The name of this primitive journal was 
The Western Advertiser and Chambersburg Weekly Newspaper. It was a small, 
dingy sheet of three columns to the page, and 10x15 inches in size. Its con- 
tents consisted mainly of advertisements and a few extracts from Londun and 
Eastern journals, and an occasional' ponderous and drowsy original communi- 
cation upon some political or literary subject. It was singularly dignified 
and dull. The price of the paper was 15 shillings per annum. Mr. Davison did 
not more than fairly start his enterprise, before his health began to decline, and he 
was obliged to call to his assistance Mr. Robert Harper, brother of the late George 
Kenton Harper. Mr. Harper came to Chambersburg in 1792, and took charge 
of the paper. Mr. Davison dying soon afterward, Mr. Harper then became 
its sole proprietor. In 1793 Mr. Harper changed the elaborate title of the 
journal to the simpler one of The Chambersburg Gazette. This name it re- 
tained until the year 1796, when it was further changed to The Franklin Reposi- 
tory. Soon after Mr. Robert Harper became the owner of the paper, he associated 
with himself in its publication a gentleman named Dover. This connection ex- 
isted only a few months, and was severed by Mr. Dover' s withdrawal. In the year 
1800, Robert Harper sold the establishment to his brother, George Kenton 
Harper.* The latter gentleman had previously learned the art of printing in 
the office in Chambersburg, although, at the time of the purchase, he was a 
resident of Philadelphia. Under the able and judicious management of George 
K. Harper, the Repository became one of the most extensively circulated and 
influential journals in the interior of the State. The Repository was published 
by Mr. George K. Harper for a period of thirty- nine years, and was then sold 
to Joseph Pritts, who was publishing the Chambersburg Whig, and by whom 
the two papers were united under the title of tbe Repository and Whig. 

This venerable and influential old journal was successively owned by many 
companies and individuals, until it fell into the most competent hands of Col. 
Alexander K. McClure, by whom it was enlarged and otherwise improved. Its 
title was, by this gentleman, again changed, and its old and honored name of 
The Franklin Repository most appropriately given it. Under Col. McClure' s 
proprietorshfp, it became an acknowledged political power in the State. The 
paper is now ownedf and edited by Maj. John M. Pomeroy, and it may be said with 
perfect truth and candor, and without any invidious disparagement of the very 
many able gentlemen by whom it had formerly been conducted, that its present 
proprietor exhibits in its management a combination of energy, enterprise, tact 
and ability which, at least, have never been exceeded in its past history. The 
Repository has always been a fearless and able defender of the principles of the 

*D. B. Kirby, of Chambersburg, has a copy of the Repository, dated February '20, 18U0, which was marked 
No. 44 of Vol. IV. Its subscription price is put at $2.25 per year. G.K.Harper is its owner and publisher. 
In 'ts columns is a notice that Geo. K. Harper had bought of Robert Harper the Minerva, showing its publi- 
cation in the last century. See McCauley's denials, in loco. 

fSee statement at close of this sketch of the press of Chambersburg. 



HISTORY OF FItANKLIN COUNTY. 253 

old Whig and Republican parties, in whose defense it has been compelled to 
break many a lance; and, in its mature age of eighty-seven years, it exhibits 
more than the vigor and energy which characterized its earlier days. 

The Repository was first issued from an old log house, originally built and 
used for a blacksmith shop, which stood on the lot now occupied by Mr. Jacob 
Snider' s book store. It was then removed to a small one-story weatherboarded 
building, which stood on Main Street, near the corner of the Diamond, on the 
lot on which Mr. Thomas E. Paxton's store now stands. 

For many years the Repository was the only newspaper published in Frank- 
lin County. At length, about the year 1800, a Democratic rival, called the 
Franklin Republican, was issued by Mr. John Hershberger. Previously, how- 
ever, two papers, one in English and the other in the German language,* had 
been published for a few years. The names of those papers have not been 
ascertained, although extended inquiry has been made. The English paper 
was now united with the Franklin Republican. On relinquishing the business 
of printing in 1816, Mr. Hershberger sold his office to John McFarland, by 
whom the publication of the English journal was continued; but who discon- 
tinued the German paper for want of adequate support. McFarland sold the 
paper to John Sloan, who published it until his death, a few years after the 
purchase. Mr. Sloan died about the year 1824. The late Joseph Pritts, who 
had been employed in the office of Sloan, married his widow, and thus became 
the owner of the printing establishment. Mr. Pritts continued to publish the 
paper in the interest of the Democratic party, until the anti-Masonic excite- 
ment in 1834, when he became a member of that organization, and purchased 
an anti-Masonic newspaper which had previously been established by James 
Culbertson. The two papers were then conjoined and the name changed to 
The Chambersburg Whig, which it bore until it was merged into the Franklin 
Repository, in 1839. Mr. Pritts having thus abandoned the Democratic party, 
that organization was left without an organ, until the Franklin Telegraph was 
started about the year 1831, by Messrs. Ruby & Maxwell. This partnership 
continued but six weeks, at the end of which time James Maxwell withdrew. 
Mr. Ruky then selected another partner named Hatnick. Mr. Hatnick dying 
after a partnership of only nine months, Mr. Ruby became sole proprietor of 
the paper, and continued its publication until the year 1840, making it an able 
and successful exponent of the principles of the party in whose interests it was 
established. Having been appointed one of the associate judges of Franklin 
County, Judge Ruby sold his journal to Messrs. Brown & Casey. These gen- 
tlemen, after conducting it for several years, sold it to John Brand, who 
changed its name to the Chambersburg Times. Mr. Franklin G. May bought 
the paper from Mr. Brand, and held it until April (5, 1840, when he transferred 
it to E. R. Powell. During the proprietorship of Mr. Powell, its name was 
changed to the Valley Sentinel. In January, 1850, it was purchased by Fred- 
erick Smith, Esq., and edited by his son, Alfred H. Smith, until April, 1851, 
when this gentleman moved to Philadelphia. Messrs. Nead & Kinneard then 
became the owners of the Sentinel, under whose management it remained until 
late in the year 1852, when it was sold to Messrs. P. S. Dechert & Co. ; and, 

*One of these was called Der Redlicfie Registrator. Its publisher and editor, V. \V. Sctioepliu] announced in 
the Repository of December '21, 1813: "The first number of this paper will he issued from this office to-morrow." 
He says, further: " Nearly the whole contents of this paper is weekly translated from the latest English papers, 
which, together with the quick conveyance by mails running in all directions from Chambersburg, enables its 
patrons to receive information of the occurrences of our own and foreign countries as early as they could 
through any of the English weekly papers." It must be remembered, that at that time all mail matter was dis- 
tributed by carriers but once a week, and yet these crude facilities were highly appreciated. The German pop- 
ulation in the couuty, too, was an important factor at this eaily date, •'-ays Judge Ruby: " There were but lew 
families in the town or country that did not then understand the German language, which accounts for two 
weekly papers being sustaiued in that language." After Mr. Schoeplin's death, in 1825, the office was sold to 
Henry Ruby. 



254: HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

its apposite name, after appearing for a season in company with the Spirit, as 
the Spirit and Sentinel, died away. 

The Valley Spirit was started in Shippensburg, by John M. Cooper and 
Daniel Dochert, in July, 1847, under the title of the Valley Spirit and Cum- 
berland and Franklin County Democrat. In July, 1848, it was moved to 
Chambersburg, and conducted under the firm of P. S. Decheit & Co., with Mr. 
Cooper as editor. In 1852 the firm bought the Sentinel, and united the two 
papers. In 1857, the Valley Spirit, which had dropped part of its original 
name, became the property of George H. Mengel & Co. , and was published by 
them until 1862, when it was purchased by B. Y. Hamsher & Co., who retained 
it until 1807, when it passed into the hands of Messrs. J. M. Cooper & Co., 
and in 1808 Mr. Cooper withdrew from the establishment, Messrs. "Win. S. 
Stenger and Augustus Duncan becoming its proprietors. In 187(3 Mr. Joseph 
C. Clugston purchased the paper, and reinstated its old and popular editor, 
Mr. Cooper, in the editorial chair. 

The Valley Spirit is an ably- managed and vigorous publication, and is an 
able and fearless advocate of the principles of the great party to which it be- 
longs; and its infiueuce is not limited merely to the locality in which it is pub- 
lished, but is sensibly felt in the politics of the State. In that peculiar tact, 
as well as talent, so essential to the successful editor, Mr. Cooper was gifted 
in an eminent degree. October 1, 1879, the paper was purchased by its pres- 
ent owners, John G. & D. A. Orr, froin J. H. Wolfkill, through whom it had 
come from Clugston and Cooper. On the 2d of August, 1880, John G. 
and D. A. Orr purchased at sheriff's sale the Franklin Democrat and Daily 
Herald, and immediately began the publication of a morning daily known 
as the Valley Spirit. In a prominent position on its second page stands 
this epitome of its own history: '"Established, 1847. Founded in 1831, merged 
in Valley Spirit, 1852 — Franklin Telegraph, Chambersburg Times, Cumber- 
land Valley Sentinel. Founded in 1858; merged in Valley Spirit, 1SG2 — the 
Independent, the Times. Founded in 1878; merged in Valley Spirit, 1880 — the 
Daily Herald. Founded in 18S2; merged in Valley Spirit, 1880 — the Frank- 
lin County Democrat." Both daily and weekly editions show the highest style 
of mechanical execution, and the contents of each are newsy and spicy, evi- 
dencing careful and painstaking research. It is a pronounced anti-Randall 
Democratic exponent of the theories of government. 

In July, 1853, Mr. Robert P. Hazelet started a folio sheet, devoted more 
especially to literature, which he called the Transcript. It became the Know- 
Nothing organ in the fall of 1854, and was subsequently merged into the 
Repository, under the title of the Repository and Transcript, and, after a titular 
fellowship of a few years, ultimately perished. 

In 1854, Messrs. Kell & Kinneard started an educational monthly, called 
the Tutor and Pupil, which had an ephemeral existence. 

David A. Werz instituted The Independent in 1858, a handsome and able 
paper, which attracted much attention for its literary ability, but sold it iu 
April, 1859, to William I. Cook and P. Dock Frey. A few months later, 
namely, on the 7th of October, 1859, they transferred it to Frey & Foltz, who 
converted it from a neutral into a Republican paper. On the 31st of August, 
1800, it again changed owners, and Messrs. William Kennedy and Jacob Sellers 
converted it into a Democratic organ, as an exponent of the principles of the 
Douglas wing of the party, in opposition to the Valley Spirit, which sup- 
ported Breckenridge. After holding it a few years it was united with the 
Valley Spirit, as the Valley Spirit and Times, and, a short time after, its dis- 
tinctive title passed into oblivion. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 255 

In the year 1814, the Hon. Henry Ruby moved to Chainbersburg, and was 
apprenticed to a German printer named P. W. Schoflin, who was publishing a 
German paper in connection with Mr. Geerge K. Harper. This paper was 
soon afterward sold to Mr. Schoflin. Mr. Schoflin died in 1820, and his paper 
was managed by Mr. Ruby, for his widow, for a period of six months, at the 
expiration of which time he bought the office. He continued its publication for 
some time after the publication of the Franklin Telegraph, but under a new 
name, and eventually sold it to Mr. Victor Scriba, by whom it was removed to 
Pittsburgh. Mr. Scriba changed its name to Freiheifs Freund, and it soon 
attained a large circulation and much influence among the German population 
of Pittsburgh. Another German paper was started in Chambersburg, by John 
Dietz, in 1824, but enjoyed a very brief existence, dying in its second year. 

During the time embraced by these publications, a large number of papers 
were launched upon the treacherous waves of popular favor, but soon stranded 
on the hidden rock of impecuniosity, and sank even beneath public recollection. 
A notable exception to this statement, however, was the 'Transcript, estab- 
lished in 1853 by Robert P. Hazelet. This paper aspired to the establish- 
ment of a literary reputation, in which it secured a marked degree of success. 
It was then purchased by the Know -Nothings, and upon the sudden collapse 
of that political monstrosity, was merged into the Repository, and lived a short 
time longer in the Repository and Transcript. 

The Despatch, a semi-weekly paper, was started in the spring of 1861, by 
George H. Merklein and P. Dock Frey, under the Arm of George H. Merk- 
lein & Co. , and lived until the spring of 1803. 

The Country Merchant, an advertising sheet, was issued in July, 1866, by 
M. A. Foltz, and was succeeded, in 1869, by Public Opinion, a progressive 
weeldy newspaper, devoted to advanced Republican principles. It deals es- 
pecially with news of a local nature, always giving the preference to such, but, 
at the same time, it never neglects matters of national or State import or in- 
formation of general interest. The people of Franklin County have always 
had in it a true friend. Their interests have been its interests, and it has 
fought their battles with vigor from the moment that it first saw the light. 

The first issue appeared on the 20th of July, in the year above named, and 
met with immediate success. It rapidly became a leading paper, not only in 
its own county, but throughout the whole of the Cumberland Valley, its views 
being quoted far and wide. It has continued to hold this prominence, and is 
to-day one of the most influential newspapers in southern Pennsylvania. And 
at the present time, as in the past, it is representative of its title, and is truly a 
reflex of public opinion. 

With the commencement of its third volume, in July. 1871. the Opinion 
enlarged, and in 1885 it re-enlarged, thus becoming one of the largest week- 
lies published in its section of the State. It has now a circulation of about 
2, 500, and goes into the best families in the county. 

The Silver Comet, a monthly musical journal, was published by P. Dock 
Frey & Co., coming into the world of letters in September, 1869, " and piping 
out ' ' at the somewhat immature age of seven months. 

The People's Register was started in 1876 as the Centennial Register. It 
is a patent outside, and was edited by Rev. J. G. Schaff until the time of his 
death, when it passed into the hands of his sons, who are still publishing it. 
In the summer of 1886, they began the publication of an evening daily which 
has met with a favorable reception. The Register has given special attention 
to educational news and articles, and thus has become the teachers' friend in 
the county. 



256 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The Farm Journal and Experimental Farm Journal were issued success- 
ively by George A. Dietz & Co. , and were extensively circulated. 

The first religious journal published by the German Reformed Church was 
a monthly pamphlet called The Magazine of the German Reformed Church, 
and was issued at Carlisle, Penn. , under the editorship of Rev. Dr. Lewis Mayer. 
It appeared in November, 1827. In 1829 it was removed to York, Penn. In 
1832, its title was changed to The Messenger of the German. Reformed Church, 
and the numbers were designated as the New Series. In 1834 it was 
changed to a semi-monthly, in a quarto form, which was continued until July, 
1835, at which time it was removed to Chambersburg. Its title was now 
changed to the Weekly Messenger and was issued weekly. A specimen number 
of the paper was published in July, but the regular issue did not begin until 
the September following. The numbering as a new series again com- 
menced, which has been continued to the present date. In December, 1848, 
the name of the paper was further changed to that of The German Reformed 
Messenger. In September, 1867, .the title was again changed to The Reformed 
Church Messenger, because the word " German ' ' had been omitted in the church 
itself. The office in Chambersburg was destroyed by the rebels in 1864, and 
its place of publication was then transferred to Philadelphia. Its name is 
now simply The Messenger, and it is edited by the accomplished and scholarly 
divine, Rev. P. S. Davis, D. D. , ably assisted by Samuel R. Fisher, D. D., 
and others. For a time after the removal of the paper to Chambersburg, it 
was published by Joseph Pritts, and subsequently by Henry Ruby, until the 
church established a printing office of her own, in the Masonic Hall, on 
Second Street, in 1840. The old Mansion House on the east side of the public 
square was then purchased, refitted, and the office removed into it. 

The late Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., became editor of the Messenger 
in 1835, after its removal to Chambersburg, and occupied this position until 
the year 1844. In the beginning of 1840, the Rev. Samuel R. Fisher, D. D.,* 
became associated with him in its editorial management. Dr. Schneck' s 
relation to the paper, which was suspended in 1844, was resumed in the fall 
of 1847, and continued until the year 1852. During Dr. Schneck' s pastorate 
in Gettysburg, Penn., in 1834, he began the publication of a semi-monthly in 
the German language, styled the Christliche Herold. The publication of this 
journal was transferred to Chambersburg in 1840, and issued under the name 
of the Christliche Zeitschrift. Dr. Schneck then took charge of it, changing 
its name to that of Reformirte Kirchenzeitung, and continued this relation 
until the destruction of the office in 1864, when it was removed to Philadelphia, 
with the exception of an interval of five years, from 1852 to 1857, when it was 
edited by the Rev. Samuel Miller. 

For a time the Saturday Local was published by Joseph Pomeroy & Co. 
Having accomplished its mission, it quietly took its departure to the sweet 
by-and-by. 

In the foregoing sketch it is stated that the Repository is owned and 
edited by Maj. John M. Pomeroy, and a merited compliment is paid him. 
Since that was written by Dr. W. C. Lame, the daily Franklin Repository has 
been established, which is now in its fourth volume. It has, like the woekly, 
attained a large circulation, and is, with the People's Register, an evening 
paper. Until November 26, 1886, it was published and edited by the Pomeroy 
Bros. ; but owing to certain complications, growing out of the right of title, 
it was sold by Sheriff Kurtz to T. M. Mahon and H. Gehr for $2,200, and 
immediately leased by them to its former managers. The paper is now under 

•Since deceased. 



V, 



' 





HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 259 

the management of John H. Pomeroy and A. Nevin Pomeroy, lessees and 
publishers. 

The Repository is the oldest paper in the Cumberland Valley, and its pages, 
from 1793 to the present, contain the substantial history of the county. Its 
influence upon the population of the county through these years has been 
wonderful. It requires little sacrifice to be able to concur in tho sentiment of 
Hon. Henry Ruby, himself an old printer and a competent judge, ' ' that few 
towns in Pennsylvania have newspaper establishments conducted with as much 
ability as the Franklin Repository, Valley Spirit and Public Opinion of 
Chambersburg. ' ' 

PRESS OF WAYNESBORO. 

In Rupp's "History of the Five Counties," 1846, is this simple statement: 
"A weekly paper — Waynesboro Circulator — is published by M. C. Grote. " 

The Village Record, weekly, was founded March 13, 1847, by D. O. & W. 
Blair. D. O. Blair afterward studied medicine and went to Abingdon, 111., 
where he died. W. Blair had sold his interest to his brother, but in 1851 
repurchased it and has retained it every since. It was during the war published 
regularly till the time of Lee's invasion in 1863, when an interruption 
occurred. The outside was printed June 19, and the inside July 31. Rebel 
soldiers pied his type and overturned his cases, producing confusion which 
required several weeks to overcome. 

By virtue of continuous services, Mr. Blair is entitled to be known as the 
Nestor of the Franklin County press. 

The Keystone Gazette was established in 1876, as a Democratic weekly, by 
J. C. West and W. C. Jacobs. In 1878 Jacobs retired. In 1880, S. M. 
Robinson bought it, but in 1882 sold to N. Bruce Martin and Jas. B. Fisher, 
who conducted it as an independent paper till January 1, 1885. At the last 
date, Mr. Fisher bought Martin's interest, and conducted the paper till March, 
1886, when D. B. Martin assumed editorial control, with Fisher as manager. 

The Brethren Advocate, a religious weekly periodical, was published at 
Waynesboro from August 5, 1879, to July 5, 1882. It was published in the 
interests of the German Baptist or Brethren Church. The contributors to its 
columns were some of the ablest winters of the sect. D. H. Fahrney was 
publisher. Size of sheet, 22x32. 

PRESS OF MERCERSBURG. 

In 1846, The Mercersburg Visitor, weekly, was published by McKinstry and 
Doyle. 

The Mercersburg Journal was established in 1846. It is a weekly, neutral 
in politics and has a good local circulation. Its present owners and managers 
are M. J. Slick and George Hornbraker. It has passed through a number of 
changes, which can not be given. 

In 1851-52, the Mercersburg Review was published in the interests of 
Marshall College. It was a bi-monthly, and sold at $3 per year. 

PRESS OF GREENCASTLE. 

The first paper started in the town was called the Conococheague Herald, 
and was published by E. Robinson, August, 1848. In a few months it was 
sold by him to Charles Martin. After running it a year, he sold it to A. N. 
Rankin, who in turn disposed of it to Elliott B. Detrich, by whom the name 
was changed to the Franklin Intelligencer. At his death the paper passed inta 
the hands of McCrory and Bonner, who named it the Franklin Ledger. When 



260 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Bonner died, the new firm, Strickler & McCrory changed the name to The Pi- 
lot. Mr. Strickler retiring, McCrory ran the paper on his own responsibility 
for several years, when he sold it to Robert and William Crooks. The first 
brother soon withdrawing from the firm, the other continued the paper till 
18(37, when he sold to Rev. John R. Gaff, who associated M. D. Reymer with 
himself, and changed the name to The Valley Echo. In 1867 Col. B. F. 
Winger purchased the paper and, with the aid of Geo. E. Haller, the present 
proprietor, ran it till January 6, 1876, at which time he sold the establishment 
to the present owner and manager. 

The Greencastle Press was established by Col. B. F. Winger, after retiring 
from The Valley Echo, in 1876, and has been controlled by him ever since. 
At present his associate in the management and editorial work is J. C. Seacrest. 
It is a weekly, and has a good circulation in that portion of the county. 

About the opening of the war, a small paper was published at Concord by 
a brother of J. VY. •G, Goshorne, but after a time it was removed to the West. 

In 1886 the Path Valley News was established at Fannettsburg, and is 
still in existence. 



CHAPTER XL 

AGRICULTURE. 



A Business of First Importance — Irs Promising Future— Improvements 
Introduced — Judge Watts — The First Reaper— First Stock in the 
Country— Wheat and Corn— Hessian Fly— Improved Implements— A 
Wonderful Feat With the Scythe Agricultural Societies, Offi- 
cers, Etc. 

IHROM the land comes the life of every living, breathing, thing. It is the 
nourishing mother of animal and vegetable life. It is the beginning of all 
existence, and " dust to dust" is the common end. The soil and the climate 
are the determining factors in the growth and quality of the world's civilization. 
From the soil comes all that we can possess — the best type of manhood, the 
great cities with their spires and minarets gleaming in the morning sun, the 
army with banners, the armadas whose sails fleck every sea, the maiden's 
blush, the bubbling laughter of childhood, the sweet bondage of love, the 
restful haven of home, are all from this one common, fruitful source. The 
dull soil, the primeval rocks from which all soils are made, bore the great 
secrets of life. 

It has been well said that were you to show a rhan, sufficiently versed in 
the subject of the rocks, a new world, that by an examination of the soil and 
rocks he could tell exactly what kind of men, the degree of civilization, the 
boundary line of their improvements, in farming and in all other industries, 
the new world would eventually evolve. This might seem to some a sweeping 
assertion, but by all men of tolerable culture it is accepted without further 
question. 

Of all vocations in life that of the farmer brings him in closer relations to 
the land than that of any other class of men. To perfect his education, prac- 
tically and scientifically, is to make him the master of the philosophy of the most 
vital subject that can affect life, because he is in the position of first import- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 261 

ance, and when bis energies are properly directed, it will of itself place him 
high and supreme above all others. The fundamentals of our physical life 
have always rested primarily upon the tillers of the soil, and to tho coming 
farmer will mankind go for the higher qualities of mental life as they have 
alroady gone for their physical existence. The rudest tillers of the soil in the 
darkest ages learned, by patient experiments, some of the lessons tho land had 
to give its children. However limited their acquirements may have been, they 
were the first lessons in nature's supreme university, whose final diplomas will 
attest to the best type of minds the earth can produce. The coming farmer 
will understand the physical laws of this fountain of life at which he toils, sows 
and reaps. The schools will then teach that all knowledge is simply under- 
standing the mental and physical laws that hedge us about, that form and shape 
us in every way from the cradle to the grave. Then, too, will be revealed to the 
world the important secret that there is nothing so wholly practical as real 
knowledge. When this great age shall dawn upon the race, then will the 
unfortunate city boy go to the farmer's school to learn the true knowledge — to 
be educated. In that age the great man, "the sun crowned," to whom is 
accorded universal respect and honors, will be that farmer with the most knowl- 
edge of the soils he tills. 

The improvement in the manner of cultivating the soil — the introduction of 
machinery — has distinguished the last half of this century. It is not a great 
while ago that farming, stock raising and all branches of the business, were 
greatly matters of chance. Mostly the farmer would plow and sow, and gather 
his crops after the manner of his ancestors. He then did not concern himself 
about drainage, or fertilizing, or improving his stock, or better implements of 
husbandry. Now the poorest farmer makes some effort to inform himself. He 
has learned to read agricultural papers and book*, to meet and interchange 
ideas with his fellow- farmers, and thus he bestows and receives valuable hints 
and a more accurate knowledge of his own affairs. Agricultural schools are 
the evidences of what this important class are beginning to do for themselves. 
These stops along the line of advancement once came very slow, but now they 
are keeping abreast with the age. These are the most cheering signs of our 
times. Already he realizes fully that he is in a position to experiment and 
study cause and effect. This is the beginning of his real school, and once 
in the right path he will never turn aside. By these means he lifts himself 
above the narrow selfishness that too often characterizes nearly all other classes 
of men. 

IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED. 

Reforms move slowly. They are required, as Herbert Spencer says, to pass 
through three stages: First, that of indifference; second, that of violent opposi- 
tion; third, that of adoption. Improvements in the material and methods of 
farming are, by no means, an exception to this general law. 

It was the writer's good fortune lately to have a pleasant interview with 
Hon. Fred. Watts, of Carlisle, touching the changes in farming that have char- 
acterized the community. Said he: "About the middle of June, 1839, I was 
driving in a carriage with my wife from New York to Philadelphia, there being 
at that time no railroad communication. Near Trenton, N. J., I was met in 
the road by a former resident of Carlisle Barracks, Lieut. Wm. lnman, of the 
United States Navy, who invited us to spend the night at his house on the farm. 
We went over. The next day he showed me a field of beautiful wheat which was 
rapidly ripening for the harvest. He told mo that two years prior to that time 
he had procured three bushels of the seed near Leghorn, Italy, and was now 
raising his second crop. I obtained from him six barrels of the same kind, and 



262 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

sowed it on my farm near Carlisle. This was the introduction into the United 
States of the beautiful variety of wheat for a long time very popular and known 
as Mediterranean. From the six barrels which I sowed it was spread through 
the Cumberland Valley, and into other portions of the State. 

' ' It was in the slimmer of 1840, ' ' continued the judge, ' ' I bought a McCor- 
mick reaper, and brought it to my farm. When harvest came I determined to 
test its power in a twelve-acre field that would yield at least thirty-five bushels 
per acre. When the appointed time came there were present from five hun- 
dred to a thousand persons anxious to witness the signal failure of ' Watts' 
folly,' as they called the machine. 

" The wheat stood well. The team was started, the cutting was excellent; 
the draught was not heavy, but the general decision was that one man could not 
remove the wheat rapidly enough from the machine. The team could not be 
driven more than ten or twelve rods till it was necessary to stop and rest the 
raker and straighten up his sheaves. Finally a well-dressed gentleman, of or- 
dinary size and pleasant demeanor, came up and asked whether he might be 
permitted to remove the wheat for a few rounds. Being answered in the affirm- 
ative, he mounted the machine, and took the raker' s stand. With perfect ease 
he raked off the wheat, nor did ho seem to labor hard. After two or three 
rounds the spectators reversed their former decision and unanimously agreed 
that the machine was a complete success. ' Watts' folly ' became a favorite, 
and thus was introduced into the Cumberland Valley the first McCormick, the 
original reaping machine of the United States. The well-dressed gentleman 
who did the raking was Cyrus H. McCormick, the inventor of the American 
reaper. ' ' 

Similar illustrations might be adduced relative to the difficulties that at- 
tended the introduction of Jeft-handed steel plows, threshing machines, im- 
proved varieties of fruit and stock, and the general elements of agricultural 
improvements. The organization of agricultural and horticultural soci eties, 
the publication of State and National reports, the teaching of botany, physi- 
ology, geology and agricultural chemistry, the wide-spread distribution of 
farm journals, and the general education of the people by all rational means 
have tended to hasten reforms. The good work is going on. Scientific farm- 
ing is destined to be not only a lucrative calling, but an intensely interesting 
intellectual one. 

FIRST STOCK INTRODUCED. 

The first animals brought to America from Europe were imported by Colum- 
bus, in his second voyage in 1493. He brought over seventeen ships, 
laden with European trees, plants and seeds of various kinds, and a number 
of horses, a bull and several cows. The second lot of horses, the first hav- 
ing all been destroyed soon after landing, was in 1539, by De Soto — a large 
lot of horses and thirteen cows. The Portugese took cattle and swine to 
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in 1553. Thirty years after, they had in- 
creased so much that Sir Richard Gilbert was tempted to land there to get 
supplies of cattle and hogs, but his vessel was wrecked. In 1009 three ships 
landed at Jamestown, with many emigrants and the following domestic ani- 
mals: 6 mares, 1 horse, 600 swine. 500 domestic fowls, and a few sheep and 
goats. Other domestic animals had, however, been introduced there. In 
1610, an edict was issued in Virginia, prohibiting the killing of domestic ani- 
mals, on penalty of death. By 1617 the swine had increased so rapidly that 
the people were obliged to palisade Jamestown to prevent being overrun by 
them. In 1627, the Indians in Virginia subsisted mostly upon wild hog meat. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 263 

In 1048, some of the settlers had a good stock of bees. In 1057, sheep and 
mares wore by law forbidden to be exported from the colony. 

The first importation of domestic animals into New York was in 1025, by 
the West India Company. These consisted of horses, cattle, sheep and swine. 
In 1750, the French in Illinois had numbers of horses, cattle and swine. 



The first raising of wheat antedates history. Its native country even is 
not known. It was brought to this country by the earliest settlers, and 
was first sown in Massachusetts by a man named Gosnold in 1002. It is 
known that it was raised in Virginia in 1611, but here it was for many years 
neglected forthe cultivation of tobacco. Prior to the Revolution, Pennsylvania, 
among a few other provinces, raised enough for the home market and shipped 
wheat to the West Indies. 

In 1770 there was entailed upon the country the enduring calamity — the 
Hessian or wheat fiy, which it is supposed came from Germany, in some straw 
employed in the debarkation of Howe's troops, on the west end of Long Is- 
land. 

CORN. 

This was called sometimes maize, and for a long time was called Indian 
corn. But now it is corn and is known, used and cultivated throughout the 
civilized world. It is indigenous to the Western Hemisphere. Once it was 
the accepted saying in this country, "cotton is king, " bnt in the past quar- 
ter of a century, cotton has abdicated, and now " corn is king. ' ' 

Corn is still found growing in its wild state from the Rocky Mountains in 
the north to the humid forests of Paraguay, where, instead of having each 
grain naked, as is always the case after long cultivation, it is.completely cov- 
ered with glumes or husks. Columbus found corn cultivated on the island of 
Cuba at the time of discovery. 

The first successful attempt to raise it by the English in this country was 
in 1608, on the James River, by the colonists sent over by the London Com- 
pany. They pursued the mode that they saw the Indians practice. 



It is known that oats have been raised at least from the times of Pliny. 
The plant was introduced in North America early in the seventeenth century. 

In the early years of this century, the farming implements used were of the 
primitive kind. The old wooden plow was the means of preparing the ground; 
then came the Carey plow, and finally the iron moldboard was introduced with 
constant improvements to date, and we now have the gang plow, the sulky plow 
and others in almost endless variety. Men of middle age now can easily re- 
member when there was no corn planted except that dropped from the hand. 
The mower and reaper came, and then the reaper and binder, until now a well 
stocked agricultural store would be a veritable curiosity — a world's agricult- 
ural implement fair — to those who left the farm only a few years ago. There 
are men now living who can remember when grain was cut only by the ancient 
sickle — the scythe and cradle were in their day a great invention. They were 
an advance like the reaper and binder are to the scythe. 

THE CHAMPION CRADLER. 

In putting away the old " cradle" it is appropriate to here record what may 
be considered an extraordinary feat by a gentleman now living, and the truth 
of which is so well attested that its correctness cannot be questioned. 



264 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

During the harvest of 1858, the gentleman in question, an expert cradler, 
cut ten acres of grain in a single day. The feat being noised abroad, some 
newspaper ridiculed the statement as being absurdly ridiculous. In the mean- 
time, the report reached the ears of a firm in the Empire State, the proprie- 
tors of the Millard Fillmore Manufacturing Company, of Claysville, N. Y. , 
who wrote him to inquire whether he could cut ten acres of wheat provided 
they should make a cradle just to suit his wants; if so, they would be pleased 
to make him the implement, and present it to him with their compliments. He 
responded to the effect that if they would make an implement as ordered, he 
would undertake to cut twelve acres. They agreed. In due time his cradle 
came, a marvel of beauty and strength. The blade was sixty-five inches in 
length, and made of silver steel, cost alone $25. The only difference between 
this cradle and the ordinary one, was in point of size and the slight curvature 
of the blade at its heel. 

The long-expected time finally arrived, judges were appointed, and the 
champion was authorized to begin his day' s task, the limits being from sunrise 
to sunset. From far and near the people came, some to witness," as they pre- 
dicted, a failure; some to gratify idle curiosity, and others to see the modern 
Hercules actually accomplish his thirteenth wonder. 

He had employed a physician to traverse the field with him, and to give 
such medical advice as circumstances required. Under the physician's advice 
he worked bareheaded, cutting the grain regularly by going around the field. 
He was clad in linen pants and shirt and ordinary slippers. He took no solid 
food during the day, nor baited at noon. Once every two hours he stopped 
briefiy to whet his scythe, and then pushed ahead, cutting a swath eleven feet 
wide and five feet deep at every clip. He made, on an average, twenty -two 
clips per minute. 

About 2 o' clock in the afternoon, a heavy thunder storm came up, the rain 
falling in torrents. The lightning flashed, the blade gleaming as it was 
thrust into the heavy grain. Slippers were thrown aside, and still the heroic 
man pushed on, determined to redeem his pledge or die in his tracks. No 
solid food was taken, but liquid nourishment was consumed under the advice of 
the physician. Sometime during the afternoon, an old hunter suggested to 
the physician that a piece of raw beef taken between the teeth would benefit 
the man. It was done, a man being dispatched to Mercersburg to procure a 
piece which was held and the juice absorbed. At night only the fibres re- 
mained. 

As the sun sank behind the western hills the judges called time. His task 
was done. The field was subsequently surveyed, and measured something 
over twelve acres and a half. It is located near the village of Mercersburg, 
Franklin Co., Penn. The product of this remarkable day's cradling was 365 
dozen shocks of wheat, yielding, when thresbed, 262 bushels of grain. The la- 
bor of four men was required to bind after him. 

The gentleman who did this work, and whose constitution was thoroughly 
shattered by it, is Michael Cromer, at present the genial and popular conduct- 
or on the South Penn Railroad from Chambersburg to Richmond. Ho never 
speaks of it with pride, the honor having been gained by wrecking a constitu- 
tion "of unusual vigor and power. A more accommodating railroad official it 
has not been our good fortune to meet anywhere. At the age of fifty-eight 
years he still has the respect of everybody who is acquainted with him. 

In the early part of this century the farmers of Franklin County began 
agitating the subject of forming county agricultural societies. Exactly what 
year the first meetings of the people were held, looking toward organizing, is 



HISTORY OF FBANKLIN COUNTY. 265 

not definitely known. The following is fonnd in a chance copy of an old paper: 

"The Agricultural Society of Franklin County held a meeting at the 
court-house the 1st day of June, 1824. James Riddle, Prest. ; T. G. McCul- 
lough, Secy. 

"Note — The members of the society are expoctedto pay up their annual 
contribution on or before the day of meeting at Chambersburg. 

"Tuesday, June 5, 1827, a meeting of the Agricultural Society of Franklin 
was held. T. G. McCullough, Secy." 

Exactly when these society meetings were organized, how long they con- 
tinued, or exactly their manner of organization is not definitely known. The 
organization was in advance of the county agricultural societies as they now 
exist. 

The first regular organization was in the year 1853 — the charter members 
being Judge James Kennedy; George Chambers, vice president, S. M. Arm- 
strong, recording secretary; James Mills, corresponding secretary; Alex. K. 
McClure, treasurer. 

The grounds were fifteen acres, about one mile west of Chambersburg, 
which is now the colored cemetery. It belonged to Judge Kennedy. 

In 1854 the society held a most successful fair. To the novelty of the oc- 
casion, Alex. K. McClure succeeded by personal efforts in securing Horace 
Greeley to come and deliver an address on agriculture. The address was of 
course able, edifying and interesting. Col. McClure was at that time pub- 
lishing the Repository and was so pleased with the address that he appealed 
to Mr. Greeley to permit him to publish it. The great editor placed the manu- 
script in his hands and the hieroglyphics were as inscrutable as the characters 
on a tea-chest. After many patient efforts the services of D. S. Early (who 
was drowned in Philadelphia in 1855) were called in, and he finally translated 
the strange characters into English, and the address was printed. But when 
once in print it richly repaid the labor it had cost. Its advice to the farmers 
deserved to be not only printed in Col. McClure' s paper, but also to have 
been hung up over the portals of every farm house in the country, and to be 
read and re-read at least once every year. 

The second list of officers for the society, elected in 1853, for the year 1854, 
were: President, George Chambers; vice-president, William Heyser; record- 
ing secretary, S. M.Armstrong; corresponding secretary, James Nil!; treas- 
urer, Alex. K. McClure. At the fair in 1853, Daniel F. Robenson delivered an 
address on agriculture. 

The following officers were elected for the Franklin County Agricultural 
Society for the year 1855: President, William Heyser; vice presidents, Will- 
iam McDowell, James Davidson, James Lowe, Samuel Thompson; managers, 
Daniel Trostle, F. S. Sambaugh, George Aston, Jacob Heyser, William Bos- 
sert, Hez. Easton, Peter Brough, Martin Newcomer, Christian Stouffer, Jacob 
Garver, Benjamin Snively and James Crawford; recording secretary, S. M. 
Armstrong; corresponding secretary, Jacob Heyser; treasurer, A. K. Mc- 
Clure. 

Farmers and Mechanics Industrial Association was the third agricultural 
association formed in the county. A meeting was called in Chambersburg, 
Tuesday, January 18, 1859. Col. James B. Orr, president, John Ruthrauff, 
J. Watson Craig, William Bossert, Capt. Samuel Walker, David Spencer, 
Esq., John Ditch, John W. Taylor, Joseph G. Cressler, Samuel Gilmore, Sam- 
uel Alexander, Jacob B. Cook, John Thomas, Benjamin Chambers and Hon. 
James J. Kennedy, vice-presidents; Francis Northcraft and William D. McKin- 
stry, secretaries. A committee of two from eacb township, and two from Cham- 
bersburg, appointed to solicit membership for the new organization, as follows; 



2GG HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Antrim — John Ruthrauff, Benjamin Snively; Chambersburg — J. W. Taylor, A. 
R. Hnrst; Fannett — Samuel Holliday, Simon Miller; Greene — Jacob Garver, S. 
Breckenridge ; Guilford — G. W. Immell, F. Walk; Hamilton — William Bos- 
sert, Henry Keefer; Lettorkenny — S. Gilmore, Samuel Lehman; Lurgan — 
Thomas Pumroy, D. C. Byers; Metal — Capt. S. Walker, Jacob Flickinger; 
Montgomery — J. AVatson Craig, J. L. Rhea; Peters — A. E. McDowell, S. Al- 
exander; Quincy — Jacob Secrist, John A. Shank; Southampton — D. Hays, 
David Spencer, Esq.; St. Thomas— Charles Gillan, John Miller; Warren — 
A. H. McCulloh, Jacob Zimmerman; Washington — Abraham Bar, H. X. 
Stoner. 

On motion, Hon. John Orr, John W. Taylor, and David M. Lesher were 
appointed a committee to wait upon the last board of managers of the de- 
funct old Agricultural Society of Franklin County, and learn if they will con- 
tribute to the present company as soon as formed, the funds, lands, and other 
property of said defunct body. 

Andrew N. Rankin, Col. James B. Orr, and Mr. John Ruthrauff appointed 
a committee to draft a constitution. 

An able and highly instructive address was delivered by William McLellan. 

A constitution was adopted. 

Andrew N. Rankin, Dr. Samuel G. Lane, Jacob Henninger, Jacob N. Sni- 
der and Peter B. Housum were appointed the county executive committee. 

Officers elected at a meeting, June 7, 1859, to serve the ensuing year, as 
follows: President, Col. James B. Orr; vice-presidents, William Bossert, 
James Davison, S. Armstrong, Bradley and Henry Keefer; recording secre- 
tary, Wm. S. Everett; corresponding secretary, Andrew N. Rankin; treas- 
urer, Emanuel Kuhn ; managers, John Ruthrauff, J. Watson Craig, Benjamin 
Chambers, Esq., Jacob Heyser, Peter Stenger, Esq., Capt. Samuel Walker, 
David M. Lesher, William Cline, David A. Wertz, William B. Gabby, Robert 
Clugston, and James G. Elder. 

A fair to be held in October, continuing four days, was provided for. 

The old society promptly turned over their assets to the new society. 

The Franklin County Agricultural Society was organized October 19, 1875. 
The board of directors were; James Scott, president; Dr. J. L. Suesserott, 
vice-president; Calvin Gilbert, secretary; William Heyser, treasurer; Dr. E. 
Culbertson, James A. McKnight, John P. Culbertson, M. A. Keefer. Dr. A. 
H. Senseny, E. J. Bonebrake, Peter Kreighbaum, M. A. Foltz, W. F. Eyster, 
and John Forbes, 

The last board: Dr. J. L. Suesserott, president; A. H. Etter, vice-pres- 
ident; Calvin Gilbert, secretary; William Heyser, treasurer; John P. Cul- 
bertson, James A. McKnight, M. A. Keefer, E. J. Bonebrake, M. A. Foltz, 
Jere Rhoadarmer, N. P. Grove, A. A. Skinner, John Gerhig and W. P. 
Slaughenhaupt. It ceased to exist in "1882 or 1883. 

Pet Stock Association in 1879-80 was in a nourishing condition. Its meet- 
ings were held in Repository Hall, Chambersburg. The following were the 
officers: President, L. L. Springer. Vice-Presidents, Rev. F. F. Bahner, 
Waynesboro; H. C. Greenawalt, Fayetteville; J. M. Long, Loudon; Solomon 
Sellenberger, Guilford; Dr. W. C. Lane, Orrstown; John Croft, St. Thomas; 
P. E. Kreps, Greencastle; Dr. Martin, Mercersburg; H. S. Gilbert, Cham- 
bersburg; C. C. Schrebler, Chambersburg; G. R. Colliflower, Chambersburg; 
Dr. B. Bowman, Chambersburg. Recording Secretary, W. E. Tolbert. Cor- 
responding Secretary, T. M. Nelson. Treasurer, A. H. McCulloh. Auditor, 
J. P. Keefer. Executive Board, N. P. Grove, J. N. Snider, Rev. A. S. Hart- 
man, J. M. Gable, J. L. Senseny, H. C. Seibert. Superintendent, N. P. 
Grove. 







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aZ'tsf&o^s 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 269 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

Introductory View of the Human Structure — Sketches of Prominent 
Deceased Peiysicians— Epidemics— Medical Societies— Roster of Pres- 
ent Physicians. 

THE proper study of mankind is man " is a truth very generally conceded. 
This embraces a knowledge of man in all his departments and relations 
— his origin, his mental and physical structure, his duties to himself, to his 
kind and to his creator, and his destiny. 

Our subject has to do mainly with but one principal department, man's 
physical nature, " the house I live in." This house is truly a complex and 
interesting structure, two stories and a half in height, tho windows all being 
in the half story or cupola. Its frame-work is such as to compel an inspired 
man to say admiringly of his own body: "lam fearfully and wonderfully 
made. ' ' It has the power of locomotion, being removed from one point to 
another with ease and rapidity. This house has a firm and perfectly fitted 
framework, well covered with weather-boarding, and thoroughly joined to- 
gether by cords properly adapted to their purpose. Within it has a most re- 
markable system of machinery, consisting of engines and fans and boilers and 
tubes and valves, and all the arrangements to run it successfully. The ex- 
pression, ' ' the house I live in, ' ' implies two beings, the house and its occu- 
pant. We are all renters. Like the snail, we carry about us and with us, 
everywhere, a temporary dwelling place. With ordinary care, it may be held 
seventy years, the allotted period of life. With abuse, it must be vacated on 
short notice — often without any notice. 

There are comparatively few good housekeepers. Carlyle, learned and 
caustic, confessed that when seventy years old he discovered he had a stomach. 
Sidney Smith said every man living to the age of seventy had eaten forty 
wagon loads more than he needed. The majority of mankind live from day to 
day in utter ignorance and in many cases utter defiance of the simplest laws 
of their being. Strange as it may seem, the race was not aware till it had 
reached the opening of the seventeenth century that the heart sends a life -fluid 
coursing through the system; and but for the courage of Dr. Harvey, in an- 
nouncing and defending the doctrine of the constant circulation of the blood, 
mankind would, doubtless, be to-day enveloped in like ignorance. 

It is within the memory of not the oldest inhabitant, that all sorts of 
diseases were cured by the sorcerer's incantation or pow-wow; that the use of 
a buzzard's gizzard, immersed in vinegar, would cure every species of snako 
bite; that rubbing of skunk oil or goose fat upon the side would cure pleurisy; 
that the hanging about the neck of a spider incased in a thimble would cure 
whooping-cough; that the letting of a small quantity of blood from the chief 
vein of the arm would relieve the patient from earthly ills; that the sight of 
the moon over the left shoulder was indicative of good luck; that the washing 
of the cat's face indicated the approach of visitors; that vegetables planted in 
the dark of the moon would produce rank tops but no fruit ; that the paring 
of finger nails on Friday was indicative of ill-luck, etc. 

The age of superstition is not wholly past when people imagine that the 

is 



270 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ills of mankind may be removed by charms and spells and certain faith cures. 
Until people realize that certain causes produce certain effects and that noth- 
ing short of the removal or modification of the cause can produce any perma- 
nent change, no marked reform can be hoped for. 

One of the hopeful signs of the times is the fact that the rudiments of anat- 
omy, physiology and hygiene are being introduced into our common school 
courses of study. Children need to learn that sound health depends upon 
proper oating, sleeping, drinking and exercising, and not upon the particular 
locality occupied, or the amount of foreign substances taken into the system; 
that good habits of life, early established, will continue steadfast friends all along 
the journey and insure happiness; that a vigorous and pleasant old age depends 
upon the foundation laid in youth; and that not by a change of climate neces- 
sarily, but by heeding nature's laws, perfect health is secured. 

Physicians will have an easier and pleasanter practice when their patients 
are intelligent in these fundamental matters. Doctors will then become what 
they were intended to be, and what the good sense of all intelligent ones sug- 
gests they should be, the confidential and successful health advisers of the 
people. An intelligent obedience to health laws will supplant the indiscrimin- 
ate and often hurtful use of patent nostrums and strong medicines. 

Through all these difficulties medical science has had to advance. Its po- 
sition to-day is the result of much empiricism, and the recording of observa- 
tions made. It must of necessity be a growth, the concentrated wisdom of 
the ages. 

It is much to be regretted that no records of the early medical practice in 
the county are accessible. Rebel flames consumed, in 18(54, much of what had 
been collected in that line. In the following pages will be found such facts 
as could be gathered from a variety of sources. Dr. W. C. Lane, of Mercers- 
burg, has kindly contributed the personal sketches of a number of prominent 
physicians, all written in his inimitable style. His brother, Dr. S. G. Lane, 
has furnisned the material relative to the early diseases and epidemics of the 
county. 

Had the registration now in force existed from the early settlement, many 
facts connected with the profession, which are now wholly lost, would have 
been preserved, The past may not be remedied : the future may be secured by 
an adoption of the wise policy of preserving records carefully and fully. 

EARLY MEDICAL HISTORY OF CHAMBERSBURG. 

The first physician who ever practiced medicine within the present limits 
of Franklin County was Dr. Hugh Mercer, subsequently the distinguished 
general of the Revolution. 

DR. HUGH MERCER. 

Hugh Mercer was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1721, and, after receiv- 
ing a liberal education, devoted himself to the study of medicine. At the 
memorable battle of Culloden, between the forces of Charles Edward and the 
Duke of Cumberland, Dr. Mercer served as a surgeon's assistant; and, after 
the defeat of the Scotch army, and the flight of the Pretender, he left his na- 
tive country, a refugee, and came to America. He settled near Greencastle, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , about the year 1750. At that early date, this region was 
an almost unexplored wilderness, and it is difficult to understand why the cul- 
tivated young physician should select so wild a location, in which few white 
men were yet to be found. He remained there until the Indians, emboldened 
by the defeat of Braddock, in 1755, made frequent and bloody forays into the 
country east of the Kittatinny Mountain. To protect themselves from these 



HISTORY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 271 

murderous irruptions, the settlers formed themselves into several companies of 
rangers, of one of which Dr. Mercer was appointed captain. His commission 
is dated March 6, 1750. His field of operation extended from the Welsh 
Bun District, and Mereersburg, into remote regions along the foot of tho moun- 
tain. His headquarters were frequently at McDowell's Fort, situated at the 
present village of Bridgeport. Dr. Mercer's company formed a part of the 
force of Col. John Armstrong, with which he surprised and destroyed the In- 
dian village at Kittatinny, in the fall of 1751). On this occasion, ho marched 
from Fort Shirley, in Huntingdon County, at which post he discharged the 
duties of surgeon to the garrison, as well as those pertaining to his military 
station. At Kittanning, he was severely wounded in tho shoulder, by a rifle 
bullet, and was carried from the held to a place of safety. But becoming sep- 
arated from his comrades, he was soon surrounded by the savages, and saved 
himself from capture by crawling into the trunk of a fallen and hollow tree. 
During the progress. of the tight, the Indians passed over the tree in which he 
was concealed; but, not suspecting his presence, he remained undiscovered. 
After the rout of the foe, Mercer crept froin his hiding place, and found that 
his friends had also left the held of battle. His situation was now one of no 
ordinary embarrassment and danger. Faint from the loss of blood, and suf- 
fering from a severe wound, he was alone in the wilderness, surrounded by a 
savage foe. at a distance of more than one hundred miles from any settlement, 
and without the means of procuring subsistence. Under these trying and 
discouraging circumstances, the dauntless courage of the heroic soldier did not 
desert him. He determined to pursue his way as best he could toward Fort 
Cumberland, which then stood where the town of Cumberland, Md. , was sub- 
sequently built. On his slow and painful journey he lived on roots, berries 
and tho body of a rattlesnake, which, with much difficulty, he managed to kill 
and skin, in consequence of the wound received at Kittanning having rendered 
his right arm powerless. After encountering many and great privations, he at 
length reached the Fort, just as his strength was about sinking under the fa- 
tigue and suffering he had so long endured. He slowly recovered from his — 
wound, and, in the summer of the following year, 1757, he was commander 
of the garrison in the fort at Shipponsburg, then the verge of the frontier of 
the province. On December 4, 1757, he was commissioned major in the 
"forces of the Province of Pennsylvania," and "was posted west of the 
Susquehanna. ' ' Mercer accompanied the command of Gen. John Forbes, in 
his expedition in the following year, against Fort Du Quesne. During this 
march he first met Washington, then a brigadier- general of Virginia troops; 
and, at this period, began the intimate and enduring friendship which existed 
between these two distinguished men. After the evacuation and burning of 
Fort Du Quesne, by the French and Indians, Mercer, now promoted to colonel, 
was left in command of the post, and by him the fortification was partially re- 
built. Two hundred of Washington's Virginia troops formed part of tho 
garrison, which comprised in all 409 men. 

After the conclusion of the French and Indian war and the evacuation of 
the Western forts by their French garrisons, Col. Mercer temporarily retired 
from military life, and, at the solicitation of Washington, left his home in the 
wilds of Pennsylvania, taking up his abode at Fredericksburg, Va., where he 
resumed the practice of medicine. He was living in Fredericksburg at the be- 
ginning of the Revolution, and was commissioned colonel of one of the Vir- 
ginia regiments in the patriot army. Through the influence of Washington he 
received the appointment of brigadier- general. He accompanied Washington 
on his retreat through New Jersey, and " rendered him valuable aid at the 



272 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

battle of Trenton. " At the battle of Princeton in 1777, Mercer led the van- 
guard of the American army, and, while exhibiting admirable skill and courage 
in the management of his command, his horse was shot under him and he was 
forced to continue the fight on foot. He was quickly surrounded by a number 
of British soldiers and ordered to surrender. Unheeding the summons he drew 
his sword and vigorously began the unequal contest with his overpowering 
foes. At length he was beaten to the ground with their muskets, and, after 
brutally thrusting him with their bayonets, they left him, supposing life had 
fled. He was carried to a neighboring house by Maj. Armstrong, a son of 
his old commander, Col. John Armstrong. When Washington heard the sad 
fortune of his friend and compatriot, he sent his nephew, Maj. Lewis, to watch 
over the last hours and minister to the wants of the dying hero. A few 
days after the battle, Mercer died in the arms of Maj. Lewis. In private life 
* Mercer was mild and retiring, and his gentle and amiable deportment gave no 
indication of the dauntless bravery he so often displayed in sanguinary con- 
flicts with savage and civilized foes. 

Whether the professional visits of Dr. Mercer extended to the settlement 
at the Falling Spring, we have no means of ascertaining; but beyond doubt 
they did. as there was at that time no physician but himself intheConoco- 
cheague settlement, which then included the district between Chambersburg 
and his place of residence. At a much later day the physicians of Cham- 
bersburg were in the habit of making much longer professional rides. 

In the early days of Chambersburg, the hardy settlers were unacquainted 
with the luxuries and refinements of more cultivated society, and their primi- 
tive habits and modes of living rendered the services of a physician rarely 
necessary. In most new settlements of that day, there were men among the 
sturdy pioneers who possessed some general knowledge of the more simple 
diseases, and the means by which they could be successfully treated. Thus, 
they were enabled to dispense with the services of the medical man, until the 
growth of the community, and the introduction of the many enervating 
customs of fashionable life, multiplied their diseases, and required the aid of 
those who made diseases and their treatment their special study. The people 
of the Conococheague formed no exception to this rule. 

Many years ago, the Hon. George Chambers told the writer that his 
grandfather, Col. Benjamin Chambers, the founder of the settlement, was 
in the habit of gratuitously prescribing for his neighbors, and performing the 
operations of extracting teeth and bleeding when they were required. 

DR. JOHN CALHOON. 

However, as the settlement increased in numbers, and the habits of the 
people changed, a physician was needed, and Dr. John Calhoon came to the 
place. We know little about Dr. Calhoon' s early life, further than that he 
was a native of Cumberland County, and a gentlemen of education who had 
been regularly instructed in the science of medicine. He married Miss 
liuhamah, daughter of Col. Chambers, and lived in the white weather-boarded 
house on the northeast corner of Main and King Streets. He lived there for 
some years, and, in 1782, began the erection of the fine stone building north 
of the Falling Spring Church, now owned and occupied by William L. 
Chambers, Esq. Dr. Calhoon died in the same year, in the forty-second year 
of his age. The building was completed and occupied by his widow. During 
a visit to his daiighter, Mrs. Calhoon, Col. Benjamin Chambers received his 
summons to depart; and, after an illness of a few hours, died on the 17th of 
February, 1788, aged about eighty years. The departure of this noted man 
was calm and peaceful, and free from physical suffering. 



IIISTOltY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 273 

DR. ABRAHAM SENSENY. 

The next physician who settled in Chambersburg was Dr. Abraham Sen- 
seny, the first of a family of physicians who adorned the medical profession, 
and whose professional labors extended through a century of the history of 
Chambersburg. It is sad to remember that, only now, this conspicuous 
family has no medical representative in the community in whose growth and 
interest they were so prominently identified for so long a period. Dr. 
Senseny was born in New Holland, Lancaster County, in 1761. At an early 
age he went to York and began the study of his profession. In 1799, he went 
to Hagerstown, Md. , with the design of locating in that town. But, not 
liking the place, he same to Chambersburg, where he remained a short time, 
and then returned to York, and recommenced his medical studies, and 
remained in that town until the fall of 1781, when he finally settled perma- 
nently in Chambersburg. At that early date the town was small and the 
inhabitants few in number. The only street then laid out was Main Street, 
which extended from the site of the Reformed Chxirch to the residence of Dr. 
Calhoon, which was some distance beyond the majority of the buildings. Dr. 
Senseny lived in a small log house, which stood near the residence of the late 
Dr. B. S. Schneck, on East Market Street. Between his house and the Public 
Square were only three or four small log houses, mostly surrounded by woods. 
Near the residence of Dr. Senseny was a considerable hill, on part of which 
the academy now stands. This hill, which was largely removed by the 
grading of the streets and the making of the railroad, was covered with 
thick woods, which abounded in wild animals of different varieties. Mrs. 
Senseny told the writer, many years ago, that the wolves could be heard howling 
upon the hill at nightfall, and that they often ventured near enough to the 
margin of the woods to enable her to see their lank and grisly forms from her 
door. On Market Street, between the Diamond and the Conococheague 
Creek, no houses had been built, and the original forest yet remained. Col. 
Chambers lived on the bank of the creek, near the western extremity of the 
King Street bridge, and his orchard covered many acres, extending to Market 
Street on the south, and to Franklin Street on the west. The only place 
where the creek could be crossed was at the ford, where the fine bridge now 
spans the stream at the western end of Queen Street. This ford was crossed 
by means of a flat boat belonging to Col. Chambers. Dr. Senseny practiced 
his profession in Chambersburg and the surrounding country for a period of 
sixty- three years, and had a large practice, and was considered a safe and 
judicious practitioner. He was the first physician to the Franklin County 
Alms House, his term of service beginning in 1808, the year in which the 
institution was built. Dr. Senseny died suddenly, of apoplexy, in February, 
1844, when he had nearly completed his eighty-third year. 

DR. ALEXANDER STEWART. 

Dr. Alexander Stewart was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and received 
his medical education at the celebrated university of that city. We know noth- 
ing of his early life. He was appointed surgeon's mate in the Third Pennsyl- 
vania Regiment, in the Continental Army, and served in the general hospital 
for three years, from 1776 to 1779. On the 16th of October, 1779, he" was 
appointed surgeon of the regiment. He resigned his position January 1, 1783, 
and settled in Chambersburg. He was induced to go there by the influence of 
Maj. Allison, a soldier of the Revolution, and then a resident of the town. 
Many of the older citizens will remember the brave old soldier who lived so 
long among them. The writer has had access to an old day-book which 



274 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

belonged to Dr. Stewart, and which contains charges against many of the old 
and most influential citizens of Charnbersburg and its neighborhood. It will 
be observed that the professional visits of the Doctor extended many miles 
from his home, and into remote regions whose people wished to avail themselves 
of his professional skill. The charges extend through the years 1783-84-85- 
86. A few of these entries we will transcribe. On the 13th of March, 1783, 
appear the following items: "Col. Benjamin Chambers. To Miss Hetty, Sal. 
Glaub. 1 oz. " "Col. James Chambers, To family visit, 15 shillings; August 
17th, 1783, To Betsy, 12 pil. Mercury, 2s. 6d." "Col. Crawford (at creek), 
23 September, 1783, To 6 vomits, 4s." "Andrew Phillips (cross the ford), 
To son, vomit, 2s." "John Andrew (spring), Dec. 8, 1783, to the Schoolmas- 
ter, Cath. Is." "Samuel Ireland (Fort Loudon), July 16, 1783, To son, 
vomit, Is. 3d." "Mr. Lang (Minister), June 26, 1784, To a poor man a 
vomit and cathartic, by your desire." "Capt. Benjamin Chambers, Nov. 23, 
1783, To 1 dr. Camphor Is. 6d.'" "Col. Culbertson, May 5, 1783, To son, 
visit and dressing toe, 8 shillings." Among other names appear those of 
William Chambers, Col. James Young, John Calhoon, Mr. McCulloh (at 
Fullerton's Mill, father of the late Thomas G. McCulloh, Esq.), Edward Craw- 
ford, Sr,, Samuel Dryden, Walter Beatty, George Chambers. Joseph Cham- 
bers, Maj. Boggs, Alexander Culbertson, John Eaton (mountain fort), William 
Wier (below Claren's gap), John Ramsey (Tuscarora Valley), against whom 
the following entry is made on the 28th of September, 1783, "To visit, reduc- 
ing fractured tibia and fibula 1£ — 10 shillings." Nathan McDowell, John 
Kerr (near Town), James Crawford (in the corner), Mr. Brown (Big Spring), 
Capt. Piper (near Fort Loudon), Humphrey Fullerton, Esq. , Fergus Moor- 
head, Jeremiah Galvin (Rocky Spring), Col. John Thomson, John Morton 
(Tuscarora Valley), Nicholas Snider, Alexander Crawford, Mr. Elliott (Path 
Valley), Josiah Allen, William Wallace (in town), Capt. Conrad Snider, John 
Moor (Back Creek), Maj. Talbot, Col. Watson, M. Fawver (minister), John 
Jack, John Vance and William Dickie (West Conococheague). These, as 
well as many other names in this quaint old book, are conspicuously distin- 
guished in the early history of Franklin County, and many of them were brave 
soldiers in the Revolution. The Doctor's practice was large, and, as is obvi- 
ous from the extracts from his account book, of the highest respectability. 

Citizens of Bedford, McConnellsburg, Big Spring and other equally dis 
iant localities, were also among the Doctor's large clientage. Dr. Stewart 
built and resided in the white rough-cast house, on the corner of Queen and 
Water Streets, which, after his death, was for many years occupied by his 
brother-in-law, the late Maj. Allison. Dr. Stewart died in 1793. 

DR. ANDREW m'dOWELL. 

Dr. Andrew McDowell was brought up in the neighborhood of Mercersburg, 
and prosecuted his medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, from 
which institution he received the degree of M. B., in the year 1787. 
Soon after the completion of his studies, he located in Charnbersburg, and 
entered upon the active practice of his profession. He remained here 
until the year 1831, when he relinquished his profession, moved to Mer- 
cersburg, Penn. , and lived with his son, Dr. John McDowell, a prominent 
practitioner of that town, until the occurrence of his death, at an advanced 
age, in the year 1846. Dr. McDowell had another son, Dr. Andrew, who re- 
sided in Pittsburgh, and ranked among the most prominent physicians of 
Western Pennsylvania. Dr. McDowell was a fine classical scholar, and, 
during his residence in Charnbersburg, enjoyed a large and respectable practice. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 275 

DR. CLINGMAN. 

A Dr. Clingman lived in Chambersburg for six or seven years, between the 
years 1788 and 1798. He was a man of fine ability and character, and stood 
high in the estimation of the public. His manners were agreeable and his 
address very pleasing. Yet, he made little effort to secure a medical practice, 
and, consequently, his success was rather limited. 

DR. ANDREW BAUM. 

Dr. Andrew Baum, a native of Germany, lived in Chambersburg in the 
year 1790, and occupied the house owned by the late Col. Elder, nearly oppo- 
site the Falling Spring Church. He was a graduate of one of the celebrated 
German universities, and was a fine scholar and an accomplished physician. 
He remained in Chambersburg only two or three years, and then removed to 
Demarara, where he died, after the accumulation of a very large fortune. 

DR. WILLIAM B. SCOTT. 

The next physician in regular succession was Dr. William B. Scott. Dr. 
Scott was a son of Judge Scott, of Hunterstown, Adams Co., Penn., and set- 
tled in Chambersburg about the year 1793. He was certainly here very early 
in the following year, because his name frequently occurs in an old day-book 
of 1794, which the writer had in his possession. He left town probably in 
1804 or 1805. Dr. Scott was highly respected and was very popular on ac- 
count of his fine social qualities and professional attainments. His friends 
were many, and his practice was large. 






DR. JOHN SLOAN. 

Dr. John Sloan was born in the County Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 
1760. Of his early years, no information can now be obtained, but the fact 
that he was a licentiate of Dublin College of Surgeons, and the additional 
assurance presented in his advertisement, when he moved to Chambersburg, 
"that he had attended the different classes in the profession, for nine years in 
London, with the practice of their hospitals for that time;" and, further, 
that he had ' ' practiced ten years in Europe, and four years in the city of 
Philadelphia." Dr. Sloan acted a prominent part in the Irish rebellion of 
1798, and was seized by the British Government and confined in the military 
barracks at Claremont. After a few days' confinement in that place, he was 
tried for treason, convicted and sentenced, to death. Through the intercession 
of the Rev. Hugh Boleyn, a Presbyterian divine, with his friend, Lord Caledon, 
the latter exerted his influence with Lord Henry Murray, the commander of 
of the force engaged in the suppression of the rebellion, and thus secured a 
commutation of the sentence to one of one thousand lashes and banishment 
from the country, within fourteen days, the original sentence to be en- 
forced, provided he should ever return. The execution of this inhuman sen 
tence was begun; but, before receiving one half of the number of lashes or- 
dered, the surgeon of the station declared that his life would be forfeited, 
should the whole number be inflicted. He was, accordingly, released, and left 
Ireland as soon as he had recovered sufficiently to embark for America. He 
arrived in Philadelphia in the beginning of the year 1799, with his body 
cruelly lacerated by the brutal punishment he had received, by order of the 
British Government. He remained in Philadelphia, and practiced his profes- 
sion until 1803, when, on November 22, of that year, he moved to Chambers- 
burg. Dr. Sloan died in August, 1831, aged seventy-one years. 



276 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

DR. THOMAS WALMSLEY. 

Dr. Thomas Walmsley completed his medical studies in Philadelphia, in 
1803, and moved to Chambersburg soon afterward. He remained there only 
a short time, and went to Hagerstown in the summer of 1805. He died soon 
after his settlement in his new home. Dr. Walmsley was a gentleman of fine 
intellect, and possessed a fondness for scientific investigations, which he pur- 
sued with ardor and enthusiasm. As a physician he occupied the highest rank 
among his brother physicians, both in Philadelphia and Chambersburg, while 
with some of the most distinguished of the former he was associated in his 
medical pupilage. In his death science lost an ardent and devoted follower. 

DH. SAMUEL D. CULBERTSON. 

Among the most distinguished men of the Cumberland Valley, the late Dr. 
Samuel Duncan Culbertson holds a conspicuous place. Dr. Culbertson' s ances- 
tors belonged to the famous Scotch-Irish, who were chiefly instrumental in res- 
cuing the beautiful valley from its savage invaders in the old French and Indian 
wars, and were ardent and uncompromising patriots all through the dark days 
of the Revolution. Robert Culbertson, the father of the Doctor, was captain 
of a company of Cumberland County troops in the Fifth Battalion of CoL 
Joseph Armstrong, as early as the summer of 1776. On the 14th day of Au- 
gust, at a meeting of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, held in 
Philadelphia, it was "ordered, that Robert Culbertson, Esq'r. be appointed 
Waggon Master of said county (Cumberland), in the room of the said Matthew 
Gregg," resigned. This was a responsible position in the military service of 
the State, and its duties were by no means indicated by its title. Previous to 
this date he had been promoted to lieutenant-colonel. This promotion had been 
made as early as April, 1778. Samuel D. Culbertson was born on his father's 
farm, at the head of " Culbertson' s Row," on the 21st of February, 1786. He 
was educated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa. After the completion of 
his college course he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Walmsley, 
in Chambersburg. When that gentleman moved to Hagerstown, in 1805, 
young Culbertson accompanied him; and, when the death of Dr. Walmsley oc- 
curred soon afterward, the young student continued his studies in the office of 
Dr. Young, with whom his deceased preceptor had formed a partnership. He 
returned to Chambersburg in 1807, and began the practice of medicine, and 
soon secured a very large and respectable business. Before his settlement in 
Chambersburg, he attended one course, of lectures in the University of Penn- 
sylvania. 

In 1836, as an acknowledgment of his professional skill and attainments, 
he received the honorary degree of M. D. When the President made a requi- 
sition on Pennsylvania for her quota of troops to resist the invasion of the 
British army in 1812, the Doctor marched as first lieutenant of Capt. Jere- 
miah Snider' s company of volunteers. When the troops had all assembled at 
Meadville, the place of rendezvous, and were formed into a brigade, he was 
appointed surgeon-in-chief of the brigade, and remained in the field until the 
expiration of the time for which the troops had enlisted, and then returned 
home and resumed his practice. The peaceful vocation of a physician's life 
was, however, soon again interrupted by the rude alarm of war. When the 
news of the threatened attack of the British on Baltimore, in 1814, reached 
Chambersburg, Dr. Culbertson immediately raised a company of volunteers, 
of which he was unanimously chosen captain, and marched without delay to 
the relief of that city. When the enemy retired and the services of the com- 
pany were no longer needed, he marched it home, and again resumed his pro- 





^^-^^/ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 279 

fessional labors. He continued in active and laborious practice until the year 
1832, when he retired from the ranks of a profession which he had so signally 
adorned, in favor of Drs. Lane and Bain, whom he had associated with him- 
self a few months previously. After his retirement from practice, he did not 
lose his interest in medical affairs, and was habitually consulted by his medical 
brethren in emergencies and difficult or obscure cases. His wise counsel was 
always cheerfully rendered whenever sought. After his retirement from his 
profession, he became extensively engaged in the manufacture of straw boards, 
in conjunction with Gr. A. Shryock and several other gentlemen of Chambers- 
burg. Subsequently he bought the interests of his partners, and, the business 
proving highly lucrative and successful, he finally retired with a large fortune. 
Dr. Culbertson's contributions to medical literature were not extensive, but 
they were original and valuable. ' ' A lengthy report of a case treated by him 
was deemed of sufficient value to be appended to a work on kindred diseases 
by a writer of authority; and a communication of his on a vexed question in 
physiology attracted the hearty commendations of the celebrated Prof. Chap- 
man, ' ' so long the most eminent member of the medical profession in America. 
Dr. Culbertson died August 25, 1865, aged seventy-nine years, leaving a 
reputation, possibly yet unrivaled, certainly unexcelled, in the medical his- 
tory of Franklin County. 

DR. JEREMIAH SENSENY. 

Dr. Jeremiah Senseny was a native of Chambersburg, and a son of Dr. 
Abraham Senseny. He studied medicine under the instruction of his father, 
and began the practice of it in the year 1809. Dr. Senseny pursued his pro- 
fessional business with much ardor and enthusiasm until the beginning of the 
war with England, in 1812, when' he promptly enlisted as a private in the 
company of Capt. Henry Reges, in the fall of that year. At Meadville, when 
the brigade was formed, he was appointed assistant to Dr. S. D. Culbertson, 
the surgeon-in-chief, but was soon compelled to resign the office in conse- 
quence of failing health. In 1814 he again volunteered in his country's de- 
fense, and went with Capt. John Findlay to Baltimore, as one of the officers 
of the company commanded by that gentleman. At the close of the war he 
resumed his practice in Chambersburg, which, for many years, was very large 
and lucrative. He died August 6, 1863, at an advanced age. 

DR. ALEXANDER T. DEAN. 

Dr. Alexander T. Dean located in Chambersburg in 1815, after the close 
of the war, in which he had taken an active part as a volunteer. He was a 
member of a company that was formed in the neighborhood of Mercersburg, 
and proceeded to Buffalo, in 1812. Previous to his removal to Chambersburg 
he had resided for a short time in Huntingdon, Penn. , his native county. In 
1816 he formed a partnership with Dr. Watkins, which, however, was not 
long continued. In 1824 he and Dr. N. B. Lane formed an association, 
which continued until 1826, and was dissolved by the contemplated removal 
of Dr. Dean to Harrisburg, which event occurred in 1828. Dr. Dean was a 
gentleman of very superior intellect, and possessed varied and extensive ac- 
quirements. In medical lore, especially, he was thoroughly skilled. Although 
possessing a great fondness for the literature of his profession, his mind was, 
perhaps, rather too metaphysical and speculative for the dry details and un- 
bending facts of medicine. He was a fluent and graceful speaker, and an 
elegant and accomplished writer. Having suffered from severe attacks of 
rheumatism, as well as from occasional hemorrhages from the lungs, he was, 
to a considerable degree, unfitted for encountering the arduous duties per- 



280 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

taining to the practice of medicine. Dr. Dean practiced in Harrisburg from his 
removal from Chambersburg, in 1828, until the autnmn of 1834, when his valu- 
able life was destroyed by cholera. Dr. Dean was forty-six years old when so 
suddenly called away, and he died much lamented by a large circle of admir- 
ing friends, to whom his many estimable qualities, of both head and heart, 
had greatly eDdeared him. 

DR. THOMAS G. WATKINS. 

Dr. Thomas Gr. Watkins lived and practiced in Chambersburg from the 
autumn of 1814 to the close of the year 1816. He then returned to Virginia, 
in which State he had previously resided. He was a gentleman of fine appear- 
ance and address, and was the possessor of much medical knowledge and skill. 
However, he soon became unpopular with the people of the town, in conse- 
quence of the exorbitant fees which he demanded for his professional services. 

DR. GEORGE B. m' KNIGHT. 

Dr. George B. McKnightwas a native of Chambersburg, and the son of the 
Rev. Dr. John McKnight, for some years pastor of Rocky Spring Church. Dr. 
McKnight was also engaged in the war of 1814, and was a member of the vol- 
unteer company commanded by Dr. Culbertson. At the close of the war he 
was appointed surgeon in the army, in which capacity he served until the year 
1824, when he resigned and settled in Chambersburg. He remained in prac- 
tice there until 1829, when he received an appointment in the navy. 

DR. PETER FAHNESTOCK. 

Dr. Peter Fahnestock practiced in Chambersburg from 1825 to 1837, re- 
moving to Pittsburgh in the latter year. After residing in that city for several 
years, he went to Indiana, in which State he died many years ago. 

DR. JOSEPH LANGSTON. 

In the year 1830, Dr. Joseph Langston went to Chambersburg and en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession. He was an Englishman, and had 
been licensed by the College of Apothecaries, of London, but had not received, 
as that association does not confer, the title of doctor of medicine. After- 
ward he devoted his attention particularly to surgery, and, as a practical sur- 
geon, his acquirements were considered quite respectable. He was a skill- 
ful operator, and, had sufficient opportunities offered, he would, doubtless, 
have distinguished himself in that branch of medical science. He left town in 
1883, and returned to England. 

DR. WM. ELDER AND DR. ALEX. SHIELDS. 

Dr. William Elder and Dr. Alexander Shields began the practice of medi- 
cine in Chambersburg nearly at the same time. Dr. Elder began in 1834, 
and remained until 1836, and then moved to the western part of the State, 
and, we believe, lived at one time in the city of Pittsburgh. Dr. Shields prac- 
ticed between the years 1833 and 1835, and then went to Springfield, 111., 
where he entered into a medical partnership with the late Dr. Edmund Cul- 
bertson, of Chambersburg. Dr. Elder had a fine literary taste, which he assid- 
uously improved, and became a lecturer on slavery and temperance, of much 
power and acceptance. He was an able, eloquent and effective speaker. 

DR. DAVID JAMISON. 

Dr. David Jamison, a young physician of Baltimore, located in Chambers- 
burg in 1832, with the design of making that town the theater of his future 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 281 

professional labors. But Lis hopes were destined to an early and fatal disap- 
pointment. A short time after his arrival, in the night of October 13, 1832, 
he was seized with cholera, during its first visitation to Chambersburg, and, 
before the dawn of the morrow, his spirit had fled to another sphere, beyond 
the grave. 

DR. WILLIAM A. FINLEY. 

Dr. -William A. Finley, after having been largely engaged in the practice 
of his profession for more than twenty years in Shippensburg, Penn. , moved to 
Chambersburg in 1836. His career was lamentably short, as he died suddenly 
in the next year. Dr. Finley was a gentleman of fine literary cultivation and 
general acquirements, and was very popular as a man, as well as a physician. 
His acquaintance with history, both ancient and modern, sacred and profane, 
was large and accurate. He had a special fondness for poetry, and, among 
modern poets, Burns was his favorite, most of whose poems he had committed 
to memory, and extracts from which, on proper occasions, he was fond of quot- 
ing. He was a gentleman of imposing presence; and, in manner, was courte- 
ous and attractive. As a physician he was held in high esteem by his medi- 
cal brethren, as well as by the community at large. 

DR. WILLIAM H. BOYLE. 

Dr. William H. Boyle was born on Rathlin Island, off the northern coast of 
Ireland. In his infancy his family came to America, and lived successively in 
Upper Strasburg, Shippensburg, and, finally, in Charnbersburg- In his boy- 
hood it was the intention of his father that his son should adopt the trade fol- 
lowed by himself, that of the tailor. Accordingly William took his place upon 
the board, and worked industriously at his calling, and gradually became in- 
ducted into the mystery of cutting and making garments. He soon found that 
his trade was not quite congenial, and longed for a larger and more conspicu- 
ous sphere of usefulness. Dr. William A. Finley, of Shippensburg, a former 
friend of the family, moved to Chambersburg, and furnished the opportunity. 
The young aspirant for medical fame entered the office of Dr. Finley, and pur- 
sued his studies with untiring zeal and assiduity. The pleasant relations be- 
tween the young student and his preceptor were, unfortunately, terminated 
by the sudden death of Dr. Finley, in 1837. Soon after that untoward event, 
he entered the office of Dr. N. B. Lane, under whose direction his studies were 
continued and his pupilage ended. In 1841, Dr. Boyle began the practice of 
medicine in Chambersburg. In recognition of his high professional character 
and attainments, the Pennsylvania Medical College conferred on him the hon- 
orary degree of M. D. Dr. Boyle was distinguished for the versatility of his 
talents, and was a remarkably fluent and piquant writer. During the years 
1851-52 he was editor of the Valley Sentinel, a Democratic newspaper, which 
was subsequently merged into the Valley Spirit. Dr. Boyle was a most kind 
and generous friend. Those who applied to him for sympathy or relief, were 
never sent away empty. The work of charity and of love, which is compre- 
hended in nearly a half-century of a life devoted to the amelioration of 
human infirmity and suffering in their diversified forms, can not be fully appre- 
ciated here, but must wait for its full revelation in eternity. Dr. Boyle was, 
in the truest sense, a self-made man. He had not the advantages of an early 
education, and his pathway through life was rugged, and, often, beset with 
thorns. But he trod it bravely, and grew stronger as he walked, and strewed it 
with blessings upon the poor, the lowly and the sorrowing, who were soothed and 
comforted by the kind ministrations of this " beloved physician." Dr. Boyle 
died on the 9th of April, 1877, aged about sixty years. 



282 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

DR. JOHN LAMBERT. 

Dr. John Lambert moved to Charnbersburg in the year 1837, from Waynes- 
boro, where he had been engaged in practice. He had also previously prac- 
ticed in Maryland. Dr. Lambert was an energetic and capable physician, and 
soon acquired a respectable share of the practice of the town and neighborhood. 
His manners were hearty and pleasing, and his acquaintance rapidly grew into 
large proportions. After an active life of many years, Dr. Lambert died Sep- 
tember 27, 1872. 

DR. JOHN M'CLELLAN. 

There is another distinguished physician, without some reference to whom 
this sketch would be singularly incomplete. We refer to the late Dr. John 
McClellan, of Greencastle. Although Dr. McClellan was never a resident of 
Chambersburg, yet, living so near it and visiting it so often, professionally, 
as he did, and exercising so large an influence over its medical affairs, we 
may, without violence to the unity of our task, speak of him among the promi- 
nent physicians of the town. Dr. McClellan was a native of Franklin County, 
and was brought up near the place where his long and useful life was spent. 
At an early age he went to Philadelphia and began the study of medicine in the 
office of the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the most illustrious names in 
American history. Dr. McClellan remained in the office of his distinguished 
preceptor for nearly three years, during which time he also attended the lee 
tures delivered in the University of Pennsylvania, and, in due time, received 
from that institution, then the only medical school in America, the degree of 
Bachelor of Medicine, as, at that date, the degree of M. D. was not yet con- 
ferred by the university on its graduates. After the completion of his pupil- 
age under Dr. Rush, he received from him the following flattering testimonial : 

I do hereby certify that Dr. John McClellan hath studied Physic under my care as an 
apprentice near three years, during which time he hath diligently and punctually attended 
all the Medical Lectures given in the University; also the Pennsjdvania Hospital. He 
hath since undergone the usual examination, public and private, and hath entitled himself, 
with reputation, to a Degree in Medicine. I beg leave to recommend him as a gentleman 
of abilities and knowledge in his profession — of great integrity— of amiable manners — 
and of irreproachable moral character. He carries with him not only the esteem of his 
preceptors in Physic, but of all who have known him in the coiirse of his studies. 

Benjamin Rush, M. D., 
Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia, April 30th, 1788. 

The same year in which Dr. McClellan received this flattering recommenda- 
tion he settled in Greencastle, and unremittingly practiced his arduous and 
exacting profession for the long period of fifty- eight years. For ten or twelve 
years before his death he partially withdrew from the general labors of the 
profession, and devoted his time particularly to the more intricate duties of a 
physician's life, such as consultations and the more important surgical opera- 
tions. Dr. McClellan was a man of sound judgment, and thoroughly ac- 
quainted with medical science in its widest range. He was, of course, a judi- 
cious and successful practitioner, He had, however, an especial fondness for 
the practice of surgery, for which his steady hand and firm nerve and exten- 
sive knowledge of anatomy admirably fitted him. He was a bold and dextrous 
operator, and, among others, successfully performed most of the more difficult 
and hazardous operations of the art. In private life Dr. McClellan was kind, 
courteous and unaffected. His manners were, hearty and sympathetic, and his 
fine moral character and great professional ability have made him one of 
Franklin County's greatest and most esteemed citizens. He died in June, 
1846, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 283 

DR. JOHN CUSTIS RICHARDS. 

One of the cultivated and successful physicians of Chambersburg, whom 
his medical brethren and the people generally delight to honor, was the dis- 
tinguished and lamented subject of our sketch. Born in Baltimore, Md. , June 
1, 1812, of highly reputable Welsh ancestry, and possessed in his childhood of 
superior social advantages, he began life with all the preparation which a care- 
ful and systematic education could furnish. Under the admirable scholastic 
training, for five years, of Rev. R. H. Davis, in charge of an academy at Bell 
Air, Md. , and six months' practical instruction at Burlington, N. J. , he was ad- 
mirably qualified to enter the Sophomore class at Yale College in 1830. After 
eighteen months he was called home by the severe illness of his mother and 
brother, both of whom died soon after his return. He at once began his 
studies for the medical profession under the direction of Dr. Samuel Baker, 
professor of anatomy in the Medical University of Maryland, and graduated 
in 1834, his diploma being issued by the university just mentioned. After 
his graduation he began a very successful professional career in Baltimore, 
but the city practice being distasteful to him, he removed to Chambersburg in 
1837. His professional skill, combined with unusual personal graces, soon se- 
cured an extensive and lucrative practice in the best families of the town 
and adjoining country. 

During the war of the Rebellion he was unswerving in his attachment to 
the Government, and willingly made any personal sacrifice for its defense and 
support. In the early part of the war he had charge of a soldiers' hos- 
pital in Chambersburg, and later held the position of aid on the staff of the 
surgeon-general of the State. At the burning of the town in 18G4 he lost all 
his property, the accumulation of many years of patient toil. He regretted 
most, however, the destruction of his papers and his well-stocked library. The 
Doctor was one of the organizers of the first medical society of the county in 
1854, and always held a prominent place in its list of officials and active 
workers. When its successor was established, he took an equally active part 
in its affairs. He was twice married, and left a widow, three daughters 
and one son, at the time of his death, June 11, 1874. His family life was 
a most happy one — the sunlight so freely exhibited in his intercourse with 
people generally being particularly manifested in the domestic circle. ' He 
was careful and conscientious in his practice. His diagnosis of disease was 
rational and thorough; his treatment prompt to the demands of duty, and 
his intercourse with other physicians always in harmony with the most rigid 
code of professional ethics. His presence with the sick was the impartation of 
joyful hope, his whole expression being of the inspiring class. His varied ex- 
perience in life, his retentive memory, his fine conversational powers, which 
utilized his vast store of reminiscences and pleasing anecdotes, made him an 
agreeable companion. 

Dr. S. G. Lane, who knew him long and intimately, thus speaks of him: 
"Dr. Richards was a notable man in many respects. He was remarkably 
handsome ; his fine physique was developed and invigorated by athletic training 
in his youth, and by field sports, which he enjoyed throughout his life; he was 
a splendid type of elastic strength. Added to his fine presence were rare 
graces of address and demeanor, courtesy, affability, refinement — all the pleas- 
ing traits which constitute the gentleman. His disposition was kind and affec- 
tionate; he was warmly attached to his friends; of a gentle, forbearing tem- 
perament, averse to contentions and controversies, yet compelling respect. Dr. 
Richards was a higher style of man still; he was a faithful Christian — a full 
member of the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. In the public progress, 



284 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

and in the limited movements of the community about him, he took an active 
interest. During the rebellion his heart was loyal to the government, and his 
sympathies and anxieties were keenly enlisted in the cause of the Union and 
freedom. ' ' 

DR. WILLIAM MAGAW. 

Among the distinguished men of Franklin County was Dr. William Magaw, 
of Revolutionary fame. He was a native of Carlisle, and a brother of Col. 
Robert Magaw, commander of the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion, which was 
captured by the British at Fort Washington, on November 16, 1776. In 
June, 1775, James Chambers, son of Col. Benjamin Chambers, of Cham- 
bersburg, enlisted a company of volunteers in the town and neighborhood, and 
marched at once to join the American Ai-my, then lying before Boston. This 
was styled the First Company of the First Pennsylvania Rifle Battallion, 
which was commanded by Col. William Thompson, of Carlisle. Subsequent- 
ly, Edward Hand, of Lancaster, became its colonel, and the battalion was 
known as Hand's Rifle Battalion in the army at Cambridge. Of this 
battalion Dr. Magaw was appointed surgeon, his commission bearing elate 
June 25, 1775. 

The Rifle Battalion enlisted for one year, at the expiration of which time 
it re-enlisted as the First Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, with Col. Ed- 
ward Hand as its commander. This brave officer was soon afterward ap- 
pointed brigadier-general, and Col. Chambers succeeded to the command of 
the regiment on the 26th of September, 1776. Dr. Magaw re- enlisted as 
third lieutenant, and also surgeon, August 10, 1776, and was promoted to a 
second lieutenantcy January 16, 1777, thus acting in a two-fold capacity, as 
a military and medical officer. He was then transferred to the Ninth Penn- 
sylvania Regiment and finally to the Fourth Pennsylvania, January 17, 1781. 
It appears from the record (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. X), 
that he was also surgeon of the Fourth Pennsylvania, before receiving his ap- 
pointment as surgeon of the First, on its organization in 1776. 

After leaving the army he settled in Mercersburg, practiced medicine 
for many years, and became the owner of much valuable land near the 
town. At length, when well stricken in years, he was taken to Meadville by 
his son, William, in whose family he lived the residue of his days, which, how- 
ever, were not many. 

DR. ROBERT JOHNSTON. 

An equally distinguished man was Dr. Robert Johnston, a native of Antrim 
Township, and also a surgeon in the Revolution. Col. James Johnston, the 
eldest brother of Robert, was a soldier in the Revolution. ' ' Col. Thomas John- 
ston, the second brother, was adjutant of the detachment of troops under Gen. 
Wayne which was surprised and slaughtered at Paoli, September 20, 1777. 
He twice served as colonel in the Revolutionary war." [McCauley.] The 
third son, Robert, entered the medical profession. At a meeting of the com- 
mittee of safety, held in Philadelphia, January 16, 1776, it was resolved, 
"that Dr. Robert Johnston, recommended by Drs. Thomas Cadwallader, 
Thomas Bond, Adam Kuhn and William Shippen, Jr. , according to a former 
resolve of this board (January 4, 1776, ) is hereby appointed surgeon to the Sixth, 
or Col. William Irvine's Battalion, to be raised by order of the Congress. " 
He continued in service until 1781, "when he was ordered by Gen. Greene, to 
leave the regimental service and assist the wounded officers and soldiers of 
the American Army, prisoners in the British hospital in Charleston, S. C. Dr. 
Johnston died November 25th, 1808, near Waynesboro, Franklin County, 
Penn., and is buried in the Johnston graveyard, now (November, 1879), on 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 285 

the Whitiner farm' near that place." [Pennsylvania Archives, New Series, 
Vol. X.] 

DR. JESSE MAGAW. 

Dr. Jesse Magaw, son of Dr. William Magaw, was born and brought up 
in Mercersburg. He studied medicine with his father, and began the practice 
of his profession in his native town. He was a medical officer in the American 
Army in the last war with England. He was married to Maria, widow of 
Samuel Johnson, and sister of the Hon. James Buchanan, late President of 
the United States. He died September 29, 1823. He is buried in a neg- 
lected graveyard, situated a short distance east of the town of Mercersburg. 

DR. D. HAYES AGNEW. 

This eminent surgeon of Philadelphia, who was one of the prominent physi- 
cians called to the bedside of President Garfield during his eighty days' strug- 
gle with the assassin's mortal wound, was at one time a practicing physician 
of Franklin County, as will appear from the following letter in reply to an 
interrogatory submitted him. 

1611 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Penn. 
May 10, 1886. 
Mr. J. Fraise Richard, 

Dear Sir:— Immediately after I graduated, I settled for a very short time near Up- 
ton, contemplating, if the locality promised well, to remain permanently. My stay was 
brief. Yours truly. 

D. Hayes Agnew. 

The Doctor graduated about 1838, and shortly afterward published in the 
Repository the following card: 

Dr. D. H. Agnew offers his professional services to all who may favor him with their 
calls. He may be found at Mr. Thomas McCausland's, near the Greencastle and Mer- 
cersburg turnpike, midway between the above named places. 

May 10, 1839. 

Probably some of the older citizens in Peters, Montgomery and Antrim 
Townships remember him well as their family physician. 

EXPLANATORY. 

A few words explanatory of the above may be in order, if not absolutely re- 
quired. It was not the design of the writer to present a full and complete 
medical biography of the physicians of Chambersburg. His purpose was to 
sketch those who lived and practiced there in the early years of its settlement 
and growth, and to embrace a period terminating a half century ago. In short, 
his main object was to rescue from oblivion those pioneers in the profession 
who were identified with the early history of the town. It would have been a 
pleasing task for him to have followed the history down to the present day; 
but this was obviously impossible, and would for many reasons, have been 
impracticable. This is the less to be regretted, as it is to be presumed that 
sketches of Drs. N. B. Lane, A. H. Senseny and most, if not all, of the accom- 
plished medical gentlemen of Chambersburg will appear in the special bio- 
graphical department. — W. C. L. 

EPIDEMICS. 

In 1821 an epidemic of fever prevailed in Franklin County. It is thus 
described in the graduating essay of Dr. N. B. Lane, which was published by 
the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, and can be found on the pages 
of The American Medical Recorder, July, 1823: 

" The disease was distinguished by the following symptoms : Dullness, lan- 
guor, lassitude, pains in the bones, sickness of stomach, coldness, a creeping 



286 HISTOKY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

sensation along the back, and pain in the side; the tongue was natural; vomit- 
ing sometimes appeared in the first stage, and the bowels were costive; the 
skin was dry, shriveled and cold. These symptoms were soon followed by 
the fever, during which the pulse was not very full, but quick and frequent; 
the skin very hot and dry, and the fever high, often continuing for twenty - 
four hours; the tongue was parched, and furred in the middle, and of a brown 
color; the thirst was excessive, and drinks taken into the stomach were fre- 
quently rejected; the bowels were torpid; the eyes wild and sometimes fixed 
and dull; the countenance gloomy and clouded; great debility and inclination 
to sleep prevailed, with the mind often disordered and delirious and the res- 
piration anxious and uneasy. The third stage commenced, sometimes in 
twelve, and often not till twenty-four hours had elapsed. The perspiration 
was sometimes free, at others cold and clammy, and, in general, partial and 
imperfect. The patient aften complained of illness for several days; but, in 
many instances, was taken suddenly after slight exercise. They were at- 
tacked equally in the day and night. The disease assumed the intermittent, 
remittent and continued types; it first appeared in the quotidian, tertian, quar- 
tan and double tertian forms, and its type was sometimes characterized by 
coma and convulsions of an hysterical and epileptic character. It was, how- 
ever, generally tertian in its type and continued so. It sometimes varied, be- 
coming quartan, quotidian and very often reinitteut. The changes at times 
were sudden, but not unfrequently protracted and slow, before they exhibited 
the symptoms of the new type; the intermissions were rather feverish and 
short. In the neighborhood of Chambersburg, this epidemic first appeared in 
the latter part of July, spread more extensively in August, gained its height 
in September and finally terminated in November. It was general; whole 
families were confined at once. It did not, however, prove fatal, few deaths 
only occurring, and those taking place after the third paroxysm in the sopor- 
ose form of the disease, or after relapses, which were frequent, occurring three 
or four times in the same person, and were sometimes produced by the slight- 
est exposure. 

' ' In other parts of the county, for instance in the neighborhood of Mercers- 
burg, a small town sixteen miles southwest of Chambersburg, the disease pre- 
vailed to a more alarming extent, as also in the neighborhood of Greencastle 
and Waynesburg, both small towns situated in a southern direction; the former 
distant eleven and the latter fifteen miles. From a very respectable practi- 
tioner of the former place, I understood the disease first made its appearance 
in his neighborhood in harvest, and was likewise very destructive. Imme- 
diately in our borough, it was as healthy as usual; the cases which occurred 
were principally confined to its suburbs, and along the water- courses. ' ' The dis- 
ease was recognized as miasmatic, and treated accordingly. 

From a letter of Dr. N. B. Lane, written to his sister, Mrs. Hayman of 
Georgetown, D. C. , dated September 30, 1823, we make the following quota- 
tions: " There has been much sickness in Franklin County this season, but 
particular in this neighborhood. Dr. Culbertson ' ' (the leading, but not the 
most employed physician in the town) ' ' has ridden from four o' clock in the 
morning, till three o'clock, three nights in succession; his shop was often so 
full that many could not get speaking to him for hours after being in. There 
have not been many deaths in proportion to the number sick, but many have 
died notwithstanding. Business never was so dull in our place since my first 
recollection of it; but it is owing to the sickness. The diseases are bilious fe- 
ver, ague and fever and dysentery ; the last has been most obstinate, and has 
but lately made its appearance." 







^ -M> (jAcv^rutfJ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 289 

Cholera has twice invaded Chainbersburg, in 1832 and in 1852, and proved 
very destructive. It is a striking fact that the first case, in each visitation, 
occurred in the same house, located in a healthy and central part of the town. 
Such instances, however, have been reported in the history of the pestilence. 
The first case in the epidemic of 1S32 was a boy who had just returned home 
front Hagerstown, Md. , where the cholera was prevailing. Excepting persons 
who had visited Chambersburg, no cases, we believe, occurred in the country. 

Dysentery prevailed endemically in Chambersburg in 1850, and carried 
off several of our foremost citizens. In 1850 it raged along the foot of the 
North Mountain, and in 1885 it appeared violently in the same region, having 
its center in Mercersburg. 

Typho-malarial fever frequently spreads along the mountain side, and ery- 
sipelas and puerperal diseases are more frequent there than in the center of 
the valley. With the exceptions noted, Franklin County has had no epidemics 
or endemics, worthy of special record. 

MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 

Franklin County has had several medical societies. Owing to the destruc- 
tion of newspaper files and the records of these societies, we can give but an im- 
perfect sketch of them as obtained from various sources. 

In the Franklin Repository of January 4, 1825, we find the following rec- 
ord. The previous notice could not be found, but its nature may readily 
be inferred. 

"la pursuance of previous notice, a large number of the physicians of Frank- 
lin County and its neighborhood met at the house of Col. John Findlay; and 
upon having organized themselves by calling Dr. Culbertson to the chair, and 
appointing Dr. Dean and Dr. Findlay, of Shippensburg, secretaries, adopted 
the following resolutions: 

R -solved (1st), That a medical society be established in Chambersburg, to meet semi- 
anually, and that Drs. Dean, Culbertson, MoKnight, Lane and McDowell, be appointed 
a committee to draft a constitution, and make a report thereof at the first meeting of the 
society, which will be held on the 7th of February, at early candle light. 

R'S)lv:d (2 I), Tnat one of the objects of this convention is to establish a uniform 
and fixed mode of charging, suited to the state of the times, the publication of the bill of 
rates, which has been agreed upon, be delayed until after the meeting in February next, 
in order that the physicians who could not mak ! it convenient to attend, may again have 
an opportunity of being present, and voting upon a revision of its several items. 

Resolved (3d), Tnat the m >de of charging which shall have been agreed upon and 
published, be considered as the standard by which all contested accounts shall thereafter 
be settled in case they are referred to any of the members of this society. 

Resolved (4th), That the annexed regulations, which have been read to the conven- 
tion, be published as the Rule of Conduct b} r which the members of this society shall be 
governed in their intercourse with each other and the sick. [Not found in my text. — R.] 

Resolved (5th), That all those members of the medical profession in Franklin Coun- 
ty, and its immediate neighborhood who do not attend the next meeting, or express their 
approbation of its proceedings, by letter or otherwise, be considered as inimical to the 
objects of the society, and unwilling to subject themselves to the government of the set of 
rules to which the convention feel fully persuaded every honorable minded physician will 
at once subscribe. 

Resolved, That the above proceedings be signed by the chairman and secretaries, 
and be published. 

S. D. Culbertson, Chairman. 

A. T. Dean, W. A. Finley — Secretaries. 

This meeting is thus reported: 

"An adjourned meeting of the physicians of Franklin County, and else- 
where, was held at Col. John Findlay' s, in Chambersburg, on Monday even- 
ing, the 7th of February, and after organizing themselves for business, by 
calling Dr. John McClellan to the chair, and appointing Drs. McDowell and 

16 



290 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Lane, secretaries,, the constitution for a medical society, to be called the Medi- 
cal Society of Franklin County, was reported and adopted. The following 
gentlemen were then elected officers for the ensuing year, viz. : ' ' Dr. John 
McClellan, president; Drs. S. D. Culbertson and A. Heatherington, * vice- 
presidents; Dr. A. T. Dean, corresponding secretary; Dr. N. B. Lane, re- 
cording secretary; Dr. A. N. McDowell, treasurer; Drs. A. McDowell, Sr. , Gr. 
B.' McKnight and L. Byrne, standing committee. 
It was then resolved: 

First, That the fee-bill, which had been reduced to suit the state of the times, be 
sisrned by all the physicians belonging to the societj r , and take effect from the 1st of Janu- 
ary next. 

Second, That all medical bills be presented for settlement, as far as practicable, at the 
expiration of every year, and where anj r account is settled within six months after it has 
been contracted, a discretionary power be left with the physician to make a discount. 

Third, That all physicians who belong to this society shall proceed to settle up their 
back accounts as soon as practicable. 

Fourth, That Dr. A. T. Lane, the corresponding secretary, be authorized to open a 
correspondence with the different medical societies which are now in existence in the 
State of Pennsylvania, or which may be hereafter organized, in order that such measures 
may be devised and adopted as will be best calculated to suppress quackery, not only 
within the immediate neighborhoods of such societies, but over the whole State; and that 
in order to the more effectual attainment of this end, the combined talents and influence 
of such societies be so directed as will be most likely to procure the enactment of a law for 
the regulation of the practice of medicine in this Commonwealth. 

Fifth, That the corresponding secretary be further authorized to open such corre- 
spondence with individuals, andjwith the different medical associations, as will best tend to 
the advancement of medical science, or in any way promote the honor, usefulness or dig- 
nitv of the medical profession. 

" Sixth, That we, the members of the Medical Society of Franklin County, agree to 
subject ourselves to be governed by, and most rigidly adhere to, all the rules and regula- 
tions which are laid down in the Medical Ethics of Dr. Percival, and which have already 
been published in the papers of this place. 

Seventh, That these proceedings be signed by the president and secretaries. 

Jno. McClellan, President. 

N. B. Lane, A.. N. McDowell — Sedretaries. 

Chambersburg, February 15, 1825. 

No further reports of the proceedings of this association can be found, 
except this little extract from an old paper, which shows that the organization 
was still in existence in the year 1829: 

On the 16th of December. 1828, notice was given byN. B. Lane, Recording Secretary, 
of a meeting to be held first Monday in Jauuary for the election of officers for ensuing 
year. 

The next account we find of any meeting of the disciples of iEsculapius is 
taken from the Transcript of November 21, 1853, as follows: 

At an incidental meeting of many of the physicians of the county in Chambers- 
burg, on the 26th ult.. E. Negley, M. D., of Mercersburg, having been called to the chair, 
and A. H. Senseny, M. D., appointed secretary, it was resolved that a meeting of the 
physicians of Franklin County be held at Chambersburg on the 8th of January next, for 
the purpose of organizing a county medical society, as an auxiliary of the State Medical 
Association. A. H. Senseny, Secretary. 

At the appointed time the medical society convened (7thf January, 1854) 
when Dr. E. Negley, of Mercersburg, was called to the chair, and Dr. S. G. 
Lane, of Chambersburg, was appointed secretary. A committee on constitu- 
tion and by-laws made a report, which was unanimously adopted. Adjourned 
to meet the first Tuesday of the following April. 

On the 4th of April, 1854, the first regular meeting of the medical society 
of Franklin County was held, and the following officers elected: President, 
S. D. Culbertson; vice-presidents, Dr. T. Hunter, Dr. Jno. Lambert; cor- 

*Greencastle. . 

fThe call was made for the Sth. Probably the change was made to accommodate those who desired to cele- 
brate Jackson's birthday. 



HIST011Y OF FRANK LIX COUNTY. 



291 



responding secretary, Dr. Eliab Negley; recording secretaries, Dr. E. D. 
Rankin, Dr. S. Gr. Lane; treasurer, Dr. J. C. Richards; censors, Drs. A. H. 
Senseny, T. Hunter and Win. Grubb; board of examiners, Dr. J. C. Rich 
ards, Dr. J. K. Davidson. 

Thi> society continued for a term of years, doing efficient service to the 
members of the profession in the county. It did not survive the war. It& 
successor is the present organization. 

We find from the minutes that on January 19, 1869, in pursuance of a call 
signed generally by the physicians of the county, a meeting was held for the 
purpose of forming a county medical society in connection with the State Med- 
ical Society and National Medical Association. There were present Drs. W. 
A. Hunter, J. M. Gelwix, I. N. Snively, E. A. Herring, J. B. Amberson, John. 
Lambert, J. C. Richards. A. H. Senseny, J. L. Suesserott, S. G. Lane, T. 
J. McLanahan, Thos. M. Kennedy, John Montgomery, and W. H. Boyle. 

A constitution and by-laws were adopted. From this we select ^the section 
which defines the terms of membership as follows : 

A candidate for membership must be a graduate of a reputable medical 
college, must have practiced medicine in Franklin County for at least one year, 
must be recommended by two members in good standing, and must pay an 
admission fee of $3 and sign the constitution. 

The following is the list of officers from the organization to the present 
time: 



1869. 

President. A. H. Senseny. 

Vice-Presidents, J. K. Davidson, A. H. 
Strickler. 

Treasurer, J. C. Richards. 

Recording Secretary, Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary, Sam. G. Lane. 

Censors. J. L. Suesserott, Benj. Frantz, 
Wm. A. Hunter. 

1870. 

President, J. K. Davidson. 

Vice-Presidents, Robert S. Brownson, 
J. L. Suesserott. 

Recording Secretary. Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary, S. G. Lane. 

Treasurer, John Montgomery. 

Censors, J. L. Suesserott, Wm. A. Hunter, 
R. S. Brownson. 

1871. 

President, John C. Richards. 

Vice-Presidents, I. N. Snively, Wm. A. 
Hunter. 

Recording Secretary, Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary. Samuel G. Lane. 

Treasurer, John Montgomery. 

Censors, J. L. Suesserott, Wm. A. Hunter. 
R. S. Brownson. 

1872. 

President, Wm. A. Hunter. 

Vice Presidents, T. M. Kennedy, John H. 
Flickinger. 

Treasurer, T. J. McLanahan. 

Recording Secretary, Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary, I. N. Snively. 

Censors, Wm. A. Hunter, Geo. Cleery, 
E. N. Senseny. 



1873. 

President, I. N. Snively. 

Vice-Presidents, J. M*. Gelwix, T. M. 
Kennedy. 

Recording Secretary. Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary, Samuel G. Lane. 

Treasurer, T. J. McLanahan. 

Censors, George Cleery, E, N. Senseny. 
A. H. Strickler. 

1874. 

President, Samuel G. Lane. 

Vice-Presidents, Jno. Montgomery, Wm. 
P. Noble. 

Recording Secretary, Wm. H. Boyle. 

Corresponding Secretary, J. L. Suesserott. 

Treasurer, T. J. McLanahan. 

Censors, E. N. Senseny, A. H. Strickler, 
John C. Richards. 

1875. 

President. Wm. H. Boyle. 

Vice-Presidents, Wm. A. Hunter, I. N. 
Snively. 

Treasurer, E. N. Senseny. 

Recording Secretary, Samuel G. Lane. 

Corresponding Secretary, John Mont- 
gomery. 

Censors, A. H. Strickler, Wm. P. Noble,. 
T. M. Kennedy. 

1876. 

President, John Montgomery. 

Vice-Presidents, A. H. Strickler, Wm. 
P. Noble. 

Recording Secretary, Samuel G. Lane. 

Corresponding Secretary, J. L. Suesserott. 

Treasurer, E. N. Senseny. 

Censors, Wm. P. Noble,. T. M. Kennedy, 
J. L. Suesserott. 



292 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



1S77. 

President, J. L. Suesserott. 

Vice-Presidents, Thomas H. Walker, E. 
Hartzell. 

Recording Secretary. John Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary, A. H. Strickler. 

Treasurer, E.N. Senseny. 

Censors, Wm. H. Boyle, "J. L. Suesserott, 
R. W. Ramsey. 

1878. 

President, T. J. McLanahau. 

Vice-Presidents, H. G. Chritzman, J. K. 
Davidson. 

Recording Secretary. John Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary. W. P. Noble. 

Treasurer, E. N. Seuseny. 

Censors, J. L. Suesserott R. W. Ramsey, 
T. J. McLanahan. 

1879. 

President, A. H. Strickler. 

Vice-Presidents. R. W. Ramsey, H. G. 
Chritzman. 

Recording Secretary, John Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary, C. H. Merklein. 

Treasurer, J. L. Suesserott, 

Censors, R. W. Ramsey, T. J. McLana- 
hau, S. G. Lane. 

1880. 

President, H. G. Chritzman. 

Vice-Presidents, E. Hartzell, Chas. Gar- 
ver. 

Recording Secretary, John Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary, C. H. Merklein. 

Treasurer. J. L. Suesserott. 

Censprs, T. J. McLanahau, S. G. Lane. 
D. F. Unger. 

1881. 

President, W. P.Noble 

Vice-Presidents. D. F. Unger, J. C. Gil- 
land. 

Recording Secretary, J. Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary, S. G. Lane. 

Treasurer. J. L. Suesserott. 

Censors, S. G. Lane, D. F. Unger, R. W. 
Ramsey. 



1882. 

President, R. W. Ramsey. 
Vice-Presidents, D. Maclay. E. Hartzell, 
Recording Secretary, J. Montgomery. 
Corresponding Secretary, S. G. Lane. 
Treasurer, J. L. Suesserott, 
Censors. D. F. Unger, R. W. Ramsey, H. 
G. Chritzman. 

1883. 

President, D. F. Unacr 

Vice-Presidents, J. C. Gilland, G. S. Hull. 

Recording Secretary. J. Montgomery. 

Corresponding Secretary, L. F. Suess- 
erott. 

Treasurer, J. L. Suesserott. 

Censors, R. W. Ramsey, H. G. Chritz- 
man, David Maclay. 

1884. 

President, J. M. Gelwix. 

Vice-Presidents, D. Maclay, J. P. Seibert. 

Recording Secretary, C. F. Palmer. 

Corresponding Secretary, H. G. Chritz- 
man. 

Treasurer. L. F. Suesserott. 

Censors, H. G. Chritzman, David Maclay, 
T. J. McLananan. 

1885. 

President, David Maclay. 

Vice-Presidents. J. B. Amberson, J. P. 
Seibert. 

Recording Secretary, C. F. Palmer. 

Corresponding Secretary, G. S. Hull, 

Treasurer. L. F. Suesserott, 

Censors. H. G. Chritzman, T. J. McLana- 
han, R. W. Ramsey. 

1886. 

President, E. Hartzell. 

Vice-Presidents, J. P. Seibert, J. B. Am- 
berson. 

Recording Secretary, C. F. Palmer. 

Corresponding Secretary, G. S. Hull. 

Treasurer, L. F. Suesserott. 

Censors, T. J. McLanahau, D. F. Unger, 
R. W. Ramsey. 



LIST OF PHYSICIANS. 

The following is a list of physicians in Franklin County, who have register- 
ed in the office of the county prothonotary, in the order of record. The law 
requires a number of facts to be stated. In the following list, the order pur- 
sued is the name of physician, residence, date of registration, name of college 
from which graduated and date thereof; or in case of nongraduates, the time 
of service; together with literary degrees in certain instances. 

George M. Merz, Chambersburg, June 23, 1881; ten years practice. 

Aaron B. Gingrich, Altodale, June 24, 1881; Univ. Peiin., Mch. 10, 1876. 

Jas. K. Davidson, Greencastle. July 2, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Phila., Mch., 1833. A. 
M. by Dickenson College. 

Abraham H. Strickler, Waynesboro, July 5, 1881; Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col., N. Y., 
Jan. 1, 1866. A. B. aud A. M. College. Princeton, N. J. 

Michael M. Garry. Warren Twp., July 5, 1881; Univ. Md.. Mch. 10, 1846. 

Jno. C. Gilland. Greeucastle, July 5. 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 11, 1876. 

Robert W. Ramsey, St. ThomaOJuly 5, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1*74. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 293 

Horace M. Fritz, Quincy, July 6, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 12, 1879. 

Joseph L, Snivoly, Shady Grove, July 13, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 12, 1877. A. B. 
Franklin and Marshall College. 

Benjamin Bowman, Chambersburg, July 13, 1881; New York Homoeopathic Med. Col. 
Feb. 28, 1865. 

Emanuel Brallier, Chambersburg, July 14, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 7, 1868. 

Aaron B. Grove, New Franklin: July 16, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col.. Mch. 13, 1880. 

Franklin A. Bushey, Greencastle, July 19, 1881; Univ. Md., Mch. 2, 1861. 

Adam Carl, Greencastle, July 20, 1881; Washington Med. Col., Balto., Mch., 1829. 
Practiced in Greencastle since 1829. ■ 

John S. Flickinger, Dry Run, July 21. 1881; Penn. Med. Col., Mch. 8, 1850. 

Geo. D. Carl, Greencastle, July 22. 1881; Penn. Med. Col., Phila., Mch. 3, 1855. 

Jno. F. Nowell, Greencastle, July 23, 1881; Hahnemann Med. Col., Phila., Mch., 1875, 

Henry G. Chritzman, Welsh Run, July 29, 1881; Penn. Med. Col., Phila., 1859. 

Robt. S. Brownson, Mercersburg, July 29, 1881; Univ. Penn., 1851. A. B. and A. M., 
Marshall College of Mercersburg, 1847 and 1851. 

William C. Lane, Mercersburg, July 29, 1881; Univ. Penn., 1851. Greensburg, Rox- 
bury, Strasburg, Orrstown and Mercersburg. 

Oliver F. Jones. Mercersburg July 29, 1881; Univ. of Md., Mch. 6, 1880. 

David F. Unger, Mercersburg. July 29, 1881; Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col., N. Y., 1869. 

Wm. P. Noble, Upton, July'29, 1881; Jtff. Med. Col.. Phila., Mch. 12, 1869. 

John Montgomery, Chambersburg, July 30, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1858. 

Charles F. Palmer, Chambersburg, Aug. 8, 1881; Univ. Penn., Mch. 15, 1878. 

Daniel C. Leberknight, Lemaster's Station, Aug. 16. 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1880. 

James H. Dvarman, near Spring Run, Aug. 18, 1881. 

Francis Reifsnyder, Scotland, Aug. 19, 1881; Phil. Univ. Med. and Surg., Feb. 23, 1869. 

Geo. S. Hull, Chambersburg, Aug. 19, 1881; Univ. Penn., Mch. 10, 1876. 

Joseph Frantz, Waynesboro, Aug. 23, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Phila., Mch., 1878. 

Johnston McLanahan, Chambersburg, Aug. 25, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 10, 1865. 

Wm. A. Hinchman, Dry Run, Aug. 25, 1881; Univ. Md., Baltimore, Mch. 1, 1873. 

Thos. M. Kenuedv, Greencastle, Aug. 26, 1881; Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col.,N. Y., Mch. 
1, 1866. 

John H. Koons, Waynesboro, Aug. 26, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1881. 

Geo. W. Boteler, Waynesboro, Aug. 26. 1881; Univ. Md., Baltimore, 1868. 

Isaac N. Snivelv, Waynesboro, Aug. 26, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch., 1863. 

John M. Ripple", Waynesboro. Aug. 26, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1868. 

J. Burns Amberson, Waynesboro, Aug. 26, 1881; Univ. Penn., Mch., 1868; A. B. 
Westminster College, Penn., 1865. 

Edmund G. Shower, Waynesboro, Aug. 26, 18S1; Hahnemann Med. Col., Phila,, Mch. 
12, 1878. 

Benj. Frantz, Waynesboro, Aug. 26, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col.. Mch. 4, 1846. 

Jacob L. Suesserott, Chambersburg, Aug. 27, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1851; D. D. S., by 
Penn. College, of Dent. Surg. 

A. U. Holland, Fayetteville, Sept. 5, 1881. 

Henry X. Bonebrake, Montalto, Sept, 5, 1881; Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col., Feb. 25, 1865. 

Lewis F. Suesserott, Chambersburg. Sept. 8, 1881; Univ. Penn., Mch. 14, 1879. 

Samuel G. Lane. Chambersburg, Sept. 8, 1881; Univ. Penn., 1849. 

Adam K. Leberknight, Orrstown, Sept. 17, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col. 1878. 

Eli J. Zook, Fannettsburg, Sept. 20, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1878; B. S., by National 
Normal Univ., Lebanon, Ohio. 

Thos. II. Walker, Mercersburg, Sept. 23. 1881; Pennsylvania College, Phila., 1846. 

John P. Seibert, Chambersburg, Oct, 4, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1875. 

Joseph H. McCintock, Loudon, Oct. 5, 1881; Columbia Colleee, Washington, D. 
C, 1845. 

Jeremiah Hess, Quincy, Oct, 6, 1881; practiced nineteen years. 

D. Reutch Miller, Greencastle, Oct. 7, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., Phila., 1874. 

John S. Flickinger, near Fannettsburg, Oct. 12, 1881; Penn. Med. Col., Phila., 1850. 

Edgar N. Senseny. Chambersburg, Oct. 17. 1881; Jeff. Med. Col. 1870. 

Henry K. Byers, Fayetteville, Oct. 18, 1881; Washington Med. College. Baltimore,l845. 

Ezekiel Hartzell, Fayetteville, Oct. 21, 1881; Penn.^Med. College, Phila.. 1847. 

David L. McDonald, Concord, Oct. 21, 1881; Columbus Med. College, 1881. 

Wm. A. Hunter, Strasburg, Oct. 21, 1881; practiced since 1847. 

James M. Gelwix, Strasburg, Oct. 21, 1881; Jeff. Med. College 1866. 

Geo. R. Kauffman, Antrim Township, Oct. 22. 1881; Bellevue Med. Col., N. Y., 1867. 
— fCharles T. Maclay, Green Village, Nov. 2, 1881; practiced forty-two years. 
•XDavid Maclay, Green Village, Nov. 2, 1881; Univ. Penn., Mch. 12, 1875. 
' Daniel F. Royer, Shady Grove, Oct, 25, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col. Mch., 1875. 

Oliver P. Stoey, Roxbury, Nov. 17, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col. 1881. 

Nancy Hoover, Stoufferstown, Dec. 16, 1881; twenty-two years. 



294 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Bern. L. Ryder, Chambersburg, Dec. 23, 1881; Hv^eis Therapeutic College, N. Y., 
Mch. 21, 1870. 

Jno. L. Blair, Mercersburg, February 27, 1882; Univ. Md., Mch., 1868. 

Theo. H. Weagley, Greencastle, Mch. 13, 1882; College Phys. and Surg., Baltimore, 
Mch. 1, 1882. 

James S. Kennedy, Chambersburg, Mch. 20. 1882; Jeff. Med. Col. 1879. 

Charles Lanteline, Chambersburg. Apr. 6, 1882; Jeff. Med. Col. Mch. 30, 1882. 

Dan'l Eckerman, Salem Church, April 19, 1882; twenty years. 

Henry C. Lessig, Chambersburg, May 9. 1882; Jeff. Med. Col, Mch. 12, 1878. 

J. J. Pierce, Chambersburg, May 15, 1882; twelve years. 

Francis A. Oellig, Upton, May 15, 1882; attended Univ. Md., 1846-47; thirty-six years' 
practice. 

Henry S. Herman, State line, May 17, 1882; Maryland Univ., Feb. 29, 1876. 

Randall M. Alexander, Fannettsburg. May 23, 1882; twelve years. 

Alex. E. Cresswell, St, Thomas, May 26. 1882; practice 1869. 

Vi D. Miller, Mason and Dixon. Perm., June 7, 1882; Jeff. Med, Col., 1861. 

James A. Vinson, Claylick. June 20. 1882; Louisville Med. Col., June, 1838. 

Jno. E. Kline, Chambersburg, June 28, 1882; Jeff. Med. College, Mch. 27. 1882. 

Alanson W. Kelley, Waynesboro, Sept. 9, 1882; Castleton Med. College. 1860. 

Edwin Bergstresser, Waynesboro, Sept. 21, 1882; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 30, 1882. 

J. R. Bemisdarfer, Shady Grove, Mch. 3. 1883; Col. Phys. and Surg.. Mch. 1, 1883. 

•Jno. H. Young, Waynesboro, Apr. 9. 1883; since 1870. 

M. H. Miller, Roxbury, Apr. 14, 1883; Jeff. Med. Cob, 1883. 

David A. Strickler, Chambersburg, Apr. 17, 1883; Hahnemann College, Philadelphia, 
Mch. 10, 1881. 

Christian R. Scheller, Shady Grove, Apr. 21, 1S*3; J e ff. Med. College, Apr. 2, 1883. 

Henry C. Devilbiss, Chambersburg, Apr. 14, 1883; College Phys. and Surg., 1877. 

Wm. O. Lantz, Lemaster's Sta., July 12, 1883; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 30, 1882. 

Jno. A. Bause, Waynesboro, Nov. 20, 1883; Univ. Penn., Mch. 1875. 

B. F. Shope, Dry Run, Mch. 1, 1884;Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col., X. Y., Mch. 16, 1882. 

George G. Shiveiv. Waynesboro. Mch. 19. 1884; Jeff. Med. Col.. Mch., 1877. 

Edwin F. Lehman, Chambersburg, April 12, 1884; Jeff. Med. Col.. Mch. 29, 1884. 

S. Snively Bishop, Greencastle, May 12, 1884; Jeff. Med. Col., 1884. 

Chas. B. West, Strasburg, May 26, 1881; Jeff. Med. Col., 1883. 

Eldredge C. Price, Monterey, June 28, 1884; Hahnemann Med. Col., Phila., Mch. 10, 
1875. 

Chas. H. Lane, Chambersburg, July 15, 1884; Univ. Penn., 1870. 

Wm. T. Phillippv, Shady Grove, Jiine 30, 1884; Jeff. Med. Col., Mch. 29, 1884. 

Elias C. Price Monterey, Penn., July 31, 1884; Univ. Md., Balto., 1848. 

A. Sargeant Tinges, Waynesboro, Sept. 6, 1884; Univ. Md., 1872. 

Geo. W. Zeigler, Carlisle. Temporary practice, Nov. 4, 1884; Univ. Penn., Mch. 12, 
1874. 

M. J. Jackson, New York City, Feb. 26, 1885; Eclectic Med. Col., Mch. 1, 1884. Tem- 
porary. 

J." H. Devor, Ft. Loudon, April 29. 1885; Col. Phys. and Surg., Balto., Mch. 13, 1885. 

Katharine M. Crawford, Fayetteville, June 24, 1885; Hahnemann Med. Col., Mch. 20, 
1885. 

John J. Coffman, Scotland, July 10, 1885; Dartmouth Med. Col., Nov. 15, 1881. 

W. J. Coleman, Huntingdon Co., Penn., Aug. 5, 1885; Med. Col. Va.. Mch. 4, 1879. 
Temporary. 

James F. Tate, Roxbury, Aug. 6. 1885; Univ. N. Y., 1869. 

Geo. E. Stewart, Dry Run, Dec. 23. 1885; practiced from April 1. 1863. 

Wm. M. Shull, Concord, Penn.. Feb. 10, 1886; Jeff. Med. Col., April 2, 1885. 

Peter B. Montgomery, Chambersburg, Mch. 24, 1886; Bellevue Hosp. Med. Col., Mch. 
15, 18.%. 

Wm. H. Brjsius, Greencastle, April 24, 1886; Jeff. Med. Col., April 2. 1886. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 295 

CHAPTER XIII. 
EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS. 

Educational.— Education Defined — Teaching Defined— Early Schools 
and their Equipments — John B. Kaufman's Account of Early Schools 
and Teachers— History of School Legislation— Comparative Statis- 
tics — County Superintendents— Coumty Institutes— Letter from Ex- 
Co. Supt. A. J. McElwain— List of County Superintendents. 

Religious.— Early Settlers' Religions— Presbyterians— Lutherans— Re- 
formed —Methodists — United Brethren— Roman Catholic— Episcopa- 
lian— Church of God —German Baptists— River Brethren— Mennonites 
— Reformed Mennonites— Colored Churches — Mormonism. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

EDUCATION, as the derivation of the term implies, is a leading out of 
the powers and capacities of the individual. It is training, developing, 
inspiring, guiding, refining and elevating the being wrought upon. It makes 
of the being all that he is capable of becoming, working always, of course, 
upon the capital stock of brain and muscle and heart possessed. Out of crude 
material it cannot make a perfect product. A diamond can not be developed 
unless it exist in the rough quartz presented. Statesmen can not be fash- 
ioned from crude pigmies. Education is not a pouring-in or cramming pro- 
cess, but a leading out and unfolding of all the powers — physical, intellectual, 
moral and social — which the being possesses. Every parent, every child, 
every book, every paper, every street, every association, every experience, 
favorable or otherwise, every joy and every defeat is an educator. Life from 
the cradle to the grave is but so much time spent in the preparatory school of 
eternity, the lessons of which are often imperfectly learned. The old adage, 
"Experience teaches a dear school, but fools will learn in no other," is un- 
true. Experience teaches a good school, the best, and wise people will learn 
in it; fools in none. 

Teaching, then, is not telling simply; it is not questioning simply; it is not 
frowning or smiling and correcting only. It is more. Viewed from a rational 
standpoint, teaching is the science which trains the mind to think clearly and 
earnestly, the heart to feel keenly and rationally, and the hand to execute 
what the mind and the heart have approved. With this in mind we are prepared 
to understand the statement of the wise man: "Train up a child in the way he 
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. " Train by telling, 
by questioning, by suggesting, by repressing, by stimulating, by all the means 
which a fruitful ingenuity can invent. 

In a new country, and in fact everywhere, the best school, the most valuable 
lessons learned are those found "at the best academe, a mother's knee." 
Family instruction was the primitive kind; and, when the mother was intelli- 
gent and wise, it laid the foundation for whatever might be subsequently 
furnished by the higher order of schools. The records of this faithful work, 
however, have not been preserved in tables and reports and percentages at 
the State capital. Only in the noble lives and matchless characters given to 
the world can the records be read. The silent lessons taugfht in the little 
cabin, by the wayside, or in the lonely forest were not forgotten, but mani- 



296 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

fested themselves in life's "late afternoon." Only when the veil of eternity is 
lifted, and things can be seen in their true light, will be understood fully the 
nature and potency of the valuable home school. 

Bivt the early cabin school, built by the joint efforts of the neighborhood, 
legitimately followed the family school. With its rude logs, puncheon floor, 
slab benches, open-throated chimney, it served as a people' s college to prepare 
boys and girb to become the future men and women of the neighborhood, the 
citizens of the commonwealth. Methods of instruction were not discussed, in 
those primitive days. Knowledge was power. Facts and principles were 
supposed to have a transforming influence upon the minds and lives of the 
young. The what or subject matter was first in importance; then came the 
how or the methods of instruction; and later, the why or the philosophy of 
teaching. 

Text-books were rare and simple. The spelling-book, the English reader, 
the New Testament, some simple text in arithmetic which would enable the 
pupil to "do sums ' ' as far as the ' ' double rule of three, ' ' or perchance, in rare 
cases, to include double position, and, later, a manual of United States history. 
Grammar and geography were not taught at first. They were higher branches, 
whose study gave position in the community, and indicated unusual learning. 
When Lindley Murray's or Kirkham's grammar first appeared, an innovation 
was announced. Daboll's or Pike's or Dillworth's arithmetic afforded the 
knowledge of mathematics deemed essential. Slates and black-boards were, 
at first, unknown; and steel pens likewise. The ever-faithful goose quill, 
made and sharpened by the master's skillful knife, supplied the penmanship 
of the times. No Spencerian or Eclectic or other modern system of pen- 
manship knocked at the school-room door for recognition. No book agent 
ready to introduce a new series, perambulated those early school districts. No 
globes or wall maps, no numeral frames or other objects of illustration, cum- 
bered the humble log schoolhouse. Work was done in a humble manner, and 
good work too. Pupils learned because they appreciated their opportunities. 
No graded course of study presented its charms or its terrors to the young 
urchin. Individual work and personal progress were the rule. How faithfully 
those early schools served their purpose is attested by the numerous specimens 
of grand men and women, the pride of the land, they turned out. ' ' There were 
giants in those days." 

We shall be pardoned for introducing here the testimony of one of Frank- 
lin County' s worthy and honored sons, John B. Kaufman, a pupil and teacher 
both of "ye olden time." His picture will doubtless be familiar to many who 
were once rustics. ' ' Going back some fifty odd years, I have a distinct rec- 
ollection of my old teacher, Daniel Eckerman, an excellent instructor, who 
wrote a hand like copper plate; spelled correctly; whose pronunciation was 
faultless and distinct; a good arithmetician; understood grammar and geogra- 
phy, and wouldn't lick me, because I had spoken truthfully when I had got- 
ten into a little scrape. His kindly admonition is by no means forgotten, 
though it was given fifty-two years ago. The lesson was a valuable one. 

' ' Next in order was Capt. Thomas Anderson, who was very particular, and 
somewhat stern in his discipline. He quit teaching in 1836, and now resides 
in Knox County, Ohio. Then there was Benjamin Davis, who stood high as 
to qualifications, and his ability to vigorously apply the rod and ferule. He 
moved to the West soon after 1850. He was well up in years at that time. 
Eugene Owens, a brilliant scholar and surveyor, flourished somewhat earlier 
than my time, but was highly spoken of. Then I mention Capt. Isaac Miller, 
who taught, probably, over half a century, and died only a few years ago. 











&~0-&^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 299 

Who didn't know him? A good penman, and the very man who could manage 
schools with a hard reputation. He had an abiding faith in a liberal applica- 
tion of Solomon's celebrated euro for a fool's back, and at the same time could 
work out any number of knotty problems. As he taught many years, he was 
also contemporaneous as a teacher during my career. Beginning in 1849, 
your humble friend figured in a modest way, trying ' to teach the young idea 
how to shoot,' and to keep the boys of that day from carrying me out of the 
schoolroom. That would not be an easy job now, but in those days I was ex- 
tremely spare — in fact, lean — so my weight could not have been a great matter, 
but I was active and rather muscular, so they never tried it. However, I was 
elected county surveyor in 1856, and in those days there was more official bus- 
iness than now. I resigned my school after a short career, though I have 
taught fractional terms since. I was one of the first two who introduced men- 
tal arithmetic in the schools of our township, and belonged to one of the first, 
if not the first township institute (at least in the rural districts), in the county 
This was composed of P. M. Shoemaker, since county superintendent three oi 
four terms; Capt. E. K. Lehman, Hon. W. W. Britton, late member of Legis- 
lature; John W. De Haven, at present teaching in Greene Township-; B. A. 
Cormany, Esq. , clerk of the courts, and now of Junction City, Kas. ; A. B. 
Wingert, a splendid young teacher then, who followed the business very suc- 
cessfully for a number of years, but is in other business now, and your humble 
servant. Nearly all of these had, or afterward obtained, professional certifi- 
cates. Montgomery Martin and Henry A. Thomas also figured prominently in 
those days as teachers. Then there was, a little later, D. D. Swanger, of 
Lurgan Township, but he is a merchant now and a justice of the peace. I 
must not omit Saml. Gelwix, ex-county superintendent, and his brother, Br. 
J. M. Gelwix. I feel a little proud of some of my school boys, who afterward 
taught awhile successfully. First I would name Prof. Wm. C. McClelland, of 
Shippensburg High School; A. G. Huber, Esq., principal of a soldiers' orphans' 
school, of Philadelphia. He was a graduate of the Michigan University, at 
Ann Arbor. His brother, Rev. B. G. Huber, also, was one of my little school 
mischiefs thirty-four years ago. Rev. S. B. McClelland, a Presbyterian minister, 
is a younger brother of W. C. McClelland. Rev. Jonathan A. West, Jr., now a 
resident of your State, but his charge extending into Ohio, was one of my bright- 
est boys in the first class in mental arithmetic, and in the advanced class in gram- 
mar. Then I had another quiet boy in Greenleaf's National, who seldom 
required help; it was R. Walker Ramsey, who, after teaching awhile, studied 
medicine, and is one of oar best physicians in the county. He has a large 
practice in and around St. Thomas. Then Rev. H. A. Schlichter, presiding 
elder, and Danl. W. Sollenberger, who was deputy recorder, are ministers in 
the United Brethren Church. The latter was a very successful teacher, and all 
these were pupils of mine. Of course they became what they are, since they 
left my school, but I can not help feeling some pride in them ; I feel as if I had, 
perhaps, helped to put a stone in the foundation. But to come down still further; 
we have had D. A. Flora, B. F. Newton, L. F. Creamer, now of Dayton, 
Ohio, and Frank H. Slyder, the latter a prospective candidate for county 
superintendent, and Misses Emma and Naomi Minehart, all splendid teachers. 
Most of them had permanent, and all of them professional certificates, but 
there is not one of them teaching here. A few of them teach elsewhere, and 
the rest are engaged in other business. Why are they no longer teaching 
here? The case is plain enough. School directors are generally selected 
because they pay a good deal of school tax, or such as are in favor of low 
taxes for school purposes, and such as favor low salaries and short school 



300 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

terms. The natural consequences have followed. Salaries from $20 to $35 
per month for five or six months are not exactly calculated to keep in the 
ranks, or in the district, teachers with professional papers. Comment is unnec- 
essary. 

' ' I told you something of our teachers of 'ye olden time, ' and I imagine I 
see the schoolhouse of the same ancient day. It is a log house in the midst 
of the woods; board roof; low room; low window-sash, sliding sidewise; joist 
unhewed on lower side; slab benches, pin feet, like a meat bench; desks of slabs 
along walls, supported by sticks driven into two-inch holes in the logs of the 
wall, and a stove of the most primitive kind. The house crouches modestly in 
the woods, sheltered from the chilly blast, and forming playgrounds unlimited 
in dimensions. Here we played town ball, corner ball, sow ball and long ball. 
Sometimes we would jump, to see how high we could leap; then it was hop, step 
and jump. Once in a while we played ring, provided the girls would help, 
and generally they would. As far as it goes we were learning, too. We had 
but little grammar or geography, and we hardly knew what algebra meant, 
only that it was much harder than arithmetic; but our spelling class would not 
need to blush in modern days. Nary blackboard nor other appliance; only two 
things were prominently in view — the old schoolmaster's pipe, the cloud of 
smoke almost hiding the inevitable, the ever present birch. Then the rosy- 
cheeked, home-spun, flannel-bedecked little maidens, to whom we wrote little 
missives, though it was strictly forbidden; yet we found means to slyly con- 
voy them unobserved by the teacher, and the tender replies were just as slyly 
brought to our side. Just think of it. Such wonderful effusions as, 

The rose is red, the vilets blew, 
Shooger is sweat, and so ar you. 

' ' Then what heart beatings there would be to get, the same hour, a reply 
something like this. 

the ring is round, it has no end 
So is my love to you, my friend. 

or 

My pen is bad, my ink is pail 
My Love to you Shall never f ale. 

" Not very good spelling to be sure, but human nature, among children as 
well as men, fifty years ago, was much as now. Ah! those days are past a 
long, long time ago for us. The parents who sent us to school with our small 
dinner baskets and a few books, are nearly all gone, and if here yet, are in 
their second childhood. 

" Nearly every one of our old-style teachers are gone to their reward. May 
they wear an extra bright crown in the celestial city. The old log school- 
house has long ago given way to the larger and better ventilated and well- 
furnished room, with blackboards and other aids to efficient and intelligent 
instruction. Schoolhouses are nearer together, so children have not so far 
to go, and, when there, find comfortable seats and desks, etc. Additional 
branches are taught in a scientific and common-sense manner, and yet some of 
us sigh for the good old times of yore. What unreasonable creatures we are! 

"I commenced to study surveying from an old 'Gibson,' in the fall of 
1348, and undertook to survey a farm of over 200 acres on the 9th of Febru- 
ary, 1849. This I did with a set of borrowed instruments, but I had remark- 
able success that day, and it brought me other work. I had never seen any one 
survey, had no living teacher, but I struggled onward, and, when I floundered 
among difficulties, I struggled, as did Christian in the slough of despond, toward 
the far side, or the side toward which I had been traveling. The instruments 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 301 

were old and worn, and I had a good deal of trouble with them at times, es- 
pecially the compass, but these very difficulties proved of value in after life. I 
watched the movements of the needle very closely, to detect, if possible, irreg- 
ularities in its movements. I was always on the alert, a habit that sticks to 
me to this day; and I natter myself I can notice such vagaries as the needle 
often displays as soon, perhaps, as any one, and should it be out of order 
apply the remedy as soon as possible. My parents would have preferred that 
I should let surveying alone, and threw many discouragements in my way — 
sometimes I did become discouraged for a time — but I had a good deal of per- 
severence and enthusiasm for the business, which sometimes amounted to a 
passion, but I went on, got other books and other instruments by degrees, so 
I at last became, established as a surveyor. When I taught school I took up 
algebra and in a year or two had acquired a very good knowledge of the 
elements of that useful branch, which aided me in understanding better the 
later works on surveying. I have constructed several useful tables for use in 
the field. One is a table of the amount of declination, or popularly the varia- 
tion, of the needle for each year from 173G to the present time. It is very use- 
ful and convenient. To find an analytical expression to compute the numerical 
values for each year was a tedious and difficult matter, but I succeeded in ob- 
taining an empirical expression that fits in nicely. I would have published 
it. but it is only of local value, the needle not pointing the same except in a nar- 
row belt of territory, and the rates of changes in different localities not being 
the same. Another table is to find the amount of refraction to allow on my 
solar transit in setting off the declination arc of the instrument, the amount for 
different hours of the day, during the different seasons of the year, depending 
upon the elevation of the sun. This had to be ascertained by spherical trigo- 
nometry and a little practical astronomy. It involved more labor than I ex- 
pected when I began, or I would certainly have left it alone, but having made 
a beginning I did not like to give up, and I didn't. The table is found in 
my field books, and when I use the solar attachment I can depend on it 
pretty well. It would do very well, but the refraction of the atmosphere varies 
with the temperature, as well as barometrical changes, etc., and I don't carry 
either a thermometer or barometer with me; am too poor." 

A provision was contained in the constitution of 1776 to the effect that 
''A school or schools shall be established in each county by the Legislature 
for the convenient instruction of youth, with such salaries to the masters paid 
by the public as may enable them to instruct youth at low prices. " This 
was a step toward popular education as a condition of worthy citizenship, but 
it indicated no precise way in which the desirable result was to be accom- 
plished. For many years this provision of the constitution seems to have 
been a dead letter, the Legislature exercising its discretionary power with no 
perceptible results. 

The constitution of 1790 proceeded a step further and required that "the 
Legislature should, as soon as conveniently might be, provide by law for the 
establishment of schools throughout the State in such manner that the poor 
might be taught gratis. " But no scheme which makes an odious discrimina- 
tion between the children of the poor and those of the rich can hope to be 
worthy of popular favor, being diametrically opposed to the genius of our 
civil institutions. Neither by the organic law nor by the law of 1809, which 
failed to avoid the same difficulty, did relief come. It came only when pro- 
vision for the education of rich and poor was equally gratuitous. 

In the constitution of 1838 the odious feature of 1790 was re-enacted; but 
in that of 1873 it was declared that ' ' the General Assembly shall provide 



302 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public 
schools, wherein all the children of this Commonwealth, above the age of six 
years, may be educated, and shall appropriate at least one million of dollars each 
year for that purpose. No money raised for the support of the public schools of 
the Commonwealth shall be appropriated to or used for the support of any 
sectarian school. Women twenty-one years of age and upward shall be eli- 
gible to any office of control or management under the school laws of this 
State." 

From the foregoing constitutional and statutory provisions it will be 
clearly seen that the public-school system, like the methods of instruction and 
the character of private schools briefly referred to in the first part of this 
chapter, has been a gradual growth. School systems, like the best men, are 
molded out of faults. 

The act of the Assembly establishing the free schools of the common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, was approved by the governor on the 1st of 
April, 1834. Under its provisions the first election for school directors in 
each district was held on the third Friday of September following, and on 
the first Tuesday of November was appointed a joint meeting in each county of 
a delegate from the several boards of school directors and the county commis- 
sioners, for the purpose of deciding whether or not a tax should be levied for 
the support of schools. At an election held on the 19th of September, 1834, 
under the above provisions, the following persons were elected school directors 
for Chambersburg District: Samuel D. Culbertson, Thomas Chambers, 
Jacob Heart, William Seibert, Frederick Smith and William Heyser. 

On Tuesday, the 4th of November, 1834, the joint meeting of the 
delegates from the different boards of school directors and county commis- 
sioners of Franklin County was held in the court-house, in Chambersburg, and 
was organized by electing Andrew Thomson, president, and Thomas Chambers, 
secretary. The following townships had accepted the provisions of the school 
law and were represented by delegates: Antrim, George W. Hewett; Cham- 
bersburg, Thomas Chambers; Fannett, William Campbell; Greene, Andrew 
Thomson; Guilford, Samuel Wingerd; Hamilton, David Lytle; Letterkenny, 
Benjamin Hoover; Lurgan, John Reynolds; Metal, Joseph Flickinger; Peters, 
Nicholas*Baker; Southampton, Jonathan Peal; Warren, John Thomas; Wash- 
ington, David Wertz; county commissioners, Joseph Culbertson and John 
Cox. 

The convention resolved that a tax be levied, not exceeding in amount 
double the funds appropriated by the State to each school division; Saturday, 
December 4, was fixed on as the day on which the people of the several school 
districts should assemble, at the usual place of holding township elections, to 
decide whether they would raise, for the current year, a sum in addition 
to that determined on by this meeting. At the meeting of the citizens of 
Chambersburg District, held in conformity with the above resolution, it was 
decided not to raise any additional sum for school purposes. There are no 
records in existence to show when the schools were opened, but likely about 
he 1st of January, 1835, as the following appropriations by the State for that 
ye ar are the first that can be found : 

Antrim $225 80 Lurgan $ 65 44 

Chambersburg 142 08 Metal 74 29 

Fannett 64 90 Peters 12116 

Greene 162 06 Southampton 78 50 

Guilford 154 56 St. Thomas 96 20 

Hamilton . 75 65 Warren 5155 

Letterkenny 112 50 Washington 218 45 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 303 

Though the records are very meager, we are convinced that the educational 
sentiment was slowly developing. In his history of Franklin County. Rupp 
has this paragraph in 1846: 

' ; The state of education is improving. The common-school system has 
been adopted in every district except one township — Warren. The schools are 
in operation in 13 districts, in which 112 schools are open about five months 
and a half in the year, employing 96 male and 17 female teachers, at an aver- 
age salary of $17.72, of the latter $11.21 per month; in these schools 3,282 
male and 2,711 females are taught, 70 of whom are learning German. A 
district tax has been raised of $11,781.74 — the State appropriation was $8,- 
136 — cost of instruction $10,490.74; fuel and contingencies $904.70, for 
the year 1844. Besides the public schools, other literary institutions, already 
noticed, exert a salutary influence upon the several classes of society. ' ' 

Comparatively little can be found concerning the common schools up to 
1857, all the records prior to that date having been destroyed in the Chambers- 
burg fire. In the following table, taken from the report of the State school super- 
intendent for 1885, is exhibited a condition of things very favorable as com- 
pared with the imperfect showing in the reports of 1835 and 1846. The attend- 
ance is increased, wages advanced and a spirit of growing liberality exhibited: 



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DISTRICTS. 

•j. Chambers'bg 

3. Fannett 

.'). (ireencastle... 

7. Hamilton 

8. Letterkenny 

9. Lurgan 

(I. Mercersburg 

1. Metal 

2. Montgomery 

4. Quincy 

5. St. Thomas.. 
0. Southamptoi 

8. Washington. 

L9. Waynesboro. 

















(304) 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 305 

The county superintendency was established under the following section of 
the law of May 8, 1S54: 

"The school directors of the several counties of the commonwealth shall 
meet in convention at the seat of justice of the proper county, on the first 
Monday of June next, and on the third Monday of May in each third year 
thereafter, and select viva voce by a majority of the whole number of direc- 
tors present, one person of literary and scientific acquirements, and of skill and 
experience in the art of teaching, as county superintendent for three succeeding 
school years; and the school directors or a majority of them in such conven- 
tion, shall determine the amount of compensation for the county superinten- 
dent, which said compensation shall be paid by the superintendent of common 
schools, by his warrant drawn upon the State treasurer, in half yearly install- 
ments if desired, and shall be deducted from the amount of the State appro- 
priation to be paid to the several school districts for said county." 

Under the law the directors met in the court-house, Chambersburg, Mon- 
day, June 5, 1854, choosing James O. Carson, president, and Geo. Cook and 
Wm. B. Gabby, secretaries. Nominees for county superintendent were: Rev. 
B. S. Schneck, Chambersburg; James McDowell, Antrim; Joseph Eckhart, 
Guilford; Matthew Irwin, Montgomery; Rev. Joshua Kennedy, Fayetteville; 
Jas. D. McDowell, Peters; Rev. J. F. Kennedy, Chambersburg. On the 
fourth ballot James McDowell was selected, and his salary fixed, after much 
controversy, at $600 per annum for the next three years. One of the first 
acts of a general character, after Mr. McDowell's election, was the organiza- 
tion of a county teachers' institute. In the Franklin Repository of December 
13, 1854, appears the following sensible call: 

"To the friends of education: With a view the more successfully to carry out 
the design of the common school system, and to advance the cause of educa- 
tion in general, we respectfully invite and earnestly request a convention of 
teachers, school directors and the friends of education generally, to meet in 
Chambersburg, on Friday, the 29th inst. , at 10 o'clock, in order to make ar- 
rangements for the organization of a county association for the improvement 
of teachers and to aid each other in the management and government of 
schools and the art of teaching, and for the dissemination of correct views 
and information on the subject of education, and the best methods of pro- 
moting it. And we hope that all interested will give us their countenance in 
the movement; that our lady teachers will not be backward to cheer us with 
their presence and support us by their very efficient aid, and that none of the 
teachers will absent themselves who can attend, and also that directors will 
encourage the attendance of teachers by all means, if, even to the exoneration 
of them from replacing the time which they may occupy in attendance on this 
matter; as it may, and no doubt will, result in a general and lasting benefit 
to the schools within the county. 

' ' Addresses and essays appropriate to the occasion may be expected. 

"J. McDowell, 

" Greencastle, December 13, 1854. County Superintendent." 

It is doubtful whether any teacher or superintendent anywhere, has had a 
more intelligent conception of the legitimate sphere of the teacher's work 
and responsibilities than is indicated in the foregoing announcement. It 
aiust be remembered that at that time, with probably the exception of " Page's 
Theory and Practice of Teaching, " no professional text books on the science of 
education had been published, and yet this proclamation implies an acquaint- 
mce with the advanced views of educational writers and thinkers. 

Mr. McDowell lived but a portion of his term, and was succeeded by Hugh 



306 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

J. Campbell who filled out the unexpired term. No records of the institutes 
and county superintendent's work having been accessible, we give the fol- 
lowing interesting report, prepared at our request by one of the old teachers 
and superintendents of the county, Mr. A. McElwain,* now of Fannettsburg : 

' ' My first knowledge of the schools of Franklin County was prior to the 
creation of the office of county superintendent, which was in 1854. I taught a 
term of five or six months in Green Village, and lived in Scotland, Greene Town- 
ship, in the winter of 1851-52. Dr. Charles Howland, during the same winter, 
taught the Scotland school. In the winter of 1852-53 I taught the grammar 
school in Mercersburg, which had for several years been taught by Mr. Thos. 
Richards. I then left Franklin County and, from the fall of 1854, to that of 
1858, in Shippensburg. In the fall of 1 858 I was elected principal of the schools 
of Chambersburg, which post I held for five years, when I was elected in May, 
1863, county superintendent. P. M. Shoemaker. Esq., was county superin- 
tendent during the five years of my teaching in Chambersburg. My relations 
with him were of a pleasant character. He was an efficient officer and had 
inaugurated both annual meetings of the teachers in Chambersburg. and semi- 
annual meetings to be held in the other towns and villages in the county. 
These meetings were carried on mainly by home workers, the county super- 
intendent being one of them, with an occasional lecture by a member of the 
Chambersburg bar. During the day sessions the exercises were conducted by 
the teachers, led generally by some one appointed by a committee or the 
county superintendent to open the subject, which was generally some 
branch of education then in the schools. Greencastle, AVaynesboro, St. 
Thomas, Strasburg and Mercersburg were points of meeting for the semi- 
annual gathering. These points, though not calling out so many of the 
teachers of the county, always manifested a deep interest in the proceedings, 
and the practice of the institute was, I believe, uniformly to elect, as a presid- 
ing officer, some citizen, director or otherwise, to serve during our session. The 
branches received that attention which we thought they required in order to 
a uniformity of method in teaching, as well as a more thorough scholar- 
ship of the teachers. Mental arithmetic, or the analysis of problems 
orally under certain formulas, was a frequent exercise, and few teachers were 
disposed to shirk their duties when called upon. Algebra was frequently 
presented by some one or other in a fair degree of clearness. 

' ' The institutes in Chambersburg scarcely ever called out the citizens to any 
great degree. Whether this was favorable or unfavorable to the cause of edu- 
cation, each one, I presume, will judge for himself. Our object in meeting 
was our mutual improvement, and our attendance was altogether voluntary. 
No legislative enactment provided for such meetings or provided for the ex- 
penses. That many teachers profited by the exercises, when conducted by 
those teaching the elementary schools, as well as those teaching the schools of 
higher grade, was a matter not doubted at the time ; however, it may be looked 
upon now as " a day of small things" by those who are the quiet recipients 
and passive auditors in our now journal-trurnpeted institutes, which, by legis- 
lative enactments, can draw to the extent of $200 from the county treasurer to 
help pay instructors from other parts of the world for what could be as well ob- 
tained from our own teachers. It will be understood that the breaking out of 
the war in 1861 was terribly inimical to school interests in Frpnklin County. 

*Dui'ing the burning of Chambersburg, Mr. McElwain was living two and a half miles west of the town. 
Rebel soldiers stopped in large numbers at his house. Among them was a chaplain who inquired of the 
superintendent whether he had ever been a teacher of " niggers." Mr. McElwain replied that he had occa- 
sionally been. This was enough. When the troops retired, they fired his house, and permitted nothing to be 
removed under penalty of death. The loyalty, honesty and philanthropy of the school-master caused the 
loss of his property. The offense was — he had taught :'niggers." 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 309 

The attention of its citizens was too much engrossed with the threatened destruc- 
tion of their property and their government to be easily gained to school inter- 
ests, and on entering upon my duties of county superintendent I found 
myself handicapped in my efforts to secure attention to school interests, in the 
face of superior claims upon the attention to homes and property. I insti- 
tuted no new policy, except that I declined to accept the proffered help of 
fledgeling attorneys of the law and politicians to build up an institute of pro- 
fessional teachers. I regarded it then, as I do now, an opportunity for devel- 
opment of the qualities which the teachers need, if only they could be trained 
to do as all other professions do — hold their own conventions and conduct 
them themselves. The first institute held during inj incumbency was held in the 
Washington Street School building, in Chambersburg. State Superintendent 
Coburn was invited to attend, and met with us there. He gave us encourage- 
ment, and the response made to my requests to teachers to aid in making our 
institute profitable was very gratifying. I have no preserved data from which 
to give a full account of our proceedings, but my memory reverts with pleasure 
to many teachers who contributed valuable aid to your humble servant in his 
efforts to assist young and earnest teachers in qualifying themselves for their 
duties. 1 trust it will not be regarded as invidious to name those who took a 
deep interest in our discussions and investigations of the topics brought before 
the institutes: Messrs. Eby, Omwake, Smith and Weir, of Antrim and Green- 
castle; Gaff. Stoler and Brown, of Washington and Waynesboro; Richards,. 
McElwain, Hockenberry, McFadden, Eckhart and Moore, of Chambersburg; 
Moore, Croft and Kendig, of Hamilton; Shoemaker, Gelwix, Winger, Leh- 
man and Kaufman, of Letterkenny; De Haven, Swanger, Shoemaker and 
Martin, of Lurgan; Blair, McClelland, Mc Mullen and Orr, of Southampton; 
Thompson, Sollenbergers and Bollinger, of Greene; Shaffer, Snyder, Shriver, 
Cook and Wolfkill, of Guilford; Keyser, Hays, Detrichs, Wolf, Jones, Mc- 
Clean, and others, who taught in different townships. Some of these are still 
teachers in the county, some following other pxirsuits in life, and quite a num- 
ber have passed beyond the dark river, toward which most of them are rapidly 
moving. Many ladies also attended our institutes, and only a want of mem- 
ory prevents a mention of the particvdar exercises in which they engaged. 

' • Our second annual institute, during my term of office, was held in the 
basement of the Lutheran Church, it being in the year 1864. Chambersburg 
had been laid in ashes by the rebels on the 30th of July preceding, and the 
educational fires burned low. . I can give nothing definite of our proceedings. 
The semi-annual meetings also were abandoned on account of the distraction! 
occasioned by the war. A meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, I believe, in 
1865, which was tolerably well attended. During the year 1865, a move was; 
made to secure the Normal School of the Seventh District of Pennsylvania in 
Chambersburg. Notice of a meeting to be held in Chambersburg, was given to 
the counties embraced in the district to send representatives to the meeting. 
Cumberland' County and Franklin County only were represented. State Supt. 
Coburn was present as chairman of the meeting. It was settled on the basis of" 
the number of schools of the two counties that Franklin County have nine, and 
Cumberland County eight, delegates. An effort had been made to secure pledges 
of stock in Shippensburg, Newville, Mechanicsburg and Shiremanstown, and 
they had agreed to pool their interests so as to secure the school either in Ship- 
pensburg or Newwille. On motion of F. M. Gilliland, a delegate frorn Cum- 
berland County, Shippensburg was nominated as the seat of the school. This 
motion was amended by A. M. McElwain,, a delegate from Franklin County, 
that action in the premises be postponed, on account of the depleted condition 

17 



310 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

of Charnbersburg' s finances in consequence of the burning of the town the 
year previous. This amendment was carried by a vote of 9 to 8. Thus 
ended all efforts on the part of the several counties to locate the school. It 
was subsequently located at Shippensbui'g, through individual enterprise of 
citizens of that place, and recognized by the State as the Seventh District 
School. This meeting was called at the instance of George Swartz, Esq. , 
superintendent of Cumberland County. I made some efforts to secure the 
school in Chambersburg. Hon. F. M. Kimmel and J. Wythe Douglas, Esq., 
were delegates in behalf of Franklin County. In my preparation for the 
meetino- I called on a number of the leading business men of Chambersburg, to 
get them to attend the meeting. Among them was Mr. William Wallace, mer- 
chant, now deceased, who said he could not attend, but that I might say for 
him that he would give $500 toward the enterprise. 

" During my incumbency, on account of the war prices bearing hard on 
salaried officers, a meeting of the school directors was called about the middle 
of my term to increase my salary, which was then $600. The directors met 
in convention in the public school building, on King Street, Chambersburg. 
Mr. Craig McLanahan was called to the chair. A motion to increase the salary 
to $1,000 was lost; $950 was a tie, and on second vote was lost; $800 was 
then fixed as my salary for the remainder of my term. This continued to be 
the salarv of P. M. Shoemaker, Esq., my successor, for part of his term, 
when by a convention called it was raised to $1,200, and thus remained until, 
bv legislative enactment, it was fixed on the present basis of $4. 50 for each 
school of the county. I was not a candidate for re-election; other business 
took my attention from the schools to some extent, but I remained in the 
county till 1871. The law, giving financial aid to the institute and the time to 
the teachers, increased the attendance of teachers and introduced hiring of 
instructors. ' ' 

LIST OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. 

1854-57— James McDowell, Hugh J. Campbell. 

1857-60— Philip M. Shoemaker. 

1860-63— Philip M. Shoemaker. 

1863-66— Andrew J. McElwain. 

1866-69— Philip M. Shoemaker. 

1869-72— Samuel Gelwix. 

1872-75— Jacob S. Smith. 

1875-81— S. H. Eby. 

1881-87— H. A. Disert. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The early settlers of Franklin County were, as a rule, members of the 
church, and took immediate steps not only for the preaching of the Word, but 
for the erection of suitable places of worship. While "the groves were God's 
first temples," the people of the valley were not content until the log meeting 
house, located near some sparkling spring, was erected. To them the dearest 
place on earth, next to the humble log dwelling, was the little meeting-house 
where, often under most trying circumstances, they were accustomed to meet 
for divine worship. 

The early Scotch-Irish settlers were Presbyterians. Their churches are 
the oldest, dating back to within a few years of the first settlements made. 
Rocky Spring, in Letter kenny Township, Falling Spring, at Chambersburg, 
Mossy Spring, at Greencastle, Upper West Conococheague, formerly at Clnu-ch 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 311 

Hill, but now at Mercersburg, Welsh Run, and the congregation in Upper 
Path Valley are the primitive congregations, built on tbe teachings of the con- 
fession of faith. Their origin and history are given in the several boroughs 
and townships to which they belong and need not be repeated. 

As early as November, 1734, the presbytery of Donegal, which had the charge 
of the territory west of the Susquehanna, sent Rev. Alexander Craighead to 
preach to the scattered Presbyterian settlers over the river. His labors were con- 
fined to two or three Sabbaths. The succeeding year, Revs. Craighead, Thomp- 
son, James Anderson and William Bertram, all ministered to the same people, 
their labors, however, being confined to Silver Spring and other points in Cumber- 
land County. The earliest reference to Presbyterians in what is now Frank- 
lin County, is found in the records of Douegal Presbytery during its sessions 
at Derry, September 2, 1736, as follows: " It being represented by Thomas 
Brown from Conococheague that Mr. W'r, lately from England, who was re- 
jected by our presbytery, is likely to do liarrn to our interests by inveigling 
the people, Mr. Anderson is ordered to visit said people in order to dissuade 
them from entertaining him as a minister." Who this " Mr. W'r" was, or what 
became of his efforts to turn the elect from the faith, is not known, all conjec- 
tures to the contrary notwithstanding. The expression, ' ' Conococheague, ' ' 
embraced all Presbyterians scattered over a large territory, including those 
who became the nuclei of the congregations at Falling Spring, Greencastle, 
Mercersburg and Rocky Spring. 

At the same session at Derry, September 2, 1736, it was decreed: "Mr. 
Samuel Gelston is ordered to supply the people of Monada on the third Sab 
bath instant, the second at Conodoguinet, and the 1st and 2d of October at 
Conococheague." In April, 1737, Messrs. Samuel Caven and Samuel Thomp- 
son were both sent to Conococheague. By the presbytery, held November 
17, 1737, Mr. Samuel Caven was ordered to supply, at Conococheague, the 
first and fourth Sabbath to come, and so alternately until our next. At the 
next meeting of presbytery, June 29, 1738, Benjamin Chambers and Thomas 
Brown both presented petitions for ministerial aid to inspect into their dis- 
orders,^and supply their needed spiritual wants. ' ' After a pretty deal of time 
in consulting as to the matter," Mr. Samuel Black was directed to goon the 
expedition, and to answer the demands of both petitions. It was ordered by 
the presbytery at its session, August 31, 1738, that "Mr. Caven supply every 
third Sabbath on the west side of Conococheague, till our next." 

Finally, after much delay and difficulty, Mr. Caven was installed as pastor 
of the people of Conococheague November 16, 1739, Messrs. Anderson, Boyd, 
Craighead and Thompson officiating. At this meeting it was announced that 
"Joseph Armstrong, Richard O'Cahan, Patrick Jack and Benjamin Chambers 
have agreed to pay Mr. Samuel Thompson the sum of £1 5s., at or before 
next meeting of presbytery, as being the whole of arrears due him by the 
people at Conococheague. " The duration of Mr. Caven' s service was determined 
by some difficulty which arose between him and his people, leading him to 
request his removal by the presbytery. The time of his service is specified 
in the sketch of Falling Spring Church, at Chambersburg, which the reader is 
requested to see. 

The first meetings of the Falling Spring people were held in the saw-mill 
of Benjamin Chambers. About 1739, a small structure of rough hewn logs 
was erected. It was used also as a schoolhouse, and in later years became the 
study house. In 1767 a large and more convenient one was erected on the 

V^These disorders were the difficulties which separated the Presbyterians into two divisions, East Conoco- 
cheague joining with Falling Spring, and West Conococheague. 



312 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

same site. The following was the agreement between the trustees of the 
congregation and the builder : 

We, in the name of the Falling Spring congregation, do promise to pay, or cause to 
be paid, to James Shanks, or his assigns, the sum of forty-rive pounds of the currency of 
Pennsylvania, for the building for a meeting-house at the Falling Spring, and when said 
house is built and sufficiently done, the money is to be paid, as wituess our hands and 
his, 5th day of July, 1767. 

Benjamin Chambers, 
John Dixon, 

his 

Richard X Venable, 

mark. 

Matthew Wilson, 
Wm. Gass, 
Patrick Vance, 
Test: Benjamin Gass, 

George Latmer, Robert Jack, 

Archibald Brown. Thomas Burney. 

In the following year Col. Chambers presented the congregation the 
ground on which the house was built, the consideration being the annual pay- 
ment of " one rose, if required." The subsequent history of Presbyterian- 
ism in the county is known, and will be read in the leading congregations 
sketched elsewhere. Its members have ever been honest and industrious, in- 
telligent and patriotic, religious and aggressive, the leaders in all the advance 
movements of the people. 

The Seceders, or Associates, and Associate Reformed Presbyterians had 
several congregations in primitive times, at Greencastle, Mercersburg, Cham- 
bersburg, and several other points. These good people have been absorbed 
by the United Presbyterians and other religious people, and are known only 
as churches of the past. Among the early ministers were such devoted 
men as John Cuthbertson, who preached in Franklin County as early as 1751; 
Matthew Lind, who died at Greencastle at the age of sixty- nine, after a 
ministry of some forty years; John Young, who died in 1803, having acted as 
pastor at Greencastle, West Conococheague and the Great Cove; John Lind, 
s vq of Matthew, who succeeded Mr. Young in October, 1808, and was a popu- 
lar preacher and pastor; James Walker who preached at Chambersburg as early 
as September, 1799, and continued till 1820; Thomas N. Strong, who succeeded 
Walker and continued a year or two; Thomas McPherrin, in the Welsh Run 
region from 1771 to 1779. 

The United Presbyterian Church is the result of a union, in 1858, between 
the Associate, or Seceder, and Associate Reformed Churches. Its origin in 
the county is accounted for by what is said concerning the absorption and dis- 
appearance of the other two denominations just mentioned. In his excellent 
" History of Big Spring Presbytery," in which he gives " not merely the his- 
tory of the presbytery of Big Spring, but of all the churches, whether Re- 
formed Presbyterian, or Associate, or Associate Reformed, or United Presbyte- 
rian, which have existed or do still exist, * * so intimately related to each 
other that their histories cannot well be separated," the author, Rev. J. B. 
Scouller, gives a list of the following named ministers who have been born within 
the limits of Franklin County: David Carson, Greencastle; John X. Clark; 
Robert G. Ferguson, near Concord; Matthew L. Fullerton, Greencastle; Jere- 
miah R. Johnson, D. D. ; Joshua Kennedy; John Lind; George McCormick, near 
Concord; George Stewart, Greencastle; T. J. C. Webster, near Mercersburg; 
John C. Young, D.D., Greencastle. They all became learned, popular 
preachers. 
*~ The Lutherans began to occupy the field very early, as will be seen by 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 313 

examining the history of some of the older churches. The .first Lutheran 
family in the Grindstone Hill settlement, one of the oldest of German settle- 
ments in the county, was that of Matthias George, in 1742. Even at that 
early day, Lutheran itinerant ministers preached occasionally to their people, 
but history has not recorded their names. One of the earliest on record was the 
Rev. John G. Bager, ' ' a pious and learned man, ' ' who preached at Grindstone 
Hill between 1765 and 1770. Other early preachers, of the last century, 
whose labors did much to establish Lutheran congregations in the county, 
were John George Young, John Michael Steck, Anthony U. Ludgen and John 
Ruthrauff. 

Through the efforts of these tireless workers and their successors, the 
Lutheran Church has become the largest organization, in point of numbers, in 
the county, its membership exceeding 2, 500. 

Contemporaneous with the Lutherans, and allied to it in language, sympathy 
and national characteristics, is the Reformed Church, formerly called German 
Reformed. In the beginning of German settlements, and in many instances 
still, the Lutherans and Reformed built houses of worship conjointly, and had 
their separate congregations and pastors. With many it is a question why 
those two strong denominations, with but slight differences to separate thein, 
should not have united in organization as well as in their business enterprises. 

As early as 1718, Rev. Michael Schlatter, of Philadelphia, made a mission- 
ary tour through the county, visiting and instructing his scattered brethren. 
It was during this trip he visited Jacob Snively, in Antrim, and wrote a 
description of the rich country visited. So far as the records show, however, 
the first preacher regularly in charge of the Reformed congregations of the 
county was Rev. Jacob Weymer, of Hagerstown, or Elizabethtown, as it was 
called at the time. He was a zealous and devoted man. His remains are 
buried at Hagerstown, unmarked by any monument, his dying request being 
that his grave should have no tablet. 

MOTCOTsburg early became the Mecca of the Reformed church in the county. 
In the college and the seminary were to be found some of the greatest scholars 
and thinkers of either continent; but Ichabod has unfortunately been written 
upon the walls of these institutions, and the memories of the past are largely all 
that is left. The church has prospered, however, and Mercersburg Classis, of 
which Rev. Wm. M. Deatrich is clerk, reports twenty-two organized congre- 
gations, twenty-two church edifices, six of which are union churches, and a 
^membership of 2,360. In point of numbers it is next to the Lutheran Church. .. 

The Methodists, the aggressive church of the country, began to take pos- 
session of the field toward the close of the last century. Their first members 
in the borough of Chambersburg were Daniel Madeira and his wife Eleanor. 
They came from Reistertown, Md. , in 1793. The first preacher who visited 
them was Rev. Charles Burgoon, then on the Frederick circuit. This occurred 
in 1794. He was succeeded in 1799 by Seely Bunn. For history of these 
men and their labors, the reader is referred to the chapter on Chambersburg. 
With its thorough system of organization and supply, the church extended its 
dominion extensively and rapidly until it had in 1884, twelve organizations 
and about 1,500 members in the county. Though recent statistics have not 
been had, its membership has greatly increased. This denomination in the 
North has always been noted for its opposition to slavery, its ardent support of 
the Government, and its earnest advocacy of the principles of temperance. 
Candidates for admission to the ranks of the ministry are required, in addition 
to literary and theological attainments, to be exempt from the use of intoxi- 
cating drink and its kindred, tobacco. It is decidedly a reform church. /4<->v 



314 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The United Brethren in Christ is a church that was founded toward the close 
of the last century by Rev. William Otterbein, a learned minister of the 
Reformed Church. From the centennial sermon of Rev. J. P. Miller, of 
Chambersburg, as well as frora the autobiography of Rev. Samuel Huber, the 
following facts are gathered: The first preacher in the county was Rev. Chris- 
tian Newcomer. As early as 1796 he preached in John Huber' s house at 
Rocky Spring. On Christmas day of the same year he preached in Chambers- 
burg, and in 1797 at Henry Kumler's, four miles from Greencastle; in 1799. 
in Mercersbiirg; in 1802 at John Crider's, in the neighborhood of Crider's 
Church; in 1803, at Lemaster's, near White Church, and in 1804: at 
George Fetterhoff s, near Fetterhoff Chapel. Rev. George A. Guething was 
his coadjutor in 1797. The following were some of the early preachers in the 
county: William Otterbein, Christian Newcomer, George A. Guething, Martin 
Boehm, Joseph Hoffman, John Neiding, Martin Crider, Abraham Draksel, 
Christian Grosh, Felix Light, Christian Smith, Samuel Huber, Jacob Wingert, 
J. S. Kessler, John Fohl, J. M. Bishop, E. Hoffman, W. Owens. Some of 
these are yet doing valiant service. 

The first class in the county was organized by Rev. Newcomer at Green- 
castle in April, 1815; the second at Rocky Spring in 1817; Chambersburg was 
organized in 1818. Preaching in Amberson's Valley began in 1819; in 1820 
at John Mower's, in the vicinity of Mowersville, the first house being erected 
in 1845, the second (Otterbein Church) in 1867; first Fetterhoff Chapel was 
built in 1834; Crider's Church in 1840. 

The following statement is taken from Mr. Miller's address in 1884: " To 
show the growth of the church in the county I will quote a few statistics 
taken from the record of Pennsylvania Conference: In 1847 we had in Frank- 
lin County 3 pastoral charges, 34 appointments, 740 members, and contrib- 
uted that year 828.61 for missionary purposes. In 1857 we had 5 pastoral 
charges, 15 churches, 54 appointments, about 1,000 members, 11 Sunday- 
schools, 450 children in Sunday-schools, and contributed for missions $136. 50. 
In 1886 we had 7 pastoral charges, 18 churches, 44 appointments, about 
1,200 members, 15 Sunday-schools, 950 children in Sunday-schools, and con- 
tributed $434 for missions. At present, according to the statistics of our 
last conference, we have in Franklin County 9 pastoral charges, 30 churches, 
valued at $60,000, 47 appointments, 2,500 members, 35 Sunday-schools, 2,700 
children in Sunday-schools, and contributed for missionary purposes $1,500. 
Our church in the county last year contributed for all church purposes little 
less than $25,000." 

The Roman Catholic Church in the county had preaching during the 
close of the last century, Chambersburg being the oldest organization. Waynes- 
boro and Doylesburg have congregations. 

The Episcopal Church has but one congregation, whose history is given 
in the chapter on Chambersburg. 

The Church of God, organized by Rev. John W T inebrenner about 1830, 
has some three or four congregations in the county, the oldest being the one at 
Orrstown, the next the one at Chambersburg, and last Fayetteville. Its exist- 
ence in the county is subsequent to 1840. 

The German Baptists, or Brethren, constitute a numerous and respectable 
part of the religious element in the county. Like some other denominations, 
they are averse to giving any statistics, or making any exhibition of a worldly 
character. From an article published in 1884 in The Vindicator by Judge 
F. M. Kimmel, a great admirer of these people, some facts are gathered. 
They were founded by Alexander Mack, a native of the Palatinate in Germany, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 315 

in 1708. The first congregation, consisting of six immersed members, "cove- 
nanted together to walk in all the commands of the Lord." The entire devo- 
tion of these people to the cause which they espoused, their practical and 
peaceful lives, their purity and integrity, won many to their cause. They 
practice trine immersion, feet- washing, and salute one another with the h 
kiss. They are earnest advocates of simple Bible teaching, and constitute an 
earnest division of the band of Christian workers. Their churches are largely 
in the country. Their first entrance into Franklin County was early in the 
last century. One of the oldest congregations in the county is one that was 
organized near "Waynesboro, and is sketched in the chapter on that borough. 

The River Brethren came into the county about L830, divided into several 
branches; they have a number of congregations indifferent parts of the coun- 
try. They constitute a quiet and industrious portion of the people. 

The Mennonites are thus described by John B. Kaufman, county surveyor, 
who is one of their prominent members. They keep no records. 

"A few Mennonites found their way to the southern part of Franklin 
County, as early as 1735. Among these were Jacob Schnebele, my great-great- 
grandfather; Samuel Bechtel, my great -grand- uncle, and others. Samuel 
Bechtel, was for many years a Mennonite minister, but whether he was at 
this early date or not, it is pretty certain that there were preaching and other 
religious exercises in the dwellings of these early settlers soon after they 
reached their new homes. 

"I do not know that many of our people came to this county, at least not 
where they are now most numerous, till some time after the close of the K ev- 
olution, when there was a large influx of them, as well as of other Germans, from 
the lower counties, especially from Lancaster. It was then that the Sheiks. 
Stouffers, Lehmans, Freys, Wingerts, Eberlys, Bissers, Hubers and Sollen- 
bergers settled in Greene, Guilford and Letterkenny Townships, taking the 
places of many of the Scotch-Irish. There is reason to believe that the largest 
influx was between 1790 and 1.S00. For many years they had no churches, but so 
arranged their dwellings that they held services in them by turns, and it was 
about 1810, or soon after, when they erected a church, about one mile north- 
east of Chambersburg. in Greene Township, where the brick church now stands. 
and a small log church in Letterkenny Township, about two and one-quarter 
miles south of Strasburg. The present structure, built in 1859, is about a 
mile and a half farther south than the old one. The church near Brown's 
Mill was erected years ago.- It was discontinued and a new one built, in 18' >7, 
about one mile north of Marion, on the road leading from that place to Cham- 
bersburg. In 1860 another church was erected in Southampton Township, at 
the lower end of Culbertson's Bow, and is known as the Bow Church. It is 
near the Southampton Station, on the Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Bail- 
road extension. 

' " A fifth congregation built a church on the Warm Spring road, in Peters 
Township, soon after the rebellion, called Hege's Church. The last named 
three congregations are. quite small in numbers. Next come the ministers. 
I begin with those of the Letterkenny congregation, within the limits 
of which I have lived all my life. Christian Sherk, of Letterkenny Town- 
ship, officiated many years; died in 1832 or 1833. Jacob Lehman, of Letter- 
kenny Township, officiated many years; died near the same time. John Gsell, 
of Letterkenny Township, was installed some years after the death of above, and 
died about 1872. John Hunsecker. now bishop, was installed in 1858; bishop 
in 1872 or 1873, and holds the same office. JohnO. Lehman, of Letterkenny, 
was installed as minister in Cumberland County; has been here about twenty 



316 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

years. The ministers of the church, near Chambersburg, have been Daniel 
Lehman, of Greene Township, was many years a minister, died about 1850; 
Peter Lehman of Greene Township, died about 1836 or 1837; David- Horst, 
of Greene Township, several years a minister, died in 1857; Philip H. Par- 
ret, of Greene Township, perhaps twelve or fifteen years, still serves; Samuel 
D. Lehman was installed a little over a year ago. Those of the Row Church 

-regation have been Joseph Bomberger, of near Middlespring, served 
many years, died nearly twenty years ago; Peter Wedel succeeded him soon after 
his death and still officiates. The ministers serving Marion congregation 
have been Jacob Hege, of Guilford Township, many years a minister, died 
some twenty years ago; Behj. Lesher, of Peters Township, installed nearly 
thirty years ago. has charge yet. Hege's Church, near Williamson, has been 
under charge of Benjamin Lesh< r. Fame as above. 

"The bishops of this denomination have been John Gsell (deceased); John 
Hunsecker, as above, has charge of the five churches. The others have only 
local preachers. There is a very close relation between the Chambersburg 
and Letterkenny congregations. The same ministers officiate in both. The 
congregations commune together twice a year: in the spring at the Letter- 
kenny Church, and in the autumn at the Chambersburg Church. I am unable 
to give the number of members. ' ' 

The Reformed Mennonites are thus sketched by H. B. Strickler. a member at 
Waynesboro: "The Reformed Mennonite Church does not keep records of 
admission to membership, nor of deaths; neither does it record any matters 
referring to ordination of ministers or bishops, nor such as refer to building 
houses for worship Hence these matters can not be given in full. The 
doctrine of the church was first regularly advocated by Christian Frantz, who 
migrated to the county from Lancaster County in the year 1825, and settled 
on a farm near Waynesboro. He had been ordained to the ministry while he 
yet resided in Lancaster County, and after his removal to Franklin County, 
exercised himself in preaching as opportunities presented themselves. A 
house was built about 1827, near Ringgold, Md. , just at the State line between 
Pennsylvania and Maryland. Here regular services have been held from that 
time to the present. In 1876 a house was erected in Waynesboro. About 
1850 a house was built on the Falling Spring, near Chambersburg. These, with 
a house near Upton, Penn. , constitute the houses erected by the membership 
•of the church for public worship. Services are held at a number of places 
where members of the church are located but have no houses of their own. 
Ministers are called by the voice of the church from the membership. After 
serving for a season on probation, if found acceptable, they are ordained to 
the ministry, and give their services without compensation. Ministers are not 
stationed to fill particular charges, but serve in the locality where they reside, 
and fill such appointments as may be within reach. There are four regularly 
ordained ministers in the county, and two more who are serving on probation. 
The doctrine advocated is known as non-resistant, because its members do not 
engage in litigation nor bear arms, ' ' 

A number of colored churches are found in the county. They belong mainly 
to the Methodist Church, and are under pastoral and conference care. Mention 
is made of those in Chambersburg, Greencastle and Mereersburg. 

An attempt to establish Mormonism, in Antrim Township, was made in 
1N45-47, but failed. The particulars are given in the History of Antrim 
Township. 



-JS 




C^f^& a^z^&J^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 319 

I 

CHAPTER XIV. 
POPULAR AGITATIONS AND PHILANTHROPIC REFORMS. 

Human Society Compared to the Ocean — Early Outlaws— The Nugents— 
Slavery in Franklin County— A Curious Will— Gradual Abolition of 
Slavery— Runaway Slaves—The Underground Railroad— Capture of 
Bob and Dave— History of John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry- 
Fate of His Coadjutors— Wendell Phillips' Speech— Curious Prophe- 
cies—History of Knownothlngism in Chambersbu kg— Sketches of Early 
Temperance Movements in the County— Tidal Waves— Washing- 
tonian Movement— Father Mathew's Efforts— Sons of Temperance- 
Good Templars— Woman's Crusade— National Woman's Christian Tem- 
perance Union— Mue phy Movement— Prohibition— Franklin Cou nty 
Bible Society— Children's Aid Society. 

HUMAN society is fitly and often compared to the great deep, whose 
bosom at times is perfectly placid and anon agitated by fierce winds. 
The longer continued and the deeper the condition of peace, the more noticeable 
will be any disturbing element. A single interval of malignant disease will 
be remarked longer and more carefully than all the preceding period of health. 
Public agitations are but landmarks along the pathway of human progress, 
serving to give relief from the wearying monotouy. 

Honest industry did not mark all the early settlers of this beautiful valley. 
As in every community, there were some who, rather than secure their food 
by honest toil, were disposed to prey upon the dearly-earned accumulations of 
others. Infatuated with the idea that the world owes them a living, they were 
disposed to obtain the means of earthly subsistence by processes wholly 
beyond the realm of justice and integrity. We are not surprised, therefore, 
to learn that toward the close of the last century a band of desperatl 
known by the name "Nugents," infested the Cumberland Valley, and preyed 
upon the people, whom they terrorized. Organized and systematic in their 
operations, they swooped down upon hamlet and rustic homestead, taking 
horses or whatever else of plunder they could most conveniently seize, and 
hurrying to their dens in the mountains. Law and official authority were defied; 
the people yielded their property voluntarily, often, rather than be subjected 
to greater outrages at an unexpected hour, and, for a time, the peace and 
prosperity of the community were at the mercy of these reckless banditti. The 
colonial records are not wanting in accounts like the following of the proceedings 
of the Supreme Executive Council, dated January 14. 178-1: " Ordered, that the 
case of William Nugent, now confined in the gaol of York County, be referred to 
the Magistracy of the said county, and that the remission of the fine imposed 
upon him be liable to such conditions as they may think proper to direct. " \Y ill- 
iam, it seems, was the leader of this notorious gang. A little later, when Franklin 
County had been organized, a reward of £100 was offered for his apprehension. 
It is understood that in expiation of his crimes he was finally executed, thus 
ending the career of one who had been the chief of a band of outlaws con- 
cerning which some marvelous tales were told. 

It is known to but few, probably, of the younger class of our citizens that 
African slavery at one time existed in Franklin County as it did throughout 
the State, but never in the malignant form which characterized the Southern 



320 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

States. The early Scotch-Irish did not entertain the same sentiment of oppo- 
sition to the institution which distinguished the Quakers ; hence many of them, 
even the leading^ members of church and state, held slaves.. No evidence 
exists, however, that they were ever treated with any other conduct than would 
have been extended to ordinary white servants, except that they were subject 
to sale or bequest just as other property was. With this knowledge in mind, we 
need not be surprised to find in the records of the county the following docu- 
ment: 

Know ye that I Benjamin Chambers of Franklin County, in the State of Pennsyl- 
vania for and in consideration of Filial affection and divers other good reasons and 
causes me thereunto moving, Do by these Presents voluntarily give, bestow and transfer 
to my Daughter, Ruhamah Calhoon and her assigns, a certain Mulatto girl, a slave, 
named Phebe, about thirteen years of age and by these presents do confirm to my said 
daughter Ruhamah and her assigns all my right, title and property in or to the said slave 
Phebe from myself, my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns. In witness whereof I 
have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of August in the year of our Lord One 
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty five. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 
Jno. Boyse, George Armstrong. 

Acknowledged May 12, 1797. Benjamin Chambers. 

Pennsylvania, however, was the first State to take steps for the abolition 
of slavery. Even during the stormy days of the Revolution, the question 
presented itself for solution. The Colonial Records, Vol. XI, page 688, has 
the following minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of which James Mc- 
Lene, of Antrim Township, was a member, the date being February 15, 1779: 

' ' We would also again bring into your view a plan for the abolition of 
slavery, so disgraceful to any people and more especially to those who have 
been contending in the great cause of liberty themselves, and upon whom Prov- 
idence has bestowed such eminent marks of its favor and protection. We think 
we are loudly called upon to evince our gratitude in making our fellow men 
joint heirs with us of the same inestimable blessings, under such restrictions 
and regulations as will not injure the community and will imperceptibly enable 
them to relish and improve the station to which they will be advanced. Hon- 
ored will that State be in the annals of history which shall first abolish this 
violation of the rights of mankind, and the memories of those will be held in 
grateful and everlasting remembrance who shall pass the law to restore and 
establish the rights of human nature in Pennsylvania. We feel ourselves so 
interested on this point, as to go beyond what may be deemed by some the 
proper line of our duty, and acquaint you that we have reduced this plan to 
the form of a law, which, if acceptable, we shall in a few days communicate to 
you." 

This, addressed to the Assembly, was not acted upon at the time. The 
proposed law, however, was presented and passed on the 1st of March, 
1780. by a vote of 34 yeas to 21 nays. Thus began gradual emancipation in the 
State, which finally became complete, leaving only historic traces of its exist- 
ence. 

Not by her own slavery, however, but by that of her neighboring States on. 
the south, was the commonwealth agitated. Mason and Dixon's line afforded 
a sufficient boundary to determine the rights of realty in Pennsylvania and 
Maryland, but was no barrier to the fugitive from Southern bondage, inspired 
with the notion of liberty and the rights of man. The Cumberland and Shen- 
andoah Valleys, with their lofty and heavily timbered mountains on either- 
side, afforded ample opportunities for the escape of negroes from their cruel 
masters. In every community, too, were those who sympathized with the fu- 
gitives and afforded them every possible aid to escape from their bondage. 
This naturally developed two classes of people in Pennsylvania: first, those 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 321 

who felt for the runaway, and aided him in his escape; secondly, those who, 
from a desire to obey the fugitive slave law, or from a selfish wish to obtain 
the heavy reward offered for the .return of the bondman, made every effort 
possible to capture the dusky unfortunate. Between these two parties strife 
necessarily arose. Anti-slavery and pro-slavery were terms that represented 
very clearly the feelings of the two classes. Political parties for years would 
have had no issues to present to the people, had not the existence of the slavery 
.problem furnished them. 

The operations of the Underground Railroad, were they written in detail, 
would fill volumes. This expression, purely historic, represents the line along 
which negro refugees passed from bondage to liberty. At convenient points 
they found sympathizers who aided them with food and clothing, and such in- 
formation as would carry them safely to the next station. These anti-slavery 
aids were usually denominated abolitionists, and rapidly won the absolute de- 
testation of the pro-slavery advocates North and South. Under the operation 
of the fugitive" slave law, they were law-breakers, and subject to both fine and 
imprisonment, if they refused to give assistance in returning slaves to their 
masters. 

It is not possible to give the thrilling cases that the records afford of runa- 
ways returned again to bondage. The press of those days gives numerous cards 
advertising the runaway of some slave, and offering a large reward for his ar- 
rest and return. Some thirty years prior to the war of the Rebellion, a 
wealthy man living at Winchester, Va. , named Flood, and by occupation an 
insurance agent, advertised that two of his negro servants, Bob and Dave, had 
absconded, and offered $600 for their recovery. Mr, John Grove, constable 
at Chambersburg, wrote Mr. Flood that he would assist in returning the fugi- 
tives for the promised sum. Flood came, and the two went out and found 
them near Bossart's mill, and brought them to town. They were cast into 
prison, but on trial denied their names. Reade Washington, attorney for 
Flood, tried a peculiar device to ascertain whether the prisoners were really 
Bob and Dave as alleged. Turning his back upon tliem, be began to write. 
Suddenly wheeling about he said, ' ' Bob ! ' ' The negro unthinkingly replied, 
"Sir." This was evidence. The poor fellows were taken back as captives, and 
Grove received his reward, but with it the imprecations of Flood, who regarded 
the affair a mercenary one. 

Along the valley were men who made it a business, not of conscience but 
of sordid gain, to arrest runaways and return them for the rewards offered. 
To this class belonged the Logans and Fitzhughs who afterward became so 
conspicuous in the capture of John Brown' s associates in the Harper s Ferry 
raid. 

In the summer of 1859, a strange man had his quarters at a frame house, 
still standing, on King Street in Chambersburg, nearly opposite the present 
Cumberland Valley depot. This strange man had, in early life, imbibed an 
intense dislike for human slavery. Every fiber of his nature was conscien- 
tiously opposed to the system. It is not strange, therefore, that during the 
trials of Kansas in the days of border ruffianism, he should espouse the cause 
of the free State party, and become generally known as ' ' Ossawatomie Brown. 
To perfect his scheme for overthrowing slavery in the United States, said 
John Brown held a convention in Canada during the month of May, 1858, 
which made an elaborate constitution and a schedule ' ' for the proscribed and 
oppressed people of the United States. ' ' This convention, on the 8th of May, 
elected John Brown commander-in-chief of all the forces that should be 
secured under this constitution. His staff officers were J. H. Kagi, Secre- 



322 HISTOEY OP FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

. 

tary of War; Richard Realf, Secretary of State; George R. Gill, Secretary of 
Treasury; Owen Rrown, Treasurer, and Alfred M. Ellsworth and Osborn An- 
derson, members of Congress. 

The interval from May, 1858, to June, 1859, was occupied largely in devel- 
oping plans and collecting funds for the philanthropic scheme. Men were en- 
listed and Rrown, under the assumed name of Smith, with three of "his sons, 
made several visits to Virginia, in the meantime, to examine the field Harper's 
Ferry was finally selected as the keynote to the situation. Chambersburg was 
made the base from which to further his operations. Hence, in July, 1859, 
Rrown and his three sons appeared on the streets of Chambersburg, and 
secured boarding, first at a hotel, and then at the private house on King 
Street already mentioned. His real mission was unknown to the people, his 
announced purpose being that of a prospector for minerals in the mountains 
of Maryland and Virginia, skirting the Potomac. He paid his board regu- 
larly, and was treated as any other well-behaved stranger would be, the peo- 
ple of the town never suspecting that in their midst a conspiracy was plotting. 

A little later, boxes securely packed and addressed to I. Smith & Sons 
were received through the commission house of Oakes & Caufman. Ry teams 
provided by Smith, they were immediately taken up the valley and finally de- 
posited on the Kennedy farm, rented for the purpose in Maryland, some five 
miles from Harper's Ferry. The contents of these boxes were carefully con- 
cealed, or if announced at all, were said to embrace agricultural and mining 
implements. The sequel showed, however, that they contained Sharpe' s rifles 
and pistols, swords, carbines, pike heads and the requisite ammunition. These 
weapons he ultimately placed in the hands of the small band of men whom he 
had collected, twenty-one in number, and with them he hoped to secure pos- 
session of the arsenal and stores at the ferry and thus provide arms for the 
uprising negroes in the State, whose cause he had espoused. 

His first effort was made on Sunday evening, October 16, 1859. Refore 
leaving his rendezvous on the farm, this intrepid leader addressed his fol- 
lowers, closing with this paragraph. "Now, gentlemen, let me press one 
thing on your minds. You all know how dear life is to you, and how dear 
your lives are to your friends ; and in remembering that, consider that the lives 
of others are as dear to them as yours are to you. Do not, therefore, take the 
life of any one if you can possibly avoid it; but if it is necessary to take life 
in order to save your own, then make sure work of it." 

The attack upon the guards was so sudden and unexpected, that it startled 
every one in the village. Men were captured and held as prisoners of war. 
When Rrown was asked what it all meant, his reply was: " To free the slaves, " 
and when further interrogated as to his authority for these acts, he said : ' : Ry 
the authority of God Almighty." Guards and night watchmen were seized 
and held. The utmost consternation prevailed everywhere. On Monday fore- 
noon, however, the people of the village and surrounding country, having or- 
ganized themselves into companies, took positions on all sides of the invaders 
and kept up. through the day, continual firing upon the raiders, with severe 
loss in killed and wounded on both sides. Rrown' s party was finally compelled 
to seek rofuge in the small brick building known then as the engine house, but 
now as John Rrown' s fort, through whose walls, by the removal of bricks, 
they made port-holes. Through these a constant firing was kept up against 
any one seen on the streets, or in the houses. The prisoners captured were 
also kept in this building, thus endangering the lives of non-combatants. 

During the day and night of Monday, October 18, militia troops from 
Winchester, Frederick, Baltimore and other places began to arrive. Col. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 32B 

Robert E. Lee and Lieut. J. E. B. Stuart, both subsequently conspicuous 
generals in the Confederacy, arrived from Washington in charge of the United- 
States Marines, to take command, and either to capture or kill the insurgents. 
After fruitless efforts by Lieut. Stuart to secure the surrender of Brown and 
his party, an assault of the place was made by the marines under command of 
Lieut. Green, and all the inmates were captured. Brown received two wounds, 
one in the head and one in the shoulder. Thus ended the attack on Harper's 
Ferry. 

The following is a list of Brown' s party : John Brown, and his three sons, 
Watson, Oliver and Owen; Aaron D. Stevens, Edwin and Barclay Coppic, 
Albert Hazlett, John E. Cook, Stuart Taylor. William Lehman, William 
Thompson, John Henri Kagi, Charles P. Tydd. Oliver Anderson, Jeremiah 
Anderson, Dolph Thompson, Dangerfield Newby, Shields Greene, John Cope- 
land and Lewis Leary. The last four were negroes. 

Of the foregoing, Wm. Thompson, Lehman, Oliver and Watson Brown, 
Taylor, Kagi, Newby, Leary and one of the Andersons were killed; Dolph 
Thompson, Owen Brown, Barclay Coppic, Tydd and one of the Andersons 
escaped, and were never captured; John Brown was imprisoned at Charles- 
town, Va. . and executed December 2, 1S59; Cook and Hazlett escaped, but 
were recaptured in Pennsylvania and executed (the former on December 16, 
1859, with Edwin Coppic). Greene and Copeland; the latter March 16, 1860, 
with Stevens who had received nine wounds. 

John E. Cook was captured near Mont Alto, while endeavoring to escape 
with several others along South Mountain. Coming down to the settlement 
to get food for his hungry party, he was betrayed and apprehended by Daniel 
Logan and several accomplices, hurried to Chambersburg jail, and given a 
trial before Samuel Reisher, Esq. Public sympathy was strongly in his favor; 
but in his pocket book was found the following commission which proved to 
be damaging testimony against him: 

No. 4. No. 4. 

Headquarters War Dep't., 

Near Harper's Ferry, Md. 
Whereas, John E. Cook has heen nominated a captain in the army established under 
the provisional government; 

Now, therefore, in pursuance of the authority vested in us, we do hereby appoint 
and commission said John E. Cook, Captain. 

Given at the office of the Secretary of War, this day, October 15, 1859. 
H. Kagi, John Brown, 

Secretary of War. Commander-in-Chief. 

The preliminary examination being against him, he was taken to Virginia 
and tried. Being a brother-in-law of Gov. Willard of Indiana, every effort 
was made to clear him, Hon. Daniel W. Voorhes, at present senator from 
that State, appearing as counsel for his defense. All availed nothing, 
however, and the brilliant young man paid the death penalty. His captor, 
Logan, received the $1,000 "blood money " which was offered for his arrest, 
and divided it among his associates. Albert Hazlett rode into the town 
of Chambersburg with a man who. had he then known him, might have 
saved his life, Mr. H. E. Wertz, of Quiney. When he found in town the 
unusual excitement resulting from the Harper's Ferry raid, and the state- 
ment that some of the conspirators were in Pennsylvania, he suggested that 
one of them had probably ridden with him to town that morning. This clew 
led to the arrest of Hazlett at Carlisle, whither he had fled from Chambers- 
burg. 

Brown's imprisonment in the Chariest own jail was full of thrilling interest. 
He received letters from friends all over the land, containing words of cheer,. 



324 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

and money for his dependent family. Notwithstanding the strong efforts of 
the counsel for the prosecution to induce him to confess the co-operation 
of leading Northern abolitionists, he stood firm, assuming all responsibility 
for his acts, and meeting his fate heroically. His conduct was admitted, even 
by his most inveterate enemies, to be brave in the extreme. He was finally 
executed and his body sent for burial to North Elba, Essex Co., N. Y. On 
December 8, 1859, the funeral occurred, Wendell Phillips pronouncing the 
oration. From that address we make one quotation, prophetic of the work ac- 
complished by this intrepid man: "He has abolished slavery in Virginia. 
You may say this is too much. Our neighbors are the last men we know. 
The hours that pass us are the ones we appreciate the least. Men walked 
Boston streets when night fell on Bunker's Hill, and pitied Warren, saying, 
'Foolish man! Thrown away his life! Why didn't he measure his means 
better?' Now we see him standing collossal on that blood-stained sod, and 
severing that day the tie which bound Boston to Great Britain. That night 
George III ceased to rule in New England. History will date Virginia 
emancipation from Harper's Ferry. True, the slave is still there. So, when 
the tempest uproots a pine on your hills, it looks green for months — a year or 
two. Still it is timber, not a tree. John Brown has loosened the roots of the 
slave system; it only breathes, it does not live hereafter." 

Three things deserve to be noted: First. In his interview with Gov. Wise, 
John Brown predicted the utter destruction of Harper's Ferry at an early 
date. This prophecy was fulfilled. The writer found on the walls of one of 
its public buildings in April, 1886, the following, written by some wag: 

Here lies the town 

That was killed by Johu Brown. 

It was once very fine 

But not since 1859. 

Second. All those engaged in arresting and executing John Brown subsequently 
committed a like crime against the government of the United States by join- 
ing in the Southern Rebellion. Third. Wendell Phillips' prophecy as to the 
abolition of slavery was verified. 

Without attempting to trace the various political movements, it may be 
proper to notice briefly one that arose simultaneously in all parts of the coun- 
try, and for a time agitated political organizations with its curious sign of in- 
quiry: " Have you seen Sam? " Its motto " Let Americans rule America," 
seemed to strike a poprdar chord, and during its two years of active existence 
it grew rapidly, and in many cases held the balance of power between the 
Democratic and Whig parties. Reference is had to American Know-noth- 
ingism. 

This organization began its county existence in Chambersburg, May 11, 
1854, mainly through the efforts of its leader, A. H. McColloh, the first mem- 
ber in the county and its first district deputy. Some of the leading spirits 
in those days were Charles W. Clyne, Thos. M. Carlile, Henry Merklein, 
John Leggett, Upton Washabaugh, O. N. Lull, Alexander Grove, Michael 
Houser, J. N. Snider, ■ Geo. S. Eyster, F. S. Stumbaugh, John Ditzler, 
Jacob Straley and David F. Robinson. 

The history of temperance agitation in its various phases is fraught with 
interest. Traces of movements in the early part of the present century are to 
be noticed in the imperfect newspaper files to be seen. In the Repository of 
1837, is found this statement of sound principles: "Many of the citizens of 
Mercersburg believing the use of alcohol, in any form as a drink, to be not 
only unnecessary but exceedingly dangerous, met on the evening of the 16th 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 325 

of March, for the purpose of forming a temperance society on the principle 
of total abstinence. " At their meeting on the 27th inst. , a largo attendance 
was present, and the following officers were elected: President, Rev. Thomas 
Creigh; vice-president. Rev. J. Clary; secretary, H. J. Brown; treasurer, 
George Pearson; managers, Win. Phillips, I. Minnick, W. C. "Webb, D. 
Kroly, G. VV. Walker and J. Spare. Its subsequent work is unknown. In 
the same paper occurs this: "A meeting of the Franklin County Temper 
ance Society will be held at the hall, in Chambersburg, on Saturday, 15th 
April, 1837." In 1838 a "Convention of delegates from the different 
temperance societies of Franklin County" was appointed to be held Septem- 
ber 7 at Chambersburg, Frederick Smith, Philip Berlin, Richard Bond, 
James Morrow and John Smith acting as committee. The same year we find 
a brief account of the ' ' Chambersburg Temperance Society ' ' with a member- 
ship of 281, embracing the names of such prominent men as Geo. S. Eyster, 
G. A. Shryock, Robert M. Bard, William Seibert, M. Nead, Wilson Reilley, 
Joseph Pritts and George Heck. 

These efforts seem to have been made prior to the sweeping over the coun- 
ty of what are known as the "tidal waves" of temperance. In April, 1840, 
six day laborers in the city of Baltimore signed this pledge: "We whose 
names are annexed, desirous of forming a society for our mutual benefit, and 
to guard against a pernicious practice which is injurious to our health, 
standing and families, do pledge ourselves as gentlemen, that we will not 
drink any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider." This originated what 
was known as the Washingtonian movement that swept over the land from 
east to west, and enlisted its thousands. Its influence was felt everywhere. 

The same year a new impetus was given the temperance cause by the ap- 
pearance in America of Father Matthew, the world- renowned apostle of 
temperance in Ireland. For ten years he had labored among his own peo- 
ple on the island of Erin, securing 150,000 converts in Cork in five months, 
and administering the pledge in Galway to 100,000 in two days. Given a 
public reception by the civil authorities on his landing in New York, he visited 
the principal cities of the land. Everywhere he was royally received, and 
during his visit to this country enrolled over 600,000 converts to the good 
cause. His pledge was simple: "I promise, with Divine assistance, to ab- 
stain frorn all intoxicating liquors, cordials, cider, and fruit liquors, and pre- 
vent, as much as possible, intemperance in others, by advice and example. ' ' 

The next ' ' wave ' ' of any importance, was that of the Sons of Temperance. 
Its advent into Franklin County was marked by the organization in 1845 of 
the Evening Star Division, No. 70, of the Sons of Temperance, on the pledge : 
" No brother shall make, buy, sell, or use, as a beverage, any spirituous or 
malt liquors, wine or cider." Its membership reached 140 or more, embrac- 
ing some of the principal citizens of Chambersburg: George S. Evster, George 
Heck, Matthias Nead, Fred. . Smith, P. W. Seibert, W. G. Reed, I. H. Mc- 
Cauley, J. Allison Eyster, C. W. Eyster, Jas. R. Kirby, Wilson Reilly, John 
W. Reges, Henry Greenawalt, Geo. R. Messersmith, J. W. Douglas, Jacob S. 
Nixon, Saml. G. Lane, John K. Shryock, A. H. Senseny, S. R. Fisher, B. S. 
Schneck, J. L. Suesserott, Edmund Culbertson, D. K. Wonderlich- and others. 
In a short time a second lodge, the Siloam, was formed. After a period of 
five or six years these organizations fell into ' ' innocuous desuetude, ' ' from which 
they did not revive till about 1866, when the forming of lodges of Good Tem- 
plars gave an impetus to temperance work. 

The next "wave" was that inaugurated by the Good Templars throughout 
the land. This occurred about the close of the war, when the excitement of 



326 HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

■ 
military life gave way to the more lasting divertisements of civil life. The 
order was introduced into Chambersburg through the efforts of Rev. S. H. C. 
Smith, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, assisted by John Gil- 
more, Mrs. Rachel Sloan, Mrs. Joseph Sierer, Miss Lide Welsh and other 
philanthropic spirits. The society grew to be a large one, and was, for a 
time, very aggressive and successful in its work. Auxiliary societies were 
formed in various parts of the county. 

The next temperance "wave" was the Woman's Crusade, which began in. 
Hillsboro, Ohio, December 23, 1873; and in Washington C. H. , December 25, 
the same year. The first was regarded the cradle, the second the crown 
of the movement. Mrs. E. J. Thompson, of Hillsboro, the wife of Judge J. 
H. Thompson, and daughter of Gov. Trimble, of Ohio, was the leader of the 
first praying band. The movement, which was an onslaught on the saloon- 
keeper by direct praying bands and petitioners, spread like wild-fire over the 
North and West, and had a wonderful effect in defeating Reptxblican congres- 
sional and State candidates in the election of 1874. 

The National Woman 1 s Christian Union was organized at Chautauqua, Au- 
gust 15, 1874, with the appropriate motto, " For God and Home and Native 
Land. ' ' The pledge which is used in all State and inferior unions is thus 
expressed, ' ' I hereby solemnly promise, God helping me, to abstain from all 
distilled, fermented and malt liquors, including wine and cider, and to employ 
all proper means to discourage the use of, and traffic in, the same. ' ' In its 
scope, this organization, which seems to have lived longer than any predecessor 
and to have become rooted in every hamlet in the country, is both educational 
and legal. . A very important feature of its work is the inculcation in text-book 
and other literature, of the effects of narcotics and stimulants upon the human 
system. At the same time a vigorous effort is constantly being made to secure 
appropriate State and national legislation on questions involving the temper- 
ance problem. An account of the workings of this organization will be found 
in the societies as described in the various boroughs and villages of the county. 

In 1876 a movement originated in Pittsburgh and spread rapidly in all di- 
rections, known as the Murphy movement. It was named in honor of Francis 
Murphy, an illiterate, though enthusiastic Irishman, who labored extensively to 
disseminate his views of temperance. No attention was paid to the saloon- 
keeper, but special prominence was given to the poor unfortunate that had 
risen from the gutter. So high a premium was placed upon the reformation 
of the inebriate, as to eclipse all honor growing out of a life of continued 
sobriety. Hence, many of the strongest advocates of the movement were, like 
Murphy, reformed drunkards. This fact soon brought the movement intw 
disfavor. All the good features of it have been adopted by the Woman' s Chris- 
tian Temperance Union. 

The last phase of the temperance problem is known as Prohibition. It is 
not new; prohibition as a principle has existed in every form of government, 
human and divine, since the birth of time. As a test of loyalty the first pair 
were restrained by a "Thou shalt not eat thereof." Without the rational 
foundation afforded by a proper instruction which recognizes the fact tha.t man 
is a creature of habits; that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reap;" that the claims of the mind are superior to those of the stomach; and 
that personal and associate happiness and prosperity depend upon self-control, 
no system of legislation can produce the desired temperance reform. However 
much philanthropists may desire it, they are compelled to acknowledge their 
inability to secure the " complete regeneration of the morals of mankind by 
act of the Legislature. " 






BISTOEI OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 329 

We have said that prohibition is ancient. Even in its legal and political 
aspects, the question was submitted to the people of the Stale in L854, and 
lost by a vote of only several hundred. In an address dated Chambersburg, 
September 8, I s -" 1. and signed by George Chambers, William Heyser, William 
Seibert, Fred. Smith, Thomas Carlisle, Geo. 8. Eyster, Wm. G. Reed, Thomas 
B. Kennedy. W. Crooks. D. K. Wunderlich, Bernard Wolff and Fred. Hen- 
ninger, after detailing, in very eloquent terms, the evils of intemperance to the 
individual and the community, the significant statement is made that ""the 
man who aeglects or refuses to vote in favor of a prohibitory law, the provis- 
ions of which are to be left to the sound judgment of the Legislature, will be 
represented by those opposed to it as against it. and in favor of the liquor 
traffic. It is for the people to say whether our innumerable shops, where in- 
toxicating liquors are sold, shall be allowed to spread over our State drunk- 
enness, crime and misery or their destructive business, prohibited by law. We 
earnestly entreat our fellow citizens to give their influence and vote on the 
side of temperance, peace, order and the public welfare." 

In the address, from which we have quoted but an extract, strong grounds 
are taken in favor of legal prohibition, showing that the solution of the prob- 
lem has taxed the minds of earnest philanthropists for a long period. The 
final solution will be the result of all educational, moral and legal agencies 
combined. 

The Franklin County Bible Society, one of the valuable institutions of the 
county, was organized in Chambersburg on the 12th of December, 1814. Its 
first corps of officers embraced the following gentlemen: President, Rev. John 
McKnight. D. D. ; vice-presidents, Rev. James Hoffman and James Riddle. Esq. ; 
secretary. Rev. John Lind: clerk. Rev. David Elliott; treasurer, John Findlay, 
Esq. ; managers. Revs. David Denny. John F. Moeller. John Moodey, Robert 
Kennedy. Messrs. James McFarland. John Calhoon, Edward Craw T ford and 
George Chambers. Traces of the organization are to be found in the incomplete 
newspaper files through the intervening years to the present time. The officers 
for 1828 were: President, Rev. David Denny; vice-presidents, James Riddle and 
George Chambers; corresponding secretary. Rev. John McKnight: treasurer, 
John Findlay, Sr. ; clerk, James B. Ross. The object, as expressed in the origi- 
nal call for its organization, was "to procure copies of the sacred Scriptures for 
distribution, either gratis or on such conditions as the society may think proper. " 
We regret our inability to give statistics of its work, but understand from one of 
its active members that it has not only maintained a continued existence to the 
present, but has distributed liberally ,to destitute families the word of the 
living God. Its benefactions during the civil war were not confined to the 
narrow limits of the county, but extended to hospitals and camps in other 
counties and States. One of the latest evidences of life is the following item, 
taken from the Valley Spirit of December, 1886: 

"In pursuance of a call by Rev. J. A. Crawford. D. D. , president, the mana- 
gers of the Franklin County Bible Society convened in the pastor's study of the 
Central Presbyterian Church at 9:30 o'clock yesterday morning. There were 
present Revs. J. A. Crawford, D. D.. J. F. Kennedv. D. D., J. J. Pomerov, 
D. D., W. C. Cremer, M. L. Smyser. M. Z. Hittel, S D. W. Smuth, H. R. 
Phoenix and Mr. J. Hoke. After a statement by Mr. Hoke in relation to the 
past history and present condition of the society, the following resolutions 
were adopted: 

Resolved, That a suitable time in the month of April or May next we will hold our 
annual meetine, and that the secretary communicate with Rev. Dr. Morrow, agent of the 
Pennsylvania Bible Society, in relation to getting him to be present on that occasion. 



330 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Resolved, That the president, Dr. Crawford, be directed to publish through the town 
and county papers that the Franklin County Society is without funds, and that in order 
to be prepared for its proper work, to meet our local wants by keeping on hand a supply of 
Bibles and Testaments to be sold at cost, or to make a thorough exploration of the county 
and supply the destitute, or aid the State society in its work, it is desired that the friends 
of the cause throughout the county aid us by collections and donations, to be sent to the 
treasurer, Mr. James C Austin, Chambersburg. 

Resolved, That the secretary communicate with the Female Bible Society, of this place, 
in relation to having a thorough exploration of the town with a view to ascertain the 
amount of destitution of the Scriptures prevailing. 

' ' Mr. J. Hoke is secretary of the Bible society. With the stimulus given it 
by yesterday morning's meeting it can be safely predicted that the society will 
resume its work with new energy and fruitful results. ' ' 

One of the philanthropic enterprises of the county, deserving of special 
mention, is The Children's Aid Society. By a legislative enactment of the 
State in 1883, poor-houses were not permitted to retain children between the 
ages of two years and sixteen years for a longer period than sixty days. The 
State failing to provide for such dependent ones, private enterprises had to 
supply the deficiency. At the time, Franklin County had twenty-five of such 
children, under ten years of age, in her poor-house. 

On June 14, 1881, a number of persons from different portions of the 
countv met in the Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg, and after a 
thorough discussion of the subject it was deemed best to create a corporation 
with power to act for the good of the children; and,, therefore, for the welfare of 
the o-eneral public, a board of directors was chosen, and on July 16 a charter 
was granted The Children's Aid Society of Franklin County by the court 
of common pleas, and a few days later its organization w r as completed. 
More than a score of children were awaiting the opening of its sheltering arms, 
but it w T as without a roof to protect, raiment to clothe, provision to feed or 
help to care for them. For these purposes it had no funds. The remedy was 
an appeal to the charitable; the response was the receipt of over $600 in money 
and many donations in kind to start the work. A house was secured and, in 
October following, its doors were opened, and since then thirty -eight children 
have been admitted, of whom fourteen have been placed in good homes, and 
twenty are now under its roof, fitting for useful service when they may be 
wanted. 

The house occupied last year could only be had temporarily, and when op- 
portunity offered, the building now in use was purchased. It is not convenient 
for the purpose, and too small to accommodate those in it, and the society is, 
therefore, unable to receive the needy children now pleading at its doors for 
admission. For these reasons, at a recent meeting of its board of directors it 
-was unanimously decided to enlarge and improve the building, and trust to the 
benevolence of the people for the funds needed. The wants of the society in 
the past have been generously met and we feel that this, its greatest one, will 
be no exception. 

The purpose of The Children's Aid Society, it shoidd be understood, is to 
care for and protect all the destitute and cruelly treated children of Franklin 
•County, without regard to creed, color or race, taking them under its roof, 
placing them in families, looking after their welfare and helping them to lives 
■of usefulness. Of those who think this institution is intended for Chambers- 
burg, we would ask that they disabuse their minds of this idea by looking at the 
records of its inmates, which show that while Antrim, Quincy, Greene, Mont- 
gomery, Washington, Southampton, Guilford, Metal and Lurgan Townships 
have inmates of the home, Chambersburg has none. Its management is eco- 
nomical, and the only persons who draw pay for services are the matron and 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 331 

the other help in the house, the directors and other officers giving their 
time and labor without charge. 

This work is one that appeals to the sympathy and help of every person in 
the county. It is a home mission work for the aid of those of tender years 
who have neither friends nor money, and aims to make useful citizens of such 
as otherwise might become paupers and criminals. Franklin County was one 
of the first in the State under the new law to make provision for its homeless 
and friendless children. 

To expedite matters, a committee of four persons or more was appointed in 
each election district in the county, to solicit and receive contributions, and to 
become the local managers of the enterprise. 

AN EXPLANATORY CARD. 

At a recent meeting of the board of directors of The Children's Aid Society, John G. 
Orr, James A. Reside and Mrs. Lou. Kennedy were named as a committee to devise means 
or suggest a plan for raising by contribution sufficient funds for the erection of a building 
for the use of the society. 

A proposal was made by the Valley Spirit, that it would undertake through its columns 
the raising of funds for that purpose. Believing the plan proposed to be practical and 
effectual, and besides, as it will be done without any cost to the aid society, we cheerfully 
accepted the proposition and heartily commend the effort to the many benevolent people 
of Franklin County. 

Louisa Kennedy, 
James A, Reside. 

Commencing with May 5, 1886, the Valley Spirit began to publish in its 
columns the names of all contributors and the amount of each contribution. 
Kesponses were general and liberal. As a result, on December 21, 1886, the 
board of directors purchased the Mrs. Boyer property, on Federal Hill, for 
$6,325. The property already in possession of the society was accepted by 
Mrs. Boyer at its cost, $1,500. 

In its issue of December 29, 1886, the Spirit's report of contributions for 
the helpless, aggregated $5,458.06, showing the efficiency of live newspaper 
advocacy, and the philanthropic spirit of the good people of the county. 
This fund is still being augmented, and will probably reach $8,000 before 
the close of the first year. Future generations will rise up and bless the 
faithful paper that has so persistently advocated the claims of the helpless and 
dependent — an enterprise that marks a grand era in the development of the 
county. 



332 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XV. 
THE GEEAT REBELLION OF 1861-65. 

Introduction— Civil War an Interesting Study— Its Antecedents Must 
Be Considered— Jamestown and Plymouth Typical of Two Antago- 
nistic Civilizations — Practical Inferences— War Statistics — Firing 
on Fort Sumter and its Effects— Patriotic Meetings — Hearty Re- 
sponse to President's Call for Troops— Incidents of 1861 — Complete 
Roster of Troops Furnished by the County— Stuart's Raid in 1862— 
Lee's Invasion, Preceded by Jenkins' Raid — Rebel Occupation of 
Chambersburg and Its Events— Advance on Gettysburg — Battle — 
Retreat— Lee's Train of Wounded— Burning of Ewell's Supply Train 
and Capture of Prisoners by Kilpatrick— McCausland's Raid and 
Burning of Chambersburg. 

THE civil war which convulsed the American continent and astounded the 
world from 1861 to 1865, is one of thrilling historic interest. Its 
causes, its deeds of heroic daring, its varying successes, its magnitude, its 
illustrious civil and military actors on both sides, the new ideas of statesman- 
ship developed, its test of the capacity of man for self-government, its influ- 
ence on the future of the New World as well as upon the Old, the dawn of a 
new era of educational, mechanical, social and political progress — these must 
all be wisely and dispassionately studied. He, therefore, who expects to read 
its history successfully, by commencing with the firing on Fort Sumter in 
1861, and reading the narrative of its thrilling events only to the surrender of 
the last Confederate Army in 1865, commits a fatal mistake. 

To say the civil war continued only four years is historically incorrect. 
Its causes can be traced for centuries prior to the firing upon and capitula- 
tion of Fort Sumter, and its consequences upon American civilization will 
end only with the last knell of time. Its causes may be assigned, phil- 
osophically, to the basic conflict in human nature, which an inspired apostle 
represents as a warfare between the flesh and the spirit — an ' ' irrepressible 
conflict," whose duration is coextensive with earthly existence, and whose vic- 
tory, sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, is never final, till 
death separates the contestants. But, fixing the origin of this " irrepressible 
conflict ' ' more definitely as to time and place, let it be remarked, that in the 
colonization of this country two radically different molds of civilization were 
established. The colony at Jamestown, Va. , in 1607, was composed largely 
of pleasure-seeking, wealth-desiring gentlemen of leisure, who ardently sought, 
in the New World, what could be obtained with difficulty in the Old. Its first 
members, coveting that which would enhance bodily comfort, brought with 
them no well-defined, deep-rooted moral convictions; came not because of 
persecutions for righteousness' sake in the parent country, nor because of any 
burning desire to establish any special theory of education or government. 
They represented the jovial, ease-loving classes of Europe, and their thoughts 
and purposes in the new world would, under the operation of the law that 
like begets like, reproduce and impress themselves upon their progeny. This 
colony passed readily and naturally from a system of white serfdom to the adop- 
tion and perpetuation of African slavery. In other words, it found African labor 
and bondage congenial to its natural tastes, and easily became its exponent 
and defender. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 333 

Virginia became, and remained, the dominant power in what was sub- 
sequently known as the Southern States. She was the mother, not only of 
presidents and statesmen, but of systems of education and theories of goviuu 
ment as well. Jamestown was the germinal, typical, dominant Southern col- 
ony, whose impress was stamped indelibly upon that region. 

The New England colonies, and notably that of Plymouth in L620, were 
founded by persons naturally no more intelligent, but men and women of deep 
convictions as to the rights of the people and the powers of government — 
persons whose persecutions in the parent country had induced them to 
endure the perils of a turbulent sea voyage, and the hardships and privations 
of pioneer life. Family, school, church and state; free speech, free press 
and freedom of conscience— these all came with the original colonists. The 
subsequent cases of intolerance exhibited toward dissenters, were only instances 
of honest convictions, somewhat misguided, striving for their own exaltation. 
The final rejection of African slavery was based, not wholly upon the un- 
productiveness of the system, but largely on the promptings of a quickened 
conscience, which recognized the enormity of a property- inheritance in human 
flesh and blood and brain. 

Says a prominent American writer and statesman: "The character of the 
original settlers determined the character of the social and political institutions, 
while subsequently these institutions in their turn determined the character of 
the inhabitants. * * Thus we trace in the first stages of American history 
two distinct currents, one running in the direction of permanent social and 
political distinctions, and the other in the direction of social and political 
equality — the one essentially aristocratic, the other essentially democratic. 
These currents were running smoothly side by side as long as they were kept 
asunder by the separate colonial governments; but they became directly an- 
tagonistic as soon as, by the organization of the different colonies into one re- 
public, a field of common problems was opened to them where they had to 
meet. Then the question arose which of the two currents should determine 
the character of the future development of the American Republic." This 
question, "Which type of civilization shall control the destinies of the repub- 
lic ? " was the problem that demanded the wisest statesmanship, the most pru- 
dent legislation and the most conciliatory policy for nearly two and a half cen- 
turies. The friction which it produced was the "irrepressible conflict" in 
political life. Human slavery, the cause of it all, was fortified behind the 
doctrine of State supremacy as opposed to national supremacy. Two sections 
of one great commonwealth, permeated by radically unlike theories of govern • 
ment, were jealous of each other's interests. Agitation, infractions of law, 
exciting speeches, publications of an inflammatory character, Northern aid to 
negroes escaping from bondage, and Southern intolerance of Northern senti- 
ments and public men, want of free communication between the great sections 
— these brought about a frenzied spirit in the South, and transferred the con- 
flict from the field of legislation to the field of battle. The conflict which 
had, through varying phases, been raging for centuries, and which had been 
stayed at times only by compromises in the interests of slavery, was renewed 
in deadly earnest on the field of carnage. The civil war was but a continuation 
of the legislative war. 

We are now prepared to draw a few practical inferences from what has 
preceded: 

1. A rational explanation of the causes of the war furnishes a satisfactory 
basis for charitably judging its principal instigators, or its subsequent pros- 
ecutors. 



334 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

2. It will be seen that " Uncle Tom's Cabin," "Helper's Impending Cri- 
sis," the efforts of abolitionists like Garrison, Phillips, Lovejoy, Giddings, 
Greeley, Smith, etc., John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, the inflammatory 
speeches of Davis, Toombs, Yancey, Calhoun, Wise and others, were but 
slight skirmishes in the great conflict, and only feeble means of hastening 
wliat was inevitable — the overthrow of one or the other type of civilization. 

3. It must be apparent that men educated in the same military schools and 
trained in the same tactics would, other things being equal, become equally 
successful leaders of armies in the field. 

4. The warmer climate and the modes of living peculiar to the South- 
ern States, caused Southern soldiers to be more impulsive and more thoroughly 
in earnest from the beginning of the war. Hence Confederate successes were 
more frequent during the first two years of the war than during the last two, 
when the supporters of the Union were thoroughly aroused. 

5. Each party in the conflict, including the managing officials, mistook 
the nature of its enemy, overestimating its own powers and underestimating 
those of its opponent. 

6. The war for the Union could not be successful till the cause of the war, 
negro slavery, was removed by the President's emancipation proclamation 
and subsequent confirmatory legislation. 

The civil war, of which Gettysburg is the typical battle, was one of co- 
lossal proportions. From semi-official records the following statistics are ob- 
tained: Total number of troops furnished by all the States for the Union 
army, 2,859,132; the entire number for the Confederate Army was probably 
about 1,500,000, though one Confederate officer* puts it as low as 650,000. 
The Union losses were as follows: Killed in battle, 61,362; died afterward, 
34,727; died of disease, 183,287; total, 279,376. The Confederate losses 
were: Killed in action, 51,527; died of wounds or disease, 133,821; total, 
185,348. This is probably but a partial statement. Number of troops who 
died while prisoners: Union, 29,725; Confederate, 26,774. Number of 
Union troops captured, 212,608; number of Confederate troops captured, 
476,169. Number of deserters from Union Army, 199,105; number of de- 
serters from Confederate Army, 104,428. The total number of Confederate 
wounded is quoted at 227,871; the Union losses must have been considerably 
larger in proportion to the armies. 

The total expenses of the civil war, direct and indirect, are put down as 
$6,189,928,908. If this amount be divided by the number of slaves liberated 
(4,000,000), it shows that every case of freedom incurred a money value of 
over $1,500, to say nothing of the untold death and suffering and anguish in- 
volved. 

SCENES OF 1861. 

Early on the morning of April 12, 1861, the telegraph announced the at- 
tack by Southern troops under command of Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard on Fort 
Sumter, in Charleston Harbor. But a short time elapsed before messages were 
received announcing the capitulation of the garrison under Maj. Bobt. Ander- 
son, the lowering of the stars and stripes and the substitution of the palmetto 
flag. With this message came the announcement that President Lincoln had 
called for 75,000 soldiers to serve for the period of three months in crushing 
the unholy rebellion thus inaugurated by the secessionists. Intense excite- 
ment characterized all classes. The stars and stripes were unfurled from 
banks, hotels, public and many private buildings. When the flag of the coun- 
try was dishonored by Southern traitors, the loyal heart of Americans was 

*MajorH. Kyd Douglas. 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 335 

touched. Public meetings were held, patriotic speech'es made, and the 
popular heart fired with a sense of the gross outrage perpetrated upon the na- 
tional emblem and authority. 

In Chambersburg excitement ran high. At a public meeting, held on the 
evening of April 17, addresses of a stirring character were made by Messrs. 
Brewer, Sharpe, Douglas, Stewart, Rowe, McCauley, Cook and others, and 
several thousand dollars pledged for the maintenance of the families of soldiers 
who should respond to their country's call. The following committees were 
appointed: On general regulations, D. W. Rowe, Samuel Shryock and W. C. 
Eyster; committee on contributions, J. Allison Eyster, J. W. Douglas and 
James Nill; committee to supply pocket Bibles to the soldiers, Ex- Sheriff Brown, 
I. H. McCauley and A. N. Rankin. 

On Thursday evening, the 18th, a pole, 120 feet in length, was raised in the 
center of the Diamond, and surmounted with a beautiful banner. The occasion 
was made memorable by the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by a band 
of patriotic ladies in front of the Franklin Hotel, and the delivery of soul- 
thrilling speeches by Messrs. McClure, Stumbaugh, Reilly, Brewer, Everett, 
Stenger and Welsh. This pole stood as a witness of the patriotic impulses of 
the people of the community until Gen. Imboden's rebel cavalry cut it down 
as they were following the rear of Lee's army to Gettysburg. 

THREE MONTHS MEN. 

The morning train of April 19 carried to Harrisburg Franklin County's 
first contribution to the Union cause in the late war, the Chambers Artillery, 
composed of 150 men and commanded by Peter B. Housum, captain; John 
Doebler, first lieutenant; Matthew Gillan, second lieutenant; George Miles,. 
third lieutenant. 

On reaching Camp Curtin, near Harrisburg, this company was divided into 
two companies, Capt. Housum commanding one, and Lieut. Doebler the other. 
The two, with a third, under Capt. J. G. Elder, were atttached to the Second 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

SECOND REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn. , April 21, 1861, with the- 
following officers: 

Colonel, Frederick S. Stumbaugh, of Chambersburg, Penn. ; lieutenant- 
colonel, Thomas Welsh; major, James Given; adjutant, Isaac S. Waterburyv 
quartermaster, George F. Smith; surgeon, James H. Dobbins; assistant sur- 
geon, John S. King, of Mercersburg, Penn. ; sergeant-major, D. Watson Rowe, 
of Greencastle; the colonel, assistant surgeon and sergeant-major were the only 
regimental officers from Franklin County. 

Company A. — Recruited at Chambersburg, Penn. , was mustered in April 20, 
1861, with the following officers: 

Captain, Peter B. Housum; first lieutenant, George Stitzel; second lieu- 
tenant, K. Shannon Taylor; first sergeant. Thomas G. Cochran; second ser- 
geant, Samuel M. McDowell; third sergeant, Adam F. Smith; fourth ser- 
geant, Bruce Lambert; first corporal, Allison McDowell; second corporal, 
Thomas Myers; third corporal. John F. Snider; fourth corporal, John F. 
Pensinger; musician, Frederick Shinetield; sixty-four privates. 

Company B. — Recruited at Chambersburg, Penn. , was mustered in April 
20, 1861, with the following officers: 

Captain, John Doebler; first lieutenant, George L. Miles; second lieu- 
tenant, George W. Welsh: first sergeant, Benjamin Rodes; second sergeant* 



336 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Alex. C. Landis; third sergeant, Joseph Thomas; fourth sergeant, George 
Cook; first corporal, Harry Melvin; second corporal, David L. Hoffman; third 
corporal, Harry McOauley; fourth corporal, Porter J. Brown; musician, Peter 
Ackerman; sixty privates. 

Company C. — Recruited at St. Thomas and Greencastle, Penn. , was 
mustered in April 20, 1861, with the following officers: 

Captain, James G. Elder; first lieutenant, Joseph B. Strickler; second 
lieutenant, Jacob West; first sergeant, William H. Shorb; second sergeant, 
George H. Miller; third sergeant. Jacob Snider; fourth sergeant, George A. 
Pool: first corporal. Theodore Koons; second corporal, Thaddeus S. Riley; 
third corporal, Thomas Hill; fourth corporal, David C. Shafer; musicians, 
Joel Happle, Edwin Byers: sixty privates. 

This regiment was attached to the department of Washington, Maj. Gen. 
Robert Patterson commanding, and served most of the term of enlistment in 
and around Martinsburg and Winchester, Va. Mustered out of service at 
Harrisburg, Penn., July 26, 1861. 

On the day the Chambers Artillery went to Harrisburg. Lieut. Jones with 
the detachment of United States troops which had occupied Harper 1 s Ferry and 
which, on the approach of Virginia troops to seize the arsenal, had blown up the 
works, arrived in Chambersburg en route for the barracks at Carlisle. His 
advent created considerable excitement and confirmed the impression that war 
was inevitable. 

The first troops from Path Valley were the volunteer company at Fannetts- 
burg, known as the "Washington Blues," commanded by Capt. John H. 
Walker and Lieuts. S. O. McCurdy and John H. Witherow. It was an old 
company, but at the time of the President's call for troops mustered about 
forty men. They filled their ranks and, adding a few recruits at Strasburg, 
reached Chambersburg on April 21 with seventy- four men. Arriving, they 
reported to Gov. Curtin, expecting to join the other three companies already 
at Harrisburg. But they had gone with the Second Regiment to the field, and 
Walker's company was ordered to ''go into quarters at Chambersburg and 
render such aid to the citizens as was in their power. ' ' Owing to the threat- 
ening outlook along the border, Chambersburg became a point of considerable 
interest. In a few days two regiments, the Seventh and Eighth Pennsylvania, 
commanded by Cols. William H. Irvin and A. H. Emley, respectively, wore 
sent thither and went into camp. The "Washington Blues," together with 
three other infantry companies, a rifle company under command of Capt. John 
S. Eyster, and one from St. Thomas, under Capt. W. D. Dixon, (one from 
Fulton County) and one artillery company, commanded by Capt. Charles T. 
Campbell, of St. Thomas, forming an independent battalion under Maj. 
McAllen, were kept on drill and guard duty and detached service until they 
were discharged. The companies of Capts. Walker. Dixon and Eyster soon 
after became parts of the Pennsylvania Reserves by re-enlistment. Capt. 
Campbell's artillery also went into active service. The camp occupied by 
these troops was known as "Camp Irvin." being the fair grounds west of town. 

The Seventh and Eighth Regiments were, after a short time, transferred 
from the fair grounds to a good, well -watered field east of town, belonging to 
Mr. Eberly. This camp was called ' ' Camp Slifer, ' ' in honor of the secretary 
of the commonwealth. In a week or so these regiments were joined by the 
Tenth, under command of Col. S. A. Meredith. For nearly four weeks these 
three regiments, with the independent battalion already mentioned, were the 
only troops quartered at Chambersburg. On the 28th the Second and Third 
Regiments, the former containing the three Franklin County companies, ar- 




^ 




HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 339 

rived in town, on their way up the valley with Patterson's army. Many of 
the men were granted brief furloughs to visit their friends. 

On June 2 Maj.-Gen. Patterson arrived in town to organize his army for 
movement up the valley against Harper' s Ferry, and other points occupied by 
the rebels. The organization completed was as follows: 

First Division — Brev. Maj!-Gen. George Cadwallader commanding, con- 
sisting of First, Third and Fourth Brigades. 

First Brigade — Col. George H. Thomas, Second United States Cavalry, 
commanding, consisting of four companies United States Cavalry, and First 
Philadelphia City Troop, Capt. James; battalion of artillery and infantry, Capt. 
Doubleday; First Rhode Island Regiment and battery, Col. Burnside; 
Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. Nagle; Twenty-first Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment, Col. Ballier; Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. Dare. 

Third Brigade — Brig. -Gen. E. C. Williams commanding, consisting of 
Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Irwin; Eighth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Emly; Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, Col. Meredith; Twentieth Regiment, Scott Legion, Col. Gray. 

Fourth Brigade — Col. D. S. Miles, United States Infantry, commanding, 
consisting of Second and Third United States Infantry, Maj. Sheppard; 
Ninth Pennsylvania, Col. Longenecker; Thirteenth Pennsylvania, Col. Rowley; 
Sixteenth Pennsylvania, Col. Zeigle. 

Second Division — Maj.-Gen. Win. H. Keim, commanding, consisting of the 
Second and Fifth Brigades. 

Second Brigade — Brig. -Gen. G. C. Wyncoop, commanding, consisting of 
First Pennsylvania, Col. Yohe; Second Pennsylvania, Col. Stumbaugh; 
Third Pennsylvania, Col. Minier; Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania, Col. Owens. 

Fifth Brigade — Brig. -Gen. J. S. Negley, commanding, consisting of First 
Wisconsin, Col. Starkweather; Fourth Connecticut, Col. Woodhouse; Eleventh 
Pennsylvania, Col. Jarrett; Fourteenth Pennsylvania, Col. Johnson; Fifth - 
teenth Pennsylvania, Col. Oakford. 

Patterson' s army, consisting of about 20, 000 brave men with good officers, 
left Chambersburg on the 7th of June. It was expected that he would defeat 
the enemy wherever found, and do valiant service for his country. Impartial 
history, however, has nothing of the kind to record. With trne patriotic sol- 
diers in his army, he should have met and defeated Johnston, and prevented 
his pushing on rapidly to join Beauregard at Manassas. His delay resulted in 
the rout of McDowell at Bull Run, and contributed to the prolongation of the 
war. 

The notion held at first that war was but a " breakfast job " was soon dis- 
pelled, and additional troops were called into service for longer periods. Many, 
in fact most, of those who had entered the three months' service, were ready 
to enter for ' ' three years or during the war. " Northern patriotism, thoroughly 
genuine when aronsed, required the stimulus of defeat to make it respond to 
the call of duty. When completely wrought up, it was enduring. Franklin 
County responded generously to every demand made upon her. 

THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT, SIXTH RESERVES THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, June 22, 1861, under Col. W. 
Wallace Ricketts of Columbia County. 

Company D, from Franklin County, was officered as follows: Captains — 
William D. Dixon, promoted to lieutenant-colonel September 12, 1863; Jo- 
seph A. Davison, promoted from first- sergeant to first-lieutenant, August 1, 
1862; to captain, September 19, 1863; to brevet major or brevet lieutenant-col- 



340 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

onel, March 13, 1865. D. Vance, resigned July 26, 1862. William Burgess, 
promoted from second to first lieutenant, September 19, 1863; brevet captain 
March 13, 1865. Sergeants, David F. Leisher, Henry Boley, Calvin M. Hass- 
ler, John W. Hart, Philip Bessor, John M. Lewis, John P. Welsh, Samuel K. 
Furley. Corporals, J. Levi Roush, John H. Jarrett, John B. Hymans, William 
Holkamb, Simon H. Burns, George Bessor, Phineas B. Hollar, John McEl- 
wee, William C. Rithour. 

The Sixth Reserves was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and par- 
ticipated in the following battles: Dranesville, December 20, 1861; Bull Run, 
August 29 and 30, 1862; South Mountain, September 14, 1862; Antietam, 
September 16, 1862; Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; Gettysburg, July 
2. 3 and 4. 1863; Bristol Station, October 12, 1863; New Hope Church, No- 
vember 26, 1863; the battle of the Wilderness, commencing May 5, and end- 
ing May 22, 1864, with its crowning success at Bethesda Church. Mustered 
out at Harrisbnrg, Penn., June 1, 1864. 

FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT, TWELFTH RESERVES — THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisbnrg, August 10, 1861, with John 
H. Taggart, of Philadelphia, as colonel. 

Company K, Franklin County. — Captain, John S. Eyster; first lieuten- 
ant, Jesse Little; second lieutenant, Elisha D. Reed; first sergeant, Jo- 
seph R. Duffield; sergeants, L. D. Middlekauff, W. R. Pilkington, H. D. 
Witmer, Samuel C. Giffin; corporals, John W. Setchel, Frank W. Hench, 
John H. Snow, John G. Rohm, John Patton, Joseph F. Rhodes, William A. 
Frey, George M. Barnitz; musicians. Christian C. Eckert, William Smith. 
This company was disbanded July 20, 1862, the commissioned officers dis- 
charged and the enlisted men distributed among the other companies of the 
regiment. Previous to this time the regiment participated in the following 
engagements of the Army of the Potomac: Dranesville, December 20, 1861, 
and the seven days' fight on the Peninsula, in June and July, 1862. The 
regiment was mustered out of service June 11, 1864. 

FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT, FIRST ARTILLERY THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg in May, 1861, with Charles T. 
Campbell, of Franklin County, as colonel. 

Battery A, Franklin County. — Captains: Hezekiah Easton, killed at Gaines' 
Mill, June 27, 1862; John G. Simpson, dismissed August 21, 1864; William 
Stitt, promoted to second lieutenant August 1, 1861, to first lieutenant De- 
cember 26, 1861, to captain September 17, 1864. First lieutenants: W. H. 
Sollenberger, resigned November 12, 1861; H. E. Polsgrove, resigned Decem- 
ber 1, 1861. Samuel D. Martin, promoted to first sergeant March 6, 1862, to 
second lieutenant February 24, 1864, to first lieutenant November 27, 1864, 
William R. Brow, promoted to first sergeant December 1, 1864, to first lieu- 
tenant March 1, 1865. Second lieutenants: Jacob L. Deitrick, wounded at 
Bull Run. August 30, 1862; discharged January 24, 1862. Peter Cummings, 
dismissed December 18, 1863. John H. Cline, promoted to corporal December 
18, 1862, to sergeant December 24, 1863, to second lieutenant March 1, 1865. 
First sergeant. John N. Young; quartermaster-sergeant, .Daniel Nerhood; 
commissary-sergeant, George W. Kline; sergeants, James W. Miller, Jeffer- 
son Sauser, Gustavus Seyferth, George W. Tritte, Hiram Warriner, W. H. 
Whitemarsh, Josiah Hensey, William H. Lawrence, William Jones, Edward 
i Long, John Reese, John Spahr, Robert Taylor, Benj. I. Moore; corporals, 
Samuel Borts, Isaac Hime, Jefferson Mutchler, Henry D. Barr, George W. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 341 

Bennet, George Gressley, Cyrus D. Chapman, Benjamin W. Falls, Anthony 
Gressley, Charles Mehring, Daniel B. Bagley, Howard Muchler, James W. 
De Wolf, W. P. A. McDowell, Peter Shelley, Thomas Potter, Robert Snyder; 
bugler, Jos. E. Rarnsdall. 

Battery A was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in 
the battles of Dranesville, December 20, 1861; Fair Oaks. Mechanicsville, 
Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 (where its gallant commander, 
Capt. Easton, was killed, his last words being: "No, we never surrender"); 
Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksbivrg. Being transferred to 
to the Army of the James, it operated on the Black Water, at Deep Bottom, 
Fort Darling, Seven Pines and Petersburg. Upon the fall of Richmond it 
entered the fallen city on the day of its surrender, and took part in demolishing 
the rebel defenses and arsenals; mustered out of service at Harrisburg, Penn. , 
July 25, 1865. 

Batter ii G. — This battery was recruited at Philadelphia, but one of its gal- 
lant commanders, Capt. Mark Kern, was a citizen of Chambersburg. He was 
killed at Bidl Run, August 30, 1862. 

SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Pittsburgh in October, 1861, with the following 
officers: Colonel, Frederick S. Stumbaugh, promoted to brigadier-general, No- 
vember 29, 1862; lieutenant-colonel, Peter B. Housum, died January 1, 1863, 
from wounds received at Stone River, Tenn. Assistant surgeon, Jacob S. 
Maurer. Commissary-sergeant, Thomas G. Cochran.. Hospital steward, 
Charles H Cressler. Principal musicians, Francis M. Donovan, John Stoner. 

Company A of this regiment was recruited at Chambersburg, Penn. Cap 
tains: Samuel R. McKesson, discharged February 3, 1863. John E. Walker, 
promoted from first lieutenant to captain, May 15, 1863; killed near Atlanta, 
Ga. . August 5, 1864. Albert G. Stark, promoted from corporal to sergeant, 
August 2, 1862; to first sergeant, February 13, 1863; to first lieutenant, Au- 
gust 24, 1S63; to captain, September 8, 1864, wounded at Resaca, Ga , May 
16,1864. G. Washington Skinner, promoted to sergeant, July 5, 1864; to first 
lieutenant, August 1, 1865. First lieutenant, David F. Daihl, promoted to first 
lieutenant, October!, 1865; wounded at Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1864. 
Second lieutenants: Joseph Thomas, promoted to captain of Company H; Arthur 
Bennet, promoted to second lieutenant, March 31, 1862; discharged February 
2, 1863. William Eaker, promoted to second lieutenant, September 1, 1865; 
wounded at Liberty Gap, Tenn., June 25, 1863. First sergeants, Elwood B. 
Reese, John W. Bryson and David B. Miller; sergeants, Joseph Fisher, 
George Starley, John A. Borland. Martin St. Clair, Wm. H. Pensinger, 
David E. Stoner, Christian Burkholder, Samuel S. Ramsey, Jacob Sites, John 
J. Forsyth, Oliver J. Gamble, Frederick Sharp, Randal Childers, Jacob Lackey, 
Frank Patterson, Thomas Laywell, Harrison Norris, Wm. Hockersmith, Will- 
iam Bradley, William H. Gonder, John Betz, John F. Pensinger; corporals, 
Jeremiah Row, John W. Bowman, Milton M. Horton, Frederick Berkle, James 
Rouzer, John Row, Stephen O. Skinner, Timothy Sullivan and James Cannon. 

Parts of Companies D, G and H were also from Franklin County. Among 
the commissioned officers of Company D were captain, Jesse R. Frey, and sec- 
ond lieutenants, Charles H. Cressler and Thomas G. Cochran; and of Company 
H, captain, Joseph Thomas, and first lieutenant, James F. Shattuck, all of 
Chambersburg. 

The Seventy-seventh Regiment was. attached to the Army of the Cumber- 
land, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone 



342 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

River, Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap, Chickarnauga, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face 
Ridge, Resaca, Kingston, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree 
Creek, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Franklin and Nashville. In July, 1865, the regi- 
ment was ordered to Texas, where it remained until December 5. when it re- 
ceived orders to return home, and was mustered out at Philadelphia, Penn., 
January 16, 1866. 

EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT THEEE YEA.RS. 

This regiment was organized in September, 1861, under Col. George Hay, 
of York, Penn. 

Company K, Franklin County, was officered as follows: Captain, David B. 
Greenawalt; first lieutenant, Simon H. Foreman; second lieutenant, John C. 
Brown; first sergeant, John McAllister ; sergeants, S. S. Stocksleger, Abraham 
D. Ritter, Win. H. Weikert, George W. Mowers; corporals, George A. Bir- 
secker, John H. Dubbs, W. A. M. Renfrew, George F. Burns. Henry A. 
Cook, Wm. H. Hummer and Ignatius Lightner. 

Company K was mustered in, March 17, 1865, at the time of the reorgani- 
zation of the regiment, and was mustered out, June 29, 1865 ; attached to the 
Army of the Potomac, and participated in the charge upon the works before 
Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD REGIMENT THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized on February 21, 1862, under Col. Theodore j 
F. Lehman, and was reorganized in March, 1865, when Company A, eighty- - 
eight officers and men, from Franklin County, became connected with it. . 
The war having closed, the regiment was mustered out of service June 25, , 
1865. 

Company A. — Captain, Elias K. Lehman; first lieutenant, George C. Car- 
son; second lieutenant, Samuel H. Eicholtz; first sergeant, Frede rick K. R ife: 
sergeants, Peter Leer, John G. Ritter, Samuel Lentz and Amos G. Huber; 
corporals, George Robertson, H. W. Hurtsell, Fedde Fixson, Jacob G. Eich- 
oltz, Joseph Gabler, William W. Hewitt, Henry L. Reitzell and Israel Sloth- 
oner. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT THREE YEARS. 

It was organized at Harrisburg, Penn., March 5, 1862, by the election of I 
Thomas A. Zeigle, of York County, as colonel. Two citizens of Franklin 
County, Robert W. McAllen and Jas. Mac. Thompson, served as lieutenant- 
colonels of the regiment. 

Company K, Franklin County, was organized with the following officers: 
Captains, A. Jackson Brand, resigned November 24. 1862, and Benjamii 
Rodes, promoted from first lieutenant November 24, 1862; first lieutenant, 
Thomas Myers, promoted from first sergeant February 6, 1863; second lieu- 
tenants, George F. Cook, resigned December 29, 1862; Alex. C. Landis, pro- 
moted from first sergeant December 31, 1862, discharged November 26, 1863, 
and Harrison H. Hutton; first sergeant, John R. Michaels; sergeants, William 
J. Norton, Nicholas Haines, John R. Lesher, John P. Ward, William Acker- 
man, James Ridgeley, William E. Shuman, John Ferguson, William H. Hor- 1 
ner, Joseph W. Michaels, James Jackson, Jacob Shaffer, Hugh F. Gordon, 
Henry Dorn, Matthias Stondagle, Thomas Duukinson and James Mayhue. 

This company served in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the 
following battles: Cedar Mountain, Bull Run, Turner's Gap, South Mountaii 
Antietarn, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Hope Chapel, Petersburg and the caj 
ture of Richmond; muscered out of service July 13, 1865. 



HISTORY OF FBANKLIN COUNTY. 34! 

John T. Dirk, of Mercersburg, was captain of Company H, and was killed 
at Bull Run, Ya. . Angus! 30, 1862. 

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH REGIMENT — THREE YEARS. 

Eleventh Cavalry. — This regiment was organized October 8, ISP)!, and a 
large number of the members of the different companies were from Franklin 
County, but the only company organized here was Company D. The county 
was represented in the regimental staff by the following officers: Lieutenant- 
colonel, George Stitzel; major, John S. Nimmon; adjutant. John C. Sample; 
commissary-sergeant, Edward A. Minnich; sergeant-majors, Sylvester A. Weldy 
and Michael H. Stoner. 

Company D. — This company was officered as follows: Captains, Robert B. 
Ward, discharged November 25, 1864: John S. Nimmon, promoted to captain 
November 6, 1864, to major May 25, 1865, and James E. Cook, promoted to 
captain May 26, 1865; first lieutenants, John C. Sample, promoted to adjutant 
December 1, 1864, and Wm. N. Scott, promoted from first sergeant May 26, 
1865; second lieutenants, James H. Aughinbaugh, resigned January 13. 1863, 
and Sylvester A. Weldy, promoted from sergeant-major November 28, 1864; 
first sergeants, Jacob M. Miles and John S. Hicks; quartermaster- sergeant, 
Josiah C. Young; commissary-sergeant. Jeremiah A. Smith; sergeants. Ben- 
jamin Wallace, Thomas H. Warren, William S. Askwith, John F. Peiffer. 
William A. Price, Thomas C. King and Edward A. Minnich; corporals, George 
W. Schweitzer, William H. Woodall, John R. Smith, William Hennebero-er, 
Franklin Rhodes, E. M. Flickinger, Michael Warrech, George F. Cook, 
Michael H. Stoner and Joseph S. Hover. 

In the early part of the service of the Eleventh Cavalry, the regiment was 
divided, five companies doing picket duly in the neighborhood of Fortress 
Monroe and the Blackwater, and five companies attached to the Army of the 
Potomac in the Peninsula campaign. The regiment took part in the battles of 
Deserted House, Franklin, Suffolk, Petersburg, Stony Creek, Ream's Station, 
Five Forks, and the capture of Richmond — in the latter capturing 110 field 
pieces, 41 mortars, 6 heavy guns, 120 carriages and caissons, 7 forges and a 
large quantity of ammunition and other stores. The regiment also took part 
in a number of raids through Virginia and North Carolina, destroying a vast 
amount of rebel stores and lines of transportation. Mustered out at Manches- 
ter. Ya., August 13, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH REGIMENT THREE YEARS. 

Second Artillery. — In January, 1862, this regiment was organized in Phil- 
adelphia, but a large number of the men were recruited in Franklin County. 
The men being scattered through the various batteries of the regiment, it is 
impossible to make up a correct record. B. Frank Winger was lieutenant- 
colonel of the regiment, and Joseph W. Winger, captain, and William H. 
Verdier, second lieutenant, of Battery D. This regiment, being heavy artil- 
lery, was stationed in the fortifications around Washington, D. C. In the 
spring of 1864, the recruits having filled up the ranks to over three thousand 
men, a new regiment, called the Second Provisional Artillery, was formed, 
the officers being selected from the officers and enlisted men of the old reo-i- 
ment. Boch regiments were ordered to the front and took part in the Wilder- 
ness campaign and the capture of Richmond, a portion of the time actino- as 
infantry. Mustered out at City Point, Ya. . January 29, 1866. 



344 ,. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT NINE MONTHS. 

After the close of the Peninsular campaign, in which McClellan's fine 
army was defeated before Richmond and hurled back to the James River, and 
while Lee's army was concentrating for the overthrow of Pope's Army of 
Northern Virginia, a feeling of gloom enshrouded the nation. Under this 
condition, the flower of the country rushed to fill up the depleted ranks of the 
Union Army. Under these circumstances the One Hundred and Tw T enty-sixtb 
Regiment was recruited in about three weeks, Juniata County furnishing two 
companies, F and I; Franklin, the remaining eight. The regiment assembled 
at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, between August 6 and 10, 1862, and an election 
of officers held August 13. The following was the list of officers: 

Field and Staff Officers (Commissioned). — Colonel, James G. Elder, wound- 
ed severely in thigh at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; absent, 
wounded and with leave from that date until expiration of service. Lieuten- 
ant-colonel, David Watson Rowe, in command of the regiment from December 
13, 1862; slightly wounded in cheek at Chancellorsville, Va. , May 3, 1863. 
Major, James C. Austin, honorably discharged upon resignation for disability: 
Special orders, No. 33, headquarters C. G. D., December 22, 1862. Major, 
Robert S. Brownson, promoted from captain of Company C, and mustered in 
as Major, March 31, 1863; adjutant, John Stewart, appointed commissary 
of musters, Third Division Fifth Corps, April 11, 1863; quartermaster, 
Thomas J. Nill; surgeon, Washington G. Nugent; assistant surgeon, 
Frank Grube, appointed assistant surgeon, United States Volunteers, and 
transferred to Sixth Army Corps, in April, 1863; assistant surgeon, Daniel D. 
Swift; chaplain, Samuel J. Niccolls, honorably discharged upon resignation, 
November 23, 1862; chaplain, John Ault, mustered in at Harrisburg, De- 
cember 2, 1862, joined the regiment December 19, 1862; absent, with leave, 
from January 18, till February 7, 1863; then absent, sick, without leave till 
expiration of service. 

Non- Commissioned Staff. — Sergeant -Major, George F. Ziegler; quarter- 
master-sergeant, William M. Allison; commissary-sergeant, Charles W. Kins- 
ler; hospital steward, Bottsf'dB. Henshey; hospital steward, Lewis Keyser. 

Company A, Chambersburg. — Captain, John Dcebler, wounded severely 
in arm at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, necessitating ' his absence 
from the company during the remainder of term of service. First lieu- 
tenant, John Stewart; appointed adjutant, August 16, 1862. Second 
lieutenant, George W. Welsh; promoted to first lieutenant, August 16, 
1862, vice John Stewart; in command of Company A from Decem- 
ber 13, 1862, till end of service. Second Lieutenant, William McLenegan, 
from private vice Geo. W. Welsh. First sergeant, John A. Seiders: second 
sergeant, J. Porter Brown; third sergeant, Rob't Bard Fisher; fourth sergeant, 
Thomas Durboraw; fifth sergeant, Benj. F. Deal. Corporals, Thomas G. Pil- 
kington, David F. Hoffman, Dennis Reilly, Samuel Mcllroy, Alexander Flack, 
David Greenawalt, Thomas H. McDowell, Emanuel Forney. 

Company B, from Antrim Township and from Fulton County. — Captain, 
James C. Austin, promoted to major. Captain, William H. Davison, promot- 
ed to be captain, August 20, 1862, vice Austin, promoted; February, 1863, 
appointed inspector-general of brigade, and detached until expiration of serv- 
ice on the staff of Gen. Tyler. First lieutenant, Henry M. Hoke, detailed 
as division ordnance officer, October 13. 1862. Second Lieutenant, James 
Pott, from first sergeant, August 20, 1862. vice Wm. H. Davison; severely 
wounded in the face at Fredericksburg. Va. , December 13. 1862. First ser- 
geant, James Pott; promoted to second lieutenant; second sergeant, Harvey 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, J 3-45 

Wishert; third sergeant, I. Y. Atkerton; fourth sergeant, John Brown Lesher; 
fifth sergeant, Joseph Myers. Corporals, John L. P. Deitrich. Silas D. An- 
derson, William H. Weyant, Jacob H. Swisher. Williain Orth. 

Company C, Mercersburg and Vicinity. — Captain, Robert S. Brownson, 
appointed major, by Gov. Curtin. March 1G, 1863; mustered in as such, 
March 31. 1863. Captain, James P. M'Cullough, from first lieutenant, March 
19, 1S63, vice R. S. Brownson. First lieutenant, Samuel Hornbaker, dis 
missed from the service of the United States, January 16, 1863, under General 
Orders No. 4. Third Division, Fifth Corps, and General Orders No. 13, headquar- 
ters Army of the Potomac, February 18, 1863. Second lieutenant. Jacob S. Trout. 
First sergeant. James P. M'Cullough, promoted February 9, 1863, to first lieu- 
tenant, vice Hornbaker; second sergeant, David Carson; third sergeant, 
Oliver H. Anderson; fourth sergeant, William W. Brinkley; fifth sergeant, 
Thomas D. Metcalf. Corporals, Jacob B. Myers, John K. Shatzer, David L. 
Coyle, David F. McDonald, Peter McC. Cook, John Findlay Smith, David R. 
Wolff, Wm. H. M'Clelland. 

Company D, Chambersbuvg. — Captain, John H. Reed, honorably discharged 
upon resignation, in January, 1863. Captain, Josiah C. Hullinger, from second 
lieutenant, in February, 1863, vice John H. Reed, resigned. First lieutenant, 
Jeremiah Cook, discharged from service January 16, 1863; [Dismissal revoked.] 
first lieutenant, George F. Piatt, vice Jere. Cook, February 21. 1863, acting 
adjutant at battle of Chancellorsville. Second lieutenant. Clay McCauley, vice 
Josiah C. Hullinger, promoted to captain; captured at Chancellorsville. First 
sergeant, George F. Piatt, promoted to first lieutenant, vice Jere. Cook, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1863 ; second sergeant, John McCurdy ; third sergeant, Clay McCau- 
ley, promoted to second lieutenant, vice J. C. Hullinger, February 24, 1863; 
fourth sergeant, John M. P. Snider; fifth sergeant, Alex'r L. C. Dingwall. 
Corporals: William A. Mountz, Lewis Monath, Charles W. Kinsler, Bottsford 
B. Henshey, William B. Cook. Henry B. Kindig, Joseph W. Seibert. 

Company E, Waynesboro. — Captain, W. W. Walker. First lieutenant, Geo. 
W. Walker. Second lieutenant, Thos. J. Nill, promoted to quartermaster of 
regiment; second lieutenant, Henry H. Breneman, promoted to second lieu- 
tenant, November 18, 1862, from second sergeant. First sergeant, Frederick 
Berkel; second sergeant, Henry H. Breneman, promoted to second lieutenant, 
November 18, 1862; third sergeant, John A. White; fourth sergeant, Benjamin 
S. Gaff; fifth sergeant, Geo. M. D. Brotherton. Corporals: Samuel J. Lidy, 
James B. French, John C. Tracy, Geo. L. Freet, Jacob F. Newman, Luther 
B. Walter, John C. Anderson, Augustus C. Manahan. 

Company G, Chambersbuvg. — Captain, George L. Miles. First lieutenant, 
Stephen O. McCurdy. Second lieutenant, Harry C. Fortescue, killed in ac- 
tion at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; second lieutenant, Benja- 
min F. Zook, vice Fortescue, killed; promoted from first sergeant, February 
9, 1863. First sergeant, Benjamin F. Zook; second sergeant, John H. Har- 
mony; third sergeant, Anthony K. McCurdy; fourth sergeant, John C. 
Flickinger; fifth sergeant, John Liggett. Corporals: John Kasy, Jr., S. O. 
Brown McCurdy, Thomas Lindsay, Edward Monath. Peter Dorty, Amos A. 
Skinner, Richard Waters, William T. Smith. 

Company H, Path Valley and St. Thomas. — Captain, James G. Elder, 
promoted to colonel of regiment. Captain, John H. Walker, from first 
lieutenant, August 15, 1862; wounded severely in battle of Fredericksburg, 
• Va. , December 13, 1862; slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3. 1863. 
First lieutenant, William H. Mackey, promoted August 26, 1862, from 
orderly sergeant, wounded severely in battle at Fredericksburg, December 



346 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

13, 1862; second lieutenant, Josiah W. Fletcher, wounded' severely in bafi- 
tle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, captured at Chancellorsville, May 
3, 1863. First sergeant, William H. Mackey; second sergeant, Jacob 
Snider; third sergeant, Alfred J. Kent; fourth sergeant, Stephen W. Porue- 
roy; fifth sergeant, Andrew Burgess. Corporals. Calvin I. Gamble, Benjamin 
Dawney, Samuel W. Beam, McGinley J. Wilhelm, Jas. B. Worthington, 
Samuel W. Croft. 

Company K, Greencastle. — Captain, David Watson Rowe. elected major, 
August 9, 1862; promoted to lieutenant-colonel, August 15, 1862. Captain, 
Andrew R. Davison, promoted from first lieutenant, August 9, 1862; acting 
major of regiment at the battle of Chancellorsville. First lieutenant, John 
Gilmore Rowe, promoted from orderly sergeant, August 9, 1862; wounded 
severely in forehead at battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, whilst in com- 
mand of his company. Second lieutenant. John W. P. Reid. First sergeant, 
John Gilmore Rowe; second sergeant, John H. Logue; third sergeant, Will- 
iam Snyder; fourth sergeant, Simon W. Rupley; fifth sergeant, Henry Strick- 
ler. Corporals, Emanuel Hawbecker; Wm.C. Byers; Scott K. Snively; Thom- 
as Daly; John M. D. Deitrich. 

This regiment, which embraced in its ranks men who then and since have 
been recognized as prominent citizens of the county, was attached to Tyler's 
brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated 
in the destructive battles of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3, 1863. In both these engagements it lost severely in killed 
and wounded. On the 20th of May, the regiment was mustered out of service 
at Harrisburg. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT NINE MONTHS. 

This regiment was organized at Chambersburg, Penn. , in November, 1862, 
five companies being from Franklin County, and the remainder from Cumber- 
land and Fulton. The field and staff officers from Franklin County were 
Colonel, David B. McKibben; lieutenant- colonel, Elias S. Troxell; chaplain, 
Rev. Daniel Hartman; sergeant-major, John L. Ritchey. 

Company B. — Captain, Elias K. Lehman; first lieutenant, Michael D. Mil- 
ler; second lieutenant, Adam Franklin; first sergeant, Sabright Gelwicks; ser- 
geants, John G. Ritter, John R. Hamilton, William Shearer, William C. Leedy 
and Amos R. Keggerreis; corporals, George Robinson, Alex. W. Gaston, John 
I. Culbertson, Solomon Gabler, Daniel Deatrick, Frederick Rife, Daniel 
Fraker, William Reifsnider, John W. Campbell and John Funk. 

Company D. — Captain, Archibald R. Rhea; first lieutenant, Jacob S. Snive- 
ly: second lieutenant, John Hassler; first sergeant, Thomas Clinging; sergeants, 
Robert Anderson, Henry Lenher, Jacob Walk. David H. Black; corporals, Will- 
iam W. Avdd, John H. Hornbaker, Jacob Fry, Henry Posser, Lewis Clark, 
Jacob Shatzer, John H. Frederick, Oliver Knode, Daniel A. Miller, Peter 
Snider, Thomas Donaldson and Frederick Baker. 

Company E. — Captains, Elias S. Troxell, promoted to lieutenant -colonel; 
William T. Barnitz; first lieutenant, William S. Maxwell; second lieutenant, 
S. M. Hoeflich; first sergeant, James R. McCurdy; sergeants. Samuel Brant- 
haver, Peter Heefner, Levi Kuhnley, Henry Funk; corporals, Emanuel Byers, 
William Reed, Joseph Woolard, John R. Hoeflich, Richard Ridgley, Emory 
Hauser, David Wingert, Jacob Horsch, Joseph Freeland, Henry McGinity, 
and Casper Wickey. 

Company G. — Captains, Michael W. Triar, resigned; Joseph Rock, promot- 
ed from first lieutenant; first lieutenant.. William Stover; second lieutenant, Ja- 




)<$^jx^^v^^^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 319 

cob A. Stover; first sergeant, Franklin Renniker; sergeants, Samuel D. Shank, 
Jacob Bricker, Daniel Cole, Thomas Duffy, William F. Orndorff, Melchor 
Speelman; corporals, Richard B. Carson, George Lackens, Thomas R. Gil- 
land, John F. Smith, Joseph F. Sarter, George Keagey, Philip C. Garman 
and Jacob Bryson. 

Company I. — Captain, William E. McDowell; first lieutenant, John Beav- 
er; second lieivtenant, John W. Jones; first sergeant, Jacob Stratiff; sergeants, 
Joseph Martin, Philip H. Snyder, Noah Kuhn, James Williams; corporals, 
Jacob Leedy, Harrison Fohl, Peter Brubaker, Pott Philips, John H. DeUnger, 
Jacob C. Hewett, John H. Campbell, Samuel E. Smith and J. P. Felten- 
berger. 

The time of service of this regiment was spent principally in doing guard 
duty in North Carolina, and took an active part in relieving the garrison at 
Washington, in that State, when surrounded by the rebels. Being transferred 
to Gen. Deig's command at Fortress Monroe, it took part in an expedition 
against Richmond via White House Landing, Bottomless Bridge. The pur- 
pose of the expedition being accomplished, it was transferred to Harper's 
Ferry, and followed up Gen. Lee on his retreat from Gettysburg; mustered 
out of service at Chambersburg, Penn. , August 12, 1863. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT, SIXTEENTH CAVALRY THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn. , November 18, 1862, 
with Col. John Irving Gregg as colonel. Company H was from Franklin 
County, and had in it 203 officers and men. The field and staff officers from 
the county were major, Adam J. Snyder; adjutant, Samuel E. Cormany. 

Company H. — Captains, William H. Sullenberger, discharged May 10, 
1863; Adam J. Snyder, promoted from first lieutenant, March 12, 1863, to 
major, May 23, 1865 ; Solomon B. Barnes, promoted to first lieutenant May 1, 
1863, to captain, May 23, 1865. First lieutenant, Samuel B. Peter; second 
lieutenants, Valentine H. Bohn, discharged March 23, 1863; John S. Arm- 
strong, promoted from first sergeant April 1, 1863; discharged May 25, 1863; 
Samuel E. Cormany, promoted to adjutant December 11, 1861, and Brewer D. 
Polley; first sergeant, David W. Newman; quartermaster-sergeant, Geo.- W. 
Earich; commissary-sergeants, Noah Sier, Samuel McGowan; sergeants, Ed- 
gar D. Washabaugh, Henry M. Ulery, Abel B. Moore, John Mack, Jacob 
Stump, John F. Metz, Jerome C. Coble, Jacob R. Fetterhoff, John Woodall, 
Henry McElroy, Henry S. Bohn, Henry A. Flanagan and George W. Har- 
rison. Corporals, John H. Tilley, Addison P. Todd, James A. Curry, Lewis C. 
Hoffman, Thomas Dymond, Thomas Hart, John M. Ulery, S. H. McNaugh- 
lon, Joseph C. Taylor, John Hassen, Thomas Welling, James W. McCurdy, 
T. Werdebaugh, John D. Reasner, Jacob Bluttenberger, Jacob Fink, John 
Lawrence, James K. P. Cline, Andrew Hitterling and Samuel A. Rorebaugh. 

This regiment represented nearly every section of this broad common- 
wealth, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac. It participated in the 
battle of Brandy Station, iD a number of engagements on the march of the 
army from Virginia to Gettysburg, and in the battle at the latter place; at 
Auburn, Catlett's, Bristoe Station, Trevilian Station, Malvern Hill, Deep Run, 
Boydton Plank Road, Stony Creek Station, Hatcher' s Run, Five Forks, and from 
this time until the fall of Richmond, the marching and fighting of the Six- 
teenth were almost incessant. It also took part in a number of raids into the 
enemy's country, for the purpose of destroying railroads and other govern- 
ment property; mustered out at Richmond, Va. , August 7, 1865. 

19 



350 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND REGIMEN'?, SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY THREE YEARS. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn. , October 18, 1862, with 
Josiah H. Kellogg, as colonel. Company G, 147 officers and men, was from 
Franklin County. Maj. Lvither B. Kurtz was the only representative of the 
county on the regimental staff. 

Company G. — Captains, Luther B. Kurtz, promoted to major February 
13, 1865; Daniel Snively, promoted from first lieutenant, March 10, 1865. First 
lieutenant, Henry G. Bonebrake, promoted to first lieutenant May 28, 1865; 
second lieutenants: William R. Kreps, resigned February 6, 1864; Jacob Pot- 
ter, promoted to second lieutenant May 28, 1865. First sergeants, John J. Rob- 
inson, James D. Fitz; quartermaster- sergeant, George F. Foreman; commis- 
sary-sergeants, Peter Pass, Daniel Gehr; sergeants, Henry Berger, Abraham 
Shockey, William Sheldon, David Royer, John J. Andrews, John Shockey; 
corporals, William Cooper, Saniael Phraner, Joseph Flory, John Strambaugh, 
James W. Kipe, Francis L. Tracy, John Lore, Joseph Keepers, John Nicode- 
mus, William Simmons. 

The Seventeenth was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and was ac- 
tively engaged in Virginia in scouting and skirmishing till the battle of 
Chancellorsville, when it was one of the three cavalry regiments selected to 
accompany Gen. Hooker in that campaign, and took a prominent part. This 
regiment was in the advance of the march to Gettysburg, and was hailed with 
demonstrations of rejoicing through Maryland and Pennsylvania, and took 
part in the first day's fight on the Cashtown Road. Following the retreating 
foe into Virginia, it was almost constantly engaged in raids and skirmishes 
until August, 1864, when it was ordered to the command of Gen. Sheridan, 
in the Shenandoah Valley, where it took part in the battles at Newtown, Front 
Royal, Smithfield, White Post, Berryville, Pike, and a portion of the regi- 
ment was the escort of Gen. Sheridan on his famous ride to the front. This 
regiment was with Gen. Sheridan in his raid on the James River Canal, in 
February, 1865, and in the advance that resulted in the fall of Richmond, the 
cavalry being almost constantly engaged from the 1st till the 9th of April; 
mustered out at Washington, D. C, June 16, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIFTH REGIMENT — NINE MONTHS. 

This regiment was organized at Gettysburg, Penn., December 6, 1862, 
under Col. Charles H. Buehler. Company A, 101 officers and men from 
Franklin County. 

Company A. — Captain, Charles A. Funk. First lieutenants : George Glass, 
died at Suffolk, Va. ; Newton W. Horner, resigned May 15, 1863; Martin B. 
Wingert. Second lieutenants: Frank D. Ditzler, discharged May 27, 1863, 
Abram S. Oyer; first sergeant, Samuel Ritter; sergeants, John McAllister, 
Daniel Miller, Isaac White and William Foster. Corporals, James Taylor, 
Solomon Oyer, Thomas Smith, Adam Spidal, William Reath, Elias Kohler, 
William Poole and Robert Myers. 

The term of service of this regiment was spent in and around Suffolk and 
Norfolk, Va. , in doing guard duty and repulsing the raids of the Rebel Army 
in that direction. It helped to guard the working party in the destruction of 
the Weldon and Petersburg Railroads, and was with the unsuccessful demon- 
stration against Richmond, in June, 1863, and mustered out of service July 
28, 1863. 

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SECOND REGIMENT, TWENTY-FIRST CAVALRY SIX MONTHS. 

This regiment was organized at Chambersburg, Penn., in August, 1863, 
with William H. Boyd as colonel. Although the commanding officer was not 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 351 

a citizen of Franklin County, he was well and favorably known, having pre- 
viously commanded the Lincoln cavalry, which had attained distinction in the- 
Cumberland Valley in skirmishing with advance of Lee's army in the Gettys- 
burg campaign. Companies D, H, I, K and L, were from Franklin County. 

Company D. — One hundred and five officers and men. Captain, Josiah C. 
Hollinger; first lieutenant, Henry B. Kendig; second lieutenant, James C 
Patton; first sergeant, Daniel B. Greenawalt; quartermaster-sergeant, Hugh F'. 
Gordon; commissary-sergeant, Alex. L. C. Dingwall; sergeants, Samuel Z 
Maxwell. David Chamberlin, David L. Pisle. James T. Buchanan, Joshua K. 
Hood, and Richard Winters. Corporals, Frederick M. Eyster, Wm. H. Haught- 
lin, Jacob S. Banker, John H. Rhodes, David Hissong, David R. Gordon,. 
William H. Toms and William H. Kendig. 

Company H. — Ninety-two officers and men. Captain, Samuel Walker; first 
lieutenant, William P. Skinner; second lieutenant, R. Graey Ferguson; firsr 
sergeant, John T. Myers; quartermaster- sergeant, George M. Gowan; commis- 
sary-sergeant, Jacob Pott; sergeants, William R. Noble, Jeremiah Martin, 
Reynold M. Barclay, John I. Neil, John Middlekauff and George W. Mosser; 
corporals, John M. Linn, Richard A. Campbell, Michael Dunkle, George H. 
Myers, Michael Keggeweis, S. L. Houghowont, Franklin Gamble, John A. 
Heckman, Adam Sharp, William H. Miller and William H. H. Wilson. 

Company I. — One hundred officers and men. Captains, Christian R. Pisle, 
resigned October 12, 1S63, and Arthur Bennett, promoted November 14, 1863: 
first lieutenant, William F. Peiffer, promoted November 14, 1863; first ser- 
geant, Geo. W. Daily; quartermaster- sergeant, Samuel S. Walch; commis- 
sary-sergeant, James B. Anderson; sergeants, Jacob Shaffer, Lewis H. Sprecher, 
James Cosgrove, George W. Wilson, George U. Bowman and Solomon Coy; 
corporals, Peter Rossman, James B. Miller, Josiah Mentzer, John Hughes, 
John G. Ocker, Emanuel T. Reed, William M. Claudy and John R. Sloan. 

Company K. — Eighty-three officers and men. Captain, Robert J. Boyd; 
first lieutenant, Henry C. Phenicie; second lieutenant, Louis H. Henkell; first 
sergeant, George W. Kennedy; quartermaster-sergeant, Levi J. Grawl; com- 
missary-sergeant, Daniel Bitner; sergeants, John Palmer, Archibald Rymer, 
Samuel Palmer, John W. Kuhn, Philip L. Gardner and J. Wilson Hooser; cor- 
porals, Geo. W. Lewis, Jacob Kuh, David Criswell, J. Dallas Frye, Henry 
Bartle, James L. Weagley, J. A. Bowles and John Thompson. 

Company L. — One hundred and two officers and men. Captain, George L. 
Miles; first lieutenant, Thomas D. French; second lieutenant, JohnH. Harmony ; 
first sergeant, W T ilson H. Reilly; quartermaster-sergeant, John D. McClin- 
tock; sergeants, Archibald S. McCulloch, John T. Pfoutz, John King, Edward' 
Monath, Fred W, Shinefield and William E. Seiser; corporals, George Jack- 
son, William H. Dall, Daniel V. Umholtz, Geo. N. Biddinger, Amos J. Sellers.. 
John F. Harmony, Harry Hallett and William Johnson. 

In February, 1864, the regiment was reorganized for a three years' serv- 
ice under the former field and staff officers, with Companies D, E, K and L 
from Franklin County, Henry B. Kendig and W T illiam H. Pfoutz serving as 
sergeant-majors, William B. Cook as quartermaster- sergeant, and Theodore 
F. Colby as saddler. 

Company D. — Sixty-eight officers and men. Captains, Josiah C. Hollinger,. 
discharged March 27, 1865, and James C. Patton, promoted from first lieuten- 
ant; first lieutenant, David L. Pisle, promoted from second lieutenant; first 
sergeant, David Chamberlin; quartermaster- sergeant, Jacob West; commis- 
sary-sergeant, David Shoop; sergeants, James T. Buchanan, William F. McClel- 
lan, David Stouffer, McFarland Campbell and J. Findlay Smith; corporals, Will 



352 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

iam H. Kendig, William Marknard, Henry F. Shanee, Franklin Lightner, 
S. W. Pilkington, John M. Forney, Elias S. Flory and Solomon Bittner. 

Company E. — One hundred and thirty-seven officers and men. Captain, 
William H. Boyd; lirst lieutenant, Martin V. B. Coho; second lieutenant, 
Richard Walters, killed at Bethesda Church, Va. , June 2, 1864; second 
lieutenant, Henry B. Kendig, promoted June 24, 1864; first sergeants, Edward 
W. Beecher; Charles E. Pettis; quartermaster- sergeant, George Roth; com- 
missary-sergeant, Thomas A. Blanchard; sergeants, Peter Fetig, Silas Harr, 
Henry C. Edmiston, William Lochbaum and William T. Allison; corporals, 
Samuel Howard, Joseph Shank, George Goosley, Wm. C. Eshelman, Michael 
Leibold, Daniel Weidler. William Small, M. V. McClintock and Edward A. 
Mitchell. 

Company K. — One hundred and thirty-nine officers and men, was officered as 
follows: Captain, Henry C. Phenicie; first lieutenant, Louis H. Henkell; sec- 
ond lieutenant, George W. Kennedy; first sergeant, Samuel Palmer; quarter- 
master-sergeant, Levi J. Grawl; commissary-sergeant, John W.- Kuhn; ser- 
geants, Franklin Gamble, John A. Heckman, J. A. Bowles, John N. Frye, 
Jacob H. Bushey, John H. Middlekauf, Peter Swischer and Philip L. Gardner; 
corporals, John P. Study, Adam Sharp, Henry Bartle, Simon Palmer, John 
McCormick, William McElder, Robert Crunkleton and William H. Pensinger. 

Company L. — One hundred and thirty-three officers and men, was officered as 
follows: Captain, John H. Harmony; first lieutenants, Wilson H Reilly (dis- 
charged September 12, 1864); John T. Pfoutz (discharged May 15, 1865); sec- 
ond lieutenant, Fred W. Shinefield; first sergeant, George W. Harmony; 
quartermaster-sergeant, Hiram Shoeman; commissary-sergeant, Peter S. Hep- 
per; sergeants, William F. Leisse, Philip A. Welsh, Amos J. Sellers, Isaac 
R. Rupp, John King; corporals, David R. Hager, Levi Stepler, John W. 
Riffle, William H. Miller, James O'Brien, Wm. H. H. Wilson, Joseph Creglow, 
Henry S. Weaver, Robert Cowels and Freman Scott. 

After the organization of this regiment, Companies C, E, K, H, L and M 
were sent foi duty to Pottsville and Scranton, Penn., and Company B to Get- 
tysburg, Penn. The remaining five companies, under command of Col. Boyd, 
proceeded to Harper's Ferry, Va., and were engaged in arduous duty in the 
department of the Shenandoah. In February, 1864, the regiment was reor- 
ganized, and, shortly after, Company D was ordered to Scranton, Penn. , where 
it remained over a year. In May the regiment was ordered to Washington, 
D. C. , where it was dismounted and equipped as infantry, and sent to the 
Army of the Potomac. It took part in the engagement at Cold Harbor, in 
front of Petersburg, the destruction of the Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring 
Church. In October the Twenty -first was again equipped and mounted as cav- 
alry and ordered to Gen. Gregg's division, after which it took part in the en- 
gagements at the Boydtown plank road, and helped to destroy rebel stores at 
Stony Creek Station ; was on the Bellefield raid, and saw hard service around 
Petersburg and Richmond. Of the line officers, four were killed in battle or 
mortally wounded, and fourteen were wounded only. Of the enlisted men, 
1 47 were killed in battle and 253 were wounded. It was mustered out of ser- 
vice at Lynchburg, Va. , July 8, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT, TWENTY-SECOND CAVALRY — NINE MONTHS. 

A battalion of this regiment was reorganized at Chambersburg, in Febru- 
ary, 1864, and a number of Franklin County boys joined the organization, but 
were so scattered through the regiment that it is impossible to give their names. 
Elias S. Troxell was major of the regiment, and Thomas D. French, captain of 



HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 353 

Company L. A portion of the regiment was employed in guarding tlio fords 
of the* Susquehanna and on picket duty in the Cumberland Valley. After its 
reorganization, it did effective service in the Shenandoah Valley, and was with 
Gen. Averill when he passed through Chambersburg on the day of the burn- 
ing of the town, in pursuit of Gen. McCausland, catching up with him at 
Moorefield, Va. , when the rebel general was put to rout, losing many men and 
all his guns. It was mustered out of service October 31, 1865. 

TWO HUNDRED AND FIRST REGIMENT ONE YEAR. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn. , August 29, 1 864, with F. 
Asbury Awl as colonel. Part of Company K, Captain, Alexander C. Landis,was 
from Franklin County. With the exception of a short term of service along 
the Manassas Gap Railroad, in Virginia, the regiment was on provost duty in 
Pennsylvania and at Fort Delaware. Mustered out of service at Harrisburg^ 
Penn., June 21, 1865. 

TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTH REGIMENT — ONE YEAR. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn., September 2, 1864 r . 
with Joseph A. Matthews as colonel. Part of Company G was recruited in 
Franklin County, of which Robert A. Sharp was first lieutenant, and Daniel 
Duck, sergeant. After being with the Army of the James a short time it was. 
transferred to the Army of the Potomac and was attached to Gen. Hartranft's 
brigade, and took part in the capture of Petersburg. Mustered out of service 
at Alexandria, Va., June 2, 1865. 

TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT ONE YEAR. 

At Harrisburg, Penn., September 8, 1864, this regiment was organized 
with Robert C. Cox as colonel. Part of Company F was from Franklin County, 
David L. Powders being first lieutenant; David E. Kindig, first sergeant, and 
Cyrus Hazelet, one of the corporals. It was first attached to the Army of the 
James, and then to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the operations at 
Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman and Fort .Sedgwick. Mustered out of service 
at Alexandria, Va. , May 13, 1865. 

TWO HUNDRED AND NINTH REGIMENT ONE YEAR. 

This regiment was organized at Harrisburg, Penn. , September 16, 1864, 
with Tobias B. Kauffman as colonel. Franklin County was represented on the 
regimental staff by Maj. John L. Ritchey and Adjt. Andrew R. Davison, and 
by Company D. This company's organization during its term of service was 
as follows: 

Company D. — Captains, John L. Ritchey, promoted to major September 
17, 1864, and James P. McCullough; first lieutenant, Noah W. Kuhn; second 
lieutenant, B. Frank Deal; first sergeants, George J. Deitrick and Jacob F. 
Reamer; sergeants, Jonathan Palmer, Thomas J. Daffy, Robert Bard and 
Emanuel T. Reed; corporals, Joseph R. Fulton, Joseph Lackman, John D. 
Fisher, George Riddle, Jeremiah Reifsnider, Joseph Elder, James Hissong,. 
Andrew J. Gift, Jacob W. Pool and Jacob Finefrock. 

Immediately after its organization the regiment moved to the front and! 
joined the Army of the James and took part in the engagement at Chapin's 
farm, after which it was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, and took 
part in the engagements around Petersburg, Va., where Maj. Ritchey was 
badly wounded and Capt. McCullough mortally so, dying on the following 
day. Mustered out of service May 31, 1865. 



354 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



INDEPENDENT BATTERY B. 



This Battery was an independent organization, a large part of which was re- 
cruited in Franklin County for the Seventy- seventh Regiment by Capt. Peter B. 
Housuni, and, on his promotion to the lieutenant-colonelcy of that regiment, the 
men were transferred to Capt. Mueller, and mustered into service November 6, 
1861. The following are at least some of the officers from Franklin County: 
Captains — Alanson J. Stevens, promoted from first lieutenant January 5, 1863, 
killed at Chickamauga, Ga. , September 21, 1863; Samuel M. McDowell, pro- 
moted from first lieutenant January 11, 1861, killed at Kenesaw Mountain, 
Ga., June 27, 1861. Second lieutenant, Clarence M. Camp, promoted to 
quartermaster- sergeant August 16, 1864. Sergeants, Robert Dunkinson, Sam- 
uel K. Snively, Philip C. Smith, William Biggs, Franklin Yeager. Battery B 
was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and did effective service, being 
-engaged in the battles at Murfreesboro (of five days' duration) and Chicka- 
inauga. In the spring of 1864 the battery was with Sherman on his Atlanta 
■campaign, during which the fighting was almost incessant. In the bold and 
bloody assault on the enemy's lines at Kenesaw Mountain, Capt. Samuel 
M. McDowell was killed. After the surrender of the rebel armies the bat- 
tery was sent to Texas, where it remained on duty until the 12th of October, 
when it was mustered out of service at Victoria. 

THE MILITIA OF 1862. 

After the defeat of the Union Army at the second battle of Bull Run, Au- 
gust 29 and 30, 1862, the Rebel Army hastened northward and crossed the 
Potomac, threatening the southern border of Pennsylvania, and on the 4th of 
September Gov. Curtin issued a proclamation calling on the people to arm and 
prepare for defense. Gen. John F. Reynolds assumed command of the militia, 
15,000 being concentrated at Hagerstown and Boonsboro; 10,000 at Green- 
castle and Chambersburg, and 25,000 at Harrisburg, and on their way to that 
city. The enemy having been defeated at Antietam and the emergency 
passed, the militia was mustered out at Harrisburg on the 24th of September. 
The following is a list of the companies raised in Franklin County: 

Captain, J. Wyeth Douglas; first lieutenant, Justinian McGuigan; second 
lieutenant, George Ludwig, Jr. ; 85 officers and men. Organized at Chambers- 
burg September 1, and discharged September 16, 1862. 

Captain, John Jeffries; first lieutenant, J. McD. Sharpe; second lieutenant, 
Jacob S. Brand; 94 officers and men. Organized at Chambersburg September 
5, and discharged September 27, 1862. 

Captain, James H. Montgomery; first lieutenant, John Hassler; second lieu- 
tenant, John R. Tankenley; 89 officers and men. Organized at St. Thomas, 
.September 8, and discharged September 20, 1862. 

Captain, George W. Eyster; first lieutenant. David Wallace; second lieu- 
tenant, Martin Shoemaker; 62 officers and men. Organized at Greenvillage 
September 12, and discharged October 1, 1862. 

Captain, John D. Walker; first lieutenant, Carl Galliher; second lieuten- 
ant John Witherow; 65 officers and men. Organized at Fannettsburg Septem- 
ber 41, and discharged September 27, 1862. 

Captain. K. Shannon Taylor; first lieutenant, Jacob Sellers; second lieu- 
tenant, John K. Reese; 77 officers and men. Organized at Chambersburg 
September 9, and discharged September 25. 1862. 

Captain, David Houser; first lieutenant, Franklin Snider; second lieuten- 
ant, William Mong; 77 officers and men. Organized at Chambersburg Sep- 
tember 15, and discharged October 1, 1862. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 355 

Captain, Thomas L. Fletcher; first lieutenant, John P. Keefer; second 
lieutenant, James Kennedy; 84 officers and men. Organized at Chamborsburg 
September 14, and discharged October 1, 1862. 

Captain, Charles W. Eyster; first lieutenant, Peter Ackerman; second 
lieutenant, Ephraim Finefrock; 118 officers and men. Organized at Cham - 
bersburg September 14, and discharged October 15, 1862. 

Captain, David Vance; first lieutenant, John Beaver; second lieutenant, 
Thomas J. Doyle; 88 officers and men. Organized at Fort Loudon Septem- 
ber 18, and discharged October 11, 1862. 

Captain Andrew M. Criswell; first lieutenant, John Dissinger; second lieu- 
tenant, Obed Mentzer; 52 officers and men. Organized at Scotland Septem- 
ber 15, and discharged October 1, 1862. 

Captain, Christian C. Foltz; first lieutenant, Samuel F. Greenawalt; second 
lieutenant, P. Henry Peiffer. This was a cavalry company, with forty- seven 
officers and men. Organized at Charnbersb/irg September 11, and discharged 
September 25, 1862. 

Colored Troops. — There was no distinct organization of colored troops 
formed in Franklin County, but probably 500 of our colored citizens entered 
the army during the Rebellion. Eleven regiments of colored soldiers were re- 
cruited in Pennsylvania by the United States Government, and the State of 
Massachusetts had recruiting officers here frequently. 

Officers from Franklin County. — Major-general — Samuel W. Crawford, 
appointed April 28, 1862. Paymaster — Ma j. John M. Pomeroy, appointed 
June 14, 1861. Assistant adjutant-general — Capt. Theodore McGowan, ap- 
pointed July 14, 1862. Commissaries of subsistence — Capt. Elishu D. Reid, 
appointed September 10, 1862; Capt. Calvin Gilbert, appointed March 2, 
1864. Signal Corps — Second Lieut. Michael D. Reymer, appointed March 3, 
I8618. Surgeons — Samuel G. Lane, Fifth Reserves, appointed September 6, 
1861; William C. Lane, One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, ap- 
pointed September 15, 1862. Hospital Chaplain — Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, 
appointed August 8, 1863. Colonels — George B. Wiestling, One Hundred 
and Seventy-seventh Regiment, appointed November 28, 1862; Charles T. 
Campbell, Fifty-seventh Regiment, appointed March 4, 1862. Captain — 
Michael W. Houser, Company C, Fifty-seventh Regiment, appointed Novem- 
ber 25, 1865. Second Lieutenant — Allison McDowell, Company B, Six- 
teenth Cavalry, appointed October 3, 1863. 

The roster of troops furnished by Franklin County for the war has taken a 
large part of our space hitherto. It is impossible, of course, to give the 
names of all soldiers, who placed their sacrifices on their country' s altar. Such 
information can be had from Bates' history, from which our lists have been 
taken. 

Raids into its territory were quite frequent. Every movement of troops 
along the border had its effect to produce a panic along the valley. A disas- 
ter to the Union troops in Maryland or Virginia was succeeded by a stampede 
of negroes, women and children which swept along the whole valley, produc- 
ing a constant unrest. The uncertainty connected with these vibratory move- 
ments of refugees had a deleterious effect upon every kind of business, to say 
nothing of the uneasiness it created. The migration of friend or foe involved 
loss to the inhabitants of the county. It is with difficulty, therefore, that 
people living in other parts of the country realize the magnitude of the sacri- 
fices made by the people of Franklin County during the civil war. With her 
brave sons in nearly every regiment in the field, and her home guards to 
watch the border, and with her flocks and crops pillaged by both armies, her 



356 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

sacrifices for the Union were greater than those of probably any county in the 
Northern States. Her sacrifices, however, but purified and intensified her 
loyalty to the Government for which her early pioneers had fought. 

Stuart's Raid in 1862. — After the battle of Antietam, Gen. Lee was desir- 
ous of escaping from the menacing position of McClellan's army. To aid in 
this matter, he detached that distinguished and dashing cavalry officer, Gen. 
J. E. B. Stuart, to make a bold raid to the rear of the Union Army. The time 
selected was favorable. In consequence of the defeat of Lee's army at South 
Mountain and Antietam, Union troops in the Cumberland Valley were largely 
withdrawn, a feeling of security having settled upon the people. 

With a command estimated at from 1,800 to 2,800 men, well officered and 
picked, Stuart crossed the Potomac above Williarnsport at Cherry Run Ford, 
and passing rapidly through Maryland came down from the mountains upon 
Mercersburg without warning, but with all the consternation attending such 
rapid movements. Thomas Whitehead, captain of Company E, Second Vir- 
ginia Cavalry, in a letter published in the Philadelphia Times, says: "The 
inhabitants of Mercersburg seemed terror stricken and paralyzed, and many 
ludicrous accounts were given by the soldiers of their efforts to quiet their 
fears. I witnessed one: Private J. C. Pettit, of Company E, with a comrade, 
rode under the window of a house and proposed to buy some food of an old 
woman and her daughter. With pallid face bathed in tears the old lady said: 
'Take anything, only spare the women and children.' " Maj. H. B. McClel- 
lan, Stuart's adjutant-general, relates another incident that occurred between 
Mercersburg and Chambersburg. The soldiers belonged to the Ninth Virginia 
Cavalry, and the incident is said to have happened at a Mr. Glee's, not 
far from Bridgeport: 

' ' The terms of Stuart' s orders were strictly enforced during the whole 
march. Nothing whatever was disturbed on the soil of Maryland, but when 
once the Pennsylvania line was crossed, the seizure of horses was prosecuted 
with system and diligence. Six hundred men scoured the country on either 
side of the line of march, and as far as scouts could extend, the country was 
denuded of horses. With his usual courtesy toward ladies, Stuart gave or- 
ders that whenever they might meet his column, they should be allowed to 
pass in their conveyances without molestation. So strict was the enforcement 
of orders that the men were not even allowed to seize provisions for them- 
selves. They sometimes, however, obtained by stratagem what they were not 
permitted to take by force. On the second day's march, some hungry cavalry- 
men approached a house whose male defenders had fled, leaving the women and 
babies in possession. A polite request for food was met by the somewhat surly 
reply that there was none in the house. Casting a wolfish glance upon the 
babies, a lean fellow remarked that he had never been in the habit of eating 
human flesh, but that he was now hungry enough for anything; and if he 
could get nothing else, he believed he would compromise on one of the babies- 
It is hardly necessary to say that the mother's heart relented, and a bountiful 
repast was soon provided. ' ' 

Through Bridgeport and St. Thomas the cavalry dashed, gathering in 
horses from both sides of the pike, and finally reached Chambersburg. Says 
Capt. Whitehead: "The mayor, Col. McClure and Judge Kimmell appeared, 
#met Stuart and Hampton, surrendered the town and asked for the protection 
of persons and the private property of citizens. These terms were granted, 
with an exception as to horses, and a safe conduct was given the three gentle- 
men, who made the terms of surrender. A considerable supply of clothing, 
ammunition and other stores was found and distributed, and a number of 




*s. «, y - , ' * _ 



^^^h^SUuUly 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 359 

horses were taken. One of the most noticeable things all along the route was 
the dazed appearance of the citizens; they seemed paralyzed, astonished and 
unable to comprehend the situation. 

' ' The Second Virginia was ordered to go down and destroy an important 
bridge, but before we reached it we were informed that it was iron; our axes 
would not cut it and it would not burn, and, as we did not have the time nor 
the material to blow it up, we retraced our steps. When we returned from the 
bridge expedition we were halted in a wide street, which led into the turnpike. 
and told to remain until further orders, Lieut. -Col. Watts being left in charge of 
the brigade detachment. There was a drizzling rain sufficient to make it dis- 
agreeably cold, and piles of posts, that were along the street, and palings were 
soon turned into little fires for the squads ; what were known as the ' Pirout- 
ers ' were soon out in search for something to eat. 

' ' Near the Second Regiment' s position there was a nice cottage and further 
up the street a fine residence. Corporal Tip Tinsley, of Company E, was 
early at the cottage, his sabre- scabbard and spurs clanking on the porch floor. 
He knocked and an old man came to the door, lantern in hand. Tinsley asked 
if he could get some bread. ' Certainly, a soldier can. ' The old gentleman 
disappeared and quickly returned with an immense sheet of rolls under his 
arm and his lantern in the other hand. As Tinsley received the bread he said: 
' Who is your general — McClellan or Burnside ?' ' Stonewall Jackson, ' re- 
plied Tinsley. ' Good God! ' exclaimed the old man. The lantern fell, the 
door slammed and the corporal came off with the bread. 

' ' The night spent in Chambersburg was full of interest. Owing to the fa- 
vorable terms made by Judge Kimmell and his associates, Col. McClure and 
Thos. B. Kennedy, the rebels did comparatively little damage in town to per- 
sons or' private property. Some of the officers paid a friendly visit to Col. 
McClure at his residence, and discussed political questions with him. Gen. 
Stuart and other officers lodged for the night at the Franklin Hotel, and 
proved very affable and entertaining. On the following morning, Saturday, 
the raiders took their departure eastward across the South Mountain. Before 
leaving, a guard was detached to burn the depot house, the machine shops, and 
the warehouse of Messrs. Wunderlich & Nead. The latter was burnt because 
it contained the ammunition taken from Gen. Longstreet. In this warehouse 
and in some cars upon the siding was a considerable amount of government 
stores, consisting of clothing, hats, boots, pistols, etc. As much of these as 
the guard could cany were taken with them. Some soldiers had on as many 
as three hats. After the guard departed, some of our citizens endeavored to 
save the burning buildings and adjoining property, but they were much an- 
noyed by the exploding shells. These did not go off at once, as some feared, 
but gradually, as the fire reached them. Fearing for the safety of the sick and 
wounded in the lower end of the town, in case the whole of the ammunition in 
the burning warehouse would explode at once, many of the ladies who had 
been ministering to their necessities went to their assistance, and at the usual 
hour at noon these good Samaritans had dinner prepared for these men. We 
swept on southeast, passing through a long string of a town called Fayette- 
ville, at which there was a large female school, and while getting some pro- 
visions our men entered into a political discussion with the lady teacher in 
charge, who appeared disposed to try and convert my command. She was 
good looking and intelligent, and was especially persistent and aggressive on 
the slavery question. A very dogmatic and impertinent man of my company 
asked her if she regarded a negro her equal, and would she be willing to 
marry one. She very calmly replied that it would be greatly preferable to- 



300 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

marrying him. His comrades never let him hear the last of that Pennsylvania 
' school marm ' or that imaginary negro. By the way, we saw only one negro on 
this trip through Pennsylvania, and he was the raggedest specimen we ever 
saw. He was standing on a high bank looking at the column as it passed, and 
the boys called to him to know if he did not want to go down in Dixie, promising 
him new clothes and good wages. His only reply was that he couldn't leave his 
mammy. Near this solitary negro we saw the only loose hog encountered on 
the trip. The command rode over him, and he came near being the cause of 
the only casualty we would have sustained by tripping a trooper' s horse and 
overthrowing his rider." 

Crossing South Mountain and avoiding all towns where Federal soldiers 
might be assembled, Stuart' s cavalry returned again to Virginia, having made 
a complete circuit of the Union Army, captured and led out 1,200 head of 
Pennsylvania horses, and taken as captives some of Franklin County's best 
citizens: .Perry A. Rice, Daniel Shaffer, C. Landerbaugh, John McDowell, 
George G. Rupley and George Steiger, of Mercersburg; Joseph Wingert, post- 
master at Clay Lick, and William Conner, of St. Thomas. Rice, Shaffer and 
Conner were taken to Richmond and immured in Libby prison. Rice died, but 
his associates were exchanged. The others are thought to have escaped en 
route. 

lee's invasion in 1863. 

The campaign into Pennsylvania in 1863 was the most interesting and im- 
portant movement of the war. The Army of Northern Virginia, under the 
leadership of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the scholar, the Christian gentleman, the 
peerless soldier, assisted by such skillful and acknowledged lieutenants as 
Longstreet, Hill, Ewell and Stuart, was composed of men as brave and true 
as were ever led to battle and to death. Successful at Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville over greatly superior numbers, this army, despising the adver- 
sary whom it had so frequently encountered on the field of carnage, and im- 
pelled by a desire to release Virginia from the presence of the two vast armies 
which were eating out its substance, as well as by a movement into free terri- 
tory that would secure supplies from the enemy, hoped to achieve a victory 
which would secure a speedy recognition of the Confederacy. 

The plan decided upon by the Confederate commander was to push boldly 
forward, invade the State of Pennsylvania, and so to maneuver his forces as to 
compel the Union Army to attack him on the defensive, and under circum- 
stances which, it was hoped, would secure a brilliant victory to his arms and 
place his army between the defeated Federals and the capital of the Nation. 
It was thought this success would place the city of Washington in the posses- 
sion of the Confederates and secure a recognition of Southern independence by 
European powers. It was also believed that the Northern people were dis- 
couraged and disheartened by their repeated failures to' grapple successfully 
with the gigantic struggle then in progress, and would be willing to accede to 
such terms of settlement as would involve a separation of the States, 

The foregoing are some of the results which were sought to be secured 
to the Confederacy, by the change of policy from a defensive to an of- 
fensive one, on the part of the South. It is, however, proper to remark that 
there were eminent men at Richmond, and distinguished soldiers in the South, 
who disapproved of this change of policy, and augured ill of the invasion 
from the beginning. These advocated what was known in Richmond as ' ' the 
defensive policy. ' ' They believed that the interests of the Confederacy would 
be best promoted by her armies remaining upon her own soil, rather than by 
removing the scene of hostilities to the North. The most skillful soldier in the 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 3G1 

Confederate service, if not one of the greatest generals of the age, who advo- 
cated this latter policy, was Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. One of its strongest 
and most eminent supporters was Hon. Alexander H. Stephens. 

The movement of the Confederate Army into Pennsylvania was accom- 
plished as follows: Withdrawing his forces from around Fredericksburg, after 
the battle of Chancellorsville, Lee's advance corps, under Lieut. -Gen. R. S. 
Ewell, moved first, and was followed by those of Gens. A. P. Hill and Long- 
street. Contrary to his expectations, Lee was forced to move into the Shen- 
andoah Valley, and go northward on the west side of North Mountain, instead 
of on the east, Hooker' s command (the Army of the Potomac) pressing him so 
closely. Two divisions of Ewell's corps, Rodes' and Early's, fell upon Mil- 
roy's command at Winchester and either captured or dispersed it, and gobbled 
up the greater part of his immense supplies. The portion of the wagon train, 
which succeeded in escaping, crossed the Potomac, and passing through Hagers- 
town, Greencastle and Chambersburg with all the contusion attending such a 
rout, hurried on to Harrisburg. This was one of the many evidences that new 
perils were threatening the people of the valley. The attack on Winchester 
occurred June 13, 18(33. The stampede followed immediately. 

jenkins' raid. 

On the heels of Milroy's demoralized teamsters and guards came Lee's ad- 
vance cavalry, under command of Brig. -Gen. A. G. Jenkins; with the exciting 
and exaggerated reports which preceded him, came the natural impulse of the 
people to remove all their valuables, supplies, moneys, etc. , to some place of 
safety. The devastation wrought by the exemplary command of Stuart, the 
year previous, led the people to expect no great consideration from rebel troops 
daring a general invasion. In this respect their fears were well founded. The 
mission of Jenkins was two-fold: First, to ascertain whether any Federal forces 
occupied the valley in advance of the invading army; second, to collect horses 
and other supplies before they could be removed by the frightened inhabitants. 
The incidents connected with this raid would fill a volume of rare interest. 

At an early hour in the evening of June 15, information of the approach of 
Jenkins' cavalry was received, and about 11 o'clock they appeared at the south- 
ern end of the town. A few scouts were sent forward to reconnoitre. Of the 
entire command, numbering about 2,000, some 200 were selected to make a 
dash into the town and strike terror into the hearts of the people. We shall 
allow Jacob Hoke to describe the scenes that followed : 

1 ' When opposite the residence of Mr. H. M. White, the report of a gun 
was heard. Some eight or ten cavalrymen rode into the Diamond and passed 
through it on down Main Street, except about four or five. In the darkness, 
the gas in front of the bank only being lighted, they became separated, and 
one of them, evidently the officer in command, who was over near the bank, 
called out, in a peculiar Southern tone, which is about half negro: 'Hawkins! 

Hawkins!! Whar the d 1 are you. Hawkins?' If Lieut. Smith, for such 

was the gentleman's name, as will appear hereafter, had called upon John Seid- 
ell and Thacl. Mahon instead of his Satanic majesty, they might have given 
him the information he so earnestly desired, but they were about that time 
having a little matter of business transacted with Hawkins over on the court 
house pavement. Bat the Lieutenant's anxiety concerning his friend was soon 
relieved, for, on going across the Diamond to ascertain what had become of 
him, he fell into the hands of Seiders, and soon thereafter joined the object 
of his anxiety, both of them, however, horseless and without arms. 

"Following this call for his absent comrade, the officer again called out: 



362 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

' AY liar' s the Mayau of this town ? Whar' s the Mayau of this town ? If the- 
Mayau does not come here in live minutes we will burn the town. ' In a short 
time the 200 detailed to follow the above mentioned scouts came thundering 
down Main Street, followed by the remainder of the command. The larger 
part passed on through the town and out to the grounds of Col. McClure, 
along the Philadelphia pike, where they picketed their horses in the Colonel's 
clover field. Gren. Jenkins 'and his staff did the Colonel the honor to lodge 
with him over night at his fine mansion, after first partaking of a bountiful 
supper prepared for them, the honors of the table being royally done by his 
accomplished wife, in the absence of the Colonel, who had discreetly placed 
himself beyond the possibility of capture and sojourn in a Southern clime. 
Leaving Jenkins and his staff so comfortably quartered for«the night, we will 
go back to relate some incidents which occurred in and about the Diamond. 

" Shortly after the entrance of the advanced pickets into the Diamond, a 
cavalryman rode up to Mr. John A. Seiders and T. M. Mahon, Esq. , as they 
stood upon the court-house pavement, and, supposing them to belong to their 
party, inquired in what direction the rest of the squad had gone. These two 
men had just returned home from the service, and they concluded to try their 
hands on that fellow. Neither of them was armed, but Mahon, using a plas- 
tering lath, which he held in his hand as a sword, grabbed one rein of the 
bridle and Seiders the other and quietly demanded his surrender. He at once 
dismounted, and his sabre, pistol (the other taken by Seiders) and spurs were 
at once taken by Mahon, who quickly mounted the horse and rode rapidly to 
the market-house, which he entered ; while there, a party of cavalry rode down 
Second Street toward Market, and Mahon, as soon as they passed, started at 
a rapid gait out Queen. At the junction of Queen and Washington Streets he 
encountered a squad, who called upon him to halt, but he flew on out toward 
Fayette ville. At Downey's he turned from the pike and proceeded to Scotland. 
There, on the nest day, he gave the horse into the care of another, and after 
watching the destruction of the railroad bridge at that place, he eluded the 
pickets and entered Chambersburg, and reported to the railroad officials the 
burning of the bridge. Finding that the rebels were on the hunt for him, he 
after a short time hid in the house of his law preceptor, William McClellan, 
Esq. , left and found refuge in safer quarters. 

' ' Immediately after the departure of Mahon with his prize— the rebel having 
been handed over to Mr. Henry Peiffer and George Welsh, who started with 
him toward the jail, but released him when they found that they were likely to- 
be caught — another cavalryman, Lieut. Smith, rode up to where Mr. Seiders 
was standing and inquired what had become of his comrade. Seiders, now be- 
ing armed with one of the pistols taken from Hawkins, presented it and de- 
manded his surrender. To this demand he at once complied and dismounted. 
Seiders disarmed him, taking his sabre, pistols and spurs, and, mounting his 
horse, rode rapidly out East Market Street. At Market and Second Streets 
he encountered the head of the column, which passed the market-house while 
Mahon was in it. To their command to halt he paid no attention, but put his 
horse upon his speed and galloped out to Fayetteville; arriving, he took an in- 
ventory of his capture, and it was found to be as follows: A valuable horse, 
saddle, four blankets rolled up and fastened behind the saddle, two fine pis- 
tols, sabre and belt, and a pair of saddle-bags containing a dress-coat, two- 
shirts, a Testament, a pack of cards, a package of love letters, some smoking 
tobacco, and several other articles. 

"From Fayetteville Mr. Seiders proceeded to Cumberland County, and 
throughout the whole period of the invasion he made good use of his captured 
horse in the way of scouting service. 



HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 3G3 

"After spending the night under the hospitable roof of Col. McClure, Gen. 
Jenkins and staff came early in the morning of Tuesday, 10th, into town and 
established his headquarters at the Montgomery Hotel. One of the first acts 
of the rebel chieftain after arriving in town was to issue an order requiring 
all arms in possession of our citizens, whether public or private, to be brought 
to the front of the court-house within two hours; and, in case of disobedience, 
houses were to be searched, and all in which arms were found concealed were 
to be lawful objects of plunder. Many of our citizens complied with this hu- 
miliating order, and a committee of our people was appointed to take down 
the names of all who brought in arms. Some, of course, did not comply, but 
enough did so to avoid a general search and probable sacking of the town. 
Capt. Fitzhugh, Jenkins' chief of staff — the same oflicer who took so promi- 
nent a part in the burning of the town a year afterward — assorted the guns as 
they were brought in, retaining those that could be used by his men, and 
twisting and breaking such as were unfit for this service. This he did by strik- 
ing them over the stone steps in front of the court-house, or twisting them 
out of shape in the ornamental attachments of the iron gas posts. When Dr. 
W. H. Boyle brought in a beautiful silver mounted Sharp's rifle, Capt. Fitz- 
hugh appropriated it to his own use. 

"The next thing which demanded the attention of Gen. Jenkins was to 
summon the town council and demand of them the return of the two horses 
and their accoutrements captured by Mahon and Seiders, or the payment of 
their value; and in default of either he threatened the destruction of the 
town. His plea for this extreme resort was, as he said, the firing upon his 
soldiers by our citizens. As the captured property was beyond the reach of 
the council, the matter was finally adjusted by the payment of $900. Doubt- 
less Jenkins expected this amount in United States currency, but as he had 
flooded the town with Confederate scrip, pronouncing it better than green- 
backs, the city fathers evidently took him at his word, and paid him in his 
own money. This money was bought up of our citizens, who had received it 
for articles sold to Jenkins' men, at a few cents on the dollar. A few days 
after this transaction, and when Jenkins' force had fallen back beyond Green- 
castle, Mr. Seiders returned to town as the pilot of Gen. Knipe, who, with 
parts of two New York regiments, was sent to this place. 

' ' On Wednesday morning Gen. Jenkins ordered that the stores, shops and 
business places should all be opened from 8 to 10 o'clock A. M. , and that his 
men should be permitted to buy such articles as they personally needed, but 
must in all cases pay for what they got. Business for about an hour was very 
brisk, and to avoid giving offense they patronized all. 

"About 9 o'clock, while all were doing a lively business, an officer came gal- 
loping up Main Street to headquarters and told Jenkins that the Yankees were 
advancing. Jenkins came out in haste, and mounting his horse he, in a voice 
of great power, ordered the men to the field. A rush was made down Main 
Street and out to what is known as Gelsinger's Hill, a few miles below the 
town, on the Harrisburg pike, where a line of battle was formed. In a short 
time a number of men returned leading the horses, the soldiers dismounting 
and preparing to fight as infantry. They were all armed with carbines, as 
well as pistols and sabres. After an hour or two they fell back through the 
town and out where their horses were taken, and rode back beyond Greencastle. 
A few daring scouts, coming from the direction of Shippensburg, causing this 
alarm, and supposing that they were too far in advance of the infantry, 
retreated to the southern part of the county, where for nearly a week they 
plundered the people. As Jenkins and his staff rode up street, after the dis- 



304 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

mounted men had all passed, a number of our citizens were standing upon the 
court-house pavement. Supposing that they were armed and might fire upon 
them, these officers drew their revolvers and rode toward the citizens. A 
stampede, of course, resulted. Many of the soldiers were engaged during 
Tuesday and "Wednesday mornings in scouring tLe fields around town for ne- 
groes. Many were caught and some, free and slave, were bound and sent 
under guard South. Some escaped, and some were captured from their guard 
by citizens of Greencastle. Among their captures was that well and favorably 
known colored man, Esque Hall. 

' ' Gen. Jenkins, fearing an attack by the emergency men then congregating 
at Harrisburg, fell back, as already stated, below Greencastle and near to 
Hagerstown, there to await the arrival of Gen. Lee's infantry. From this 
retreat he sent out marauding parties to various places in search of additional 
plunder. 

"One detachment was sent east, and, after plundering the rich country 
about Waynesboro, crossed over the southeastern flanks of South Mountain, 
where, at the Monterey Pass, on Sunday, 21st, the Philadelphia City Troop and 
Bell's cavalry from Gettysburg encountered their pickets. In the evening of 
the same day, about 120 of them entered Fairfield, and returned again by 
the Furnace road, taking with them all the good horses they could find. 

' ' The whole southern portion of our county was plundered by these men. 
Welsh Run especially received a thorough scouring. The plunder thus taken 
was sent south of the Potomac, and delivered over to Lee' s approaching army. 
It would be difficult to estimate the value of the property taken by this raid, 
but it certainly amounted to not less than $100,000. Then its coming in the 
season of the year, when the farming interests required the use of horses, 
added immensely to its inconvenience and loss. Many croppers, who had little 
else than their stock, were bankrupted. The effect of this raid, however, was 
to arouse the people of Pennsylvania and the adjacent States, and volunteers 
for the defense of the border hurried to Harrisburg. 

" The various detachments of Jenkins' command had all joined the main 
body by Monday morning, at or near Hagerstown, where he awaited the arrival 
of Rodes' division of infantry preparatory to another advance into our State." 

The authorities at Harrisburg, having become convinced that an invasion 
of the State was imminent, made all possible efforts to meet it. Assured by 
the National authorities that the State must look after its own defense because 
of the impracticability of dividing the Army of the Potomac at that critical 
period, to meet this emergency Maj.-Gen. D. N. Couch was appointed, by 
the war department, commander of the department of the Susquehanna, 
with headquarters at Harrisburg. 

On June 12, the day following the establishment of this department, Gov. 
Curtin issued a proclamation to the people of the State, announcing the im- 
pending danger and calling for volunteers. Gen. Couch reiterated these 
sentiments in an address of the same date, and called for immediate enlist- 
ment, to check or repel the invading forces. Immediately after these ad- 
dresses, fortifications along the river were begun. 

A hearty response to these appeals for volunteers was made by the people 
of Pennsylvania and New York. Militia came pouring in, and were organized 
June. 22, into two divisions under command of Gens. Smith and Dana. On 
the 20th, parts of two of these early arriving New York regiments, about 800 
men, were sent under Gen. Knipe to rebuild the Scotland bridge and to de- 
fend Chambersburg. Arriving at the latter place on Sunday, the 21st, the 
commander made a stirring speech, in which he spoke of his determination to 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 365 

repel the insolent Invader, The sequel showed, however, that the courage of 
these men evaporated before they cauie in contact with the enemy. 

lee's advance into the state. 

It may be proper to give some idea of the condition of Leo's army. It 
was known as the Army of Northern Virginia, under command of Gen. Robert 
E. Lee, and consisted of three infantry corps. 

First Corps. — Lieut. -Gen. James Longstreet, commander. It consisted 
of three infantry divisions commanded respectively by Maj.- Gens. Lafayette 
McLaws, George E. Pickett and J. B. Hood, and eighty-three pieces of artil- 
lery, commanded by Col. J. B. Walton. 

Second Corps. — Lieut. -Gen. R. S. Ewell, commander. It had three 
divisions commanded respectively by Maj. -Gens. Jubal A. Early. R. E. 
Rodes and Edward Johnson. The artillery, eighty-two pieces, was under 
Col. S. Crutchfield. 

Third Corps. — Lieut. -Gen. A. P. Hill, commander, had three divisions 
commanded respectively by Maj. -Gens. Anderson, Heth and Pender. 
The artillery, eighty-three pieces, was under command of Col. R. Lindsay 
Walker. 

In addition to the foregoing infantry and artillery, there was a cavalry 
corps under Lieut. -Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, consisting of brigades commanded 
respectively by Brig. -Gens. Wade Hampton. Fitz Hugh Lee, W. H. F. Lee, 
B.' H. Robertson, W. E. Jones, J. D. Imboden, A. G. Jenkins and Baker. 
All the infantry and artillery, but only one or two brigades of cavalry ad- 
vanced through Franklin County, the rest of Stuart's command having crossed 
the Potomac between the Army of the Potomac and Washington. 

A fair estimate of .Lee's army puts ii from 75,000 to 85,000. the Count of 
Paris placing it as high as S8, 754 officers and soldiers present May 31, 1863. 

As has already been remarked, Ewell' s corps led the infantry advance in 
the invasion, the divisions of Rodes and Early crossing the Potomac on the 
20th and 21st of June. On the 22d, these two divisions connected with Jen- 
kins at Hagerstown. In a day or two, Early turned off to the east, passing 
through Waynesboro, Quincy, Funkstown and Greenwood, across North Moun- 
tain to York. In passing Greenwood he burned Thad. Stevens' (Caledonia) iron 
works. His reasons are given in a letter to the writer, dated Lynchburg, Va. , 
May 7, 1886, thus: "No column of our troops was sent to burn the iron 
works of Thaddeus Stevens, near Greenwood, in the campaign into Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1863. My division of Ewell' s corps was ordered to move along the 
western base of South Mountain until it came to the road from Chambersburg 
to Gettysburg, which I did, passing through Waynesboro and one or two 
smaller villages. I found the iron works above mentioned on the road aforesaid, 
where it begins to ascend South Mountain, and they were burned by my order 
and on my own responsibility. My reasons for giving the order were founded on 
the fact that the Federal troops had invariably burned such works in the South 
wherever they had penetrated, and notably among them the iron works of Hon. 
John Bell, of Tennessee, who was the constitutional candidate for the presidency 
in 1860, and who was too old to take any part in the war then pending. More- 
over, in some speeches in Congress, Mr. Stevens had exhibited a most vindic- 
tive spirit toward the people of the South, as he continued to do to the day of 
his death. This burning was simply in retaliation for various deeds of bar- 
barity perpetrated by Federal troops in some of the Southern States, as was 
the subsequent burning of Chambersburg, in 1861." 

Johnson's division crossed the Potomac on June 22, and joined the other 



366 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



divisions at Hagerstown. Johnson and Rodes then commenced their march 
down the valley via Greencastle and Chainbersburg, Jenkins preceding them. 
When Jenkins and Rodes reached the former place, the advance cavalry was 
met in a bold dash by a small battalion of the First New York (Lincoln) Cav- 
alry, under command of Maj. W. H. Boyd, in front of the Fleming House, 
just out of Greencastle, on the Chambersburg road. The result was the 
wounding of Sergt. Milton S. Cafferty and the killing of Corp. William H. 
Rihl, of Company C, a full account of which is given in the history of Corporal 
Rihl Post in the sketch of Greencastle Borough in another part of this work. 

On the 23d of June, Jenkins again entered Chambersburg, this time with 
more boldness than before. His demands for various supplies here, as at 
Greencastle, were not wanting in either modesty or amount; nor were the 
people slow to supply onions, bacon, bread, and other necessaries. Two hours 
after the appearance of Jenkins, the forces of Rodes began to arrive, a band 
playing ' ' Dixie ' ' with considerable satisfaction. On the 24th Gen. Ewell ar- 
rived in a carriage, and took possession of the town. The court-house was 
selected for headquartsrs, and a rebel flag flaunted from its cupola. The fol- 
lowing modest requisitions were made: 

Headquarters 2nd Army Corps, 
June 24, 1863. 
To the Authorities of Chambersburg, Pa. 

By direction of Lieut. -Gen. R. S. Ewell, I require the following articles: 

5,000 suits of Clothing, including Hats, Boots and Shoes. 

100 good Saddles. 

100 good Bridles. 

5,000 Bushels of Grain (corn or oats). 

10,000 lbs. Sole Leather. 

10,000 lbs. Horse Shoes. 

400 lbs. Horse Shoe Nails. 

Also, the use of printing office and two printers to report at once. All articles, ex- 
cept grain, will be delivered at the Court House Square, at 3 o'clock P. M. to-day. and 
grain by 6 o'clock P. M. to-day. 

J. A. Harmon, Maj. and C. Q. M. 2nd Corps D. Arm. 

Headquarters 2nd Army CoRrs, 
June 24, 1863. 
By the command of Lieut. -Gen. R. S. Ewell, the citizens of Chambersburg will fur- 
nish the following articles by 3 o'clock this afternoon: 

6,000 lbs. Lead. 

10,000 lbs. Harness Leather. 

50 Boxes of Tin. 

1,000 Curry Combs and Brushes. 

2,000 lbs. Picket Rope. 

400 Pistols. 

All the Caps and Powder in town. 

Also, all the Neat's Foot Oil. William Allen, M. and C. 

Headquarters 2nd Army Corps, 
June 24, 1863. 
By direction of Lieut. -Gen. R. S. Ewell, the following are demanded- 
50,000 lbs. Bread. 
100 Sacks Salt, 
30 Barrels Molasses. 
500 Barrels Flour. 
25 Barrels Vinegar. 
25 Barrels Beans. 
25 Barrels Dried Fruit, 
25 Barrels Saurkraut. 
25 Barrels Potatoes. 
11,000 lbs. Coffee. 
10.000 lbs. Susjar. 
100,000 lbs. Hard Bread 



,.. 1 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 369 

In reply to these extravagant demands upon Chambersburgers, Judge Kiin- 
ruell, who had acted as provost-marshal the previous year, and had been ap- 
pointed by Gov. Cnrtin a general superintendent of affairs during the war, was, 
by general consent, authorized to speak. Addressing the three staff officers of 
Gen. Ewell, he said: 

"Why, gentlemen, you must suppose that we are made of these things — 
10.000 pounds of sole leather, 10,000 pounds of harness leather, 100,000 
pounds of bread, 25 barrels of saurkraut — it is utterly out of our power to 
furnish these things, and now, if you are going to burn us out, you will only 
have to do it. That's all I have to say about it." 

The people furnished what they could and submitted the results. 

While in town, Gen. Ewell issued very stringent orders against the sale of 
intoxicating liquors to his soldiers, and demanded a report of all liquors in the 
community to the provost -marshal in order that they might be protected. It 
is more than probable that the good people of the town did not feel disposed 
just then to engage in a temperance crusade. 

E well' s two divisions, Rodes' and Johnson' s, passed down the valley through 
Shippensburg and other towns on the pike, the former going as far as Carlisle, 
the latter stopping short of it several miles. Jenkins' cavalry preceded 
them. 

On the 24th Hill' s and Longstreet' s corps crossed the Potomac, the former 
at Shepherdstown, the latter at Williamsport, and united at Hagerstown. Hill 
taking the advance. The long lines of gray coats and the immense trains of 
artillery and supply wagons were a source of great wonder to the people of 
town and country along the line of march. Many of them had never before 
seen an army of such vast proportions. These corps passed through Green- 
castle and the intervening villages, arriving at Chambersburg on the 26th and 
27th, Heth's division in the advance. Gens. Hill and Lee both arrived at the 
Diamond about 10 o'clock of the 26th, and held a conference, which resulted 
in turning the head of the column toward Gettysburg. This information was 
conveyed by messengers to the authorities at Harrisburg, who were in con- 
stant communication with the Washington officials. These faithful scouts 
ought all to be pensioned by the Government for their valuable services ren- 
dered. 

On the evening of June 27, Longstreet' s forces, the rear of the army, began to 
appear at Chambersburg, Hood going through and encamping north on the Har- 
risburg pike, McLaws and Pickett halting several miles south of town. Gen. 
Lee selected for his headquarters a grove a mile east of town known as " Messer- 
smith's Woods," which he and his staff occupied from Friday morning till 
Tuesday morning, June 26-30. There he held his councils of war and ma- 
tured the plans which culminated in the three days' struggle at Gettysburg. 
It may be proper here to give one of his general orders, which shows his mili- 
tary policy in the North: 

Headquarters. Army Northern Virginia, 
Chambersburg, Perm., June 27, 1863. 

General Orders, No. 73. — The Commanding General has observed with marked satis- 
faction the conduct of the troops on the march, and confidently anticipates results com- 
mensurate with the high spirit they have manifested. No troops could have displayed 
greater fortitude or better performed their arduous marches of the past ten days. Their 
conduct in other respects has, with few exceptions, been in keeping with their character 
as soldiers, and entitles them to approbation and praise. 

There have, however, been instances of forgetfulness on the part of some that they 
have in keeping the yet unsullied reputation of this army, and that the duties exacted of us 
by civilization and Christianity are not less obligatory in the country of the enemy than 
in our own. The Commanding General considers that no greater disgrace could befall tin- 
army, and through it our whole people, than the perpetration of the barbarous outrages 

20 



370 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

upon the unarmed and defenseless, and the wanton destruction of private property, that 
have marked the course of the enemy in our own country. Such proceedings not only 
degrade the perpetrators and all connected with them, but are subversive of the discipline 
and efficiency of the army, and destructive of the ends of our present movement. 

It must be remembered that we make war only upon armed men, and that we cannot 
take vengeance for the wrongs our people have suffered without lowering ourselves in 
the eyes of all whose abhorrence has been excited by the atrocities of our enemies, and 
offending against Him to whom vengeance belongeth, without whose favor and support 
our efforts must all prove in vain. 

The Commanding General, therefore, earnestly exhorts the troops to abstain, with 
most scrupulous care, from unnecessary or wanton injury to private property, and he en- 
joins upon all officers to arrest and bring to summary punishment all who shall in any 
way offend against orders on this subject. R. E. Lee, General. 

Sunday, June 28, was a trying day for the town of Chambersburg. Its 
streets were filled with rebel soldiers. Much plundering was done by the men 
of Longstreet's command, notwithstanding the stringent orders of the com- 
manding general. The following letter, by a lady still living in Chambersburg, 
not only gives a clue to the. condition of things in the community, but presents 
a phase of Gen. Lee's character. We take it from the "Reminiscences of the 
War," written by Jacob Hoke. 

Mr. J. Hoke, 

Dear Sir: I take pleasure in complying with your request, and will give you a 
brief account of my interview with Gen. Lee, as nearly as I can recollect it now. The 
mills, provisions and stores throughout the town and surrounding country were all in the 
hands of the enemy, and in many families the supplies were running short. On the Sunday 
before the battle of Gettysburg (June 28), matters had become so serious, that it became 
necessary for some one to seek an interview with the enemy, and obtain flour. I sent for 
one of the body guards, and a captain came in response. From him I learned that I could 
see Gen. Lee by going to his headquarters in Messersmith's woods. This captain offered 
me an escort, but assured me that I could go alone with perfect safety, showing me a copy 
of Gen. Lee's order; that any one, who would insult a woman by word, look or act, would 
be instantly shot. I then decided to decline an escort, and taking my young daughter, I 
set out for the camp. I found the rules were stringently enforced, but had no difficulty in 
passing through the ranks. Everything was in most perfect order; even the horses were 
picketed so as to do no injury to the trees in the grove, where their tents were pitched. 
Reaching headquarters, I found the General seated with his officers at the table. A sub- 
ordinate met me, and learning my errand, placed two camp stools, and in a short time I 
found myself seated by Gen. "Lee himself. I stated to him our need, and told him starva- 
tion would soon be at hand upon many families, unless he gave us aid. He seemed 
startled by this announcement, and said that such destitution seemed impossible in such 
a rich and beautiful grain-growing country, pointing to the rich fields of grain all around 
his camp. I reminded him that this growing grain was useless to us now, and that many 
of our people had no means to lay in supplies ahead. He then assured me that he had 
turned over the supplies of food he found to his men to keep them from ravaging our 
homes. He said, "God help you, if I permitted them to enter your houses. Your sup- 
plies depend upon the amount that is sent in to my men." He then told me to send one 
or two of our prominent men to him. I replied that they had nearly all gone away, fear- 
ing that they would be seized and taken off. (I feared to give him the names of any of 
our gentlemen.) He then asked me to send a miller, who could give bim an idea of the 
quantity required. On leaving, I asked for his autograph. He replied, "Do you want the 
autograph of a rebel?" I said, "Gen. Lee, I am a true Union woman, and yet I ask for 
bread and your autograph." The General replied, "It is to your interest to be for the 
Union, and I hope you may he as firm in your principles, as I am in mine." He assured 
me that his autograph would be a dangerous thing to possess, but at length he gave it to 
me. Changing the topic of conversation, he assured me that war was a cruel thing, and 
that he only desired that they would let him go home, and eat his bread there in peace. 
All this time I was impressed with the strength and sadness of the man. 

I trust these few facts may prove of use to you. I am glad to see that you are getting 
up these bits of unwritten history. Of course, I have just given you an outline of the af- 
fair, and you are at liberty to use it as you see fit. 

Mrs. Ellen M'Lellan. 

One of the difficulties encountered by Lee in the Cumberland Valley was 
the lack of information relative to the position and movements of the Army of 
the Potomac. This grew out of the fact, that he had detached Stuart's 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 371 

cavalry to make the raid around Hooker's right, and hence was moving, as he 
confessed, ""without his eyes. " On the 29th of June, however, a scout. s<-ut 
by Longstreet, from Culpeper, Va. . to ascertain the movements of the Union 
Army, reported in Chambersburg, to Longstreet, who immediately went with 
him to Lee's headquarters. This scout reported that the Union Army had 
Crossed the Potomac, and was then encamped about Frederick City — the first 
information of the kind Lee had received. It was valuable information. Or- 
ders had been issued for Ewell to attack Harrisburg. These were counter- 
manded, and all the rebel forces were directed to concentrate at Gettysburg. 

The rapid movement of troops and artillery and supply trains through 
Chambersburg toward Gettysburg, and especially the return of those which 
had gone in the direction of Harrisburg, convinced the citizens of the 
town that the conflict between the two armies would not occur at or near Har- 
risburg but somewhere in the vicinity of Gettysburg. It was highly impor- 
tant, therefore, that this sudden and hurried change of movement, should be- 
communicated at once to the proper authorities. Judge Kimmell, the civil 
military head of affairs in the town, wrote a message to Gov. Curtin, giving a 
succinct statement of the situation, and having secured the services of Stephen 
W. Pomeroy, then a Franklin County ex-soldier, sewed this missive securely in 
the buckle strap of his pantaloons, and remarked that it was of importance to 
the governor and the country. " Get this safe," said the Judge, " and in the 
shortest time possible to the governor." The charge was heeded. Along 
roads, through ravines and woods, over fields and hills, with frequent changes 
of horses, the young man pursued his way and finally reached the telegraph 
station at Port Royal about midnight, having during the day walked seven- 
teen and ridden forty-one miles. The message was taken from the buckle strap 
and sent to the governor. It served its purpose in warning the proper author- 
ities of the change of program on the part of the rebel chief, and led to Union 
success. Its importance is acknowledged in the following letter which is self- 
explanatory: 

Washington. Dec. 11, 1883. 

My Dear Sir: — Your dispatch was the first authentic information I received of the 
concentration of the army of General Lee on Gettysburg, and, treating it as true, acted 
on it. Yours truly, A. G. Curtin. 

Rev. S. W. Pomeroy. 

The Rebel army concentrated at Gettysburg, and on the 1st, 2d and 3d 
of July was fought the bloodiest battle of the war between the haughty, 
self-confident and well-disciplined Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by 
one of the ablest generals of the age, and the Army of the Potomac until the 
28th of June, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker, but subse- 
quent to that date of Maj.-Gen. George G. Meade. Meade's army consist <-d 
of seven infantry corps, as follows: First, commanded by Maj.-Gen. John F. 
Reynolds; Second, Maj.-Gen. W. S. Hancock; Third, Maj.-Gen. Daniel E. 
Sickles; Fifth, Maj.-Gen. George Sykes; Sixth, Maj.-Gen. John Sedgwick; 
Eleventh, Maj.-Gen. O. O. Howard; Twelfth, Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slocum; cav- 
alry corps, Maj.-Gen. Alfred Pleasonton; total, about 95.000 men, with 352! 
pieces of artillery. During the first two days, success seemed to favor the 
Rebel Army, but on the third it changed to the Union side. The adjutant-gen- 
eral's office, in an official statement issued in 18SG, gives the aggregate losses 
in killed, wounded and missing as follows: Army of the Potomac, 22,990; 
Army of Northern Virginia, 20,448. For particulars as to this terrible battle- 
the reader is referred to articles and books which develop the subject. 

Lee's retreat occurred through Franklin County, but by a new route. 
The battle closing on the 3d of July, he began to send his sick and wounded. 



372 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

together with the supply trains, to the re*ar via "Waynesboro, Ringgold, Leiters- 
burg and Hagerstown. Manj r of the wounded, probably most, passed on the 
interior line through Greenwood, New Franklin, Greencastle and Hagerstown 
to Williamsport. The escort of this vast army of wounded men was given to 
Brig. -Gen. J. D. Imboden, whose command arrived at Gettysburg July 3, too 
late to participate in the engagement, but just in time to guard the dead and 
dying to the rear. Gen. Imboden thus reports the matter, commencing with 
his visit to Lee's tent after the close of the third day's battle: 

" In a little while he (Lee) called up a servant from his sleep to take his horse; 
spoke mournfully, by name, of several of his friends who had fallen during the 
day, and when a candle had been lighted, invited me alone into his tent, 
where, as soon as we were seated, he remarked: ' We must return to Virginia. 
As many of our poor wounded as possible must be taken home. I have sent 
for you because your men are fresh, to guard the trains back to Virginia. The 
duty will be arduous, responsible and dangerous, for I am afraid you will be 
harassed by the enemy's cavalry. I can spare you as much artillery as you 
require, but no other troops, as I shall need all I have to return to the Potomac 
by a different route from yours. All the transportation and all the care of the 
wounded will be entrusted to you. You will recrpss the mountain by the 
Chambersburg road, and then proceed to Williarnsport by any route you deem 
best, without halting. There rest and feed your animals, then ford the river, 
and make no halt till you reach Winchester, where I will again communicate 
with you. ' As I was about leaving to return to my camp, he came out of his tent 
and said to me in a low tone: 'I will place in your hands to-morrow a sealed 
package for President Davis, which you will retain in your own possession till 
you are across the Potomac, when you will detail a trusty commissioned officer to 
take it to Richmond with all possible despatch, and deliver it immediately to 
the President. I impress it upon you that whatever happens, this package 
must not fall into the hands of the enemy. If you should unfortunately be 
captured, destroy it.' 

' ' On the morning of the 4th my written instructions and the package for 
Mr. Davis were delivered to me. It was soon apparent that the wagons and 
ambulances and the wounded could not be ready to move till late in the after- 
noon. The General sent me four four-gun held batteries, which, with my 
own, gave me twenty-two guns to defend the trains. 

' ' Shortly after noon the very windows of heaven seemed to have been 
opened. Rain fell in dashing torrents, and in a little while the whole face of 
the earth was covered with water. The meadows became small lakes; raging 
streams ran across the road in every depression of the ground; wagons, ambu- 
lances and artillery carriages filled the roads and fields in all directions. The 
storm increased in fury every moment. Canvas was no protection against it, 
and the poor wounded, lying upon the hard, naked boards of the wagon bod- 
ies, were drenched by the cold rain. Horses and mules were blinded and mad- 
dened by the storm, and became almost unmanageable. The roar of the 
winds and waters made it almost impossible to communicate orders. Night 
was rapidly approaching, and there was danger that in the darkness the 'con 
fusion' would become 'worse confounded.' About 4 P. M. the head of the 
column was put in motion and began the ascent of the mountain. After dark 
I set out to gain the advance. The train was seventeen miles long when 
drawn out on the road. It was moving rapidly, and from every wagon issued 
wails of agony. For four hours I galloped along, passing to the front, and 
heard more — it was too dark to see — of the horrors of war than I had witnessed 
from the battle of Bull Run up to that day. In the wagons were men wound- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 373 

ed and mutilated in every conceivable way. Some had their legs shattered by 
a shell or mmie-ball; some were shot through their bodies; others had arms 
torn to shreds; some had received a ball in the face, or a jagged piece of shell 
had lacerated their heads. Scarcely one in a hundred had received adequate 
surgical aid. Many had been without food for thirty-six hours. Their ragged, 
bloody and dirty clothes, all clotted and hardened with blood, were rasping 
the tender, inflamed lips of their gaping wounds. Very few of the wagons 
had even straw in them, and all were without springs. The road was rough 
and rocky. The jolting was enough to have killed sound, strong men. From 
* nearly every wagon, as the horses trotted on, such cries and shrieks as these 
greeted the ear: 'Oh God! why can't I die?' 'My God! will no one have 
mercy and kill me and end my misery?' 'Oh! stop one minute and take me 
out and leave me to die on the roadside.' 'lam dying! I am dying! My 
poor wife! my dear children! what will become of you?' Some were praying, 
others were uttering the most fearful oaths and execrations that despair could 
wring from them in their agony. Occasionally a wagon would be passed 
from which only low, deep moans and sobs could be heard. No help could be 
rendered to any of the sufferers. On, on; we must move on. The storm con- 
tinued and the darkness was fearful. There was no time to fill even a canteen 
with water for a dying man; for, except the drivers and the guards disposed 
in compact bodies every half mile, all were wounded and helpless in that vast 
train of misery. The night was awful, and yet it was our safety, for no enemy 
would dare attack us when he could not distinguish friend from foe. We 
knew that when day broke upon us we would be harrassed by bands of cavalry 
hanging on our flanks. Therefore our aim was to g*o as far as possible under- 
cover of the night, and so we kept on. It was my sad lot to pass the whole 
distance from the rear to the head of the column, and no language can convey 
an idea of the horrors of that most horrible of all nights of our long and bloody 
war. 

" Daybreak on the morning of the 5th found the head of our column at 
Greencastle, twelve or fifteen miles from the Potomac at Williamsport, our 
point of crossing. Here our apprehended troubles from the Union cavalry 
began. From the fields and cross-roads they attacked us in small bodies, 
striking the column where there were few or no guards, and creating great 
confusion. 

' ' To add still further to our perplexities, a report was brought that the Fed- 
. erals in large force held Williamsport. This fortunately proved untrue. Af- 
ter a great deal of harrassing and desultory fighting along the road, nearly 
the whole immense train reached Williamsport a little after the middle of the 
day. The town was taken possession of; all the churches, schoolhouses, etc., 
were converted into hospitals, and, proving insufficient, many of the private 
houses were occupied. Straw was obtained on the neighboring farms; the 
wounded were removed from the wagons and housed; the citizens were all put 
to cooking, and the army surgeons to dressing wounds. The dead were selected 
from the train — for many had perished on the way — and were decently buried. 
All this had to be done because the tremendous rains had raised the river more 
than ten feet above the fording stage, and we coitld not possibly cross. 

"Our situation was frightful. We had over 10,000 animals and all the 
wagons of Gen. Lee's army under our charge, and all the wounded that could 
be brought from Gettysburg. Our supply of provisions consisted of a few- 
wagon loads of flour and a small lot of cattle. My effective force was only 
about 2, 100 men and twenty odd field pieces. We did not know where our 
army was; the river could not be crossed; and small parties of cavalry were 



374 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

still ho 73/Lxg around. The means of ferriage consisted of two small boats 
and a small wire rope stretched across the river, which, owing to the force of 
the swollen current, broke several times during the day. ■ To reduce the space 
to be defended as much as possible, all the wagons and animals were parked 
clo.^e together on the river bank. 

■ " Believing that an attack would soon be made upon us, I ordered the wag- 
oners to be mustered, and, taking three out of every four, organized them into 
companies, and armed them with the weapons of the wounded men found in 
the train. By this means I added to mv effective force about 500 men. 
Slightly wounded officers promptly volunteered their services to command these 
improvised soldiers; aal many of our quartermasters and commissaries did the 
same thing. We were not seriously molested on the 5th; but next morning 
abo it 9 o'clock info ".nation reamed me that a large body of cavalry from 
Frederick, Md. , was i\i udly advancing to attack us. As we could not retreat 
farther, it was at once frankly made known to the troops that unless we could 
repel the threatened attack we should all become prisoners, and that the loss 
of his whole transportation would probably ruin Gen Lee;, for it could not be 
replaced for many months, if at all. in the then exhausted condition of the 
Confederate States. So far from repressing the ardor of the troops, this frank 
announcement of oar peril inspired all with the utmost enthusiasm. Men and 
officers alike, forgetting the sufferings of the past few days, proclaimed their 
determination to drive back the attacking force or perish in the attempt. All 
toll, we were less thau 3,000 men. The advancing force we knew to be more 
than double ours, consisting, as we had ascertained, of five regular and eight 
volunteer regiments of cavalry, with eighteen guns, all under the command of 
Gen. 's Buford and Kilpatrick. We had no works of any kind; the country 
wa-> open and almost level, and there was no advantage of position we could 
occupy. It must necessarily be a square stand-up fight, face to face. We had 
twenty-two field guns of various calibre, and one Whitworth. These were dis- 
posed in batteries, in a semi-circle, about one mile out of the village, on the 
summit of a very slight rising ground that lies back of the town. Except the 
artillery, our troops were held out of view of the assailants, and ready to be 
moved promptly to any menaced point along the whole line of nearly two miles 
in extent. Knowing that nothing could save us but a bold ' ' bluff ' ' game, 
orders had been given to the artillery, as soon as the advancing forces came 
within range, to open fire along the whole line, and keep it up with the utmost 
rapidity. A little after 1 o'clock they appeared on two roads in our front, and 
our batteries opened. They soon had their guns in position, and a very lively 
artillery fight began. We fired with great rapidity, and in less than an hour two 
of our batteries reported that their ammunition was exhausted. This would 
have been fatal to us but for the opportune arrival, at the critical moment, of 
an ammunition train from Winchester. The wagons were ferried across to our 
side as soon as possible, and driven on the field in a gallop to supply the silent 
guns. Not having men to occupy half our line they were moved up in order 
of battle, first to one battery, then withdrawn and double-quicked to another, 
but out of view of our assailants till they could be shown at some other point 
•on our line. By this maneuvering we made the impression that we had a 
strong supporting force in rear of all our guns along the entire front. To test 
this, Gens. Buford and Kilpatrick dismounted five regiments and advanced 
them on foot on our right. We concentrated there all the men we had, 
wagoners and all, and thus, with the aid of the united fire of all our 
guns directed at the advancing line, we drove it back, and rushed for- 
ward two of our batteries 400 or 500 yards farther to the front. This 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 375 

boldness prevented another charge, and the fight was continued till near 
sunset with the artillery. About that time Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee sent a message 
from toward Greencastle, that if we could hold out an hour he would re-enforce 
us with 3,000 men. This intelligence elicited a loud and long continued cheer 
-along our whole line, which was heard and understood by our adversaries, 
as we learned from prisoners taken. A few minutes later Gen. J. E. B. Stu- 
art, advancing from Hagerstown, fell unexpectedly upon the rear of their 
right wing, and in ten minutes they were in rapid retreat by their left flank in 
the direction of Boonsboro. Night coming on enabled them to escape. 

• • By extraordinary good fortune, we had thus saved all of Gen. Lee' s trains. 
A bold charge at any time before sunset would have broken our feeble lines, 
and we should all have fallen an easy prey to the Federals. This came to be 
known as ' the wagoners' fight ' in our army, from the fact that so many of 
them were armed, and did such gallant service in repelling the attack made on 
our right by the dismounted regiments. 

' • Our defeat that day would have been an irreparable blow to Gen. Lee, in 
the loss of all his transportation. Every man engaged knew this, and probably 
in no fight in the war was there a more determined spirit shown, than by this 
handful of cooped-up troops. The next day our army from Gettysburg arrived, 
and the country is familiar with the manner in which it escaped across the Po- 
tomac, on the night of the 9th. 

' • It may be interesting to repeat one or two facts to show the peril in which 
we were until the river could be bridged. About 4,000 prisoners, taken at 
Gettysburg, were ferried across the river by the morning of the 9th, and I was 
ordered to guard them to Staunton. Before we had proceeded two miles, I re- 
ceived a note from Gen. Lee, to report to him in person immediately. I rode 
to the river, was ferried over, and galloped out toward Hagerstown. As I 
proceeded, I became satisfied that a serious demonstration was making along 
our front, from the heavy artillery firing extending for a long distance along 
the line. I overtook Gen. Lee riding to the front near Hagerstown. He im- 
mediately reined up, and remarked, that he believed I was familiar with all 
the fords of the Potomac above Williamsport, and the roads approaching them. 
I replied that I knew them perfectly. He then called up some one of his staff 
to write down my answers to his questions, and required me to name all fords 
as high up as Cumberland, and describe minutely their character, and the roads 
and surrounding country on both sides of the river, and directed me to send 
my brother, Col. Imboden, to him to act as a guide with his regiment, if he 
should be compelled to retreat higher up the river to cross it. His situation 
was then very precarious. When about parting from him to recross the river, 
and move on with the prisoners, he told me, they would probably be rescued 
before I reached Winchester, my guard was so small, and he expected a force 
of cavalry would cross at Harper's Ferry to cut us off; and he could not spare 
to me any additional troops, as he might be hard pressed, before he got over 
the river, which was still very much swollen by the rains. Referring to the 
high water, he laughingly inquired: 'Does it ever quit raining about here? 
If so, I should like to see a clear day. ' 

' ' These incidents go to show how near Gettysburg came to ending the war 
in 1S63. If we had been successful in that battle, the probabilities are that 
Baltimore and Washington would at once have fallen into our hands; and at 
that time there was so large a 'peace party' in the North, that the Federal 
Government would have found it difficult, if not impossible, to carry on the 
war. Gen. Lee' s opinion was, that we lost the battle because Pickett was not 
supported ' as he was to have been. ' On the other hand, if Gens. Buf ord 



376 HISTOKY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

and Kilpatrick had captured the 10,000 animals, and all the transportation of 
Lee' s army at Willianisport, it would have been an irreparable loss, and would 
probably have led to the fall of Richmond in the autumn of 1863. On such 
small circumstances do the affairs of nations sometimes turn. ' ' 

The infantry forces retreated by iiie way of Monterey, Rouzersville, 
Waynesboro and Leitersburg, the supply trains being sent on an interior 
line. 

One of the most important events connected with the retreat was Gen. Kil - 
Patrick's capture of about nine miles of the rebel supply train. The plans 
for this important work were matured at the Monterey House, then kept by 
David Miller, now the popular manager and proprietor of the Clermont 
House. 

Two columns were sent out, one piloted by Mr. C. H. Buhrman from Mon- 
terey, via Blue Summit, through devious ways, the thunder and lightning of 
that dark and stormy night affording proper accompaniments; the other from 
the present Clermont House across to the Gum Spring or Furnance road, 
thence along its line to the interception of the Baltimore pike near the toll- 
gate. These troops, operating from different directions, captured many hun- 
dred prisoners, and cut down and burned many hundred wagons burdened with 
pork, flour and other articles captured by the rebels from Pennsylvanians. This 
event, which Gen. Kilpatrick regarded one of his most brilliant achievements, 
and which was the most noted encounter had on Franklin County soil, is not 
generally understood. Two Franklin County civilians, viz. : David Miller and 
Chas. H. Buhrman, performed meritorious services, for which they have, hith- 
erto, had no recognition. The following letter of Mr. Buhrman, written in 
reply to some inquiries concerning his duty as a pilot of the First Vermont 
Cavalry, and published originally in the Valley Spirit, will explain itself, and 
prove interesting to citizens and ex-soldiers: 

Rouzerville, Penn., October 12, 1886. 
Mr. J. Fraise Richard, 

Bear Sir: Your favor of the 11th inst. received, and questions answered as far as I 
can remember. I lived at that time at Fountain Dale, Adams Co., Penn., two miles cast 
of Monterey Springs, on the turnpike leading to Emmittsburg. I found out through a 
man by the name of James Embley, wno came to my place and told me. that Lee's wagon 
train was retreating by way of the Furnace road, a mountain road leading from Fairfield 
to the turnpike, coming on the pike at the toll-gate near Monterey Springs. That was on 
Saturday afternoon, aboul 2 o'clock, July 4, 1863, as near as I can remember. 

When I found out that Lee's wagon train was retreating, I mounted a horse and 
started to inform our cavalry, which I supposed would be at Emmittsburg. But two 
miles below my place 1 came to the Yankee pickets, and with them was one of Kilpat- 
rick's scouts that f was well acquainted with. I told him of the wagon train retreating; he 
sent me to Gen. Custer, and Custer sent me to Gen. Kilpatrick. At that time they were 
just planting a cannon to shell the rebels on McMullin's Hill. When I informed Gen. 
Kilpatrick he ordered an advance at once to Monterey. I rode with the General as far as 
my farm, two miles east of Monterey. Just before getting to my place we met a little 
girl that had just left Monterey. She knew me, and "told me to tell the soldiers not to go 
to Monterey, as the rebels had planted the pike full of cannons in front of Monterey and 
would kill all the soldiers when'they got there. Kilpatrick laughed and remarked that 
they kept no account of cannons, as they just rode over them. When I got to the gate 
that goes into my farm I told the General I lived there, and would stop; but he requested 
me to go with them to Monterey and see the fun; sol went with him. We ran against the 
rebel pickets at Clermont, a quarter of a mile east of Monterey. It was then getting 
dark in the evening. After passing Clermont about 150 yards the rebels fired three or 
four shots with grape aud canister, and then pulled up their battery and retreated. I 
don't think they killed any of Kilpatrick's men with the battery, as they fired too soon, 
and the grape and canister went over our men's heads; but it made some of our men re- 
treat, and caused a great deal of confusion. I told Kilpatrick if he would dismount a 
regiment and go down through the edge of the woods, he could flank them and capture 
the battery. He did so. but they had retreated by the time our men got to Monterey. 




s 



(/, Jf$. J7^cc_ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 371> 

Kilpatrick asked me which way I thought the wagon train was going, and where I 
supposed they would strike the river. I told him they could go by Smithsburg and 
Boonsboro, and cross the river at Sharpsburg, or go by Leitersburg and Hagerstown and 
cross at Williamsport. He asked me if there was any road that I knew of that I could 
take a regiment and head off that wagon train. I told him there was. That I could take 
them by Mount Zion and then down the Raven Rock Hollow and strike Smithsburg, and 
if they had not taken that road, we could cross to Leitersburg and there we would strike 
them for certain. It was the 1st Vermont regiment, commanded by Colonel Preston that 
I was with. When we got to Smithsburg we found everything quiet, as the Rebels had 
taken the Leitersburg road. The Colonel asked me what was to be done now. as 
there were no Rebels there. I told him we would rind plenty of them before daylight, as 
we must strike them at Leitersburg. We got to Leitersburg about daybreak on Sunday 
morning, finding the road crowded with Rebels, cattle, horses, wagons, etc. 

The regiment 1 was with captured a great many prisoners, cattle, horses, etc., and 
destroyed the wagon train from Leitersburg back to Ringgold. There they met the re- 
mainder of Kilpatrick's cavalry. They had destroyed the wagon train from Monterey to 
Ringgold, a distance of six miles, and from Ringgold to Leitersburg, a distance of three 
miles more, making nine miles of wagon train captured or burned or 'destroyed by cut- 
ting off wagon tongues and cutting spokes in wheels. I am not able to say how much, if 
any, of the wagon train was destroyed between Leitersburg and Hagerstown, as I went 
only as far as Leitersburg with the 1st Vermont regiment, when it divided, part going 
toward Hagerstown, and part toward Ringgold. I went with the part that went toward 
Ringgold, as that was on my way home. I left them about 8 o'clock on Sunday morn- 
ing, and started home by way of Ringgold. 

Before I got to Ringgold I was taken by Kilpatrick's pickets. They took me for a 
Rebel, and all I could say would not change their opinion, as they would not believe any- 
thing I said. They took me to the schoolhouse at Ringgold, w T here the officers had their 
headquarters; but as soon as the officers saw me they recognized me, having seen me with 
Kilpatrick the evening before. After leaving Ringgold on my way home, on going up a 
hill near the farm of George Harbaugh, when I got to the top of the hill the Rebels were 
coming up the other side. I saw them when I was about 100 yards from them; turned 
my horse and rode slowly until I got down the hill far enough that they could not see me. 
Then I ran my horse to the foot of the hill and left the road and got in the woods and 
got away from them. I kept the woods until I came to the Germantown road, near the 
Germantown schoolhouse; then took a near cut through the swamp and came out on the 
Sabillasville road, near Monterey, but the Rebel pickets were stationed near Monterey at 
a turn in the lane. They saw me first, and had dismounted and gone around the turn of 
the lane. I could not see them for a very large cherry tree that stood at the corner of 
the lane. They let me ride up within about sixty yards of them, when four of them 
stepped around the turn of the lane and told me to halt. There was an orchard on the 
left side of the road and a high post fence on each side. I knew my horse could not 
jump the fence, and I did not dare to turn him and go back, as it was a straight lane for 
a quarter of a mile and they would have easily hit me if I had made the attempt. One 
of them called to me to dismount, and, as I was near the orchard fence, I " dismounted" 
over the fence'and did some good running from that to the Pine Swamp, about one-fourth 
of a mile. They shot four times at me, but missed me. I heard the balls whistle over 
my head, as it was down hill and they shot over me. I lost my horse, saddle and bridle. 
I was in the swamp only a few minutes until they were there; but as the bushes were 
very thick, I soon got away from them and kept the w T oods until I got home, two miles 
from there. It was then two or three o'clock on Sunday afternoon. I was at home only 
a few minutes when I saw the Rebel cavalry coming to my house. They took a near cut 
from Clermont, and came down the old road. They saw me at the same time I saw them. 
I passed in my front door and out my back door. 

My orchard runs right back of my house, and one of my horses was standing under 
an apple tree near the house. I mounted the horse and got to the mountain before they 
were aware that I was not in the house. They searched the house from garret to cellar. 
and told my wife if they found me they would hang me to the first tree they came to. 
When I got to the mountain I made a halter out of hickory bark, and saved the horse in 
that way, as they did not find him. I kept myself hid until after the retreat of Lee's 
army, but lost three horses and nine head of cattle by being away. I have given you the 
facts as near as I can remember. 

Yours very respectfully, 

C. H. BlJHRMAX 

Some weeks ago the Valley Spirit kindly published for the compiler of 
this work an interesting personal letter from Mr. Charles H. Buhrman, giv- 
ing an account of the only great military engagement which occurred with- 
in the limits of Franklin County, and which resulted iu the destruction of a 



380 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

large part of Ewell's wagon train on its retreat from the bloody field of Get- 
tysburg. That engagement, let it be remembered, occurred on the mountain 
and in the Cumberland Valley, from Monterey through Rouzersville and Ring- 
gold to and beyond Leitersburg. From the official report of Brig. -Gen. Jud- 
son Kilpatrick, commanding the Third Division of the cavalry corps, dated 
August 10, 1863, is taken the following: 

' ' On the morning of the 4th I received orders from Headquarters Cavalry 
Corps to move with my division to Emmittsburg, where I would find Col. 
Huey' s brigade of Brig. -Gen. Gregg's division; that Lee's army had evacu- 
ated Gettysburg at 3 o'clock that morning; that a heavy train of wagons was 
moving on the road to Hagerstown; that I was expected to take with me my 
entire division and the brigade referred to, destroy this train and operate on 
the enemy's rear and flanks. "We reached Emmittsburg at 3 P. M. (Col. 
Huey's brigade joined the division at this place). "Without halting passed on 
the road to Monterey, intending to cross the mountain at that point. Stuart's 
cavalry was at Miller's. We forced him off the road and passed on. The top 
of the mountain had nearly been gained, when the enemy opened on the ad- 
vance with artillery and infantry. At the same time the rear, under Col. 
Huey, was attacked by Stuart's cavalry. On my left was a deep ravine, and 
on my right a steep, rugged mountain, and a road too narrow to reverse even 
a gun; to add to this unpleasant position it was raining in torrents. 

" Never under such perilous circumstances did a command behave better; 
not a word was spoken; there was no confusion. From a farmer's boy I 
learned the nature of the road and country on the mountain, made my dispo- 
sition and ordered a charge; in a moment the heights were gained and many 
prisoners taken. Now the rumble of the enemy's train could be heard roll- 
ing down the mountain. The enemy was in position half a mile further on, 
at the intersection of the road from Gettysburg to Hagerstown, upon which I 
was moving [viz., near the tollgate — R.]. The enemy's infantry and 
artillery were approaching rapidly on the Gettysburg road, and he had 
already opened on my position with two guns. No time was to be lost if I 
wished to reach the train and save my command. Pennington, always ready, 
always willing, quickly came into position and returned the enemy's fire. 
Gen. Custer' s brigade was ordered to move forward, clear the road, and attack 
the train. The attack was successful. 

' ' In the meantime the First Vermont Cavalry (Lieut. -Col. Preston) had been 
sent along the mountain over a wood road to Smithsburg, and thence to Ha- 
gerstown [should be Leitersburg — R.], to intercept the train. A strong force 
of dismounted men and two guns of Pennington's battery were now sent on 
the road in direction of Gettysburg to barricade the road and hold the enemy 
in check until the column had passed. Many fierce but unsuccessful attempts 
were made on this position during the night. At daylight the whole command 
had safely passed, and Ewell's large train was entirely destroyed, save eight 
forges, thirty wagons, and a few ambulances loaded with wounded rebel offi- 
cers (sent with prisoners to Frederick City). 

"At 9 A. M. on the 5th the command reached Smithsburg with 1,360 pris- 
oner's, one battle flag, and a large number of horses and mules, several hun- 
dred of the enemy's wounded being left upon the field. W T e lost five killed, 
including one commissioned officer, ten wounded, and twenty-eight missing." 

In a recent communication to the S]jirit, reference was made briefly to the 
part taken in this important engagement by a Franklin County man, David 
Miller. The' following is an interesting letter froru Mr. Miller, which will 
become a historical supplement to the communication of Mr. Buhrman: 



HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 381 

Clermont, Penn., November 23, 1886. 
Prof. J. Fraise Richard, 

Dear Sir — In answer to yonr letter concerning the capture of Lee's wagon train by 
Gen. Kilpatrick on the night of July 4, and morning of the 5th, 1803, I beg to say Ire- 
member it .very distinctly. 

My father rented Monterey Springs fromMr.SamuelBuhrmanandkeptthehou.se 
from April, 1861, to April, 1866. Monterey being on the turnpike, at the top of South 
Mountain is the main crossing in the southeastern part of Franklin Count}', Penn., and 
\\ as resorted to in times of rebel invasions by not only many persons of Washington and 
Antrim Townships of this county, but by many from Washington County, Maryland, and 
the Valley of Virginia. At this place, in times of danger, pickets were always placed 
from the Monterey House to the western side of the mountain to give notice if the rebels 
were approaching. 

At the time of the battle of Gettysburg a large number of people were here anxiously 
awaiting news from the field of carnage, which could be seen from the adjacent hills. On 
the afternoon of July 4. a company of rebel cavalry came to Monterey from the tollgate, 
ali >ut half a mile on the western side, where the old Furnace road intersects the turnpike, 
over which roads the train was passing. After staying an hour or longer they left, and 
soon a rebel battery came from the same direction and placed a cannon on the turnpike 
between the house and barn. Another party was stationed farther east where the Cler- 
mont house now is and the pike commences to descend the mountain. 

They kept all the persons at the Monterey as prisoners, placing a guard over them at 
the house. They gave my nephew, Willie Waddell, and myself privilege to go wherever 
we wished, to look after things, but required us to report every fifteen minutes to Sergt. 
Grabill, who was stationed at the front door of the house. About dusk I saw a great deal 
of commotion among them and asked some of the soldiers what was going on. "Oh 
nothing! Just you report to Sergt. Grabill,"' was the reply. 1 came to the house and 
asked Willie Waddell whether he knew what was going on. " Yes, " said he, " I just came 
down from the observatory on the top of the house and could hear the Union troops com- 
ing up the mountain." 

Very soon the cannonading commenced, but did not last long. The rebels hitched 
horses to their cannon and went toward the tollgate on a run, Sergt. Grabill not waiting 
for any one to report to him. One of the first men I met after the arrival of the Union 
troops was Gen. Custer, who. after questioning me. called Gen. Kilpatrick standing 
near. Gen. Kilpatrick asked me the distance to the foot of the mountain on the west- 
ern side and whether troops could march on both sides of the turnpike. I told him they 
could as far as the tollgate. He immediately ordered a cannon to be placed in front of 
the Monterey house to throw shells after the retreating rebels. At the same time he 
ordered a regiment to march after them. The officer in command said he could not go 
while they were throwing shell in the rear of his men. Kilpatrick said, "Yes you can," 
and at the same directed the officer in charge of the cannon to throw his shells high so 
that there would be no danger to the Union troops. The rebels returned the fire for a 
time from the neighborhood of the tollgate, but when the Union troops approached they 
ceased. 

Kilpatrick inquired of me whether there was any other road by which he could get to 
the foot of the mountain. I informed him of the "Mount Zion road to Smithsburg and 
Leitersburg, the distance to the former place being eight miles, to the latter eleven. He 
then asked me whether I knew of any one acquainted with the road who would go as a 
guide. I had seen Mr. C. H. Buhrman with the soldiers when they came to Monterey. I 
said, "Mr. Buhrman is the man for you." Mr. Buhrman being called up. Gen. Kilpatrick 
asked him whether he knew the Mount Zion , road to Smithsburg and Leitersburg, and 
whether he could find it such a dark night; if so, whether he would go as a guide for a 
regiment. Mr. Buhrman said he knew the road well, could find it no matter how dark 
the night, and would go as a guide. 

Calling Col. Preston. Gen. Kilpatrick informed him that Mr. Buhrman would act as 
his guide. Soon the tramping of horses began through mud and rain in one of the dark- 
est nights I ever knew. As soon as Col. Preston had started, Gen. Kilpatrick ordered a 
lieutenant, with James McCulloh as guide, to go past the Benchoff farm to the old Furnace 
road to cut off that portion of the train between the Gum Spring and the turnpike, which 
added one and a half milesmore to the part already attacked, and from which they brought 
from seventy-five to one hundred prisoners to Monterey. The cannonading continued for 
several hours as our troops were descending the western side of the mountain. By day- 
light on Sunday morning, July 5, Gen. Kilpatrick, with alibis troops and prisoners except 
a few who were too badly wounded to be moved, had leftMonterey. One of these wounded 
died soon after. 

I never knew any one to direct movements so rapidly as Gen. Kilpatrick did that 
night, nor men so eager to follow as were the Union soldiers. There never was a greater 
victory under such adverse circumstances with the loss of so small a number of men. 
Respectfully yours. David Miller. 



382 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

■ 

Morrow Burns, of Washington Township, and several of his neighbors T 
John Ohler, Daniel Hollinger, Dick Bonebrake, Hugh Sibbett and others from 
Waynesboro, were captured by the rebels on Saturday evening and held as 
prisoners during the period of heaviest cannonading, very much to their per- 
sonal discomfort. Citizens along the line from Rouzersville to Leitersburg re- 
member very vividly the pyrotechnic display of July 4 and 5, 1863, made by 
the burning of rebel wagons thoroughly supplied with the pork and flour 
of Pennsylvania farmers; but in the future they prefer to have their celebra- 
tions under the direction of men pursuing peaceful callings. 

Many minor skirmishes occurred within the county, during the invasion, 
which can only be referred to. Capt. Dahlgreen dashed upon Greencastle 
during the days of fighting at Gettysburg, and captured a number of prisoners 
and a large amount of important mail matter being sent to the front. Near 
the Caledonia Iron Works, recently destroyed, Gen. Gregg' s command had a 
brush with Imboden's regular guard. At Cearfoos' Cross-roads, Capt. 
Jones' command made a spirited attack on Imboden's guard, and did consid- 
erable execution. 

The self-confident, boastful spirit, which characterized the rebel army on 
the advance, was materially modified during the retreat. Citizens along the 
line took no little pleasure in taunting them with the remarkable change that 
had occurred ; then, too, greater lawlessness characterized the conduct of the 
soldiers on the retreat. Defeated, disheartened and hungry, they were reck- 
less in their demands for money and supplies, and committed upon the people 
indignities that would have received severe punishment on the advance. 

Lee's army crossed the Potomac into Virginia at Falling Waters and 
Williamsport, on the 13th of July, and thus ended, in defeat and extensive 
ruin of his army, Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania.* 

m' cau%land' s invasion and burning of chambeesburg, 1861. 

It was hoped that Lee's invasion would end the scourgings inflicted upon 
Franklin County; not so, however. The severest ordeal of all was yet to be 
passed through; but in this case, the blow fell especially upon the county's 
capital in the year of its first centennial. One hundred years had elapsed 
since Col. Benjamin Chambers had laid out the town, the beautiful town of 
Chambersburg. They were years of change and growth, of adversity and 
prosperity, of peace and joy. How suddenly, however, the happy remem- 
brances of the past were embittered by the overpowering afflictions of the 
present. 

Maj. -Gen. D. N. Couch was in command of the department of the Sus- 
quehanna, and expected to defend the border from rebel raids with only a few 
hundred men. As rapidly as he secured and organized regiments of volunteers, 
they were ordered elsewhere by the secretary of war, leaving him utterly 
helpless. Under these unfavorable circumstances the raid of 1861 was made. 
Gen. Early was, at this time, commanding the Shenandoah region, having 
been sent by Gen. Lee, with a corps, to expel Gen. Hunter, the successor of 
Gen. Siegel in the valley. On account of lack of ammunition, Hunter fell 
back, giving Early opportunity to move at will. Having crossed the Potomac, 
he moved rapidly on Washington, defeating Gen. Lew Wallace at the Monoc- 
acy; but being checkmated by the gathering forces around the capital city, 
he returned with his plunder through Snicker's Gap, and concentrated his 
troops around Martinsburg. Gen. Hunter, having returned from his wild 

*The reader is recommended to read Jacob Hoke's " ..eminiscenees of the War," and " The Great Inva- 
sion," two valuable contributions to the literature of the civil war. To these sources the writer hereof is 
greatly indebted and takes this occasion to make proper acknowledgment. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 383 

goose cliase, was occupying the north bank of the Potomac, with Avcrill's cav- 
alry on his right flank, to confront Gen. McCausland's cavalry on Early's left. 

On the 28th of July, Gen. Early ordered Brig. -Gen. John A. McCausland 
to proceed with his own brigade of mounted infantry, and the cavalry brigade 
of Gen. Bradley T. Johnson, aggregating about 2,91)0 men, to Charnbersburg, 
and after capturing it, demand a tribute of $100,000 in gold, or $500,000 in 
greenbacks. In default of either proposition, he was to burn the town. On 
the ensuing night, he captured the seven Union pickets along the river, and the 
next morning, turning Averill's right, started on his raid. He met no oppo- 
sition of any consequence, as his command moved rapidly, by way of Clear 
•Spring and Mercersburg; to the doomed town. It may be wise to allow Gen. 
McCausland to tell his own story: 

" We reached Charnbersburg by daylight on the 30th. The approach to the 
town was defended only by one piece of artillery, and some regular troops, that 
were soon driven off, and the advance of our force took possession of the town. 
The main part of the two brigades was formed in line on the high ground 
overlooking the town. I at once went into the place with my staff, and re- 
quested some of the citizens to inform the city authorities that I wanted to see 
them. I also sent my staff through the town, to find out where the proper of- 
ficials were, and inform them that I had a proclamation for their consideration. 
Not one could be found. I then directed the proclamation to be read to many 
of the citizens that were near me, and requested them to hunt up their officers, 
informing them I would wait until they could either find them, or, by consul- 
tation among themselves, determine what they would do. Finally, I informed 
them, that I would wait six hours, and if they would comply with the requisi- 
tion, their town would be safe; and, in case they did not, it would be destroyed 
in accordance with my orders from Gen. Early. After a few hours of delay, 
many citizens came to me; some were willing to pay the money, others were 
not. I urged them to comply, with such reasons as occurred to me at the time, 
and told them plainly what they might expect. I showed to my own officers 
the written instructions of Gen. Early, and before a single house was destroyed, 
both the citizens and the Confederate officers, that were present, fully under- 
stood why it was done, and by whose orders. After waiting until the expira- 
tion of the six hoars, and finding that the proclamation would not be complied 
with, the destruction of the town was begun by firing the most central blocks 
first, and after the inhabitants had been removed from them. Thus the town 
was destroyed, and the inhabitants driven to the hills and fields adjacent there- 
to. No lives were lost by the citizens, and only one soldier was killed, and he 
was killed after the troops left the vicinity of the place. About noon the 
troops were reformed on the high ground overlooking the town, where most of 
them had been posted in the early morning, and the return to the Potomac was 
begun shortly afterward. We encamped at McConnellsburg that night, and 
reached the river the next day, at or near Hancock, Md. ' ' 

Gen. McCausland is very desirous, it seems, to escape from the responsi- 
bility of this act of vandalism. He throws the burden upon Gen. Jubal A. 
Early, his superior officer, who had exercised upon Pennsylvanians, the pre- 
vious year, his propensity to indulge in pyrotechnic displays, at the expense 
of his enemies. 

The following is substantially the authority which McCausland had for his 
diabolical acts, the order having been read in the presence of a number of 
prominent men of Charnbersburg: 

To Gen. J. McCausland: You are hereby ordered to proceed with such forces as 
will be detailed, and as rapidly as possible, to the town of Charnbersburg, Penn., and de- 



384 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

mand of the authorities the sum of f lOJ.OJ'^in gold, or in lieu thereof the sum of $500,000 
in greenbacks, and in case this demand is not complied vviih, then in retaliation for the 
burning of seven properties of peaceful inhabitants of the valley of Virginia, by order of 
the Federal Gen. Hunter, you will proceed to burn the town of Chambersburg and rapidly 
return to this point. 

Signed: J. A. Early, 

General Commanding. 

But Gen. Early has not been wanting in acknowledging his responsibility 
for the act. In a number of letters, he has assumed the burden. His reasons 
are substantially that Gen. Hunter, hiving destroyed many private and pub- 
lic buildings in the Shenandoah Valley, and other Union officers having com- 
mitted similar acts of destruction in the Southern States, he ' ' determined to 
demand compensation therefor from some town in Pennsylvania, and in the' 
event of failure to comply, to retaliate by burning said town. The town of 
Chambersburg was selected because it was the only one of any consequence 
accessible to his troops, and for no other reason." Notwithstanding Gen. 
Earlv's affirmations, there are many who insist that several other reasons for 
the burning exist: First. To retaliate for the supposed sympathy that har- 
bored John Brown in 1859 while he was making his preparations for the raid 
upon Harper' s Ferry. Second. That the money accruing from the levy, had it 
been paid, would have been very acceptable to the rebel officers who had been 
no-hting for years for glory never to be realized, and money likely to continue 
at a ruinous discount. 

The tribute was not and could not be paid. While McCausland and his 
major, Harry Gilmore, were endeavoring by persuasion and threats to intimi- 
date the people into compliance with their demands, the rebel soldiers were 
engaged in an indiscriminate robbery of the people in all parts of the town. 
Hats, caps, boots, shoes, watches, silverware, clothing — everything of value 
was taken by the horde, under penalty of summary vengeance should their 
owners dare to refuse. Infuriated by the refusal of the people to pay the re- 
quired sum, Gilmore arrested Thos. B. Kennedy, J. McDowell Sharpe, Will- 
iam McClellan, Dr. J. C. Richards, William H. McDowell, W. S. Everett, E. 
G. Etter and M. A. Foltz, and announced his purpose to take them to Rich- 
mond as hostages for the payment of the money. In .the meantime, however, 
the work of tiring had commenced in at least fifty different places; and these 
o-entlemen were released when it was discovered that the plan of intimidation 
was unsuccessful. 

Col. A. K. McClure. in the Franklin Repository, of August 24, "1864, relates 
the following: ' ' The main part of the town was enveloped in flames in ten 
minutes. No time was given to remove women or children or sick, or even 
the dead. No notice of the kind was conmranicated to any one; but like in 
furiated fiends from hell itself, the work of destruction was commenced. They 
did not have anything to learn in their hurried tirade — they proved experts in 
their calling. They divided into squads and fired every other house, and often 
every house, if they presented any prospect of plunder. They would burst in 
the door with iron bars or heavy plank, smash up any furniture with an ax. 
throw fluid or oil upon it, and apply the match. They almost invariably entered 
every room of each house, rifled the drawers of every bureau, appropriated 
money, jewelry, watches and any other valuables, and often would present pis- 
tols at the heads of inmates, men and women, and demand money or their 
lives. In nearly half the instances they demanded owners to ransom their 
property, and in a few cases it was done and the property burned. The main 
object of the men seemed to be plunder. Not a house escaped rifling — all were 
plundered of anything that could be carried away. In most cases houses 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 385 

were entered in the ru lest manner, and no time whatever allowed oven for the 
families to escape, much less to save anything. Many families had the utmost 
difficulty to get themselves and children out in time, and not one half had so 
much as a change of clothing with them. They would rush from story 
to story to rob, and always fire the building at once in order to keep the 
family from detecting their robberies. Feeble and helpless women and chil- 
dren were treated like brutes — told insolently to get out or burn; and even the 
sick were not spared. Several invalids had to be carried out as the red flames 
licked their couches. Thus the work of desolation continued for two hours; 
more than half the town was on fire at once, and the wild glare of the 
flames, the shrieks of women and children, and often, louder than all, the blas- 
phemy of the rebels, conspired to present such a scene of horror as has never 
been witnessed by the present generation. No one was spared save by acci- 
dent. The widow and the fatherless cried and plead in vain that they would 
be homeless and helpless. A rude oath would close all hope of mercy, and 
they would fly to save their lives. The old and infirm who tottered before 
them were thrust aside, and the torch applied in their presence to hasten their 
departure. So thoroughly were all of them masters of the trade of destruc- 
tion that there is scarcely a house standing in Chambersburg to-day that they 
attempted to burn, although their stay did not exceed two hours. In that brief 
period, the major portion of Chambersburg — its chief wealth and business, its 
capital and elegance — were devoured by a barbarous foe; three millions of 
property sacrificed; 3,000 human beings homeless and many penniless; and all 
without so much as a pretense that the citizens of the doomed village, or any 
of them, had violated any accepted rule of civilized warfare. Such is the de- 
liberate, voluntary record made by Gen. Early, a corps commander in the in- 
surgent army. The Government may not take summary vengeance, although 
it has abundant power to do so; but there is One whose voice is most terrible 
in wrath, who has declared : ' Vengeance is mine ; I will repay. ' ' 

Rev. Joseph Clark, in an article contributed to the Presbyterian of August 
6, 1864, says: ' ' The burning was executed in the most ruthless and unrelenting 
manner. A squad of men would approach a house, break open the door, pro- 
ceed to the most convenient part of the house and kindle a fire, with no other 
notice to the inmates, except to get out of it as soon as they could. In many 
cases, five, ten, fifteen minutes, were asked to secure some clothing, which 
were refused. Many families escaped with only the clothing they had on, and 
such as they could gather up in their haste. In many cases they were not al- 
lowed to take these, but were threatened with instant death if they did not 
cast them away and flee. Sick and aged people had to be carried to 
the fields. The corpses of one or two persons, who had recently died, were 
hastily interred in the gardens, and children, separated from their parents, ran 
wildly screaming through the streets. Those whose stupor, or eagerness to 
save something, detained them, emerged with difficulty from the streets filled 
with the sheeted flames of their burning homes. I should say here, that no 
provocation had been given; not a shot was fired on them in entering the town, 
and not until the full crisis was reached, did desperation, in a few instances, 
lead to desperate acts, and a few of the incendiaries left their bones to smoulder 
in the ruins. 

' 'As to the result, I may say that the entire heart or body of the town is 
burned. Not a house or building of any kind is left on a space of about an 
average of ten squares of streets, extending each way from the center, with 
some four or five exceptions, where the buildings were isolated. Only the 
outskirts are left. The court-house, bank, town hall, German Reformed print- 



380 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ing establishment, every store and hotel in the town, and every mill and fac- 
tory in the space indicated, and two churches, were consumed. Between 
300 and 400 dwellings were burned, leaving at least 2, 500 persons without a 
home or a hearth. In value, three-fourths of the town were destroyed. The 
scene of desolation must be seen to be appreciated. Crumbling walls, stacks 
of chimneys and smoking embers, are all that remain of once elegant and 
happy homes. As to the scene itaelf, it beggars description. My own resi- 
dence being on the outskirts, and feeling it the call of duty to be with my 
family, I could only look on from without. The day was sultry and calm, not 
a breath stirring, and each column of smoke rose black, straight and single, 
first one, and then another, and another, and another, until the columns blended 
and commingled; and then one vast and lurid column of smoke and flame rose 
perpendicular to the sky, and spread out into a vast crown, like a cloud of 
sackcloth hanging over the doomed city; whilst the roar and the surging, the 
crackling and the crash of falling timbers and walls broke upon the still air 
with a fearful dissonance, and the screams and sounds of agony of burning 
animals, hogs and cows and horses, made the welkin horrid with the sounds of 
woe. It was a scene to be witnessed and heard once in a life-time. ' ' 

The loss of property was but a small part of the sufferings inflicted upon 
the people of Chambersburg. Families were reduced from competence to 
penury, and their members scattered. The deep trials through which many 
were required to pass resulted in disease that swept many into premature 
graves, or rendered them helpless invalids for life. But the burning of pa- 
pers and books and records and mementoes and keepsakes was a calamity 
which can never be repaired. Public and private interests were equally sacri- 
ficed to gratify the feeling of revenge on the part of Southern traitors. 

Gren. Averill finally succeeded in leaving his position on the Potomac, and 
ai-rived at Greencastle in his pursuit of McCausland. At that point an un- 
successful effort was made to reach him by Gen. Couch who. prior to the ap- 
proach of the Confederate incendiary, was holding possession of Chambers- 
burg with about two score of soldiers. Averill, it seems, feared an attack 
from the combined forces of McCausland and another command detached from 
Early's right, and withdrew to Greenwood for the safety of his command. 
From the latter point he started in pursuit of McCausland but reached Cham- 
bersburg too late to save it from destruction, or capture any considerable portion 
of the rebel horde. His advent into the place is thus described by a writer in 
the Public Opinion of July 30, 1886. 

THE VOW OF AVERILL'S MEN. 

[At. 2 P. M. the Union forces advanced through the town. The citizeus cheered the dusty and jaded war - 
riors, but no soldierly huzzas came from their parched and suffocated throats, as they rode through smoke and 
flame and the intense heat of the smoldering ruins. One repeated exclamation of "My God" was all that 
was heard, and then, as they passed the flag staff, each one shouted, " Remember Chambersburg." And so they 
exclaimed, and so they shouted, as they dashed at a trot through the town.— J. K. Shryock in Schneck's Burn- 
ing of Chambersburg. 

[They (the Confederates) were surprised one morning by Averill's men dashing in among them. The 
Federals slyly captured McCausland's pickets and before the rebels were fairly aroused from their slumbers, 
Averill's men were among them, cutting them down mercilessly to the cry of " Remember Chambersburg!" 
"Remember Chambersburg!" "Surrender, you house-burning villains!" The vow made hy these men as 
they rode through the Diamond and beheld the widespread ruin, was remembered and kept. — J. Hoke's 
Reminiscences of the War.} 



Slowly the men of Averill rode up the ruined street. 
And warm were the cobble stones beneath their tir'd horses' feet; 
High o'er their heads and banners, upward in eddying whirls. 
Above the blacken'd buildings the smothering smoke-cloud curls. 
To their right and left lay ruins, the marks of rebel rage, 
'Twas a scene of desolation, a blot on history's page. 
Homeless were maid and mother, and houseless were son and sire. 
No sheltering roof to shield them, surrounded all by tire; 




V. 



^ 



Cn^c &. ez^/^c 



^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 389 

And most harmonious music to those so helpless made 

Were the sounds of Union trappings, the clatter of the blade. 

Loudly they greeted the troopers with joyful shout and cheer, 

But silentl} sat the soldiers, amid the scene so drear; 

Warm were the stones beneath their steeds, and warm their welcome, too, 

And warm with a thirst for vengeance each soldier's heart then grew. 

And as beneath the shadow of the flag staff in the Square 

Passed each and ev'ry trooper, with a vow he roused the air: 

" When on the field of battle, let the rebel fiends beware, 

Let us remember Chambersburg— then strike, and do not spare." 

On press'd the Union troopers — on, on, to the west they sped, 

Vowing their direst vengeance on the rebel chieftain's head. 

They'd been too late to rescue but 'twas not too late as yet 

To seek retaliation and full retribution get. 

And so, in many a contest, on many a hard-fought field, 

Back from those Union troopers Confederate columns reeled. 

The blacken' d walls of Chambersburg rose up before their view 

And bade them strike and spare not, as once they had vow'd to do. 

Chambersburg was in their mind and they heard not who appealed, 

Against all pleas for mercy were their hearts forever steeled; 

And so the vow they made beneath the flag staff in the Square 

"Was kept with true fidelity— they struck and did not spare. 

The Public Opinion, in its issue previously referred to, prepared a sketch, 
presenting several objects of great interest, touching the condition of the 
town in 1864 and 1886. They are made a part of this record: 

,,; The persons who were then in business and continue to this day, are Ed- 
ward Aughinbaugh, James L. Black; Christian Burkhart, now in the milling 
business; Andrew Banker, Henry Bishop; John F. Croft, now in the grocery 
business; C. H. Cressler, now Cressler & Greenawalt; John Dcebler, John H. 
Dittman, Benj. Duke, Alex. Fahnestock, Peter Feldman, N. P. Grove, J. & 
H. E. Hoke; Ann Hoover, Carrie Hetrick, milliners; J. A. Lemaster, W. H. 
Hiteshew, now grocer; D. M. Leisher; Mrs. Sadie Levan, milliner; John 
Miller, hotel; J. S. Nixon, now Nixon & Son; George F. Piatt, dentist; P. 
H. Peiffer, Benjamin Rhodes, Augustus Beineman, Fred. Spahr, Isaac Stine, 
H. Sierer, now Sierer & Co.; S. M. Shillito; N. Schlosser, dentist; A. J. 
White, now White & Son; James Watson, of the firm of J. & G. at that time; 
Jos. W. Wolfkill, now Wolfkill & Son; Capt. C. R. Pisle — thirty-six in all. 
The list, it should be borne in mind, is made up of those only who suffered 
loss, and who were engaged in business at that time. 

1 ' In taking up that portion of the list x>f. persons who have been called to 
another world, and who were engaged in business or lived in Chambersburg 
when the fire occurred, it assumes large proportions. 

' ' These deaths are recalled as having occurred here : Josiah Allen, John 
Armstrong, Samuel Brant, Dr. W r . H. Boyle, Peter Brough and wife, J. S. 
Brown, Martin Brown, Mrs. R. M. Bard, Geo. W. Bitner, J. A. S. Cramer, 
Geo. Chambers, Sr., Dr. Edmund Culbertson, Holmes Crawford, Susan B. 
Chambers, W. H. Cunningham, A. D. Caufman, Ellen C. Cook, Thomas Car- 
lisle, Jere Cook, S. A. Cook, Richard Cook, F. G. Dittman, Catharine R. 
Duncan, H. B. Davison, Joseph Eckert, Samuel Etter, Elizabeth Smith, Jacob 
Eby, James G. Elder, Anna C. Finefrock, D. S. Fahnestock, John Fisher, 
Alonzo P. Frye, Catharine Foltz, S. F. Greenawalt, W. B. Gilmore, D. O. 
Gehr, M. Greenawalt, Mary Gillan, J. B. Gillan, David Hoover, Jacob Hut- 
ton, H. H. Hutz, Jacob Henninger, Philip Hamman, John D. Jacobs, George 
Kindline, George Lehner, Dr. John Lambert, Bruce Lambert, Martin Lud- 
wig, Thomas Metcalf, Wm. McLellan, Nancy McClellan, L. McClellan, Alex- 
ander Martin, Henry Monks, P. McGaffigan, A. J. Miller, Daniel Miller, 
John Mull, Mrs. M. Montgomery, Wm. McLenegan, J. P. McClintock, Geo. 



390 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

R. Messersinith, Samuel Ott, David Oa\s, N. P. Pearce, John Pickle, E. D. 
Reid, Dr. J. C. Richards, Wilson Reilly, Samuel D. C. Reid, Dr. J. L. Sues- 
serott, Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck, John Schofield, Josiah E. Schofield, Magda- 
lena Swartz, P. W. Seibert, Susan F. Nixon, Allen Smith, Dr. A. H. Senseny, 
Jacob Sellers, George W. Snider, Nicholas Snider, Robert E. Tolbert, John 
W. Taylor, Susie B. Thompson, Daniel Trostle, Barnard Wolff, Richard 
Wood, Mrs. M. Whetstone, Upton Washabaugh, James Watson, Sr., George 
Watson, William Wallace. 

"The loss in real estate was $713,294.34; personal property, $915,137.24; 
total, $1,628,431.58. Of this about fifty per cent has been paid by State ap- 
propriation, the first being under an act of the Legislature of February 15, 
1866, $500,000, and the second under an act of the Legislature of May 27, 
1871. Under the last named act, each claimant holds a certificate for the 
amount of his loss, but these certificates are payable only when said claims are 
paid by the United States Government. The claimants number about 650. 

"It was a rather peculiar circumstance that all of the lawyers resident in 
Chambersburg, practicing at the bar at that time, suffered the loss of their 
libraries. They were Geo. W. Brewer, E. J. Bonebrake, Jere Cook, L. S. 
Clarke, Thos. Carlisle. C. M. Duncan, J. W. Douglas, W. S. Everett, Geo. 
Eyster, Christian S. Eyster, H. Gehr, F. M. Kimmell, T. B. Kennedy, Will- 
iam McLellan, T. J. Nill, John R. Orr, Wilson Reilly, Geo. O. Seilhamer, 
W. S. Stenger, John Stewart, F. S. Stumbaugh, J. McD. Sharpe, and others. '* 



CHAPTER XVI. 
LAW-MAKERS AND LAW-INTERPRETERS. 

Law Defined and Analyzed— Founded in Natural Justice— Mental Re- 
quirements for its Study— Various State Conventions— Franklin's 
Representatives in National Congress, in State Senate and House- 
Early Bench and Bar— List of President and Associate Judges— List 
of Attorneys from Organization of County. 

THE highest English authority, Sir William Blackstone, thus defines law: 
' ' Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, signifies a rule of 
action * * dictated by some superior being; and in [by] those creatures 
that have neither the power to think, nor to will, such laws must be invariably 
obeyed, so long as the creature itself subsists, for its existence depends on that 
obedience. ' ' In order to give a clear view of its nature, he thus analyzes the 
subject. "Every law," says he, "maybe said to consist of several parts: 
one, declaratory, whereby the rights to be observed, and the wrongs to be 
eschewed, are clearly defined and laid down; another, directory, whereby the 
subject is instructed and enjoined to observe those rights, and to abstain from 
the commission of those wrongs; a third, remedial, whereby a method is 
pointed out to recover a man' s private rights or redress his private wrongs, to 
which may be added a fourth, usually termed the sanction or vindicatory 
branch of the law, whereby it is signified what evil or penalty shall be in- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 391- 

curred by such as commit any public wrongs, and transgress or neglect their 
duty." • 

From the foregoing it will be apparent that natural justice is the end to be 
secured by the law in its civil administration. Any failure to affect such a 
result is not chargeable to the law itself, but to the imperfect agents through 
whom the law has to operate. It must be further apparent that the agents by 
whom human law is either enacted or enforced must belong to the higher 
types of humanity. Ability less than ordinary will never attain a proper con- 
ception of the scope of law, and will signally fail in its administration. 

The temple of justice is sacred. Those who enter its portals should remove 
their sandals from their feet because the ground they tread is holy. Stars of 
the first magnitude in the legal profession are so rare that their sparkling 
rays dazzle ordinary humanity. No greater field for intellectual culture or 
the development of the noble traits of manhood can be found among the call- 
ings of men. Ample room is always to be had in the higher departments for 
those who are not content to remain in the mere rudiments of the science. 

In the presentation of our subject we give two general departments, the 
law-makers, embracing, first, the lists of those who have served in the National 
Congress and the State Assembly. Secondly, those who have acted in the- 
capacity of judges and attorneys since the formation of the county. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 

Four constitutional conventions in Pennsylvania have been held during the 
past 100 years. The delegates to the first were elected July 8, 1770, in pur- 
suance of a resolve of the Provincial Conference of Pennsylvania, which met 
at Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, June 18, 1776. Among the members of 
that conference from what is now Franklin County, were James McLene, Col. 
John Allison, John Maclay, Dr. John Calhoon and John Creigh. The con- 
stitutional convention met at Philadelphia, July 15, 1776, and adopted a con- 
stitution, which was signed September 28, 1776. One of the delegates, James 
McLene, Esq. , was from Franklin County. 

The second met in Philadelphia, November 24, 1789, and framed a new 
constitution, subsequently adopted by the State. Members from Franklin 
County: James McLene and George Matthews. 

The third assembled at Harrisburg, May 2, 1837. After several adjourn- 
ments they reassembled at Philadelphia, November 28, 1837, and adjonrned 
finally February 22, 1838. The constitution, as amended, was adopted at the 
October election, 1838. This convention was composed of senatorial and 
representative delegates. The senatorial district, composed of Franklin, Cum- 
berland and Adams Counties, was represented by James Dunlop, of Franklin 
County, and Levi Merkle, of Cumberland County. The representative dele- 
gates from Franklin County were George Chambers, of Chambersburg, and 
Joseph Snively, of Antrim. 

The last met at Harrisburg, November 12, 1872, and on the 27th of the 
same month adjourned to meet in Philadelphia on the 7th of January, 1873. 
This convention was composed of 133 delegates — twenty-eight from the State 
at large, and 105 froru the senatorial districts. 

The Nineteenth Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Cumber- 
land and Franklin, was represented by Samuel M. Wherry, of Cumberland, 
and J. McDowell Sharpe and John Stewart, of Franklin. 

The new constitution was submitted at a special election, December 16, 
1873, and adopted by a majority of 144,362 votes. 



392 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

CONGRESSMEN. 

Under the constitution of 1776, delegates to the Congress of the United 
States were appointed by the General Assembly of the State, to serve for one 
year. One Franklin County man was twice appointed: James McLene, March 
3, 1779, to November 13, 1779, to fill a vacancy, and November 13, 1779, to 
November 13, 1780. 

Under the constitution of the United States, which went into force on the 
first Wednesday of March, 1789, members of Congress were required to be 
elected by the people throughout the State. At the first election, in October, 
1789, there were eight members chosen, the highest vote for the successful 
candidates being that of Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, of Montgomery 
County — 8,707 votes; and the highest vote for the unsuccessful ticket being 
7,067, for John Allison, of Franklin. 

On the 2d of April, 1802, an act was passed dividing the State into eleven 
districts. By that act the counties of Franklin and Bedford elected one mem- 
ber, as follows: 

1803-11— John Rea, of Franklin, VHIth, IXth, Xth and Xlth Congresses. 

ACT OF 20TH MARCH, 1812 5TH DISTRICT CUMBERLAND, FRANKLIN AND ADAMS, TWO 

MEMBERS. 

1813-15— John Rea, Franklin;* XHIth Congress. 

1815-19— William Maclay, Franklin, XlVth and XVth Congresses. 

1819-21— David Fullerton, Franklin, Thomas G. McCulloh, Franklin, t 
XVIth Congress. 

Perry County, created in March, 1820, was made part of the Fifth Dis- 
trict, and so voted at the regular election in 1821, when Col. 'John Findlay 
was first elected. 

1821-23— John Findlay, J Franklin, XVIIth Congress. 

ACT OF 2d APRIL, 1822 — -llTH DISTRICT ADAMS, FRANKLIN, CUMBERLAND AND 

PERRY, TWO MEMBERS. 

1823-27— John Findlay, Franklin, XVIIIth and XlXth Congresses. 
1829-33— Thomas H. Crawford, Franklin, XXIst and XXIId Congresses. 

ACT OF 9'PH JUNE, 1832 12TH DISTRICT ADAMS AND FRANKLIN, ONE MEMBER. 

1833-37— George Chambers, Franklin, XXIIId and XXIVth Congresses. 

act of 25th march, 1843 — -16th district — franklin, Cumberland and perry. 
1847-49 — Jasper E. Brady, Franklin, XXXth Congress. 
1849-53 — Jas. X. McLanahan, Franklin, XXXIst and XXXIId Congresses. 

act of 1st may, 1852 — 17th district — adams, franklin, fulton, Bedford and 

JUNIATA. 

1855-57— David F. Robison, Franklin, XXXIVth Congress. 
1857-59— Wilson Reilly, Franklin, XXXVth Congress. 

♦Robert Whitehill and Dr. William Crawford were elected for the Fifth District in 1812, but Mr. Whitehill 
died April 7, 1S13, soon after his return home, upon the adjournment of the Xllth Congress, of which he had 
been a member from another district, of which Cumberland formed a part; and at a special election held on the 
11th of May, 1813, John Rea was chosen to fill the vacancy, by a majority of 523 over Edward Crawford of 
Franklin. He took his seat in the extra session of Congress, which met in May, 1813. 

fDavid Fullerton resigned after the close of his first session in Congress, because his constituents disap- 
proved of his votes upon the Missouri Compromise, and upon someotherquestions. On the 9th of October, 1820, 
Thomas G. McCulloh was elected to fill the vacancy. He took his seat November 13, 1820, and served until 
the 3d of March. 1821. 

%At the regular election in 1820, James McSherry, of Adams, and James Duncan, of Cumberland, were 
elected; but before the meeting of the XVIIth Congress Mr. Duncan resigned, and at the regular election in 
1821, John Findlay, of Franklin, was chosen his successor over Thomas G. McCulloh. 



HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 393 

ACT OF 28TH APRIL, 1873 18TH DISTRICT FRANKLIN, FULTON, JUNIATA, HUNTING- 
DON, SNYDER AND PERRY. 

1875-79— William S. Stenger, Franklin, XLIVth and XLVth Congresses. 
Mr. Stenger was the last Congressman from Franklin County. 

STATE LEGISLATORS — SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL— SENATE. 

Under the constitution of 1776, which was in force when the county of 
Franklin was organized, there was no State Senate. The State was governed 
by an Assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the State, and by a 
president and council. Councilors were elected for three years. The follow- 
ing persons served as councilors for this county, viz. : 

James McLene, from 1784 to 1787. 

Abraham Smith, from 1787 to 1790. 

Under the constitution of 1790, the supreme executive council was abol- 
ished, and it was provided that the government of the State should be carried 
on by a governor, and a Senate and House of Representatives, all to be elected 
by the people, the governor to hold office for three years, senators for four 
years, and representatives for one year. Following are the senatorial districts 
in which Franklin County has been since 1790, and the names of its various 
senators, with their terms of service. The first district was composed of 
Franklin and Bedford Counties: 

1790-94 — Abraham Smith, of Franklin. 

1794-1803— Thomas Johnston, of Franklin. 

1803-07— James Poe, of Franklin. 

1807-11— Archibald Rankin, of Franklin. 

By the act of March 21, 1808, Franklin County was made a senatorial 
district, and given one senator. 

181 1-19 -James Poe. 

1819-23— Robert Smith. 

1823-24 — John Rea (resigned). 

1824-27— James Dunlop. 

1827-39— David Fullerton. 

Under the constitution of 1838, the senatorial term was reduced to three 
years. 

1842-44 — James X. McLanahan, of Franklin, senator. 

By the act of April 14, 1843. Franklin and Adams were made a senatorial 
district, to elect one member. The senators were 

1845-53 — Thomas Carson, of Franklin. 

1857-59 — George W. Brewer, of Franklin. 

By the act of May 20, 1857, Adams, Franklin and Fulton were^made a 
senatorial district, and given one senator. The senators were 

1860-62— A. K. McClure, of Franklin. 

1869-71— Calvin M. Duncan, of Franklin. 

By the act of May 6, 1871, Cumberland and Franklin were made a sena- 
torial district, to elect one member. 

By the constitution of 1873 the senatorial term was again made four years. 

By the act of May 19, 1874, Franklin and Huntingdon were made a sena- 
torial district to elect one member. Under it the senator elected in this dis- 
trict in 1874 was to serve but two years. 

1875-76— Chambers McKibbin, of Franklin. 

1881-84 — John Stewart, of Franklin, the last Senator from this county. 



394 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

STATE»LEGISLATORS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

List of members who have represented Franklin County : 
1784-85 — James Johnston, Abraham Smith. James McCammont. 
1785-86 — James McCammont, Abraham Smith, John Rea. 
1780-87 — Abraham Smith, James McCammont. 
1787-88 — James McLene, James McCammont. 
1788-89 — James McLene, James Johnston. 
1789-90 — James Johnston. John Rea. 
1790-91 — James Johnston, James McLene. 
1791-92 — James Johnston, John Maclay. 
1792-93 — James Johnston, John Rea. 
1793-94 — James McLene, John Maclay. 
1794-96 — William Henderson, James Poe, Daniel Royer. 
1796-97 — James Poe, William Henderson, John Rea. 
1797-98 —William Henderson, John Rea, William Findlay. 
1798-99 — John Scott, Andrew Dunlop, John Spear. 
1799-1800— Daniel Rover, John Scott, Andrew Dunlop. 
1800-02— John Rea, James Poe, John Statler. 
1802-03— Robert Peebles, James Poe, John Statler. 
1803-04— William Findlay, Robert Peebles, Jacob Dechert. 
1804-06 — William Findlay. Jacob Dechert, James McConnell. 
1806-07— William Findlay, William McClelland, George Nigh. 
1807-09— William Maclay, Robeit Smith, Jacob Heyser. 
1809-11 — Jacob Dechert, James Smith, Archibald Bard. 
1811-12 — Robert Smith, James Smith, Jacob Dechert. 

1812-14 — Robert Smith, David Maclay, Jacob Dechert. 
1811-15 — Jacob Heyser, Patrick Campbell, John Cox. 
1815-16 — Robert Smith, Jacob Dechert, David Maclay. 

1816-19 — Andrew Robeson, Stephen Wilson, Ludwig Heck. 

1819-20 — Andrew Robeson, William Alexander, Ludwig Heck. 

1820-21 — Samuel Dunn, John Stoner, Robert Crooks. 

1821-22 — John Holliday, Peter S. Dechert, John Flanagan. 

1822-23— John King, John Holliday, Peter S. Dechert. 

1823-24 — Frederick Smith, Robert Smith. William Maclay. 

1824-26 — Frederick Smith, James Walker, William Alexander. 

1826-27 — Frederick Smith, James Walker, Peter Aughinbaugh. 

1827-28 — Philip Berlin, Andrew Robe-on. Benjamin Revnolds. 

1828-29— Ludwig Heck, William Boal, John Cox. 

1829-30— Frederick Smith, John Cox. 

1830-31— Frederick Smith, John Cox. 

1831-32— James Dunlop, Thomas G. McCulloh. 

1332-33— Thomas Bard, Thomas G. McCulloh. 

1833-34— Thomas H. Crawford, AVilliam S. McDowell. 

1834-35— Thomas G. McCulloh, Thomas Carson. 

1835-36 — Thomas Carson, John D. Work. 

1836-37 — John D. Work, John Flanagan. 

1837-38 — James Calhoun, Henry Funk. 

1838-39— William McKinstry, Frederick Smith. 

1840 — William McKinstry, James Nill. 

1841 — Andrew Snively, Joseph Pomeroy. 

1842 — Andrew Snively, Peter Cook. 
'1843 — Jacob Walter, Thomas Carson. 

1844 — Jasper E. Brady, Thomas Carson. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 395 

1845 — Jasper E. Brady, Andrew Snively. 

1846 — John Stewart, John M. Pomeroy. 

1847— Thompson McAllister, John M. Pomeroy. 

1848— William Baker, Samuel Seibert. 

1849 — William Baker, Samuel Seibert. 

1850 — William Baker, John McLean. 

1851 — David Maclay, John McLean. 

185*2 — David Maclay, George A. Madeira. 

1853— John Rowe, Charles T. Campbell. 

1854 — John Rowe, Samuel Gilmore. 

1855 — James B. Orr, James Lowe. 

1856 — James B. Orr, James C. Boyd. 

1857 — George Jacobs, John W T itherow. 

By act of May 20, 1857, Franklin and Fulton were made a district and 
given two members. 

1858-59— A. K. McClure, James Nill. 

1860-61 — James R. Brewster; [James C. Austin,* of Fulton.] 

1862— John Rowe; [William W. Sellers, of Fulton.] 

1863 — Jonathan Jacoby; [William Horton, of Fulton.] 

1864— J. McDowell Sharpe; [William Horton, of Fulton.] 

By act of May 5, 1864, Franklin and Perry were made a district a ad given 
two members. 

1865— A. K. McClure, J. McDowell Sharpe. 

1866— F. S. Stumbaugh; [G. A. Shuman, of Perry.] 

1867— F. S. Stumbaugh; [G. A. Shuman, of Perry.] 

1868— B. F. Winger; [John Shively, of Perry.] 

1869— John H. Walker; [John Shively, of Perry.] 

1870— Geo. W. Skinner; [D. B. Milliken, of Perry.] 

1871— Geo. W. Skinner; [D. B. Milliken, of Perry.] 

By act of May 6, 1871, Franklin was made a district and given one member. 

1872— Thaddeus M. Mahon. 

1873— Thaddeus M. Mahon. 

1874— Geo. W. Welsh. 

By act of May 19, 1874, Franklin was given three members, elected for two 
years. 

1875-76 — Hastings Gehr, M. A. Embich, Simon Lecron. 

1877-80 — Hastings Gehr, Wm. Burgess, H. C. Greenawalt. 

1881-82— Wm. W. Britton, James D. McDowell, J. M. Pomeroy. 

1883-84— John L. Grier, John F. Woods, J. McDowell Sharpe. 

James H. Clayton filled the unexpired term of J. McDowell Sharpe. 

1885-86— James H. Clayton, J. B. White, Henry G. Chritzman. 

1887-88— Henry G. Chritzman, Geo. J. Balsley,' C. T. Keefer. 

EAKLY BENCH AND BAE. 

On the 17th of January, 1859, I. H. McCauley, Esq., delivered before the 
Gibson Literary Society, in the Court Hall, Charnbersburg, a lecture on the 
" Early History of the Charnbersburg Bar," which lecture was published in the 
Franklin Repository of May 13, 1874. He said: 

' ' The law, as a science, has engaged the attention of the noblest men, the 
purest minds, the brightest intellects in every civilized nation of the world 
since the invention of the printing press, by multiplying books, rendering 
knowledge more accessible to the multitude, enlightened their minds, gave 
them a better conception of public and private r ights, and made them ac- 

*Now a resident of Charnbersburg. 



396 HISTOKY OF FBANKLIN COUNTY. 

quainted with the remedies provided for the injuries occasioned by the infrac- 
tion of those rights. Like all other things of human institution, the law has 
undergone many mutations during the past 200 years ; too many, indeed, for 
the preservation of its good name in popular esteem, or for its certain, regular 
and consistent adjudication and administration. Those changes are, no doubt, 
in most instances, designed for its improvement, simplification and reduction 
to a regular and harmonious system; and nowhere were there more radical de- 
partures from the ancient rules of the law, than in our own commonwealth. 
Yet, whilst it is freely admitted that some of them have been improvements 
upon the practices of the 'olden times,' others can not be so considered; nor 
are we yet relieved, as many an unfortunate suitor has been made to feel, of 
the ' glorious uncertainty ' attendant upon going to law. 

" But it is not of the law, as a science, that I propose addressing you to- 
night. My object is to review the law as administered in Pennsylvania in times 
whereof the memory of no living man runneth to the contrary, and to give 
you, so far as I am able, some brief sketches of the earlier judges who held 
courts in our county, and of the members of the bar, who practiced before 
them. Of those old ' sages of the bench, ' little is now known except what 
is found in the brief obituary notices of them scattered through the journals 
of their day ; and of the ' old man eloquent ' who plead in their courts and 
of whose legal attainments, forensic skill and reputed eloquence no historian 
or biographer hath written, very little is known, and that little is confined to 
the personal recollections of a few of our most aged citizens, and if not col- 
lected and preserved ere long, will be forever lost to us and to posterity. 
Hence, as this society is for the most part composed of members of the bar 
and students of the law, I have thought that the subject I have selected would 
be as interesting to you, perhaps, as any other I could have chosen. In my 
investigations I have been much assisted by the recollections and communica- 
tions of Hon. George Chambers, himself a member of our bar over fifty-one 
years, and a personal acquaintance of most of those of whom I shall speak, 
and therefore well qualified to give me correct ideas of men and things of 
' auld lang syne. ' To him, therefore, I now publicly return my acknowledg- 
ments for his courtesy and kindness in furnishing me with much valuable in- 
formation connected with my subject. 

" I have always thought that we, as a people, have been greatly favored by a 
benignant Providence, and that the livqs of men and the conduct of mon 
archs were overruled for our special benefit. How else can we account for 
the fact that William Penn, the heir and hope of one of England's proudest 
nobles, should in his early life abandon the pleasures of youth, the smiles 
of his sovereign, and his chances of preferment at court, and betake him- 
self to the retirement of the country and the preaching and practicing of the 
peaceful and yet unpopular doctrines of George Fox, the Quaker ? How else 
can we account for his faithful and conscientious adherence to his new faith, 
under the frowns of parental wrath, the terrors of kingly anger, and the 
horrors of a lengthened and cruel imprisonment ? How else can we account 
for his subsequent release, his restoration to the confidence and esteem of 
his sovereign, and his success in obtaining the grant of country in the New 
World, more magnificent than the possessions of many of the potentates of 
the Old? How else can we account for his success in inducing emigrants 
to leave the homes of their birth, the scenes of their childhood, the 
pleasures of fellowship with kindred and friends, the comforts of civilized 
life and the security of a powerful government, to take up their abodes in a 
wilderness country, surrounded by the wild beast and the savage, and exposed 
to the ravages of both ? How else can Ave account for his unexampled success 





^^l^^^ S£t 




HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 3 ( .»9 

in obtaining the confidence and good will of the red man, and in securing im- 
munity to his infant settlements, whilst north and south, east and west, the 
tomahawk and scalping knife were red with the blood of the white man ? How 
else can we account for his success in controlling the unbridled passions of the 
Indians around him, and concluding his celebrated treaty, which was ' Never 
sworn to, and never broken, ' and whose memory is yet treasured as a sacred 
instance of honor and fidelity, in the hearts of both the civilized man and the 
savage, wherever its history is known ? 

"But beyond and above all these, how else than upon the belief of a special 
interposition of divine Providence, can we account for the peculiar views of 
government entertained by William Penn, so far in advance of, and so much 
in opposition to, the monarchical doctrines and theories of his day; his liberal 
views in relation to the worship of Almighty God, and to private opinion, and 
the grand and fundamental principles of national and individual freedom, set 
forth in the system of government and laws, drawn up in England and estab- 
lished here for the protection and security of the citizens of the province ? No 
such system of laws was ever before promulgated, and few changes for the 
better have since been made upon it, although there is little of the original 
articles to be found in our State constitution in the same words. Still the 
substance is there; every article, and almost every section of our State and 
National constitutions contain some of the emanations of William Penn's 
brain. I verily believe that to the influence of his ideas of government and 
of human rights may we, as much as to any other source, attribute the build- 
ing up of that sturdy feeling of independence which resulted in resistance to 
the tyranny of the mother country, and eventually secured the acknowledgment 
of our National freedom. 

"We, as Pennsylvanians, may, therefore, justly be proud of the great 
founder of our noble commonwealth, notwithstanding the aspersions thrown 
upon his character by my illustrious namesake, Lord Macaulay, in his ' History 
of England,' and we need be at no loss to understand why this colony pros- 
pered so greatly ; why it exercised so extended an influence in the councils of 
the Confederation, or why it occupies so prominent a position among the States 
of this glorious republic. 

" The inclination of William Penn's mind and the practice of his whole life 
were in accordance with the teachings of his religious opinions. Hence, he 
disliked everything savoring of contention or violence, and he felt desirous of 
having the civil differences of his colonists settled in an amicable way, or at 
least by some tribunal having as little of the machinery and ' terrors of the 
law ' as possible. Accordingly, we find as early as 1683 a tribunal called 
' the Peace-Makers ' recognized as part of the judicial machinery of the col- 
ony of Pennsylvania. We have no record of how many persons this body was 
composed. Their functions appear to have been more diplomatic than judicial, 
and their success in settling disputes dependent upon their address and powers 
of conciliation rather than upon their legal knowledge. They most likely ne- 
gotiated between the parties, and endeavored to settle the matters in dispute 
in an amicable manner, failing which, the litigants were allowed to resort to 
the law, and fight away until one or both parties were tired out with the con- 
test. In the first volume of the ' Provincial Minutes,' page 34, we find it stated 
that when one Richard Wells made complaint against one of his neighbors, it 
was referred to the Peace-Makers, and in case of their failure to settle it, to 
the county court. In another case, page 51, the parties were ' advised to 
make the business up between themselves,' otherwise to have a trial by the 
county court. We find also in the same volume, page 52, in the case of 



400 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Andrew Johnson, plaintiff, vs. Hance Peterson, defendant, considered and ad- 
judged on the thirteenth day of the third month, 1684, by the provincial coun- 
cil, the high court of errors and appeals, Mr. Penn himself presiding as pro- 
prietor and governor, that 'the governor and council advise the parties to 
shake hands and to forgive one another, and ordered them to enter into bonds 
for their appearance, which they accordingly did. It was also ordered that 
the records of the court concerning that business should be burnt. ' 

' ' The ' Friends ' or Quakers of that day do not appear to have been over 
friendly to the members of our much-abused profession, or perhaps they con- 
cluded that if it was necessary to tolerate such a fraternity at all, its votaries 
should be actuated by the most disinterested motives possible, for they enacted 
a law in 1686, declaring that ' for the avoiding of the too frequent clamors and 
manifest inconvenience that usually attend mercenary pleadings in civil causes, 
no persons shall plead in any civil cause of another, in any court whatever 
within this province and territories, before he be solemnly attested, in open 
court, that he neither directly nor indirectly hath in anywise taken, or will 
take or receive, to his use or benefit, any reward whatsoever for his sole plead- 
ing, under the penalty of £5, if the contrary be made to appear.' How long 
this delectable piece of legislative wisdom continued in force I can not say, 
but certainly the veriest tyro in the profession would unhesitatingly say that it 
would have been at any time ' more honored in the breach than in the ob- 
servance,' especially as by it open and notorious perjury was only punished 
by £5. 

' ' Among the greatest innovations made in the last century in the law as 
previously administered in this State, was that occasioned by the passage of the 
' Arbitration Act ' of 1705. Laws of this character, you are no doubt well aware, 
are even yet peculiar to Pennsylvania, and their enactment was but a farther 
carrying out of the old Quaker principle of enabling disputants to settle their 
differences amicably, through a committee of their friends and neighbors act- 
ing somewhat in the capacity of ' peace makers, ' already referred to, without 
the intervention of lawyers and without the costs and expenses usually attend- 
ant upon trials in court. Such laws suited well the condition of a people 
whose legislature, in consequence of the scarcity of gold and silver, had de- 
clared that ' wheat, rye, Indian corn, barley, beef, pork, oats and potatoes ' 
should be accepted and pass as current pay at their market value. 

"By the act of 1705, persons having accounts to produce, one against the 
other, were allowed to ' consent to a rule of court, ' for referring the adjustment 
thereof to certain persons mutually chosen by them in open court, whose award, 
when approved of by the court, should be entered upon the record, and should 
have the effect of a verdict given by twelve men. By these and various other 
enactments, our forefathers endeavored to obviate the necessity of employing 
lawyers to conduct their civil disputes; but they found by costly experience 
that it was always best and safest for each man to attend to his own business 
or calling, and when compelled to engage in some other, of which he was ig- 
norant, to employ a person to appear and act for him who was fully acquainted, 
by study and experience, with all its details. 

" Still it cannot be denied but that the Arbitration Act of 1705, although it 
did not ' starve out ' the legal fraternity, was productive of good. Under its 
operation immense numbers of disputes were peaceably adjusted, the principle 
contained in it was extended to the trial of other actions than those of ' mu- 
tual accounts, ' and it continued in force down until long after our Revolution. 
Indeed so lately as 1790, when such able jurists as Edward Shippen presided 
in the common pleas, and Thomas Mclvean on the supreme bench, it was 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 401 

greatly resorted to, and much in favor both with the legal profession and the 
people. So well established had the ' arbitration system ' become at that time, 
that Mr. Dallas assigns as one of his reasons for publishing his reports, ' the 
use they will be in furnishing some hints for regulating the conduct of referees, 
to whom, according to the present practice, a very great share of the adminis- 
tration of justice is entrusted. ' 

' ' The changes made in the criminal law during the last century were 
equally as radical and striking as those in the civil law. The sanguinary pun- 
ishments inflicted under the English laws were unpleasing to our forefathers, 
and as experience had demonstrated their failure to produce the results de- 
sired, they were greatly mitigated; grades in crimes, and distinctions in pun- 
ishments were instituted, and every means were adopted calculated to secure 
not only the certain and sufficient punishment of the offender, but also, if pos- 
sible, his reformation and restoration to his family and to society at large. It 
is true that here and there a few individuals could be found who were in favor 
of retaining in use the good old institutions and laws of the mother country, 
and enforcing them without respect to persons. Such was the Philadelphia 
grand jury of 1717, who represented in their presentment to the court ' the 
necessity of a ducking school and house of correction for the just punishment 
of scolding, drunken women, and other profligate and unruly persons, who 
have become a public nuisance to the town in general. ' They, therefore, ear- 
nestly request that those public conveniences should be speedily provided. 

' ' During nearly 100 years succeeding the settlement of Pennsylvania, few 
of our judges were acquainted with the principles of the law, or knew any- 
thing about its practice before their appointment. Our county courts were 
presided over by the justices of the peace of the respective counties, all of 
whom were, ex officio, judges of the courts of common pleas and quarter ses- 
sions of the peace, and any three of whom were a quorum to transact business. 
At the same time the ' Provincial Council,' the high court of errors and ap- 
peals, which was presided over by the governor of the province for the time 
being, and whose decisions were final, very frequently had not a lawyer in it. 
" And yet the business of the country in that day was done, and well done, 
too. The judges were generally selected because of their well known integrity 
of character, extended business experience and sound common sense, and by 
close observation and long experience became well acquainted with the duties 
of their positions, and fitted to adjudicate the important interests committed 
to their charge. Gentlemen, eminent for their legal abilities and oratorical 
powers, practiced before them, and by the gravity of their demeanor and re- 
spectful behavior, shed luster upon the proceedings, and gave weight and in- 
influence to the decisions rendered. Great regard was had for the dignity of 
the court, and great reverence felt for forms and ceremonies, and woe to the 
unlucky wight who was caught in a ' contempt,' or convicted of speaking dis- 
respectfully of the magistrate, or of his sovereign lord, the king. The least 
he could expect would be a fine of a score or more of pounds, and twenty four 
or thirty-six hours' repose, at the public expense, in those public conveniences 
— the public stocks — as a public example to all evil minded persons disposed to 
offend in like manner. 

"By the act of 1722, entitled ' An Act for the establishment of Courts of 
Judicature in this Province, ' it was provided that there should be four terms 
of the county courts held in each year, and the judges of the supreme court, 
or a majority of them, were required to make two circuits into each county 
each year, for the purpose of holding courts of nisi prius for the trial of issues 
of fact, and courts of oyer and / miner for the trial of persons charged with 



402 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

the commission of capital crimes. Thus the law remained, with some slight 
changes in the organizations of the courts, until the adoption of the State con- 
stitution in the year 1790; and during that long, eventful and exciting period, 
embracing our bloody French and Indian wars, and our arduous and, at times, 
almost hopeless struggle for national independence, such men as Isaac Norris, 
Thomas Lawrence, Benjamin Franklin, Joshua Maddocks, John Rannells, 
Benjamin Chambers, William McDowell, James Maxwell, Edward Shippen 
and William Tilghman presided in the common pleas with dignity, impartial- 
ity and ability; and James Logan, Jeremiah Langhorne, John Kinsey, Will- 
iam Allen, Thomas Willing, Lawrence Growden, Benjamin Chew, Thomas Mc- 
Kean, and others, sat upon the supreme bench, molding the law into a sci- 
ence, and, out of the chaotic materials about them, creating the simple sys- 
tem of jurisprudence peculiar to our State, which now, as much as anything 
else, may justly be styled 'the perfection of human wisdom.' " 

[In 1749 a petition from the residents of this valley was presented to the- 
assembly by William Magaw and James Silvers, praying the court to erect 
Cumberland County. In the next year the prayer was granted. On the 24th 
of July of said year, the first court convened. The presiding judge was 
Samuel Smith. Among the justices of the court were William Maxwell and Ben- 
jamin Chambers. John Findlay, William Magaw, Adam Hoops and Thomas 
Brown, all Franklin County men, were members of the first grand jury. Four 
terms of the court were held in Shippensburg. The first case is given just as- 
it is on the records: 

At a Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held at Shippensburg for the 
County of Cumberland, the 34th day of July, in the twenty-fourth year of the Reign of 
His Majesty, King George II. Anno Dom., 1750. 

Before Samuel Smith, Esq., and his Brethren Keepers of the Peace of our said 
Lord the King and liis Justices assigned to hear and determine divers Felonies and Tres- 
passes, &c. 

Dominus Rex, ^ gur T ndictmt -f f or Larceny, not guilty, and now ye deft, ret her 

-r, • , P Vr I pi. and submits to ye Ct. 

Bridget Hagen, ) l J 

And thereupon it is considered by the Court and adjudged that ye sd Bridget Hagen 

restore the sum of six pounds, etc., etc, * * and receive fifteen lashes on her bare 

back at ye Public Whipping post, etc. 

The reading of this sentence causes the cold chills to chase each other 
down one's back in these days. But we must remember that it was about this 
time, or not a great while before it, that in England they hanged indiscrimi- 
nately for even petty crimes against property. To steal a few pennies' worth 
was, upon conviction, to be hanged. A writer of that time says that one day 
in the week was given to clearing the prison, and that the victims hung like 
' ' rows of candles. ' ' ] 

"The first court held in our county convened on the 15th of September, 
17S4, in the second story of John Jack's tavern, the stone building on the 
northwest corner of our Diamond, now belonging to Mr. A. J. Miller, and oc- 
cupied as a drug store and dwelling. The judges present were Humphrey 
Fullerton, Thomas Johnston and James Finley, Esqs., who, being justices of 
the peace for the county of Cumberland, and living in the new county of Frank- 
lin, became ex officio judges of the court of common pleas and quarter ses- 
sions of our county. The act for the erection of 'this county, as I have al- 
ready said, was passed at Philadelphia on the 9th of September, 1784; on the 
10th and 1 1th, the commissions of Edward Crawford, Jr. , Esq. . as prothonotary, 
register, recorder, clerk of orphans' court, clerk of sessions and judge of the 
said courts, respectively, were made out and signed by John Dickinson, presi- 
dent of the Supreme Executive Council, and on the 15th of the same month, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 403 

only four or five days thereafter, the ' county courts ' met here in pursuance 
of the law, the judges were upon the bench, the clerk at his desk, but no suits 
were tried or determined, because there were no suitors or jurors present; no 
judgments were entered, because, perhaps the prothonotary had no dockets, 
and could get no paper to make them; and no writs were issued or returned 
for the reason that there was no sheriff to serve them, Jeremiah Talbot, Esq., 
our high sheriff, not having been commissioned until the 20th of October fol- 
lowing. But the fact that the approval of the bill was known here in the wil- 
derness, west a distance of 150 miles from the seat of government, so soon af- 
ter it was signed; the fact that the judges met in pursuance of some appoint- 
ment, and that an attorney was here, from a distance of fifty miles, ready and 
no doubt willing, for a consideration of course, to aid with his advice and serv- 
ices all who might be in trouble — all go very far to rebut the commonly 
received opinion, that the roads in the last century were so extremely bad — the 
postoffice so inefficient — the transmission of information so slow — or our an- 
cestors so ' Rip Van Winkle ' a people generally, as we have been told. The 
only act done at the first term of our court, so far as I can ascertain from the 
records, was the admission of John Clark, Esq. , who, having made it appear 
to the court that he had previously been admitted an attorney in the supreme 
court of the commonwealth, was, on his own request, sworn as an attorney of 
the court. Mr. Clark had served with great distinction as a major in the 
Pennsylvania line in the Revolutionary war, and after peace was declared, re- 
sided at what was then called ' Little York, ' in this State, where he pur- 
sued the practice of law. He was married to a daughter of Mr. Nicholas Bit-' 
tinger of this county, and in right of his wife, held considerable estate in the 
neighborhood of the present Mont Alto furnace. Like most of the lawyers of' 
his day he ' rode the circuit, ' practicing in many counties of the State other 
than that in which he resided. He only practiced here for a few years, but 
whilst he came to our courts he did a very considerable business. He was 
about fifty years of age, of large frame, fine personal appearance, and brave 
to a fault, a man of fine mind, was a good lawyer, wrote a beautiful hand, and 
was very sarcastic in his speech, when he thought it necessary so to be. He 
was also a great wit, fond of fun and frolic, and hence his company was much 
sought after by the members of the bench and his associates of the bar,- when 
on their travels, to relieve the monotony of the way, or when out of court, to 
enliven the tedium of an evening after the fatigue of the day was over. On 
one occasion a wealthy gentleman of York County, noted for his parsimony, 
and his propensity to take advantage of his neighbors and those dealing with 
him whenever he could, employed Mr. Clark to draw up his will. When 
about to close it, the testator, whom we shall call Mr. Dorrenc8< directed Mr. 
Clark to insert a bequest of £50 to himself, remarking at the time, that 
he wanted the will to be valid, and, if so good a lawyer as he had an in- 
terest to that amount in it, there would be no doubt but that he would safely 
carry it through the courts. The will was accordingly so made, duly witnessed 
and handed over to Mr. Dorrehce, who left, forgetting to pay Mr. Clark for 
his services. He, however, consoled himself with the expectation of the 
legacy. In a short time Mr. Dorrence died, and Mr. Clark, having remarked 
in the presence of a neighbor that the estate was good to him for £50. 
it was doubted; when he said he knew it was, and related what had occurred 
at the making of the will. His friend, knowing Mr. Dorrence' s characteristics, 
was still incredulous, and a bet of a bottle of wine was made. In a few days 
the will was left at the register's office for probate, when it was found that Mr. 
Dorrence, his rilling passion strong in death, had copied the will, re-executed 



404: HISTORY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

it. and left Mr. Clark's legacy out. At the second term of onr courts in De- 
cember, 1781, on motion of Mr. Clark, Robert Magaw, Thomas Hartley, Jani9s 
Hamilton, Thomas Duncan, Thomas Smith, Ross Thompson, Ralph Bowles, 
James Ross, James Riddle, Stephen Chambers and John McDowell were ad- 
mitted to our bar. Chambersburg thereafter became a fixed point, to which 
the steps of most of these gentlemen were directed four times each year, for a 
considerable period. 

' ' But to resume my notices of our bar, Robert Magaw, of whom I shall next 
speak, was an Irishman by birth, and resided in Cumberland County, in this 
State, prior to the Revolutionary war. In the year 1774 he was one of the 
delegates from that county to a convention held at Philadelphia, for the pur- 
pose of concerting measures to call a general Congress of delegates from all 
the colonies. He served as a colonel in the Pennsylvania line, in the Rev- 
olution, and afterward resided here for a short time, and practiced the law. 
He subsequently returned to Carlisle and died there. Of his legal attainments 
and personal appearance I have been unable to learn anything. He wrote a 
beautiful hand and did a moderate share of business, but did not long survive 
his admission to our bar. 

' ' Thomas Hartley resided at York and practiced here for many years. He 
was considered an excellent lawyer, was a pleasant speaker, and did consider- 
able business here. He laid out that part of our town* situated north of Fall- 
ing Spring. He was brother-in-law of Edward Crawford, Esq. , and uncle of 
Hon. Thos. Hartley Crawford, of Washington City, who was called after him. 

"James Hamilton was an Irishman by birth, and having been admitted to 
the bar in his native country, immigrated to the United States before the Revo 
lution. He was very well educated, was large sized, very fat, very eccentric, very 
social, and very indifferent as to his personal appearance. He was considered 
an excellent lawyer and an eloquent speaker. When looking about for a loca- 
tion, shortly after his arrival in this country, he visited Pittsburgh, then a 
small frontier settlement, where agricultural products and peltries formed the 
chief circulating medium. That kind of currency Mr. Hamilton did not like, 
and at once left for a more civilized part of the country. He subsequently 
settled at Carlisle, and did a large business there, and a considerable business 
here. He wrote a very small feminine-looking hand, very difficult to read, es- 
pecially when hastily written, and it is related of him that having at one time 
left his notes lying upon the council table, whilst arguing a motion, a wag at the 
bar, named Nesbit, made a series of scrawls and scratches closely resembling 
Mr. Hamilton's writing and placed his production where the notes had been 
left. In a short time it became necessary for Mr. Hamilton to refer to his 
notes to see what the witness had said. When he looked at the paper Nesbit 
had prepared he turned it one way and then another, and finally looking up at 
the judge, declared that something had certainly gotten wrong with his eyes 
as he could not make head or tail out of his notes. In the summer of 1806 
he was appointed by Gov. Snyder president judge of this judicial district, in 
which position he continued until his death in the year 1819. 

' ' Thomas Duncan resided at Carlisle He was a most excellent land and 
criminal lawyer, enthusiastically devoted to his profession, indefatigable and 
zealous, and practiced over a great part of the State, receiving very large fees 
for his services. He had, perhaps, the largest practice of any man in the 
State, out of Philadelphia. He attended our courts until his appointment to 
the supreme bench in the year 1817, in the room of Hon. Jasper Yates, 
deceased, and all that time did a very large share of the business, and was 
very successful. He was about five feet, six inches in height, of small, deli- 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 405 

cate frame, and yet could endure great fatigue. He was rather reserved in 
his manners, had a shrill, squeaking voice, wore powder in his hair, knee 
breeches and buckles, and was very neat and particular in his dress. He died 
in January, 1828, aged near sixty-seven years. 

"Thomas Smith also resided at Carlisle. He had been a deputy surveyor 
under the Government, in early life, and thus became well acquainted with the 
land system of Pennsylvania, then in process of settlement. He was accounted 
a good common-law lawyer, and did a considerable business at our bar. He 
was appointed president judge of this judicial district by Gov. Mifflin on the 
20th of August, 1791, being the first president judge of the district, and con- 
tinued in that position until his appointment as an associate judge of the su- 
preme court, on the 31st of January, 1794. He was a small man, rather re- 
served in his manners, and of not very social feelings. He died in the year 
1809, at a very advanced age. 

"Boss Thompson resided here for a few years, and as the records of our 
courts will show, did a very large business. He removed to Carlisle and died 
there at an early age. Of his appearance, legal abilities, or social qualities, I 
know nothing, as there is no person now living here who knew him. 

"Balph Bowie resided at York. He was a Scotchman by birth, and had, 
most probably, been admitted to the bar before he left his native land. He was, 
a very well read lawyer, and for some years did quite a large business here, 
being retained by one side or the other on most of the ejectment cases then 
tried, which, as they involved the very houses of the settlers, were considered 
by all parties as the most important cases brought into the courts. Mr. Bowie 
was a man of fine personal appearance, courtly and dignified manners, and was 
very neat and particular in his dress. He powdered his hair and wore short 
clothes, in the fashion of the day, and had social qualities of the most attrac- 
tive character. He wrote an excellent business hand, and from all that I can 
learn of him, was a fair representative of that most estimable class of our an- 
cestors known as the ' gentlemen of the old school. ' 

' ' James Boss was a native of the ' Barrens ' in York County. He removed 
to, and settled at, Pittsburgh in early life, and it was perhaps while on his way 
there, that he was admitted to our bar. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and 
no doubt received his education at the classical school of Dr. Finley, situated 
in the neighborhood of his birthplace. He taught school while reading law, 
and after his location at Pittsburgh, his great powers of mind, industry and 
perseverance soon placed him at the head of his profession there. He was an 
ardent Federalist in politics; was a member of the convention that framed the 
State constitution of 1790; was elected to the United States Senate in April, 
1794, in place of Albert Gallatin, who was declared ineligible; was re-elected 
in March, 1797, and served with great distinction until March 3, 1803; was 
the candidate of the Federal party for governor against Thomas McKean in 
1799 and in 1802, and also in 1808 against Simon Snyder. When the Demo- 
cratic party, under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson, succeeded to power in 
the year 1801, a number of the leading Democrats of Philadelphia, then the 
seat of the United States Government, called upon the President elect and 
congratulated him upon his success. In the conversation it was remarked that 
Mr. Boss would be succeeded by a pure Democrat in the Senate, when the sage 
of Monticello, who had served with Mr. Boss, and knew him well, said 'that 
he rejoiced, as a politician, at the success of the Democratic party, but that he 
would much regret the loss, to the Nation, of the wise counsel of a statesman so 
eminent for purity and abilities as James Boss. ' Mr. Boss was a large man, 
stout-made, very humorous and very sociable. He died only a few years 
since, in Allegheny City, at a very advanced age. 



406 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

' ' James Riddle was born in Adams* Connty , graduated with great distinc- 
tion at Princeton College, and subsequently read law at York. He was about 
thirty years of age when admitted to our bar. He did by much the largest j 
business here until his appointment as presiding judge of this judicial district 
by Gov. Mifflin in February, 1794. His legal abilities were very respectable, 
though he was not considered a great lawyer. He was well read in science, 
literature and the laws, was a good advocate and very successful with the jury. 
He was a tall, broad-shouldered, lusty man, possessed a noble face and polite 
and pleasing manner. In the latter part of the year 1804 he resigned his 
position as judge because of the strong partisan feeling existing against him, 
he being a great Federalist, and returned to the practice of the law. He was 
again successful and amassed a large fortune, which was afterward mostly 
sunk in the payments of endorsements made for friends and relations. He 
died here about the year 1837 respected by all who knew him. 

"John McDowell, LL. D., was a native of this county and an uncle of W. 
H. McDowell, Esq. , of our place. He was a ripe scholar, and for many years 
was provost of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and afterward 
president of St. John's College, at Annapolis, Md. He never practiced 
law, so far as I can learn, and died among his relatives in the neighborhood of 
his birthplace, near Mercersburg, in the year 1820, in the seventieth year of 
his age. 

' ' Such was the bar of our county at the December term, 1784. There never 
was, perhaps, since that time, an equal amount of talent in our bar or attendant 
upon our courts, although it is gratifying to know that the reputation of this 
bar for years was amongst the very highest in the State. t The judges of the 
courts, as already stated, were the justices of the peace of the county — men 
unlearned in the law, and unskilled in the modes of legal procedure, and yet 
these great men, so eminent for military and civil service and legal abilities 
and experience, thought it not beneath them to appear and plead before those 
so greatly their inferiors in all else but gentlemanly deportment. 

"The first case called for trial at the December term, 1784, was that of 
Com. vs. George Wallace, for an assault and battery. The records say 
that ' the defendant, being charged, humbly alleges that he is not willing to 
contend with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania concerning the charge, but 
submits to the court, with a protestation of his innocence, and prays to be 
admitted to pay a small fine. ' His ' humble petition ' was granted, and he 
was fined 5 shillings and the cost. 

"Andrew Dunlop was born near Shippensburg, read law with Hon. Jasper 
Yeates, at Lancaster, and was admitted here to practice at the September term, 
1785. He was not a very well educated man, but possessed a fine mind and 
great reasoning powers, though he was not an eloquent speaker. He was, 
however, a good lawyer, especially for the defense — adroit and skillful in the 
management of a cause, quick to seize upon the defects in his opponent's 
case, and ready in turning them to his own advantage. He was a man of 
large frame and fine personal appearance, very witty and very social. He did 
a large business and amassed an independent fortune, which was afterward 
sunk in the iron business with his father-in-law, Gen. James Chambers, at the 
Loudon Iron Works. Mr. Dunlop built the house now owned by B. F. Nead, 
Esq., and had his office for several years in the house immediately west of it. 
He then built the house now owned and occupied by Mr. D. O. Gehr, and had 
his office in the room in which J. W. Douglass, Esq. , has his law office. 

* ' ' William Bradford, LL. D. , appears to have been admitted to the bar at 
this time, although I have not been able to find any memorandum of the date 




•.p'^?" 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 409 

of his admission. The records of the county quarter sessions, at the December 
term, 1784, in a case of assault and battery against one Thos. McClearen. show 
the following entry supposed to be in the handwriting of Mr. Bradford: 
'September Sessions, 1785. Republica non vult ulterius prosequi. AVm. 
Bradford, Att'y General.' Mr. Bradford was one of the most remarkable 
men of the last century, and one of the brightest intellects this country ever 
produced. He was born in Philadelphia, September 14, 1755, graduated at 
Princeton College in 1772, read law under Hon. Edward Shippen, and was 
admitted to practice in the supreme court in March, 1779. When independ- 
ence was declared in 1776, he abandoned his legal studies, entered the army 
as a volunteer; was created a colonel by a vote of Congress, in April, 1777, and 
served with distinction until April 1, 1779, when he resigned on account of 
ill health. In August, 1780, when only twenty-five years of age and but 
little more than one year at the bar, he was appointed attorney-general of the 
State, by Hon. Joseph Reed, president of the Supreme Executive Council. 
This position he held with great honor to himself, until August 22, 1791, 
when Gov. Mifflin appointed him an associate judge of the supreme court, and. 
as a crowning glory to his rapidly rising fame, President Washington, in Jan- 
uary, 1794, commissioned him Attorney -General of the United States, in place 
of Edmund Randolph, who became Secretary of State. He died August 
23, 1795, not having completed his fortieth year, yet within his brief life he 
exhibited more talents, achieved more honors, and secured more permanent 
benefits to suffering humanity, than any other man of his day. His mind was 
pure and noble, his eloquence of the highest order, and his language uniformly 
chaste and classical. His heart was the seat of every tender emotion, alive to 
all the suffering of his kind; and it was while on the supreme bench, baskino- 
in the smiles of public favor, that his philanthropic feelings directed the powers 
of his mighty intellect toward the modification of our criminal code, then vet 
tinged with the sanguinary hues of the English common law; and to the 
force of his reasoning, and the clearness of the statements contained in his 
celebrated report to the Legislature, are we indebted for the passage of the act 
of April 22, 1794, establishing two grades of murder, and declaring that there- 
after the punishment of death should be inflicted only in case of conviction of 
murder in the first degree. 

"At the December term, 1785, the good people of Chambersburg witnessed 
the infliction of a couple of those punishments, then so frequent, so degrading 
to the individual punished, so brutal in the mode of their administration, so 
repulsive in their character to the finer feelings of our nature, and for the aboli- 
tion of which Mr. Bradford so successfully labored at a later day. According 
to the records of our court of quarter sessions, a certain John Thompson was 
at that term convicted of larceny upon nine several indictments, and was sen- 
tenced to receive, each day, for nine successive days thereafter (Sunday ex- 
cepted), between 9 and 11 o'clock, A. M., twenty lashes on his bare back well 
laid on, pay the costs of prosecution and stand committed. 

' ' In another case at the same term, Alex. Burns and Wm. Johnson were 
jointly convicted of a similar. offense, larceny, and were each sentenced by the 
court to pay a fine of £40, to stand one hour in the pillory, to receive thirty- 
nine lashes on their bare backs, well laid on; to have their ears cut off and 
nailed to the pillory ; to be committed to the jail six months, and to pav the 
costs of prosecution. The pillory and whipping-post were then on the lot 
where the Franklin Hall now is, and the old court-house not having yet been 
erected, the infliction of the punishment was in the most public place in the 
town; and the impression created by such exhibitions could neither have been 

22 



410 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

to the advancement of the public rnorais nor the reformation of the outraged 
offender against the laws. Who inflicted the sentence of the law, or how 
much of the ears were cut off, I can not tell; but certainly the cropped-eared 
sufferer might well exclaim: 

He that steals my good name steals trash, 
But he that cuts my ears off 
Takes that which will not enrich him, 
But makes me poor indeed. 

"At the March term, 1786, the proceedings were somewhat varied, and the 
scene transferred from the bar to the bench. Noah Abraham, Esq. , one of 
the judges of the court, appears to have taken a ' wee drop ' too much, where- 
upon the grand jury made the following presentment to the court: 

On complaint to the grand jury on Noah Abraham, Esq., they think that- he is Dis- 
guised ws. Spirits and hereby present him to this court. 

James Ramsey, Foreman. 
Franklin County, March 15, 1786. 

"This presentment, I presume, was not thought grave and formal enough 
for the magnitude of the offense, and accordingly another was drawn up by 
Thos. Hartley, Esq., the deputy attorney-general for the county, in the fol- 
lowing form: 

The grand jury for the county of Franklin do present Noah Abraham, Esq., for 
drunkenness upon the Bench and appearing unworthily and disgracefully before the Pub- 
lic, to the evil example of the People and against the laws of the Commonwealth. 

James Ramsey, Foreman. 

1 ' The record says that the court, in the presence of the said Noah Abraham, 
upon full evidence and due consideration, did adjudge him guilty of the 
charge, and fined him 5s., and ordered that his case be submitted to the 
General Assembly and Supreme Executive Council. It is most likely that Noah 
Abraham was promptly removed from office, as we do not hear of him again; 
and what a blessed thing it would be if all public officers, who in like manner 
offend, would be similarly dealt with! What a host of ex-governors, ex-con- I 
gressmen, ex-senators, ex-legislators, ex-judges and ex-office holders generally 
we should soon have! 

" At September term, 1786, Col. Jas. Smith, of York, was admitted to our I 
bar. He was an Irishman by birth, came to this country when very young, , 
and settled in the ' Barrens ' of York County. He received his education I 
under Dr. Allison, of Philadelphia, but where he read law, I know not. He 
was, however, a practicing lawyer for over sixty years, and had a very exten- 
sive and lucrative business in the eastern counties of this State. In the year 
1776, when some of the delegates from Pennsylvania, in the first Continental 
Congress, hesitated and shrunk from the responsibility and danger of declar- 
ing independence, the Pennsylvania convention at once recalled its timid 
representatives, and elected others of sterner stuff, to carry out the well-known ! 
wishes of the convention and people of our State. Col. Smith was one of the 
new delegates thus elected to the Congress of 1776. The Declaration was 
agreed to before Col. Smith took his seat in Congress, the vote of Pennsylvania I 
having been cast in favor by the staying away of the fearful members from 
our State. The engrossed copy of that immortal charter of human rights 
was signed August 2, 1776, and, the new delegates then having taken their 
seats, the name of James Smith appears appended to it. Col. Smith com- 
manded a regiment in the Pennsylvania line during the Revolutionary war. 
At times he would be at the head of his soldiers in the field, fighting the bat- 
tles of his adopted country, and again be discharging his duties as a member 






HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 411" 

of that immortal body, the Congress of 1770. He was an active and efficient 
member of many committees, and brought to the discharge of his duties an 
ardent love for liberty and independence, and wisdom, intelligence and judg- 
ment, surpassed by few of his coadjutors. The position he held in the con* 
fidence of his fellow members, may be judged of by the fact that he was one ot" 
the committee of five to whom Congress, in November, 1779, gave full powers 
feo carry on the whole business of the war, and to devise and execute measures 
for effectually reinforcing Gen. Washington, and obstructing the army of 
Gen. Howe. A greater trust was never committed to human hands and human 
judgment, and faithfully and well was it executed. 

" Jasper Yeates was admitted to our bar at March term, 1790, but so far as 
I can ascertain, never practiced much here. He resided in Lancaster City, 
and had, for years previous to his admission here, been practicing with great 
eminence and success in the eastern counties of the State. He was considered 
an excellent lawyer, and had a high reputation for knowledge in legal lore and 
classic literature. He was tall and portly, had a handsome florid complexion, 
benignant contenance and large blue eyes. He possessed great wealth, and! 
though somewhat penurious, was a great lover of society, and entered deeply 
into the enjoyments and pleasures of convivial and fashionable life. On the 
2 1st of March, 1791, he was appointed, by Gov. Mifflin, one of the associate 
justices of the supreme court of this State, which important position he 
filled with great honor until his death, in the beginning of the year 1817. 
During this period, he frequently sat in the circuit and supreme courts held in. 
and for this county. 

" Samuel Kiddle was born in Adams County, studied law with his brother. 
James Riddle, in this place, and was admitted to the bar at December term, 
1790. After his admission he removed to Huntingdon, and subsequently to 
Bedford, where he remained until his brother James was appointed presi- 
dent judge of this judicial district in the spring of 1794. He then returned; 
here and took the judge's office, the building now occupied by Lewis Eyster 
as a tinner shop, and succeeded to much of the judge's large practice. He was 
very industrious and painstaking, and being introduced to the people by his 
brother, obtained quite a large business, and made much money. He was a 
man of a very speculative turn of mind, and wasted his large fortune by inju- 
dicious investments and improvements. While at Bedford! he built a large 
brick house, much too large, indeed, for the wants of his own or any other 
ordinary-sized family. He also, at a subsequent period, planted a peach 
orchard on the top of Parnell's Knob, and built a still-house, "for the manufac- 
ture of peach brandy, at the same elevated locality. But he did not stop there, 
for he also erected a chopping-mill and saw-mill at the same place, and 
thus gave it the cognomen by which it has since been so generally known. 
Mr. Riddle was an ardent Federalist, and upon the establishment of a 
Democratic paper here in 1790, he took umbrage at something contained in 
one of its numbers, and having attempted to cowhide the editors, Messrs. 
McCorkle and Snowden, in their own sanctum, got the worst of the battle. 
That, I doubt not, was one of the Democratic victories achieved in the county 
of Franklin. In person Mr. Riddle was tall and spare, and had a very promi- 
nent, arched nose. He was very sociable and pleasant in his manners, and 
was a general favorite among those who knew him. He died, in 1820, in the 
house now owned and occupied by D. O. Gehr, Esq. 

" David Watts was admitted to our bar at the December term, 1790. He 
resided at Carlisle, and was the father of the Hon. Frederick Watts, of .that 
place. He was an excellent lawyer, and did a considerable business here foi. 



412 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

inany years. He was a short, thick-fcet man, of great muscular powers, and 
free and. sociable manners. At one time lie was engaged for the prosecution, 
against a man named John Gelvin, charged with the commission of an atro- 
cious offense against law and morals. He was very severe upon the defendant, 
who, while making great professions of religion and long and loud prayers in 
public, had been a hypocrite at heart, and guilty of the most sinful acts. 
This hypocrisy Mr. Watts boldly exposed and denounced, and Gelvin, who 
had left the court-house unable to stand the withering invective of the fearless 
advocate, told his neighbors and friends that he would thrash Mr. Watls as 
soon as he came out of court. Such a threat, of course, soon became widely 
known, and a large crowd gathered round to see the fun. At length Mr. 
Watts finished his speech, left the court hall, and crossed the Diamond to 
the old ' Green Tree Hotel, ' which stood where the ' Franklin Hotel' now 
stands, followed by Gelvin, who, however, said nothing to him. The hotel 
had a long porch in front, and the windows of the sitting room into which 
Mr. Watts had retired, opened upon it. It was summer, the windows were 
up, and Gelvin walked to one of them and called Mr. Watts to him. ' What 
do you want? ' said Mr. Watts, who saw that something was in the wind. ' I 
want satisfaction for what you said in the court-house against my character,' 
said Gelvin. ' You shall have it, sir, ' said Watts, and immediately knocked 
him head over heels off the porch. Gelvin gathered himself up fully satisfied, 
and left, amidst the jeers and shouts of the large crowd of observers, whom 
his own vain boastings had drawn together. 

" James Orbison was admitted to our bar at the March term, 1791. He was 
a large-sized man, inclined to be fat — very much of a gentleman, but not inuch 
•of a lawyer, although he did considerable business. He died here about the 
year 1812, and was buried in the Presbyterian graveyard. Like several others 
of the legal profession, who died here and are buried in the same yard, there 
is no stone to mark where his mortal remains were placed. 

" William M. Brown was born at Brown's Mill, in Antrim Township. He 
was a graduate of Princeton College, read law with Attorney- General Brad- 
ford, at Philadelphia, then settled here; was admitted to the bar at the Sep- 
tember term, 1791: shortly after, married Miss Hetty Chambers, a daughter of 
Col. Benj. Chambers, and speedily obtained a very large practice. He built 
the house now occupied by Col. A. K. McClure, and had his office in the small 
building adjoining on the east. He was a good lawyer, an eloquent and pleas- 
ant speaker, and a very successful advocate, amassing a large fortune by his 
profession. He was a man of about five feet, ten inches high, rather spare in 
flesh, of very highly cultivated mind, polished manners and social qualities. 
He was also very neat and tasty in his dress, and paid great attention to his 
personal appearance. He inherited froru his father the property in Mont- 
gomery Township, now known as ' the old Slitting Mill, ' and in order to get 
a good water-power, bought the farm above, containing 160 acres, from a Mr. 
Shaffer, at $200 per acre, amounting to $32,000. He spent a large sum of money 
putting up buildings and machinery for the rolling of sheets of iron and mak- 
ing nails, and, when the financial crisis, which succeeded the war of 1812, 
came upon the country, land fell enormously, and the property just spoken of 
was subsequently sold under the pressure of the times for $8,000. This and 
other losses broke Mr. Brown up, and he then removed to the State of Ten- 
nessee, and then to Mississippi, and there died in the year 1843, aged about 
eighty years. 

".Jaines Duncan was admitted to our bar at the April term, 1792. He re- 
sided at Carlisle, and was the brother of the Hon. Thos. Duncan, already 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 41S 

spoken of. Mr. Duncan was considered a good lawyer, although he was a very 
indifferent speaker. He was a good collector, and did a considerable amount 
of business in that line and the Orphans' Court. He was auditor-general of 

the State under Gov. Heister, with whom he was very intimate, and who re- 
posed great confidence in his integrity and abilities. He was a small-sized 
man, much like his brother, the judge, and so far as I can learn, did a con- 
siderable business here for some years. 

" James Brotherton was born on his ancestral estate, at the Holly well Paper- 
mill. He was a good lawyer, though not much of a speaker, and did a large 
business. He was a small man, of spare body and delicate constitution, and 
died of consumption about the year 1800, in the old brick house which stood 
where the Franklin Hall now stands. He was unmarried, and had his office in 
the corner room of the same building. He and the late Thos. G. McCulloh,. 
Esq., then just admitted to the bar, were very intimate, and McCulloh attend- 
ed to his business during the latter part of his life, and succeeded to it upon 
his death. 

" Samuel Hughes, Esq., the father of Map Holker Hughes, lived at Hagers- 
town, and pursued the practice of law. Through his wife, who was Miss 
Holker, he inherited the iron works and large landed estates connected thereto,. 
where the family have so long resided, situated in Quincy Township, in this- 
county. Mr. Hughes had a very extended reputation as a speaker, but his 
legal abilities were not of the highest order. He was admitted here at the 
December term, 1795, most probably to attend to some personal interest, as I 
can not learn that he ever practiced much at our bar. He was a man of' 
fine personal appearance and very social habits. 

" Saml. W. Culbertson, a cousin of our esteemed and venerable townsman... 
Dr. S. D. Culbertson, read law here under James Osborne, Esq. ; was admit 
ted to the bar at the April term, 1801. He was a good lawyer, very tall, thii 
in person, and did a considerable business. He moved to the West not long 
after his admission. 

"William Osborne was admitted here at August term, 1801; removed to» 
Huntingdon, Penn. , and died there last year. He was an industrious, atten- 
tive and reliable lawyer, though not very brilliant. He did a large collecting- 
business, and died well off. His person was small, and his habits pleasant 
and agreeable. 

" William Maxwell resided in Gettysburg, but was admitted here at August 
term. 1801. The political feeling and animosities of this country never, ] 
think, ran so high as in those days of Federalism and Democracy. This; 
county was intensely Federal, all the members of the bar being connected with 
that party. It was impossible, therefore, for the Hon. Jos. B. McKean, the 
attorney- general, to appoint a deputy out of our bar, and he accordingly 
selected Mr. Maxwell, of Adams County, for that post. He was a man of 
m> .derate abilities, a great Democrat in feeling, and attending faithfully to the- 
growing interests of the rising party. 

" James Dobbin was admitted to our bar at April term, 1802. I knew him 
personally in the latter years of his life, and often thought that he much 
resembled 'Dominie Sampson' of Scott's 'Guy Mannering.' For the fol- 
lowing description of his life and singular peculiarities, I am indebted to Robt-.. 
G. Harper, Esq.. of Gettysburg. Mr. Harper says: ' I knew Mr. Dobbins 
from my childhood, and from that time until his death I was almost the- 
dailv observer of his eccentricities. He had a singularly constituted mind. 
He was one of the best classical scholars of the day. His father, the Rev. Dr. 
Dobbin, was the first teacher of the ''languages'' in this region, and was him 



414 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

self a very fine scholar. His son, Jas. Dobbin, of whom we now speak, 
assisted his father in the school, and by this means became a splendid linguist, 
and so thorough was his familiarity with the classical writers, and so retentive 
was his memory, that to the last of his long life he would quote passage after 
passage, ad libitum, from Homer, Virgil, Horace and others, and was the 
■"book of reference" for us all in disputes upon such subjects. [I will here 
mention, by the way, that this school of Dr. Dobbin furnished most of the 
educated men of this region. Judge Reed, formerly president judge of this 
judicial district, was one; Rev. Dr. Knox, of New York, and many others I 
can not at this moment recall. ] 

" ' James Dobbin was very learned in the law. He was always a student, and 
so powerful was his memory, that he rarely, if ever, forgot anything. Princi- 
ples, decisions, etc., were safely lodged in his great treasure- house, and he 
could draw upon it at any time. For many years his brethren at the bar here 
would go to him when any abstruse point would present itself, and he would 
' ' help them out, ' ' by giving ' ' day and date, " " book and page. ' ' He was in- 
deed extraordinary in this particular, and not only in the law, but in the history 
of the world and of the church, the geography of the earth and the manners 
and customs of nations he was completely "booked up" — in short he was 
what you might term a walking encyclopedia. I will mention, by way of 
illustration, one instance: During the struggle of the Greeks, many years 
ago, for liberty, he was most deeply concerned, and he was every evening in 
the office to hear of news from that quarter. It appeared to enlist his every 
feeling. When a battle was had and town or place noted, he would at once speak 
of the effect upon the cause. Hp was so familiar with Greece, from his classical 
knowledge of its localities, that he could at once judge of the progress of af- 
fairs; and one day, to show me the state of affairs there, he sat down and 
made a correct map of that country, just from his old acquired knowledge, show- 
ing the cities, the towns and the scenes of hostilities. I mention this to 
show his power of memory, and the amount of knowledge he possessed. And 
with the history of the church, I presume no divine was more familiar. He could 
give you dates, persons and incidents of its eventful history. In short he was 
an extraordinary man in these particulars. Yet with all this knowledge he 
was not a practical man, and could not apply it profitably to himself. He was 
-very credulous and would give credence most generally to the most farcical 
and ridiculous inventions of those around him, who, knowing his weak point 
of character, would amuse themselves in playing upon his credulity. It ap- 
peared to give him pleasure, and was, generally speaking, a gratifying matter 
to him to join "in the laugh. He was for many years the highest source of 
amusement, for, pleasing himself, he was ever inducing others to be amused, 
and those who were the most frequently engaged in this matter were the per- 
sons to whom his steps were the most frequently directed. 

" ' To a stranger looking upon him in the street, he would appear to be a 
•deranged man, for he was almost continually walking there, and making his 
speeches, in fancy, to the court and jury. He would throw his arms into 
every position, as though he was arguing a caxise, and sometimes in the most 
energetic and impassioned manner, completely absorbed by his subject, and 

onscious of anything passing around him. Ho would go in and out of his 
office probably a hundred times a day; he never could be at rest, but was 
always studying or arguing some cause, and with his key in his hand, would 
strike it down upon some post or anything that presented itself, by way of 
""clinching the argument," as he one day said. Hundreds of incidents might 
he given of his eccentricities — indeed, their name is legion. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 415 

" ' From his want of power to apply practically his great knowlodge, he be- 
came reduced pecuniarily, and he boarded at the alms house during the latter 
years of his life, receiving that, as he said and thought, as a compensation for 
the legal advice he gave the directors. This soothed his feelings under the 
change in his affairs, as he at one time had some property. He came in daily 
to town, waiting for practice, until his physical powers gave way entirely and 
he was removed from earth. His brethren of the bar attended to his remains, 
and he was interred in a highly reputable manner, becoming his standing 
as a lawyer and a scholar. I do not know his exact age but think he was 
somewhat over seventy years old. He was a man about five feet, ten inches 
n height, of spare visage and delicate frame. He was very fond of military 
fame, and for many years acted as an ensign in the militia, and was very fond 
of his office. By way of amusement, the "b'hoys" elected him general some 
years ago, and he exhibited himself several times in full uniform borrowed for 
the occasion, and was the proudest man in the land. He was a volunteer at 
Baltimore in 1814, and exhibited great energy and determination. I would 
give you a great many incidents which might be amusing, but I suppose what 
I have said will suffice. ' 

" The review I have given you embraces the most prominent members of our 
bar. from the organization of this county up to April, 1802, a period of nearly 
eighteen years. During that time twenty-six other gentlemen were admitted, 
of whom I have said nothing as they either practiced very little or removed 
to the great West. Since then 193 others have been licensed to practice law 
by our courts, many of whom are still pursuing their profession at various 
points in this mighty republic. Among the talented and illustrious dead who 
formerly practiced in our courts I might name Hon. Thos. G. McCulloh, 
Hon. James Dunlop, Hon. Alex. Mahon, Hon. Alex. Thompson, Joseph Cham- 
bers, David Snively, Matthew St. Clair Clarke, John F. Denny, Saml. Alex- 
ander, Archibald I. Finley, John S. Riddle, Read Washington, Robert M. 
Bard and others. And among the living who have been connected with us and 
have shed honor upon our profession and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of 
their countrymen, we can, with pride, point to Hon. George Chambers, Hon. 
Thomas H. Crawford, Hon. James M. Russell, His Excellency James Buchan- 
an, President of the United States, Hon. Robert McClennan, Hon. Joseph E. 
Brady, Hon. James Cooper, Hon. Frederick Watts, Hon. J. X. McLanahan, 
Frederick Smith, Esq. , and numerous others, but they are all so well known to 
most of you it would be a waste of time to speak of them. " 

We present now the roster of judges and attorneys in Franklin County 
from the date of its organization. 

LIST OF PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

Fourth District. — This district was composed of Franklin, Bedford, Hunt- 
ingdon and Mifflin Counties. President judge, Thomas Smith, from Aug- 
ust 20, 1791, to January 31, 1794. Associates: James McDowell, first; 
James Maxwell, second; George Matthews, third: James McCammont, fourth. 

Fourth District, 1794. — Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Huntingdon and 
Mifflin Counties. President judge, James Riddle, of Chambersbnrg, from 
February 4, 1794, to latter part of 1804. Associates: James McDowell, 
George Matthews, James McCammont; James Chambers, from November 12, 
1795, until his death, April 25, 1805. 

Ninth District, 1806. — Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Presi- 
dent judge, James Hamilton, of Carlisle, from March 1, 1800. to March 13, 
1819. Associates: James McCammont, till his death, in 1809; James Max- 



416 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

well; James McDowell ; William McClay, September 2, 1809; Archibald Bard, 
April 2, 1811; Isaac Eaton, January 9, 1815. 

Ninth District, 1819. — Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Presi- 
dent judge, Charles Smith, of Carlisle, from March 27, 1819. to April 27, 
1820. Associates: Archibald Bard, Isaac Eaton. 

Ninth District, 1820. — Cumberland. Franklin, Adams and Perry Counties. 
President judge, John Reed, of Carlisle, from July 10, 1820, till March 29, 1824. 
Associates: Archibald Bard; Isaac Eaton; Jacob Oyster, August 23, 1823. 

Sixteenth District, 1824.— Franklin, Bedford and Somerset Counties. Formed 
March 29, 1824. President judge, John Tod, of Bedford, appointed June 
8, 1824; served till May 25, 1827, when he was appointed a justice of the 
supreme court. Associates, Archibald Bard; Jacob Oyster. 

Sixteenth District, 1827. — Franklin, Bedford and Somerset Counties. Presi- 
dent judge, Alexander Thompson, of Bedford, from June 25, 1827, till 1842. 
Associates, Archibald Bard; Jacob Oyster; Matthew Patt on, from October 9, 
1830; AVm. McKesson, from November 7, 1832; Robert Smith, from December 
12, 1836. 

By the constitution of 1838, the terms of the judges then in commission 
were shortened and terminated; and thereafter the president judges were nom- 
inated by the governor, with the consent of the Senate, to hold ten years, 
and associate judges, five years. 

Sixteenth District, 1842. — Franklin, Bedford and Somerset Counties. Presi- 
dent judge, JeremiahS. Black, of Somerset, from June 30, 1841, to first Mon- 
day in December, 1851. Associates: Robert Smith; James J. Kennedy, March 
5, '1842; Samuel Dun, March 5, 1843; Henry Ruby, March 5, 1847; John 
Orr, March 9, 1848. 

By the amendment to the constitution of 1850, the judges were all made 
elective. 

Sixteenth District, 1852. — Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Somerset Coun- 
ties. President judge, Francis M. Kimmell, of Somerset, from first Monday 
in December, 1851. Associates, James L. Black; Thomas Pomeroy; John Hu- 
ber; James O. Carson; John Orr. 

Sixteenth District, 1862. — Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Somerset Coun- 
ties. President judge. James Nill, of Chambersburg, from first Monday in De- 
cember, 1861, till his death, May 27, 1864. Associates, John Orr, James O. 
Carson, first Monday in December, 1861; W. W. Paxton, first Monday in De- 
cember, 1862. 

Sixteenth District, 1864. — Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Somerset Coun- 
ties. President judge. Alexander King,*of Bedford, from June 4, 1864, till his. 
death, January 10, 1871. Associates: James O. Carson; W. W. Paxton; James 
Ferguson, from first Monday in December, 1866; John Armstrong, from first 
Monday in December, 1867. Additional law judge, D. Watson Rowe,"j* 
from March 18, 1868. 

Sixteenth District. 1871. — Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Somerset Counties. 
President judge, William M. Hall, J of Bedford, from February 1, 1871, to 
April 17, 1874. Additional law judge. D. Watson Rowe. Associates, 

♦Judge King was appointed June 4, 1864, to fill the vacancy caused by the death ot Judge Nill. He was elect- 
ed president judge in October, 1864, and commissioned December 3, 1864, for ten years. 

fJudge Rowe was appointed additional law judge, March 18, 1868. He was elected to the same position 
in October, 1868, for ten years from first Monday in December, 1868. Under the constitution of 1873 Franklin 
County became a separate judicial district, to which Fulton County has been attached, and on the 17th of April, 
1S74, Hon. D. Watson Rowe was commissioned president judge of the Thirty-ninth District, to hold for the re- 
mainder of the term for which he had been electeJ additional law judge, viz.: till the first Monday of December, 
1878. a J , 

I Appointed 1st of February, 1871, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge King; nominated and elect- 
ed October, 1871, for full term often years. The district having been divided, Bedford and Somerset Counties- 
were continued as the Sixteenth District, aud Judge Hall continues to preside there. 




y<f/S, JY&7T6 



HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 419 1 

James Ferguson; John Armstrong; James D. McDowell, from first Monday in 
December, 1871 ; David Oaks, from first Monday in December, 1872. 

Thirty-ninth District, 1874. — Franklin and Fulton Counties. President 
judge, D. Watson Rowe from April 17, 1874. Associates, James D. Mc- 
Dowell, David Oaks, till his death, December 2, 1874. 

The county, having the requisite 40.000 inhabitants, has had no associate 
judges since the expiration of the commission of James D. McDowell, first 
Monday in December, 1876. 

In 1878 Judge Rowe was re-elected president judge of the Thirty-ninth 
District for another term of ten years, but, in 1883, Fulton County was de- 
tached from this district, leaving Judge Rowe with Franklin only. 

LIST OF ATTORNEYS. 

The following is a list of attorneys, with the date of the term of their admis- 
sion to the bar: John Clark, September, 1784; Robert Magaw, December, 
1781; Thomas Hartley, December, 1784; James Hamilton, December, 1784; 
Thomas Duncan, December, 1784; Thomas Smith, December, 1784; Ross 
Thompson, December, 1784; Ralph Bowie, December, 1784; James Ross, De- 
cember, 1781; James Riddle, December, 1784; Stephen Chambers, December, 
1784; JohnM. McDowell, December, 1784; Andrew Dunlop, September, 1785: 
William Bradford, Jr., September, 1785; James Carson, September, 1786; 
James Smith, September, 1786; Jasper Yeates, March, 1790; Samuel Riddle. 
December, 1790; David Watts, December, 1790; James Orbison, March, 1791; 
McSteel Sample, March, 1791; Thomas Hartley,* March, 1791; Thomas 
Duncan,* March, 1791; James Riddle,* March, 1791; Andrew Dunlop, March. 
1791; William M. Brown, September, 1791; John Smith, September, 1791; 
Samuel Riddle,* September, 1791; George Smith, September, 1791; John 
Clark,* September, 1791; Richard Smith, April, 1792; James Duncan, April. 
1792; John Cadwallader, April, 1792; George Armstrong, April, 1793; Will- 
iam Claggett, April, 1793; Jonathan Henderson, April, 1793; William Bar- 
ber, April, 1794; James Crawford, April, 1794; Parker Campbell, April, 1794; 
William Clark, April, 1794; Paul Morrow April, 1794; James Brotherton, 
May, 1795; Samuel Hughes, December, 1795; Thomas Bailey, December, 
1795; Joseph Shannon, December, 1795; George Jennings, December, 1796; 
William Reynolds, December, 1796; John F. Jack, December, 1796; Joseph 
Parks, December, 1798; Robert Haselhirst, December, 1798; James Kellv, 
December, 1799; S. W. Culbertson, April, 1801; Robert Hays, April, 1801; 
William Orbison, August, 1801; William Maxwell, August, 1801; Jonathan 
Haight; August, 1801; James Daubins, April, 1802; Wm. L. Kellev (from 
N. J.) April, 1802; William Ross, April, 1803; Alex. Lyon, April, 1803: 
OthoShroder, April, 1803; John I. Stull (from Maryland), April, 1803; Josiah 
Espy, April, 1803; James Carson, April, 1806; Thomas G. McCulloh, April 
8, 1806; Andrew Boggs, April, 1S06; Samuel Leeper, April, 1806; David 
Snively, January 12, 1807; Upton Lawrence, 1807; George Chambers, No- 
vember 9, 1807"; Thomas H. Crawford, November 10, 1807; James M. 
Russell, November 10, 1807; John McConnolly, 1807; Andrew Caru- 
thors, 1808; Elijah Mendenhall, 1808; William L. Brent, 1808; Wilson Elliott, 
1809; Charles B. Ross, 1810; George Ross, 1810; Daniel Hughes, 1810; 
George Metzger, 1811; Alexander Mahon, August, 1811; M. St. Clair Clarke. 
October, 1811; Richard W. Lane, 1812; John Larkel, 1812; James Bu- 
chanan, f January. 1813; William Irwin, 1813; John Johnson, 1813; Will- 

*Those gentlemen marked thus were re-sworn after the adoption of the constitution of 1790. 

fMemorandum of professional emoluments irom 1813-29: 1S13, 8938; 1814,81,096; 1815, 82,246; 1816,83,174; 
18W, $5.37!); MIh, $7,915; 1819, $7,092; IS20, 85,665; 1821-22, 811,297; L823, 87,243; 1825, 84,521; 1826, 82,419; 1-27, 
82,570; 1828. 82,'. 08; 1829,83,362. 



420 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

iam S. Finley, 1817; James Dunlop, 1817; Paul I. Hetich, 1817; Samuel 
Liggett, 1818; James McDowell, 1818; William Chambers, 1818; Frederick 
Smith, April, 1818; Burr Harrison, 1819; Samuel Ramsay, 1820; Hugh Tor- 
rence, 1820; Samuel Alexander, August, 1820; James Riddle, 1820; Robert 
M. McDowell, 1821; John F. Denny, August 24, 1821; Joseph Chambers, 
1821; Ebinger S. Finley, 1821; John Williamson, 1821; Archibald I. Find- 
lay, April 21, 1821; George Augustus Shryock, August, 1822; Jacob Ma- 
deira, 1823; Richard Bard, 1823; John A. Sterrett, 1823; Andrew Davison, 
1823; William Miller, Jr., 1823; Thomas Chambers, 1824; David R. Denny, 
1824; John S. Riddle, 1824; Reade Washington, August 10, 1824; 
Thomas Harbison, 1825; William S. Buchanan, 1826; Leonard S. Johns, 
1827; Michael G-allaher,. 1827; Jasper Ewing Brady, August 14, 1827; 
William M. Greer, 1827; James M. Reynolds, 1828; Andrew P. Wilson, 1829; 
James X. McLanahan, Januarv 11, 1830; James H. Hepburn, 1830; James 
Kill, April 8, 1830; John McGinley, 1830; Daniel Denny, 1831; Joseph 
Minnick, 1831; Robert McLelland, November 15, 1831; Humphrey Robinson, 
1832; Andrew Howlett, 1832; Robert M. Bard, January 14, 1834; A. J. Dur- 
boraw, 1834; N. C. Snider, 1835; JohnW. Reges, 1835; B. Bordley Crawford, 
1835; James W. Buchanan, 1835; Wilson Reilly, April 4, 1837; Robert Quig- 
ley, 1837; C. S. Eyster, 1837; James W. McKinstry, 1837; William C. Augh- 
inbaugh, 1838; W T illiam McLellan, October 2, 1838; Joseph Nill, 1838; Exper- 
ience Estabrook, 1839; John C. Williamson, 1839; William R. Rankin, 1839; 
Theodore Friend, 1839; George Chambers, Jr., 1839; James C. Moody, 1840; 
Isaac H. McCauley, April 10, 1840; Hugh W. Reynolds, 1840; John A. Pow- 
ell, 1841; E. Crawford Washington, 1841; E. M. Biddle, 1841; Frederick 
Watts, 1841; Samuel H Tate, 1841; Alexander H. McCulloh, 1841; Cyrus G. 
French, 1841; W. V. Davis, 1841; Edward F. Stewart, 1842; Alexander 
Thompson, Sr.,* 1842; William Baker, 1842; Hon. James Cooper, 1842; David 
F. Robinson, 1843; Jacob H. Heyser, 1843; Benjamin Chambers, 1843; Lewis C. 
Levin, 1843; James Si Ross, 1843; Abner M. Fuller, 1844; Louis M. Hughes, 
1844; Alexander Thomson, Jr., 1844; George W. Brewer, 1844; John M. Rade- 
baugh, 1845; Henry A. Mish, 1845; Robert P. McClure, 1815; John 
Scott, 1846; J. Parker Fleming, 1846; Alfred H. Smith, 1846; Victorine N. 
Firor, 1846; Washington Crooks, 1846; Frederick M. Adams, 1847; John C. 
Culbertson, 1847; Frederick Smith, August 10, 1847; John Cessna, January 
17, 1848; Edward G. Behm. January 19, 1848; Thomas B. Kennedy, April 11, 
1848; J. Randolph Coffroth, November 2, 1848; Perry A. Rice, November 2, 
1848; Lyman S. Clark, November 2, 1848; Henry L. Fisher, August 17, 1849; 
Thomas M. Carlisle, August 17, 1849; Thomas B. McFarland, January 25, 
1850; JohnG. Lemon, April 10, 1850; William Adams, April 10, 1850; Boliver 
B. Bonner, January 22, 1851; David R. B. Nevin, January 22, 1851; JohnDosh, 
January 22, 1851; J. McDowell Sharpe, March 11, 1851; Francis M. Kimmell, 
president judge from December, 1851, to December, 1861; A. R. Cornyn, Augixst 
20, 1851; William V. Davis, March 10, 1852; Andrew N. Rankin, April 14, 1852; 
Frederick Watts, April 14, 1852; Thomas L. Fletcher, August 9, 1852; Columbus 
F. Bonner, August 9, 1852; James Buchanan Boggs, August 9, 1852; Thomas 
A. Boyd, August 9, 1852; George F. Cain, August 9, 1852; William J. Baer, 
January 17, 1853; James P. McClintock, April 12, 1853; J. W. Douglas, April 
12. 1853; William Carlisle, April 12, 1853; Frederick S. Stumbaugh, January 
17. 1854; James Allison, Jr., January 17, 1854; George Eyster, April 12, 
1854; Hiram C. Keyser, June 6, 1854; A. J. Cline, August 15, 1854; John 
Kyle, November 2, 1854; Philip Hamman, April 9, 1855; F. A. Tritle, April 

HJncle and preceptor of Thos. A. Hendricks, late Vice-President of the United States. Formerly pre- 
ceptor in the law department of Marshall College, Mercershurg. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 421 

9, 1855; Michael B. Doylo, April 9, 1855; David H. Wiles, August 15, 1855; 
A. K. McClure, June 17, 1856; Israel Test, June 17, 1850; James H. Bratten. 
October 29, 1856; George W. Welsh, October 29, 1856; John Robison, April 

13, 1857; George Schley, April 14, 1857; A. K. Seyster, April 14, 1857; H. 
J. Campbell, April 20, 1857; H. S. Cassidy, August 10, 1857; J. C. Kunkel, 
August "12, 1857; W. H. Miller, August 12, 1857; William S. Everett, August 

15, 1857; D. Watson Howe, August 15, 1857; Charles Sumner, October 26, 
1857; J. D. W. Gillelan, October 29, 1857; C. A. McGuigan, October 29, 1857; 
J. P. Rhodes, March 9, 1858; John R. Orr, April 12, 1858; Robert P. Mc 
Kibben, April 12, 1858; Calvin M. Duncan, April 12, 1858; Snively Strickler, 
April 12, 1858; A. D. Ferguson, August 10, 1858; William C. Logan, August 

10, 1858; C. M. Barton, August 10, 1858; T. J. Nill, October 31, 1858; John 
W. Goettman, October 31, 1858; Charles H. Taylor, January 28, 1859: 
Thomas X. Orr, April 14, 1859; William Kennedy, April 14, 1859; J. A. S. 
Mitchell, April 14, 1859; David W. Chambers, April 14, 1859; Henry G. 
Smith, August 8, 1859; E. J. Bonebrake, August 8, 1859; Hiram M. White, 
August 15, 1859; George M. Stenger, August 15, 1859; Jonathan C. Dickson, 
November 2, 1859; T. J. McGrath, January 26, 1860; Hastings Gehr. 

14. 1860; Leonard C. Pittinos, April 14, 1860; Benjamin K. Goodyear, April 
14, I860; William S. Stenger, August 18, 1860; Jeremiah Cook, August 
18, 1860; Ross Forward, January 21, 1861; George A. Smith, January 22, 
1861; John Stewart, January 23, 1861; Samuel Lyon, January 24, 1861; D. 
W. Thrush, August 12, 1861; Amos Slaymaker, January 29, 1861; George O. 
Sellhamer, February 1, 1861; William Etter, October 28, 1862; J. Montgomery 
Irwin, January 23, 1863; William H. Hockenberry, April 18,, 1863; Joseph 
Douglas, October 28, 1863; William M. Mervin, April 16, 1865; John W. 
Taylor, August 17, 1865; Jarrett T. Richards, August 17, 1865; K. Shannon 
Taylor, November 7, 1865; J. Porter Brown, November 7, 1865; Jacob S. Eby, 
November 7, 1865; S. J. Henderson, August 14, 1866; George Chambers, August 
14, 1866; Stephen W. Hays, January 22, 1867; Theodore McGowan, January 
25, 1867; Claudius B. McKinstry, August 13, 1867; Amos S. Smith, August 

16, 1867; Joseph M. McClure, November 1, 1867; John S. McCune, January 
20. 1868; Wm. M. Penrose 4 January 27, 1868; Adam Keller, January 27, 
1868; J. B. Cessna, April 14, 1868;' A. D. Merrick, ApriJ 21, 1868; F. M. 
Darby, August 12, 1868; Wm. F. Duffield, October 27, 1868; John D. De- 
Golly, October 27, 1868; Wm. U. Brewer, December 15, 1868; John A. Hys- 
song, December 15, 1868; John M. McDowell, April 12, 1869; T. F. Garver, 
June 1, 1869; T. M. Mahon, January 18, 1870; W. F. Patton, Januarv 18, 
1870; John A. Robinson, April 21, 1870; Lewis W. Detrich, August 8, 1870; 
John C. Zeller, December 21, 1870; Ed. Stake, December 21, 1870; John R, 
Miller, December 24, 1870; J. Alexander Simpson, January 25, 1871; B. Frank 
Winger, March 12, 1871; Andrew Mcllwain, March 12, 1*871; W. T. Cressler. 
August 17, 1871; C. Watson McKeehan, August 17, 1871; J. R. Gaff, August 

17, 1871; Josiah Funck, February 6, 1872; Cyrus Lantz, February 7, 1872; S.r- 
Jsi. McLanahan, June 4, 1872; B. M. Nead, June 4, 1872; Jos. McNulty, June 4, 

1872; James A. McKnight, June 4, 1872; A. G. Huber, October 28, 1872; T. H 
Edwards, January 20, 1873; H. B. Woods, April 14, 1873; M. Williams, April 
17, 1873 Andrew Gregg McLanahan, Jr., June 3, 1873; Dan. H Wingerd, 
June 3, 1873; Wm. A. Morrison, June 3, 1873; A. G. Miller, Jr., August 11, 
1873; Franklin Mehaffey, August 11, 1873; O. C. Bowers, November 14, 
1873; John Adams McAllen, November 17, 1873; Jacob D. Ludwig, 
January 19, 1,874; Joshua W. Sharpe, September 7, 1875; W. S. Alex- 
ander, April 28, 1876; Charles Suesserott, June 26, 1877 ; William 



422 HISTOKY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

F. Patton, January 18, 1878; Benj.* Chambers, Jr., February 20, 1878 
N. Bruce Martin, June 25, 1878; Loren A. Culp, September 2, 1878 
William M. Derr, September 10, 1878; J. H. Shumaker, December 10, 1878 
James B. Raby, February 20, 1879; William D. Geiser, February 20, 1879 
Geo. W. Skinner, May 7, 1879; William A. Duncan, May 7, 1879; William 
McGovran, May 7, 1879; W. Rush Gillan, in September, 1879; Thomas 
R. Gilland, in September, 1879; John C. Shumaker, September 5, 1879; 
Hiram J. Plough, September 15, 1879; William B. Skinner, December 19, 1879; 
William J. Zacharias, April 26, 1880; John R. Ruthrauff, April 26, 1880; 
William J. Shearer, December 7, 1880; William Tell Omwake, December 6, 
1 881;' Edward M. Boyd, December 6,1881; L. Bert Eyster, February 27, 1882; 
George D. McDowell, May 8, 1882; A. V. Dively, December 10, 1882; David 
McConaughy, April 28, 1883; James Gardiner, May 4, 1883; William Alexan- 
der, May 5, 1883; George W. Atherton, May 5, 1883; Oliver E. Shannon, De- 
cember 7, 1883; William C. Kreps, December 7, 1883; Samuel Douglass, De- 
cember 7, 1883; Jeremiah B. Rex, December 7, 1883; Alfred P. Jump, Sep- 
tember 5, 1884; M. L. Keedy, September 15, 1884; J. F. Linn Harbaugh, 
December 13, 1884; John S. Stewart, February 25, 1885 ; Edward W. Biddle, 
May 4, 1885; Samuel F. Snively, January 26, 1886; Horace Bender, Septem- 
ber 8, 1886. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

MASTER SPIRITS. 

Uses and Abuses of Greatness— Character of Genius— Greatness— Its 
Elements —Power of Mothers— Sketches of Master Spirits: (1) Mili- 
tary, (2) Political, (3) Railroad Managers, (4) Theologians, (5) County 
Officials, (6) Medical. (7) Educational, (8) Press, (9) Legal— Eranklin 
County's Roll of Honor. 



" The Choice and Master Spirits of this Age." — Shakespeare in Julius Cassar. Act 
III, Scene 1. 

A VOLUME would not contain all the uses and abuses of greatness. No 
man, however gifted in mental and moral endowments, lives wholly 
for self. He is himself an inheritance from the past, fettered with obligations 
which he can never fully pay, and a debtor to the future to the full extent of 
what he may be able to bequeath for its advancement and elevation. The 
exercise of his special gifts or endowments, whether in the mental or moral de- 
velopment of others, or in the solution of problems in science, art, commerce 
or statesmanship, is not only his duty but his highest earthly happiness. What 
he may accomplish in these well defined and heaven appointed directions, is 
but a deserved contribution, on his part, to the welfare and happiness of his 
race. The towering mountain, with frost-crested peak, owes, by virtue of its 
pre-eminence, the example of protection and encouragement to its humbler and 
less favored associates. 

" Oh, it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use 
it like a giant. 

Genius is solitary and one-sided. In this consists its isolation and pre- 
eminence. It is rarely reproductive, its function being stimulative rather than 



HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 423 

procreative. King Saul, who "from his shoulders and upward was higher 

than any of the people, ' ' was the son of Kish, ' ' a mighty man of power, ' ' 
but the narrative gives no subsequent examples of similar physical greatness 
in the ancestry. If the Andes system were all Chimborazos or Cotopaxis, 
coveted pre eminence would cease. 

Greatness has elements, often wholly different from simple genius. It is 
many-sided, gathering, into one, the strength and virtues of the race. Antony 
may have been extravagant in his address to the slain hero — "Thou art the 
ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times," but his judg- 
ment was based upon the analysis which enabled him to say, ' ' His life was 
gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up, and say 
to all the world, ' This was a man. ' ' ' 

Tennyson's highest compliment to the Duke of Wellington was the declar- 
ation that he " stood four-square to all the winds that blew." So great was 
his admiration for the conqueror of Napoleon that he uttered the ardent wish 
that 

While the races of mankind endure, 
Let his great example stand 
Colossal, seen of every land, 
And keep the soldier firm, the statesman pure, 
, Till in all lands and thro' all human story, 

The path of duty be the way to glory. 

r] In the selfish strife of this struggling age, "men of mark" are lauded to 
the skies, while ' ' women of mark ' ' are passed by in comparative silence. An 
impartial examination of the world's history shows that its great men have 
sprung from noble women, the true "master spirits " of the age. The thought 
before the writer is happily expressed by Joaquin Miller, in the following 
stanzas: 

THE BRAVEST BATTLE. 

The bravest battle that ever was fought! 

Shall I tell you where and when? 
On the maps of the world you will find it not; 

'Twas fought by the mothers of men. 

Nay, not with cannon or battle shot, 

With sword or nobler pen; 
Nay, not with eloquent word or thought, 

From mouths of wonderful men. 

But deep in a walled-up woman's heart — 

Of woman that would not yield, 
But bravely, silently, bore her part — 

Lo! there is that battle field! 

No marshaling troup, no bivouac song; 

No banner to gleam and wave ! 
But, oh! these battles, they last so long — 

From babyhood to the grave ! 

In the following pages we can give but a few of each class of the illustri- 
ous ' ' master spirits ' ' of Franklin County, and must content ourselves with 
brief sketches of them and a mere reference to others who have been traced in 
various parts of the work. 

I. Military. — Maj.-Gen. James Potter was a son of John Potter, first 
sheriff of Cumberland County. In 17 58 he was a lieutenant in Col. John Arm- 
strong's battalion. July 26, 1704, he commanded the settlers in pursuit of 
the Indians who massacred Enoch Brown and his ten pupils near Greencastle. 
He was appointed a brigadier-general April 5, 1777, and major-general May 



424: HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

22, 1782. He was vice-president of th© State in 1781, and member of Council 
of Censors in 1784. He died at his daughter's (Mrs. Poe), near Marion, in 
17S9, and was buried in Brown's Mill Graveyard. 

For sketches of Col. James Smith, Brig. -Gen. James Chambers, Maj. 
James McCammont, Col. Jos. Armstrong, Rev. John Steele, see Indian and 
Revolutionary wars. Gen. Hugh Mercer is fully sketched in the medical 
chapter, and in the borough of Mercersburg. The career of Col. Benjamin 
Chambers is interwoven with the entire history of the county. Dr. Robert 
Johnston is sketched fully in the medical chapter, to which the reader is re- 
ferred. 

77. Political. — James Buchanan, fifteenth President, was born in Cove 
Gap. Peters Township, April 23, 1791; graduated at Dickinson College in 
1809; began the study of law at Lancaster in December, 1809, and was admit- 
ted to the bar in 1812; was a member of the State Legislature; served in the 
Congress and Senate of the United States ten years each; was minister to 
Russia and England; served as Secretary of State, and was President from 
March 4, 1857, to March 4, 1861. The closing days of his administration 
were stormy with rebellion. His want of decisive action in crushing treason 
has been strongly censured. He died at his home near Lancaster in 1868. 

A paragraph from the autobiography of Mr. Buchanan, incorporated in his 
Life by George Ticknor Curtis, will be of interest to the reader as giving a 
clue to his youthful days. He says: 

' ' After having received a tolerably good English education, I studied the 
Latin and Greek languages at a school in Mercersburg. It was kept by the 
Rev. James R. Sharon, then a student of divinity with Dr. John King, and 
afterward by a Mr. McConnell and Dr. Jesse Magaw, then a student of medi- 
cine and subsequently my brother-in-law. I was sent to Dickinson College in 
the fall of 1807, where I entered the Junior Class. 

" The college was in wretched condition, and I have often regretted that I 
had not been sent to some other institution. There was no efficient discipline, 
and the young men did pretty much as they pleased. To be a sober, plod- 
ding, industrious youth was to incur the ridicule of the mass of the students. 
Without much natural tendency to become dissipated, and chiefly from the 
example of others, and in order to be considered a clever and spirited youth, 
I engaged in every sort of extravagance and mischief in which the greatest 
proficients of the college indulged. Unlike the rest of the class, however, I 
was always a tolerably hard student, and never was deficient in my college 
exercises. 

' ' A circumstance occurred, after I had been a year at college, which made 
a strong and lasting impression upon me. During the September vacation, in 
the year 1808, on a Sabbath morning, whilst I was sitting in the room with my 
father, a letter was brought to him. He opened it and read it, and I observed 
that his countenance fell. He then handed it to me and left the room; and I 
do not recollect that he ever afterward spoke to me on the subject of it. It 
was from Dr. Davidson, the principal of Dickinson College. He stated that 
but for the respect which the faculty entertained for my father, I would have 
been expelled from college for disorderly conduct; that they had borne with, 
me as best they could until that period, but that they would not receive me 
again, and that the letter was written to save him the mortification of sending 
me back and having me rejected. Mortified to the soul, I at once determined 
upon my course. Dr. John King was at the time pastor of the congregation 
to which my parents belonged. He came to that congregation shortly after 
the Revolution, and continued to be its pastor until his death. He had either 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 425 

married or baptized all its members. He participated in their joys as well as 
their sorrows, and had none of the gloomy bigotry which too often passes in 
these days for superior sanctity. He was, I believe, a trustee of the college, 
and enjoyed great and extensive inflnence wherever he was known. To him I 
applied with tiie greatest confidence in my extremity. He gave me a gentle 
lecture — the more efficient on that account. He then proposed to me that if I 
would pledge my honor to him to behave better at college than I had done, he 
felt such confidence in me that he would pledge himself to Dr. Davidson on 
my behalf, and he did not doubt that I would be permitted to return. I 
cheerfully complied with this condition. Dr. King arranged the matter, and 
I returned to college without any questions being asked; and afterward 
conducted myself in such a manner as, at least, to prevent any formal com- 
plaint. ' ' 

William Findlay, fourth governor of Pennsylvania, was born at Mercers- 
burg, June 20, 1768. He served as State representative from 1797 to 1807 ; State 
treasurer, 1807-17; governor, 1817-20; , United States senator, 1822-28; 
treasurer of United States mint at Philadelphia, from 1828-41. 

Robert McClelland was born at Greencastle, August 1, 1807; admitted 
to the bar in 1831. Removing to Michigan, he served in the State Legislature; 
was a member of Congress several terms ; was governor of Michigan two terms, 
and Secretary of the Interior of the United States under President Pierce. 

Other prominent politicians and statesmen will be mentioned in another 
part of this chapter, in the Roll of Honor, by John M. Cooper. 

III. Railroad Managers. — Col. Thos. A. Scott was born at Loudon, Franklin 
County, December 28, 1823; received a common school education, and entered 
the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1851; was appointed general super- 
intendent in 1858; was elected vice-president of company in 1800, afterward 
to first vice-president; rendered much assistance to the Union cause during 
the war, and became assistant Secretary of War in 1861; was elected president 
of the new Pennsylvania Company, and afterward of the whole Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company, which position he held till the time of his death. Col. 
Scott is recognized as the greatest railroad manager and director in this coun- 
try, and Franklin County is proud to number him among her illustrious sons. 

A friend of Col. Scott, the noted president of the Pennsylvania R. R. , told 
recently how Scott' s choosing of railroading as a profession hung on the flipping 
of a penny. Said he : " Tom Scott told the story himself. He was the toll 
collector on the Pennsylvania Canal at Columbia, when the railroad authorities, 
hearing that he was a bright young man, offered him the position of station 
agent at Altoona. Scott was popular, and when he told his friends of his 
offer, they urged him to refuse it and stay on the canal. He resisted their 
importunities, but finally taking a big red copper in his fingers, said: 'Boys, I 
will let the fates decide. Heads is Altoona, and tails Columbia. ' 'He then 
threw the copper into the air with a twist which sent it into a dozen somer- 
saults, but it fell and the head was uppermost. The boys then said that one 
trial was not enough. It must be the best two out of three. Scott consented 
to this, and threw once more. His next throw was heads, and so the railroad 
won. Had the copper fallen on the other side, who can tell what the future 
would have been ? ' ' [Cleveland Leader. ] 

IV. Theologians. — Dr. J. W. Nevin. The following somewhat extensive 
sketch of John W. Nevin, who died at Lancaster, June 6, 1886, in his eighty- 
fourth year, is taken from the Philadelphia Press of the following day: 
''John Williamson Nevin, D.D. , LL.D. , was born in Franklin County, Penn. , 
February 20, 1803. He was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, and one 



42 G HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

conspicuous in statesmanship and literature. His paternal grandmother was a 
sister of the distinguished Hugh Williamson, LL. D., one of the framers of the 
United States Constitution, from whom he derived his middle name. By birth 
and blood a Presbyterian, he was brought up carefully in the Christian faith 
by pious parents, and was the oldest of his family; the first to die of the five 
distinguished sons was the youngest of them all — Theodore H. , president of the 
First National Bank of Allegheny, a leading manufacturer and philanthropist 
of western Pennsylvania. Between the youngest and the eldest brother there 
were born and still survive Prof. William M. Nevin, LL. D. , who has long 
held the chair of belles-lettres in Franklin and Marshall College, this city; 
Rev. Daniel E. Nevin, a Presbyterian clergyman and teacher, of Sewickley; 
Robert P. Nevin, author and editor, founder of the Pittsburgh Times. 

" In the fall of 1817 Dr. Nevin was matriculated as a student in Union 
College, New York, and although the youngest in his class, was graduated with 
honor in 1821. Bodily prostration for two years followed his college course, 
which time he mostly spent in fields and woods on the homestead, and acquired 
for a time a taste for botany. In his youth Dr. Nevin was of very delicate 
constitution and hardly hoped to survive the age of thirty. In the fall of 1823, 
havino- partially regained his health, he entered the theological seminary at 
Princeton, and in the regular theological course took a special interest in Ori- 
ental and Biblical literature, reading the whole Bible in Hebrew, and thereby 
securing the flattering distinction of being universally admitted the best He- 
brew scholar in the institution. This distinction contributed to mold his 
whole subsequent career. In 1826 he was invited to temporarily supply 
the chair of Oriental and Biblical literature at Princeton, made vacant by 
the visit of Dr. Hodge to Europe, on a tour for his health. During this time 
Dr. Nevin wrote his ' Biblical Antiquities, ' a hand-book which attained a 
very large circulation both in Europe and America. 

"In October, 1828. he was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Car- 
lisle, held at Philadelphia, and about the same time was invited to the chair of 
Biblical literature in the new theological seminary, then being established by 
the o-eneral assembly at Allegheny, Penn. In December, 1829, when in the 
twenty- seventh year of his age, he assumed his duties in this institution, which 
at this time had no buildings, no library and no endowment. Here Dr. Nevin 
labored for ten years, and the Western Theological Seminary, now a power in 
the Presbyterian Church, owes much of its prosperity to his efforts. About 
the time of his election to the chair in this seminary he received a press- 
ino 1 invitation to return to Princeton and become a writer of books for the 
Sunday-school Union. In his sermons and lectures, and with his pen, while at 
Pittsburgh, Dr. Nevin was the unreserved opponent of slavery, infidelity, fash- 
ionable amusements, ladies' fairs and theatrical entertainments. In May, 
1840, through the earnest solicitation of a committee appointed by the synod 
of the Reformed Church in the United States, he accepted and was inducted 
into the professorship of theology in the theological seminary of that church, 
then located at Mercersburg, Penn. 

"Here he was associated with the well-known German scholar, Frederick 
Augustus Rauch, then president of Marshall College, in the same place. The 
death of Dr. Rauch, March 2, 1841, made it necessary for Dr. Nevin to as- 
sume the temporary presidency of the college, which was afterward made 
permament, and which he filled for ten years. In 1843 he became involved 
in what has been known as the 'anxious bench controversy,' through the pub- 
lication of his tract called 'The Anxious Bench.' The controversy nearly 
created a schism in the Reformed Church, and was regarded as the beginning of 
the movement since spoken of as the Mercersburg theology. 








<^>o> . 




f£ -T^T^^l 



^ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 429 

"In 1844 ho received as his colleague in the seminary Dr. Philip Schaff, 
of Germany, since famous throughout the world for bis theological learning 
and as an honored professor in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of New 
York. From 1849 to January, 1853, he edited the Mercersburg Re-view, pub- 
lished by the Alumni Association of Marshall College, and he has written 
largely since for the same periodical and the Reformed Church Messenger. 
Aboixt this time he became involved in a famous controversy with Rev. Orestes 
A. Bronson, D. D. , of Boston, which excited wide attention. He resigned his 
position in the seminary in 1851, and the presidency of Marshall College in 
1853, upon its removal to Lancaster and consolidation with Franklin College. 
Although proffered the presidency of the new institution, he withdrew to pri- 
vate life, nearly worn out in mind and body. For the next eight years Dr. 
Nevin lived in semi-privacy at his home at Caernarvon Place, near Lancaster, 
although preaching frequently and laboring with his pen. He had much to 
do in particular in bringing to completion the new liturgy, which engaged for 
many years the best energies of the Eastern Synod of the German Reformed 
Church. In the fall of 1801 he yielded to the desire of the faculty, and un- 
dertook partial service as professor in history and aesthetics, and in 1866 be- 
came once more president of Franklin and Marshall College, which position 
he held until 1876, when he retired from all work of public instruction. 

"Among his more important publications are the following: ' The Doctrine 
of the Reformed Church on the Presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper,' 
in 1848; 'The Apostles' Creed, Its Origin, Constitution and Plan,' 1849; 
'The Dutch Crusade,' 1854; 'Review of Dr. Hodge's Commentary on the 
Ephesians,' 1857; 'The Liturgical Question,' 1862; 'Christ and Him Cruci- 
fied,' preached at the opening of the first General Synod of the German Re- 
formed Church in Pittsburgh, 1863; 'Vindication of the Revised Liturgy,' 
1867. 'Answer to Prof. Dorner, of Berlin, Germany,' 1868; 'Once for All,' 
1869; ' Revelation and Redemption, ' 1870; ' The Revelation of God in Christ, ' 
1871; ' Christ and His Spirit, ' 1872; ' Baccalaureate Discourse, John iii, 13,' 
1872. 

"Dr. Nevin was married, in 1835, to Martha J. , a daughter of the Hon. 
Robert Jenkins, member of Congress from 1809 to 1811, and prominent iron 
master of Windsor Place, Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County. Mrs. Nevin 
survives. Their family consists of Capt. W. Wilberforce Nevin, formerly ed- 
itor of Tlie Philadelphia Press, now engaged in large railroad enterprises in 
New York; Rev. Robert J. Nevin, D. D., commander, during the war, of the 
famous ' Nevin' s Battery,' now rector of St. Paul's Within-the- Walls Prot- 
estant Episcopal Church in Rome; Miss Alice, a well-known musical composer; 
Miss Blanche, sculptor and artist, her best known work being the figure of 
Gen. Peter Muhlenberg in the capitol at Washington; and Martha J., now 
the wife of Robert W. Sayre, of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Two sons, Cecil 
and John W. , died in their youth. 

" As a theologian Dr. Nevin stood in the very front rank, and was recog- 
nized the world over in religious circles as one of the profoundest thinkers of 
the age. His learning and scholarship were very broad and his versatility re- 
markable. Dr. Thomas G. Apple, president of Franklin and MarshalfCol- 
lege, remarked: ' In intellectual force I regard him as one of the profoundest 
thinkers of this age, whether in America or Europe. I know of no writer 
who excels him in the use of forcible English, as some of his polemical arti- 
cles abundantly testify. John Henry Newman resembles him in the purity 
and force of his language, but Dr. Nevin added to this the more mystical depth 
that comes from the German mind. His articles in the " North American " on 

23 



430 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

1 ' The Use of Philosophy ' ' and on ' ' Human Freedom" are specimens of his 
best thought and style. Jonathan Edwards, the elder, approaches him 
nearest, in my judgment, among the metaphysical thinkers and writers of 
America.' 

A history of Franklin County would not be regarded as complete without 
some notice of Dr. Philip Schaff, though not a native of the county. Dr. 
Philip Schaff was born at Coire, Switzerland, January 1, 1819. He pursued 
his higher education in Germany at school in Kornthal, at the university in Ber- 
lin, under Neander. and at Halle under Tholuk. He was teaching at the Uni- 
versity of Berlin when he was called to a professorship at Mercersburg, to which 
the great preacher, Frederick "Willi elm Krummacher, had been called. 

He arrived in this country in 1811 and remained in,Mercersburg till Decem- 
ber, 18G3. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Schley, eldest daughter of David 
Schley of Frederick, Md. ; of their eight children, three survive. Dr. Schaff 
spent the year 1853-51 in Europe, and in 1851 received the title of D. D. 
from the University of Berlin. He has since been made LL. D. by Amherst 
College. 

During his life in Mercersburg, Dr. Schaff was frequently called away to 
preach and lecture. He was identified with the so-called "Mercersburg The- 
ology," which at the time made Mercersburg famous in theological circles. 

in 1863 he went to New York to accept the position of secretary of the 
New York Sabbath Convention. The organization was exceedingly prosperous 
durino- his incumbency in this office, and secured the passage and enforcement 
of much healthful Sabbath observance legislation. In 1870 he became iden- 
tified with the Union Theological Seminary, of New York City, in which he 
now holds the chair of Biblical instruction and sacred literature. 

Dr. Schaff has been identified with some large movements in the church of 
the generation. The gathering and success of the great meeting of the Evan- 
gelical Alliance, in New York City, in 1873, were due very largely to his skill 
and activity. This gathering attracted some of the foremost scholars of all 
denominations, both in Europe and this country. The revision of the English 
Bible of King James will always be associated with his name. Dr. Schaff, in 
1870, was selected by the English Revision Committee to form the American 
Committee on Revision. He undertook this responsibility, and remained 
president of the committee until the completion of the New Testament revis- 
ion in 1881, and the Old Testament revision in 1881. 

As an author he enjoys a reputation in theological circles second to none. 
His works have been translated into many languages, and are read as freely in 
Great Britain as in this country. These works are numerous, and are consid- 
ered authorities in their departments. 

His theology is strictly evangelical. He holds firmly to all the cardinal 
points of the orthodox churches, and is in hearty sympathy with the movements 
of a vital Christianity. He has labored, with result, for the reunion and co- 
operation of denominations. His scholarship is accurate and encyclopedic. 
He is a man of wide and varied learning, equally versed in the works of Ger- 
man theology and those of the English tongue. His permanent reputation will 
probably rest iipon his productions in the department of church history, to the 
study of which he gave his early life, and is devoting his latter years. His 
' • History of the Christian Church, ' ' and ' ' Creeds of Christendom, ' ' will be 
considered the great works of his life. 

He has made many trips to Europe for study and recreation, and in 1876 
and 1877 traveled in Egypt and Palestine. The results of this journey were 
embodied in a work entitled, "Through Bible Lands." 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. -431 

V. County Offieials. — The only case we present of efficient devotion to the 
preservation of the records of the new county of Franklin is that of the man 
who opened its books of record and for many years kept them in a most satis- 
factory manner — Edward Crawford. He was born in 1758, and received a good 
education. At the age of eighteen he entered the Revolution and served with 
credit through the whole war. At the battle of Yorktown he nearly lost his 
life. After the formation of Franklin County he was chosen prothonotai \ . 
which office he rilled with ability. He helped to establish the Cumberland 
(now National) Bank, and was chosen first president, an office he filled until 
his death. 

Mr. Crawford was active in every good work; was a member of the Society 
of the Cincinnati: was elected manager of Franklin County Bible Society; 
served as trustee of Falling Spring Church, and many other offices of honor 
he filled with credit to himself and them. 

He was married twice: First to Catharine Hostinger, of York, by whom he 
had a son, Thomas Hartley Crawford, who became a distinguished Congress- 
man and judge of the district court at Washington, D. C. ; and last to Rebecca 
Calhoon. Mr. Crawford died in Chambersburg in the year 1833, being seventy- 
five years of age. 

VI. Medical. — Space will not permit the repetition of the sketches of Drs. 
Mercer, Abraham Senseny, W. H. Boyle, J. C. Richards, J. Lambert, N. B. 
Lane. J. McClellan. Wm, Magaw, Alex. Stewart and others given by Dr. W. 
C. Lane. They will be found in the medical chapter or biographical part. 

VII. Educational. — In the chapter on Chambersburg attention is called to 
several eminent educational characters, among which occurs the name of Prof. 
James Ross, an instructor of great learning and an author of wide reputation. 

Before the Revolution, Rev. John King established the first classical school 
within the limits of the county. He was learned, patriotic and exemplary, 
and trained some of the youths, who subsequently became the ' ' men of mark ' ' 
in the various fields of activity in the county. 

From 1825 to 1829 the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at 
Waynesboro was Rev. Samuel K. Hoshour, born in York County December 9, 
1803, and died in Indianapolis November 29, 1883. After his removal to 
Indiana, Mr. Hoshour became the principal of an academy in which he 
instructed the future governor, O. P. Morton; later he became president of the 
Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis and subsequently State 
school superintendent. This aged man was once a teacher in Franklin County. 

Rev. E. E. Higbee. present State school superintendent of Pennsylvania, 
was at one time an educator in Franklin County, being a professor in the col- 
lege at Mercersburg. 

VIII. Press. — Few counties can boast of abler representatives of the press 
than Geo. K. Harper, Joseph Pritts, John M. Cooper and Alex. K. McClure, 
all of whom have aided in molding the sentiments of Franklin County. 

IX. Legal. — The bench and bar of the county have had shining lights — 
men who were qualified by nature and culture ' ' to mold a mighty State' s 
decree." In the legal chapter are sketched, by I. H. McCauley, Esq., some 
of the prominent men at the bar during the first two decades of the countv' s 
history. The careers of Judge George Chambers, J. McDowell Sharpe, and 
others of the departed will be fully presented in the biographical department 
of this work. 

It is with pleasure that we append, in conclusion, a short article published 
some years ago by John M. Cooper, in which he calls the roll of Franklin 
County's famous men and women, and presents in a single view the names of 
those who have thrust fame upon the land of their birth. 



432 HISTOBY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY* S ROLL OF HONOR." 

The following is an extract from a letter to the editor of the Valley Spirit: 

"In my former communication I gave a list of high stations filled by natives 
of Franklin County, aud promised to furnish their names, and the stations 
filled by them, respectively. This promise I now fulfill, adding a member of 
the Continental Congress, Assistant Secretary of War, and Secretary of the 
•Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to my original list. As thus stated I omit 
members of the lower house of Congress, judges of ordinary courts and mili- 
tary officers of grade lower than that of brigadier-general, of which Franklin 
County has had a full share, and select positions which citizens of compara- 
tively few counties have had the distinction to fill. As I make it out, our 
roll of honor, is as follows: 

"A President of the United States, James Buchanan. 

* ' A Secretary of State of the United States, James Buchanan. 

"* ' A Secretary of the Interior of the United States, Robert McClelland. 

* ' An Assistant Secretary of War, Thomas A. Scott. 

■"A Minister of the United States to Russia, James Buchanan. 

" A Minister of the United States to England, James Buchanan. 

"For Senators of the United States, William Maclay, Samuel Maclay, 
William Findlay, James Buchanan, all Senators fi'om Pennsylvania, and Sam- 
uel Adams, Senator from Mississippi. 

" Two United States Assistant Treasurers at Philadelphia, William Find- 
lay and Geoi-ge Eyster. 

' ' A Judge of the United States Court in the District of Columbia, Thomas 
Hartley Crawford. 

"A District Attorney of the United States for western Pennsylvania, 
George Washington Buchanan. 

"A District Attorney of the United States for Dakota, Hugh J. Campbell. 

"A United States Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Thomas Hartley Craw- 
lord. 

"A Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, Matthew St. 
Clair Clarke. 

"A United States Collector of Excise, appointed by President Washington, 
Robert Johnston. 

"A United States Revenue Collector for Western Pennsylvania, appointed 
by President Jefferson, Robert Johnston. 

' ' A Brigadier-general in the Continental Army, James Potter.-" 

" A Major-general in the Continental Army, James Potter. 

' ' A Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, William Findlay. 

* ' A Governor of the State of Michigan, Robert McClelland. 

* ' A Governor of the State of Indiana, Conrad Baker. 

■"A Governor of the Territory of Arizona, Frederick S. Tritle. 

"A Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, George Chambers. 

"A Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania, William Findlay. 

•" A Surveyor-general of Pennsylvania, John Rowe. 

"A Canal Commissioner of Pennsylvania, James Clarke. 

"A Secretary of the Commonwealth, William S. Stenger. 

"A Vice-President of Pennsylvania, James Potter. 

"Two members of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, James 
McLene and Abraham Smith. 

" Two members of the Council of Censors of Pennsylvania, James McLene 
and James Potter. 

"Two members of the famous convention at Carpenter's Hall, Philadel- 
phia, June, 177G, James McLene and John Maclay. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 433 

"Two members of the Continental Congress, James Smith, elected July 
20, 1776, and James McLene, elected March 3, 1771). 

" The greatest railroad president in the world, Thomas A. Scott. 

"A vice-president of the greatest railroad in the world, Frank Thomson. 

"To this list of distinguished men, all born within the county, I might 
add the names of two of the most distinguished ladies this country has pro- 
duced — Charlotte Chambers and Harriet Lane. 

" There have been five very remarkable families reared in Franklin County: 
the' Johnstons, of Antrim; the Maclays, , 6r Lurgan; the Findlays and Buchan- 
ans, of Mercersburg and vicinity, and the Chambers family, from whom our 

. town derives its name. 

I " It is a curious and an interesting fact that, dividing the county by the 

\ great road leading from Shippensburg through Chambersburg and G-reencastle 
L-into Maryland and Virginia, we find that nearly ail the distinguished men, as 
well as both the ladies in my list, came from the western half, the most dis- 
tinguished men and both the ladies coming from near the mountain. 

"At a future time I may have more to say about the distinguished sons and 
daughters and the remarkable families of Franklin County, and perhaps I 
may add something about the curious and interesting fact above stated." 

In a note from Mr. Cooper, dated Harrisburg, December 22, 1886, he says: 
"I would like to add two names to my former list, viz.: Joseph Williams, 
chief justice of Iowa, and United States territorial judge in Kansas: EdrnundL 
R. Calhoun, rear admiral, United States Navy. ' ' 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
THE COUNTY'S FIRST CENTENNIAL. 

Introductory— Value of Anniversaries — Triumphs of the Century — 
Preparations for the Coming Anniversary— Executive Committee — 
Township Committees— Account of the Two Days' Doings — Extracts 
from Addresses and Poems Delivered. 

ANNIVERSARIES are, as a rule, important eras in the journey of life. 
They are fraught with great interest, because they afford appropriate 
occasions for reviewing the past and drawing inspiration and hope for the 
future. They are milestones in the pathway of personal and corporate exist- 
ence. 

The playful miss looks with joyful anticipations to the period when she 
shall be permitted to take her place in society. The boy longs for the day of 
his majority to arrive in order that he may assume the duties of untrammeled 
citizenship. With what supreme satisfaction do all classes, young and old, 
look forward to the happiness that clusters about the fixed holidays. How the- 
burdens of life are lightened by the gifts and congratulations that accompai ,y 
birthdays and marriage anniversaries. 

The resemblance between personal and corporate life is very marked. Each 
has its youth, its manhood and its old age with all the conflicts and disappoint- 
ments, the joys and sorrows incident to each. Viewed merely from an earthly 
standpoint, a difference exists, in that personal life ceases while corporate life 



434 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

is perpetuated. This distinction gives additional significance to the sentiment 
of the centenarian — 

How short my life appears 
Measured by jusi one bundled years; 
I cannot here much longer wait. 
Prepare to meet me at the golden gate. 

September 9, 1884, was the red letter day in the annals of Franklin 
County. The century which it closed was the most important in the annals of 
time. It was fraught with more and greater improvements in the physical, 
mental and social world than any previous century measured out by Father 
Time. It had witnessed the founding of the American republic, and its 
development from a small commonwealth of thirteen feeble States, having a 
population of 3,000,001). to a highly respectable nation of forty- eight members, 
with a population of 60,000,000. It had chronicled the inauguration and 
administration of every President frorn Washington to Cleveland: the building 
of every railroad and steamboat in the world; the invention of the reaper, the 
mower, the sewing machine, the telegraph, the telephone, the type- writer, the 
electric light, and all the improvements in agricultural, horticultural and 
mechanical implements; the development of educational and eleemosynary 
institutions; the founding of daily and weekly papers with all their appliances, 
for gathering, printing and disseminating news; the solution of the most per- 
plexing problems in government, finance, domestic and political economy; the 
liberation of individuals and communities not only from physical bondage, but 
from the trrralldom of enforced sentiment. In short, it was the century of 
progress and reform, whose two closing decades had realized the form of gov- 
ernment intended to be established by the founders: Equal rights for all, 
special privileges for none. 

Full preparation had been made for this anniversary of the county's birth 
as an integral part of the great keystone commonwealth. Prominent citizens 
in every part of the county had been appointed to supervise their districts in 
the interests of the exhibition. The following were the members of said com- 
mittees : 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Chambersburg — Benj. Chambers, chairman; John Stewart, Oliver C. 
Bowers, Alex. W. Pomeroy, Jas. A. McKnight. B. Latrobe Maurer, Jno. M. 
McDonald, Jno. Lortz, Henry S. Gilbert; B. Frank Gilrnore, secretary. 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES. 

Antrim — D. S. Barnhart, D. S. Binkley, Rev. Cyrus Cort, Jac. Deardorf, 
M. W. Kissecker, Wm, C. Kreps, A. A. Miller, Henrv Omwake. C. H. Ruth- 
rauff, Ed. S. Snively. 

Fannett — John A. Elder, Jas. Ferguson, Jas. W. Holliday, John H. Lit- 
tle, Jas. McKim, Herbert Piper, Wilson Piper, Joseph Ryder, J. H. With- 
erow, J. A. Shoemaker. 

Greene — W. Hammett Boggs, Thos. Gallagher, J. Burns White, Uriah 
Bollinger, John Lindsey, Dr. David Maclay, Thos. H. Wallace, Wm. Craig, 
Saml. Garver, Alex. Stewart. 

Guilford— J. B. Crawford, S. W. Sollenberger. Jno. H. Diehl, S. S. Fred- 
erick. Andrew Statler, Daniel Ebersole, Abraham S. Lehman, J. W. Wither- 
spoon, Wm. S. Reed, Jacob C. Snyder. 

Hamilton — Saml. Clippinger, Jacob Crider, David Eby, Davidson Greena- 
walt, Jeremiah Harrison. John Hunsecker. Henry Lenher, Jeremiah Mish, 
John W. Shatzer, Sam'l West, Sr. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 435 

Letterkenny — Jeremiah Ashway, W. W. Britton, Dr. J. M. Gelwix, John 
B. Kaufman, S. K. Lehman, W. D. Miller, Fred. Rife, J. A. West, H. G. 
Worthington, Wm. S. Keefer. ' 

Lurgan — Hugh Cover, J. A. Faust, Josiah Fickes, J. W. Powell, M. R. 
Skinner, A. F. Snoke, D. D. Swanger, J. P. Grove. J. H. Maclay. 

Metal— Frank W. Elliott. J. M. Wilhelin, Wm. Witherow, Dr. Jno. S. 
Flickinger, A. J. Noble, Wm. S. McAllen, James M. Jones, A. K. McCurdy, 
John H. Walker, Wm. M. Rice. 

Montgomery — James Agnew, Hayes McClellan, John McCullough, Wm. 
D. McKinstry, S. M. Rhea. Geo. C. Steiger, John Waidlich, J. S. Whitmer, 
James S. Craig, John K. Kevser. 

Peters— Robt. J. Boyd, N. P. Martin, Dr. W. P. Noble, Geo. W. Etter, 
I. U. Puffenberger, A. N. Ryder, Geo. M. Stenger, John Webster. 

(Jaincy—W. H. Brown, D. M. Lowry, Melchor Elden, D. M. Funk, G. W. 
McCleary, Jacob R. Small, Geo. B. Wiestling, H. M. Fritz, Jacob Middour, 
Upton Funk. 

St. Thomas — James Archibald, John Croft, Sr. , Chas. M. Deatrich, Wm. 
D. Dixon, Alex. Martin, Martin Miller, S. Z. Hawbecker, J. N. Mowry, John 
Walker, Sam'l G. Walker. 

Southampton — Wm. H. Blair, Jacob Kendig, Sam'l Knisely, Wm. B. 
Smith. J. A. Zullinger, Thomas E. Fuller, R. C. Johnston, Robt. McCune, 
John H. McMullen, J. McCord Means. 

Warren— Jacob Bair, Solomon Cook, M. J. Grier, J. C. McCullough, S. 
L. Phenicie, John Zimmerman. 

Washington — Geo. J. Balsley, A. J. Fahnestock, Martin S. Funk, Daniel 
Hoover, Simon Lecron, J. J. Miller, Joseph Price, Daniel Shockey, A. W. 
Good, L. F. Benchoff, D. O. Nicodemus. 

By request of the executive committee, many of the pastors of the different 
churches of the county delivered, on Sunday preceding the anniversary, historical 
discourses bearing particularly upon the origin and progress of their own con- 
gregations and denominations. Persons had also been requested in the vari- 
ous townships to prepare historical sketches of their respective assignments. 
The only response, so far as the writer knows, was made by Rev. J. Milton 
Snyder, of Guilford, who prepared an elaborate and carefully written docu- 
ment that aided much in the compilation of the county history. 

The following account of the two days' doings (Monday and Tuesday) is 
taken from the Valley Spirit of September 10, 1884: 

Monday's program — order of procession, etc. 

Monday morning came in without a cloud to mar the deep blue of the 
heavens. Almost with the rising of the sun, hundreds of people began to 
arrive in town and continued to pour in from all points, by the railroads, by 
private conveyances and on foot, during the entire day. By 10 o'clock the 
streets were filled with sight- seers eager for the civic and military parade. By 
the hour named the companies had been arranged in line for the parade, and 
the command to march was given. The procession moved in the following 
order : 

Officers — John A. Seiders, chief marshal; David Maclay. C. H. Ruthrauff, 
aids; B. F. Gilmore, special aid. 

First Division — Grand Army of the Republic — H. G. Bonebrake. marshal; 
T. R. Gilland, D. B. Greenawalt, aids; drum corps; Capt. John E. Walker 
Post, No. 287, H. G. Bonebrake, commander, 25 men; Welsh Run Band, 13 
pieces; Lieut. Pomeroy Post, No. 295, W. H. Stewart, commander, 30 men; 



436 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

drum corps; Col. P. B. Housum Post, Ho. 309, Wm. Burgess, commander, 
63 men; Fayetteville Band, 14 pieces; Capt. Stevens Post, No. 317, Milton 
Crawford, commander, 40 men; Shady Grove Band, 16 pieces; Clay Hill 
Band, 14 pieces; Corp. Bihl Post, No. 438, J. R. Davison, commander, 
25 men. 

Second Division — Secret Societies — Frank A. Zarman, marshal; John A. 
Sellers, Geo. W. McCleary, aids. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows — Roxbury Cornet Band, 21 pieces; 
Columbus Lodge, No. 75, 20 men; Chambersburg Lodge, No. 175, 20 men; 
Path Valley Lodge, No. 419, 18 men; Scotland Band, 15 pieces; Greenvillage 
Lodge, No. 831, 32 men; Fannett Lodge, No. 811, 18 men; Eagle Cornet 
Band, Mercersburg, 17 pieces; Marshal Lodge, No. 233, 25 men; St. Thomas 
Band, 17 men; St. Thomas Lodge, No. 950, 23 men. 

Improved Order of Red Men — Waynesboro Lodge, No. 101, 100 men. 

Knights of Pythias — Mount Alto Band, 15 pieces; Caledonia Lodge, No. 
235, 40 men. 

Third Division — Fire Companies — Christian Frederick, marshal; Christian 
B. Bechtelle, John H. Mull, aids; First Mechanics' Band of Greencastle, 11 
pieces ; American Steam Fire Engine Company of Greencastle, 40 men— engine 
drawn by 4 horses; hand engine "Rescue," made in 1741, drawn by 10 boys; 
Mechanics' Steam Fire Engine Company of Waynesboro, 40 men — engine 
drawn by 2 horses. 

Chambersburg Fire Department — Aids, Dr. John Seibert, Wm. Michaels, 
Wm. McKane, Saml. Greenawalt; Greenwood band, 13 pieces; Friendship 
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1, 28 men — engine drawn by horses; Fan- 
nettsburg band, 14 pieces; drum corps, 4 pieces; Junior Hose Company, No. 
2, 48 men; junior band, 14 pieces; Good Will Hose Company, No. 3, 28 men — 
decorated hose carriage; Chambersburg band, 18 pieces; Vigilant Hook & Lad- 
der Company, 28 men — truck drawn by 4 horses; Dry Run Band, 16 pieces; 
Cumberland Valley Hose Company, No. 5, 15 men — hose carriage; three 
wagons decorated with temperance mottoes, and filled with 80 girls and 40 
boys singing temperance songs; executive committee in carriages. 

The procession marched over the following route: Down Second to Cather- 
ine, up Catherine to Main, down Main to Second, up Second to Market, out 
Market to Federal, countermarched to the Diamond, and was dismissed. 

The parade moved over the route without a hitch, the organizations, not 
withstanding the almost intolerable heat, marchiog in fine style during the 
hour taken up by the procession. One thousand and eighty-three persons 
were in line, the great majority of them being in uniform. The crowd was 
very great, 5,000 being the estimate of the number of people in town. 

In the afternoon the streets were enlivened by the great throng of human- 
ity passing to and fro. Japanese fireworks were exploded at short intervals, 
and in watching these and imbibing freely of lemonade and crunching the 
ungrateful peanut, the visitors spent their time. 

With the coming of the evening the town assumed a still gayer appearance 
than during the day. Line upon line of lanterns of all patterns and colors 
were stretched along the streets, and, throwing their tinted light upon the flags 
and bunting, added indescribably to the effect. The six electric lights erected 
by the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, on Market and Main Streets, 
contributed a large share of the brilliance. 

The attraction of the evening was the carnival, the idea of which was con- 
ceived and carried out by the young men of town under the management of 
Mr. George Pensinger. It was a decided success. About 175 persons took 




J^>fc^u,_ 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 439 f 

part in it, all arrayed in rich costumes obtained in Philadelphia. Promptly 
at 8 o'clock the column moved, the order of procession being as follows: Mar- 
shal and aids, band, four heralds, knights in armor. 

Tableau I. — " The Pen is Mightier than the Sword." This float, contrib- 
uted by Public Opinion, was illustrative of the maxim that forms its title. To 
convey the idea, two groups were arranged, one representing the terrorism, 
bloodshed and death caused by the sword, while the other was typical of the 
blessings produced by the pen. Eight persons were upon this float. 

Tableau II. — "Columbus before the Court of Spain," represented Colum- 
bus before the Royal Court of Spain after his return from the discovery of 
America. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand were seated upon the throne, in 
front of which stood Columbus unrolling the chart, and just behind him, two 
Indians. 

Gen. LaFayette and French Grenadiers. 

Tableau III. — "Penn receiving the Charter," represented Penn receiving 
the charter of Pennsylvania from King Charles II. Five other characters were 
upon the float. 

Tableau IV. — " Franklin' s Printing Office," was represented by two print- 
ers engaged at their cases. 

Drum Corps. 

Gen. Washington and Continentals on their way to the Whisky Insurrection. 

Tableau V. — "Benjamin Chambers' Visit to the Indian Camp." This float 
represented four Indian men and a squaw sitting and standing around a camp 
fire. Near at hand was Benjamin Chambers, the founder of Chambersburg, 
in the act of making a treaty. 

Tableau VI. — "Massacre of Enoch Brown and School Children," por- 
trayed the most tragic event in the local history of Franklin County. The fig- 
ures on this float were Brown, his pupils and the murderous red men. 

Knights in Armor. 

Uncle Sam, mounted. 

Tableau VII. — "Our Re-united Country." This was an allegorical tab- 
leau, illustrative of the progress and prosperity of our country. The princi- 
pal figure was the Goddess of Liberty, seated on an immense keystone in the 
center of the float; on each of the four corners were figures which represented 
war, peace, prosperity and agriculture. 

Young America. 

Band of Indians. 

Tableau VIII. — "Drafting the Declaration of Independence," was a re- 
production of ChappelPs famous painting of the same name. At a table were 
Jefferson and Livingston, while just behind them were Adams and Sherman. 
In front of the table, with one hand resting thereon, stood Benjamin Franklin. 

English Soldiers. 

The route of parade was altered slightly from that originally laid out, ow- 
ing to obstructions on some of the streets. 

All along the route the procession was greeted with applause, and the way 
was almost blocked by the delighted beholders who found in it the most unique 
parade this town ever provided. 

Tuesday's program — order of procession, etc. 

Tuesday morning, the centennial day proper, was welcomed by the ringing 

of bells and the blowing of whistles. From 12 o'clock until 1, the church and 

fire bells were rung, and the whistles of the mills and Taylor Works blown 

without a pause. At 3 o' clock the artillerymen fired a salute of 101 guns, and 



440 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

soon after, the sun rose in the east anfl shone brightly, from an unflecked sky, 
upon the people of Franklin County eager to continue the celebration of their 
centenary without the intervention of rain. Early in the morning crowds be- 
gan to arrive in Chambersburg on every train, in carriages and on foot. 

At 10:40 o'clock the Trades Display moved. It was the grandest proces- 
sion ever witnessed in Chambersburg. giving representation to the implements 
and scenes of the early years of the county' s history, and comparing them with 
thp almost perfect machine of to-day. More than an hour was occupied in pass- 
ing one point, it extending over nearly four miles. The order of procession 
was as follows: 

Officers. — Wm. D. Dixon, chief marshal; P. B. Montgomery, Wm. P. 
Skinner, aids; B. F. Gilmore, O. C. Bowers, special aids. 

Antrim Township, 1741. — Marshal, B. F. Winger; Samuel Prather, C. 
Keefer Kisecker, aids: banner; members of township committee; directors 
Crowell Manufacturing Company; mechanics' band, of Greencastle, 11 pieces; 
marshal, W. W. Lohman: 123 employes Crowell Manufacturing Company; 
traction engine; two portable engines; saw-mill in operation; four pieces of ma- 
chinery; H. S. Walck', grain cradles; Geo. B. Snively, oil-cake meal; E. W. 
Fuss & Son, cradles, etc. 

Lurgan Township, 1743. — James Maclay, marshal; Murray Fickes, Hugh 
Cover, aids; Keystone Cornet Band. 21 pieces; banners; four wagons. 

Guilford Township, 1751. — Andrew Statler, chief marshal; Amos Heint- 
zelman, George S. Coover, aids; New Franklin Band, 13 pieces; I. L. Stiner'a • 
artesian well-borer; Hollywell paper-mill, two wagons; threshing machine, 
100 years old. 

Hamilton Township. 1752. — David Eby, marshal; J. W. Bossart, W. M. 
Allen, aids; hunting scene; steer drawing wagon, Philip Karper, owner; pack 
horse; bell team; Conestoga wagon; three wagons with brick-making and brick- 
burning scenes. 

Fannett Township, 1761. — J. H. Witherow, marshal; J. A. Shoemaker, D. 
L. McDonald, aids; ox team driven by William Wilson, and bearing old plows; , 
spinning scene; three wagons: A. C. Clugston, display of groceries. 

Washington Township, 1779. — James H. Clayton, marshal; Clayton Phil- 
ip-. Ezra Frick, aids: banner; David E. Rider, marshal; Ringgold band, 
18 pieces; banner; sixty employes of the American Manufacturing Company; 
dryer, drawn by traction engine ; Edgar Penny, marshal ; directors of the Frick ! 
■& Co. shops; A. T. H &L. band, 25 pieces; 712 employes of Frick & Co., with 
twelve banners; T. C. Reynolds, marshal; Eclipse Drum Corps, 10 pieces; two 
road engines and five pieces of machinery, among them a plow made in 1777; 
Geiser Manufacturing Company; Jos. Rohrer, marshal; Waynesboro Cornet 
Band, 16 pieces; large banner; four carriages with directors and clerks; 
500 employes Geiser Manufacturing Company bearing fifteen banners; $500 
prize traction engine, and old thresher; two additional traction engines, four 
pieces of machinery and several wagons; Chas. H. Burhinan, marshal; Rou- 
zersville band, 15 pieces; saw-mill of 1784; bell team drawing saw-mill; 
firm of Ames, Lecron & Sons, in carriage: bell team drawing fertilizers ; Wal- 
ter & Bonebrake, display of groceries. Fahrney's Blood Panacea; Midvale dis- 
tillery wagon with barrels; J. D. Frederick's photograph wagon; traction en- 
gine drawing A. &. J. Wiener's clothing wagon and Hiram Herman's display 
of organs. 

Southampton Township. 1783. — -David Fuller, marshal; J. McCord Means, 
aid: Cleversburg band, twelve pieces; thoroughbred horse of Samuel Knisley; 
sixteen horsemen; three carriages and banners. 



I 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 441 

Greene Township, 1782. — Milton Crawford, marshal; M. E. Battin, John 
S. Irnmell, aids; banner; representation of G-en. Greene's headquarters; wag- 
on seventy- four years old and pack horse; band of fifteen Indians; twelve Con- 
tinental soldiers. 

Peters Township, 1751. — Jacob Blattenberger, marshal; banner; six 
mounted men. 

Metal Township, 1795. — Fannettsburg band, 14 pieces; J. H. Walker, 
marshal; H. W. Jones. W. M. Rice, aids; banners representing Path Val- 
ley at the time of the first settlement, and the entrance to the Tuscarora tun- 
nel; J. McGinly Wilhelm in a farmer's suit worn fifty years ago; five wagons 
and six mounted men. 

St- Thomas Township, 1818-20. — Jacob "West, marshal; Daniel Croft, John 
Allen, aids; St. Thomas band; representation of old-time breaking of flax 
and spinning; old plow on wagon; Conestoga wagon; war scene; wheat flail- 
ing scene; wheat fan, 140 years old; eleven wagons five mounted men. 

Quincy Township. 1838. — J. R. Small, marshal; D. M. Lowry, D. M. 
Funk, aids; Mont Alto band, 15 pieces; banner; bloomary wagon with forge 
in full operation; smoking charcoal pit; Quincy band, 12 pieces; banner, 
production of township in 1884. 363,000 bushels of grain; rustic pagoda from 
Mont Alto Park; Quincy Township merchants; banners and wagons. 

Chambersburg. — Samuel Greenawalt, Wilbur F. Eyster, Abr. Hafer, aids; 
Wm. Michaels, marshal; Cumberland Valley Railroad employes; Junior 
Band, 16 pieces; drum corps; carriage containing men in the employ of 
railroad since 1838: Daniel Hull, the oldest engineer in the United States, 
commenced running in 1832; Jacob Shaffer, entered the shops in 1838; James 
Adams and Wm. Murray, connected with the road since 1842; A. H. McCulloh 
and Levi McCormick, connected with railroad since 1851; 200 employes Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad offices and shops ; four carriages containing directors of 
Taylor Manufacturing Company and office employes ; carriage occupied by Presi- 
dent Taylor and Superintendent Beck; .208 employes; Gillet's ice manufactur- 
ing machine; four engines; seven members Butchers' Association. Trades 
display of Chambersburg merchants: J. Sierer, carpets and hangings; J. N. 
Dyson, & Co., two wagons, boots, shoes and trunks; Finney & Ebersole, road 
engine and four pieces of machinery: R. T. Miley, saddler; B.'L. Ryder, port- 
able furnace and washer; W. G. Reed, plants; Jere Walk, six pieces of machin- 
ery; Singer Sewing Machine Company, four wagons; A. M. Hyssong, organs; 
'John L. Reside, brick-making; Jacoby & Bro. , cigars and tobacco; B. F. 
! Peters, groceries; Jenner Vaccine Farm; P. H. Peiffer, coach-making; W\ 
H. Beck, clothing; D. F. Stager & Sons, tanning; Ed. Hutton, shoes, pony 
'cart; H. S. Gilbert, two wagons, horse and cattle powder; J. L. Dechert, Do- 
'mestic Sewing Machines; Peter Helf rick, sand contractor; J. N. Forbes, marble 
works; W. H. Eyster, tinware; Isaac Stine, groceries; Chambersburg Spoke 
'and Wagon Works; J. B. Miller, tinware; American Sewing Machine Com- 
pany; Craig, Nelson & Co. , four wagons, lumber, etc.; M. A. Keefer & Co. . 
( two wagons, grain, coal and fertilizers; G. A. Miller & Son, hardware and 
farm implements : two wagons, men and women; John Peiffer. blacksmithing. 

The display by Chambersburg merchants was large and fine. The floats 
were decorated with the various articles of merchandise dealt in by our 
business men. And were most creditable exponents of the progress during the 
century. 

The procession numbering over 4,000 men passed over the route previously 
1 announced. The heat was so intense that many dropped from the line before 
the place of dismissal was reached. 



442 HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

In the afternoon the literary exercises of the celebration were given from a 
large and profusely decorated stand on the Diamond. The crowd of visitors 
by this time numbered fully 15,000, and so great was the heat that they wan- 
dered hither and thither seeking some place that would afford them a shelter 
from the scorching rays of the sun. Only a comparatively small audience j 
greeted the speakers of the afternoon. The exercises were begun at 2:30 
o'clock with prayer by Rev. John J. Pomeroy and the hymn, " Before Jehovah's 
Awful Throne," sung by a choir led by Mr. Wm. G. Reed. George Cham- 
bers, Esq. , then delivered the historical address. ' ' America ' ' was rendered 
by the choir. John M. Cooper, Esq. , then read a beautiful poem. The choir t 
sung ' ' All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name, ' ' after which Hon. Henry L. Fish- >j 
er, of York, delivered an interesting oration on the event celebrated. ' ' Auld 
Lang Syne' ' and the doxology were sung and the exercises closed at 6 o' clock. '1 
At their conclusion Gen. E. B. Tyler was called upon by soldiers of his old 
command and he addressed a short speech to them from the platform. He 
was heartily applauded. 

At 8 o'clock in the evening a display of fire-works was made at East 
Point, where hundreds of people assembled. Rockets, fountains, mines, wheels ■' 
and a number of large pieces, 1784 State coat-of -arras, Franklin and some ( 
comic portrayals, constituted the display. With this ended Franklin County's s 
most successful and satisfactory celebration. The visitors on both days are 
estimated to have numbered about 20,000, over 6,000 taking part in the. 
parades. The decorations surpassed any similar occasion, the crowds were . 
larger and all arrangements had been so perfectly made that nothing contem- 1 
plated failed of accomplishment. No serious accidents occurred and the best 1 
of order prevailed. It was an event which will long be remembered with hap- 
piest thoughts, and Franklin County can refer with pride to the honors paid 
her distinguished settlers and farmers in this celebration. 

ADDRESSES, POEMS, ETC. 

The subject matter of the address by Mr. George Chambers, which was an r 
excellent epitome of the county' s history, is given in the different chapters of t- 
this history. We regret that the lack of space prevents the publication entire 
of all the excellent addresses and the poem of the day. We append, however, ,1 
an extract from Mr. Chambers' historical address, which pays a just compli- 
ment to the loyalty and patriotism of Franklin County's men and women. J 
Says he: 

" When the slaveholders fired upon the flag at Sumter, in no part of the 
United States Tvas more indignation felt than in this border county of the 
North. Her sons were among the first to organize companies to battle for the 
Union. As the war progressed, men from Franklin County continued to press 
into the ranks of the Union Army until between 5,000 and 6,000 had become 
soldiers. Of their honored names I cannot mention all, and I shall not men- 
tion one. Officers and private soldiers, the living and the dead — they are re- 
membered by friends and neighbors, from whom they parted when they left 
home for the war, and by their comrades of the camp and march and battle- 
field. The scenes of those exciting years are fresh in the memory of the citi- 
zens oC Franklin County. In that war she was represented by her sons in 
every State where Union men were sent to crush the rebel hosts. Among all 
the armies of the North there were no braver men nor men more willing to sac- 
rifice their lives that our free government might not be destroyed. 

"As to-day the American flag is seen upon every hand, in many a heart will 
it reawaken the sad feelings of the day of the farewell words bravely spoken, 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 443 

and the farewell look of love, as the soldier boy left Franklin County to fight 
for that flag. The father and the mother remember the son who died for his 
country in a barbarous southern prison — where craelty worse than Indian tor 
tures was deliberately inflicted upon the Union soldier. The sister looks with 
affectionate regard upon the emblem of liberty, to follow which, in the far off 
slave State, her brother went from Franklin County never to return. Widow 
and child now see again the husband and father, who, it would seem, should 
sleep in a quiet cemetery in this beloved valley, but whose shattered body sank 
beneath the waves when the stars and stripes went down in the battle on the 
|gea. In 1862 our soldiers were startled by the news that rebel raiders had 
come into the very center of this county. And here, in 1863, the hosts of trea- 
son feasted their astonished vision upon farms, the like of which was never 
dreamed of in the slave State. 

"The thunder of Meade's artillery at Gettysburg echoed across this valley. 
Driven back in that terrible conflict in which soldiers froni Franklin County, 
forgetful of fear, fought with intrepid valor to save the Nation' s life, thousands 
of the fleeing rebel army hastened through Franklin County beyond the Mary- 
land line. In 1864 McCausland came. And soon our volunteers in distant 
camps were told that again the rebel cavalry had ridden at will through Frank- 
lin County, and that the town of Chambersburg had been plundered and 
burned by a horde of thieves and ruffians well selected for their infamous work. 
To many a Franklin County soldier came the feeling that while he was fighting 
the battles of the Nation and the commonwealth, at the front, the General 
Government or the State of Pennsylvania might have placed sufficient force in 
these border counties to protect his family and home. Still with undiminished 
patriotism our soldiers remained at their posts, and many more enlisted in the 
[ Union Army. Our citizens at home were loyal and steadfast, and the rebel 
purpose of intimidation failed. 

' ' The people of this county suffered the same common calamities of war as 
those of the other portions of the North. Upon southern battle-fields her sol- 
diers sleep side by side with the men from the other counties of the Keystone 
State. But her territory was peculiarly the border barrier between the rebel 
armies and the northern and eastern portions of the State. Her losses, aggre- 
gating millions, were enormously larger than those of any other county of 
Pennsylvania. Yet, when petitions, for reimbursement by the commonwealth 
of the actual money losses, were presented, the authorities answered with ap- 
propriations which impliedly admitted an obligation, but which paid only a 
small proportion of the indebtedness. The State saved the expense of troops 
with which she could have protected her borders. Rich and powerful Penn- 
sylvania, by her refusal to pay the border losses, enables the rebel robbers and 
incendiaries to gloat over the continuance of privations which their robbery 
and torch had inflicted upon many Union families. Men of this valley during 
the French and Indian war had as a border people protected the counties far- 
ther east, while the provincial authorities disputed and delayed and left the 
, frontiersmen principally to their own resources for their own defense. 

' ' Yet, when the Revolutionary war had come, these same frontiersmen forgot 
their grievances and rallied for the cause of liberty in distant parts of the col- 
onies. So now, should Nation or State be threatened by hostile army, no men 
would respond more patriotically to the call to war, than would the men of 
Franklin County." 

The poem of Mr. J. M. Cooper is full of historic imagery. The last four 
stanzas, which give a merited tribute to the natural and developed advantages 
of the county, will afford a tolerably clear idea of the happy style, which 



444 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

characterized the entire poem. Wfth genuine love for his native county, Mr 
Cooper feels perfectly justified in giving this advice: 

Sons and daughters of Franklin, go see all the world 
O'er which banner has floated or sail been unfurled; 
See the rainbow that arches Niagara's thunders; 
Feast your eyes till they sate- on Yosemite's wonders: 

Go where history's columns are covered with mould 
And things new to us have for ages been old; 
Go where treasures uncounted by kings have been spent, 
And art unto nature her genius has lent: 

Thread the paths of all lands; ride the waves of all seas; 
Drain the flagon of sight-seeing down to the lees; 
And when old age creeps on you and hazes your eye, 
And you feel that the end of life's journey is nigh — 

Then return to the valley that sponsored your birth, 
For your last glimpse of sky and your last look of earth. 
For a picture to match her will never be seen, 
Till the hand of Jehovah shall roll up yon screen. 

The address of Mr. Henry L. Fisher, of York, Penn., was replete with in- 
cidents and allusions, that commended themselves with great force to the oldert 
members of his audience. A native and former resident of the county, he was< 
well qualified to hold the mirror up to nature, and present a trustworthy sketch] 
of the olden times. That his purpose might be the better understood, he gavet 
this prefatory hint: 

" The old materials, which I have found and used, are drawn chiefly from: 
three sources — the Bible of our fathers, a few of my favorite Poets, and 
Memory. From the Bible, a few serious thoughts; from the Poets, imagery; 
and from Memory, all the rest. Not a carefully culled and artistically ar--| 
ranged bouquet of literary flowers, but a basket of chips from a bungler' s work- 
shop; and I set them before you for what they are worth. If they shall be- 
come ignited — as they probably will, at the present temperature — and serve to 
rekindle the flame of old friendships, I am sure my highest ambition shall be 
gratified." 

Mr. Fisher recalls his experiences and observations in the olden time school] 
as follows: 

" In the winter of 1830-31 I had the good fortune to enter an institution 
of learning kept in a venerable log edifice that stood, like the famous temple* 
of Apollo at Delphi, in the Cloven way, and near the Castilian fountain; that' 
is to say, in the fork made by the road leading from the Harrisburg & Cham- 
bersburg turnpike, at the Mennonite meeting-house, toZook's mill. The fac- 
ulty were Henry Garver and David Snyder. Mr. Garver was the principal, 
and professor of languages — Anglo-Saxon and Pennsylvania German. Prof. 
Snyder filled the chair of grammar, geography and the higher branches of 
arithmetic. He had greater versatility of genius than any gentleman I evei 
knew except the late lawyer, Samuel B. Fetrow, of York County. Snyder wi 
both skeptical and non-committal. He never could be convinced that there 
was any difference between six dozen dozen and half a dozen dozen, or that 
there was any absolutely correct ' mathematical ' process for solving the old 
question: 'If a herring and a half cost acentand a half, what will twelve cost?'' 
except by means of logarithms. Nor would he ever squarely admit that two and 
two make four. He always qualified by saying that ' according to arithmetics 
it would appear to be so. ' His pronunciation of certain words was very pe- 
culiar. Circumference, he pronounced circum/erence ; politics, potetics, and 
moustaches, musty cheese. 



HISTOttY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. I L5 

"Our principal English text books were, I think, Olney's Geography, Kirk- 
ham's Grammar, the Bible, and the English Reader, Cobb's Spelling Book, 
John Rodger' s Primer, and Pike's and Jesses' Arithmetics. In German wo had 
Der Psalter and Martin Luther's ' Grosse A B C Buck,' illustrated with a 
picture of the great reformer in his clerical robes on one side and a big rooster 
on the other side of the blood-red cover. At the holidays we barred the mas- 
ters out, of course. John Lutz, the oldest male scholar, had the business iD 
charge, and with his little salvation army of girls and boys, for a short time, 
bravely held the fort. But while Garver was making a diversion at a window, 
Snyder climbed up a corner, got on the loft, threw brimstone down the stove- 
pipe, and smoked us out. Notwithstanding, Garver, when in, signed the ' ar- 
ticle, ' drawn up by Lutz, and treated to all it called for: the usual quantity 
of cakes and candies, and two or three bucketfuls of strong beer. All passed 
off splendidly, according to the time-honored custom, and nothing was ever 
heard of it in the courts of law, or even in history. What would the school 
directors say to such performances now-a-days? I have been somewhat minute 
in this statement for two reasons: First, because there may be those still here 
who were there and will remember the circumstance (my old friend, Jacob 
Zook, for instance). And also, because it may furnish to those, who are too 
young to have had any experience of this kind, some idea of what an old-time 
country school was then like here in Cumberland Valley, and to contrast it 
with those of the present. And there on that classic spot of sylvan beauty, 
and under the influence and inspiration of those two oracles, Garver and Sny- 
der, I, with other young ideas of the neighborhood — the Lehmys, the Lutzes, 
the Millers, the Manns, the Minichs, the Klughs, the Gelsingers, the Shirks, 
the Stouchs, the Zooks and others, all drank deep of the Pierian spring and 
learned to read, write and cipher. 

" This temple of learning being closed during the summer months, the still 
higher and superior school of Prof. Thomas Harris and his able assistants was 
sought and entered — in the little old brick schoolhouse in the rear of the 
German Reformed Church. His school was soon after removed to the first 
floor of the Masonic Hall, on Second Street, where he taught for a number of 
years. His discipline, in point of severity, was fully ' up to the mark ' of 
those times, as Dr. Abe. Senseny, Hiram Keyser, Jacob Miller, Jacob Noel, 
John Radebaugh, Dr. Boyle, Stephen J. Brown, Peter Dechert, Daniel Dech- 
ert and other old schoolmates might bear witness. ' ' 

The speaker pays his respects to the past by recalling some of its political 
movements: 

"In that interval occurred, also, probably the two most remarkable national 
political campaigns of any age or country — those of 1840 and 1844. Their 
respective results at the polls, in the shape of dry figures representing the offi- 
cial vote and majorities, like those of any other election, however insignificant, 
have found their place in the pigeon holes of the political past. But nowhere, 
outside a few old musty newspaper files, so far as I am aware, is there any 
record to be found, illustrated or otherwise, of the extraordinary political say- 
ings and doings of 1840 and 1844. They simply rest in the memories of a 
comparatively few survivors, who actually participated in those fierce presiden- 
tial conflicts, which drew, not only men, but women and children into their 
fearful vortex. And in no other country, probably, save this glorious, free 
and law-abiding one of ours, could such scenes have been enacted and such 
rancorous partisan vituperation (to call it by no harsher name) have been in- 
dulged in, not merely at the hustings and by the political press, but at the 
fireside, in the family, in the social circle, in the shops, in the fields, on the 



446 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

highways and the byways, wherever men of opposite political views and feel- 
ings met, and even in the churches, without bloodshed. And it really was no 
very rare occurrence for women (I won't say ladies, except in the sense in 
which every woman is a lady) who were on ' opposite sides of the fence, ' to 
discuss the political situation with each other up to the boiling point — in the 
shape of hot water, as a more convincing argument in the last resort. 

4 ' The first log cabin I ever saw was in May, 1840, near the center of this 
square. It was built on wheels, and from a barrel of hard cider within, 
gourd-shells full of that delicious beverage were furnished gratuitously to all 
the votaries of Tippecanoe and Tyler, too, who desired to indulge; and they 
did indulge, as many of us remember, Whigs and floating Democrats, until 
both floated, locked in blissful union in each other' s ai'ins, or about each other' s 
necks, singing and shouting hosannas to the nominees, and all in glowing 
anticipation of a promised political millennium, which none of them ever lived 
to see; which, in fact, never came; for to this day the promise of ' f 2 a day and 
roast beef,' which was emblazoned on a banner surmounting that cabin, re- 
mains unfulfilled (unless in trade dollars and Chicago beef). The famous 
Buckeye-Blacksmith was on hand, haranguing the people on the tariff. 

" The log cabin, with a ring-tailed, live raccoon on top, was drawn by four 
horses in the procession, a wild, moving panorama of footmen, horsemen, car- 
riages and farm wagons filled with men, women, boys and girls, singing cam- 
paign songs to the tunes of ' Old Dan Tucker, ' ' Mary Blaine, ' ' Lucy Neal ' 
and the ' Captain with the Whiskers, ' shouting, cheering and waving flags and 
banners and rolling balls inscribed with all sorts of devices, mottoes, promises 
and predictions, that an unduly excited political feeling could sugges^or perpe- 
trate. It succeeded for once. But four years later came the great reaction, 
and the Democrats went just as wild in their way, caricaturing the whole show 
of 1840 as a fraud under the banner of Polk, Dallas, Shunk and the tariff of 
1842 ; carrying the now dead coon, labeled ' Whig Principles, ' and John 
Stickle' s stuffed muly cow, with a silver dollar dangling from each horn, in 
procession. 

" The presidential campaign of 1844 was, probably, in all respects, more re- 
markable than that of 1840. The artistic part of that of 1840 was impromptu, 
crude and cheap; but it took the Democrats by surprise. It was the first at- 
tempt, on an extended scale, or organized plan, to sway the public mind by a 
big show, appealing to passion and popular prejudice, and by means of a free, 
intoxicating beverage, and doughnuts and cold cow-heels, even to the cravings 
of the sadly demoralized popular stomach, to carry the election by storm. 
And yet the Democrats appear to have been the first to resort to any unusual 
and extraordinary methods on such occasions; it was their hickory-tree and 
cotton-ball demonstrations in the interests of Jackson, in the campaigns of 1828 
and 1832, and of Van Buren in 1836, that suggested or provoked the log 
cabin, the pine tree, the coon and the hard cider of 1840; and these, in turn, 
provoked the merciless caricatures and burlesques of 1844. But, after all, 
there was vastly more of fun than fury in those grand old-time popular up- 
risings and demonstrations; nor will the political history of the country ever 
be complete without an illustrated edition embracing an account of them. 
Each in its turn was, in effect, like a great thunder-storm, sweeping over the 
land, prostrating the weak and the rotten before it, but leaving the sound and 
the stalwart more firmly rooted than ever, and all proving the mighty strain 
which the great, grand and glorious political fabric reared for us by our fathers 
was capable of bearing. ' ' 

The early settlers were religious by instinct and education. To them the 







^ra zi <*-( 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 440 

church was indispensable both for the social and religious advantages. The 
are thus introduced: 

" But we must go to church — the old church of our fathers and mothers. 
The pews may be a little stiff, and hard and uncomfortable. The brick floor 
may look hard and cheerless. The old half-mile stove-pipes and the great old 
stoves may have become a little rusty and unsightly, the velvet collection bags 
at the ends of long poles may have become a little faded and dingy and the 
little ' klingle ' that was so deftly concealed in the huge black tassel may be 
lost. There may be wasps' nests in the wainscoting and the quaint old cornices, 
and there may be a bumblebee's nest in the sounding-board above the old sugar- 
bowl pulpit, or in the holy altar itself. But here we sit as the worshipers 
gather, clothed in the queer costumes of half a century ago; the men in their 
bell-crowned hats, brown surtouts or blue swallowtailed coats, plaided 
pants, broad ribbon and big watch seal, buff, or satin vests, and high stocks, 
or square yards of black silk around their necks, and great square-toed boots 
on their feet. The women with their ' sky-scraper ' bonnets or their green 
calashes; dresses with mutton-leg sleeves, upholstered with hoops and feath- 
ers, and — I don't care what more. And now the congregation are all seated; 
the young people in the galleries cease to whisper as the preacher, with 
solemn mien, emerges from the cosy nook of secret prayer, and ascends the pul- 
pit, and, as he lifts his hands to Heaven, all rise and reverently bow their heads; 
and once more we hear: 'How amiable are Thy tabernacles, Oh Lord of 
hosts ; a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. The sparrow hath found 
a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, even thine altar. ' We sit and 
listen to an old-fashioned sermon, earnest, pungent, solemn and full of plain 
gospel truth. AVe join in the good old congregational praise singing, with the 
spirit and the understanding; out of the old books we sing to Old Hundred— 
1 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. ' All open their mouths wide and 
sing, and the swelling volumes of praise till the house and roll out through 
the open windows and die away in the surrounding grove, but are heard in 
heaven. " 

The natural] gallantry of the speaker would not allow him to cease with 
out paying some attention to the claims of the fair sex. Having made a grace- 
ful bow, he continues : ' ' And now, I invite the ladies to an old-time quilting. 
We have only time for a peep from the kitchen to see and hear what is going 
on, and make a slight sketch of the picture. 

There is the quilt, already framed, 

And now the quilters come; 
Clothed in their homespun, hoods in hand, 
Our good old rural mothers stand, 

As welcome as at home; 
Their hoods aside, or in their laps — 
Behold their ruffled home-made caps. 

Armed to the remnant of their teeth 

With thread on skeins or spools, 
They come with needles, thimbles, wax, 
And chalk and scissors in their sacks, 

Or quaint old reticules; 
And many more convenient things, 
All dangling from their apron strings. 

And as of old, all talk at once 

Of weather, health and news; 
Now is the waning fire rebuilt, 
And quilters sitting round the quilt 

In pairs, or twos and twos; 
The figures drawn and marked with pins, 
The needle-work at length begins. 

24 



450 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

And so they quilt and talk and quilt, 

With one eye on the clock, 
Till older dames with failing charms, 
With failing strength and weary arms 

Sit back, awhile, and rock — 
Pass round the pipe and take a puff, 
Pass round the box and take a snuff. 

The enervating stimulants 

Excite a shortlived breeze; 
The pipe glows with celestial fire, 
Its fragraut fumes their tongues inspire- 
Good heavens, what a sneeze! 
'Twas like the roar of musketry 
Charged muzzle deep with Pike's Rappee, 

Or 'Congress,' or with ' Schneeberger' — 

Great snuffs in olden times: 
' Schneeberger' was the most renowned 
For sneezing, on a half a pound 

You'd sneeze a thousand times; 
Nor did it ever fail to chase 
A wrinkle from an aged face. 

Brief is the breeze of puff and snuff, 

Again they yawn and sigh; 
Again they look" up at the clock — 
Hark! at the door a gentle knock, 

And now it opens wide — 
'Ofortunate, Chappy day!' 
Here's cakes and wine upon a tray! 

And first the cakes are passed around, 

And then the glowing wine: 
When cakes and wine their tongues inspire, 
The conversation raises higher. 

And now we see them shine! 
Their upturned specs bestride each head, 
Their cheeks and noses turning red. 

Such conversation as that is 

No other place is heard ; 
Where, when ten women, for the nonce, 
Promiscuously, all speak at once, 

And each the final word 
Determined is to have and speak, 
The 'golden silence of the Greek.' 

"It is now late in the afternoon, and supper is about over; 

But still they sit and talk and sip 

And praise the rich repast, 
Inquire how this and that were made, 
How much for this or that was paid, 

And at the very last. 
Each one, just for a final sup, 
Consents to take ' j-u-s-t half a cup.' 

O, Coffee! what hast thou not done 

For suffering womankind? 
What triumphs hast thou not achieved 
O'er docior's doses, and relieved 

The body and the mind? 
Where they with drastic drop and pill 
But seldom cure and often kill. 

Before the party separates 

The quilt, must be complete; 
Each quilter now resumes her place, 
And, now, behold, they quilt a race, 

To see which side can beat; 
And when complete they won't decline 
Just one more cake and glass of wine. 






BOROUGH OF CHAMBEKSBUKG. 451 

Thus wore the finest quilts prepared 

That ever graced a bed; 
O for the slumbers there enjoyed — 
All undisturbed and unannoyed. 

The happy, youthful head 
And stomach were without one care 
Or kick from the nocturnal mare. 

Time never wearies in his flight, 

No truce his match delays. 
As quilts were made by thrifty wives, 
So checkered are our several lives, 

In many, many ways; 
As quilts when they were done and rolled, 
Our lives like fireside tales are told." 

Thus closed Franklin County's First Centennial, a fitting tribute to the past 
and a hopeful index to the future. In what was said and done we see 

In history's fragmentary tale, 
Bright clews of continuity, 

Learn that high natures over Time prevail 

And feel ourselves a link in that entail 
That binds all ages past with all that are to be. — Lowell. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 

Description — Early History — Incorporation — Banks — First Market 
Houses— Present Market House— Water Works— Gas Works— Fire De- 
partment — Manufactories— Secret Societies— Churches— Cemetery — 
Schools. 

CHAMBERSBURG, the capital of Franklin County, is the queen town of 
the Cumberland Valley. It is pleasantly and healthfully situated at the 
confluence of the two beautiful creeks — the Falling Spring and the Conoco- 
cheague, near the geographical center of the county of which it is the seat of jus- 
tice, and only a few miles south of the central point of the valley. Representing 
the valley by the Indian' s favorite weapon of warfare, the beautiful Kittatinny 
range is the bow, South Mountain is the string, the Susquehanna and the Poto- 
mac are the points of union, and the Baltimore and Pittsburgh pike the line 
along which the arrow was shot westward. Near this arrow line is the neat and 
cleanly little city whose history, personal and corporate, marks an era of strug- 
gle and conquest, destruction and recovery. 

early history. 

As will be seen in another chapter, its origin dates from the pioneer settlement 
formed by Col. Benjamin Chambers, in 1730; but it was not regularly laid out 
till 1764, when the settlement known prior to that date as "Falling Spring," 
"Benjamin Chambers'," or "Chambers' Fort" was called Chambers' Town. 
The latter name it held till the erection of the county in 1784, when it was 
modified by the adoption of the present beautiful one — Chambersburg. . 

To bring the new town properly before the people, Col. Chambers, busi- 
ness-like, kept a standing advertisement in the Philadelphia press. In one of 



452 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

the only papers published in the city at that time, the Pennsylvania Gazette, 
of July 19, 1764, appeared this card: 

Notice is hereby given to the Public, that there is a town laid out on Conegpgig Creek, 
on both sides of the Great Falling Spring, where it bills into said Creek, by Benjamin 
Chambers, of Cumberland County. Lots maybe had on reasonable terms and Finn Be- (is 
granted for them by said Chambers; the day appointed for drawing said lots is the 28th 
day of June inst.. being Thursday. The situation of this town is very good for water and 
stone, both free and marble, and sand all handy to the spot, and a well timbered part of 
the country adjoining it; within said town is a good Grist Mill, Saw Mill and Grindstones 
going by water. The articles of the Town shall be read on the day appointed for the 
drawing of the Lots, and the teims of the sale published by me. 

Benjamin Chambeks. 

The original town plat was south of the Falling Spring and east of the 
Conococheague, and looked more for a southern than a western extension, as is 
shown by the improvements southward. " The growth of the town," says Dr. 
W. C. Lane,* "was slow. Some ten years after it was laid out, the build- 
ings were nearly all confined to Main Street, although a few farmers lived 
around what are now the outskirts of the borough. Dr. Calhoon, who was 
married to Miss Ruhamah Chambers, then lived on the corner of King and 
Main Streets. Beyond his residence no improvements w r ere yet made. His 
house stood considerably beyond the other buildings on the street. North- 
•east of the Falling Spring was a deep and almost impassable swamp, which 
was, of course, unfit for building purposes. The road toward Shippensburg 
•crossed the spring at the present fording, on King Street, and, following its 
course through the Indian burial place, and the yard of the Presbyterian 
Church, finally joined the present road in front of the church, and pursued 
its eastward course several rods distant from the present turnpike, but nearly 
parallel with it. The only place where the Conococheague could be crossed 
near the southern limit of the town, was at the ' Lower Fording ' at Lemnos 
Factory, where the stream is now crossed by the bridge. At this fording Col. 
■Chambers kept a flat boat for the convenience of foot passers. Two roads then 
ran westward from the fording; one of which, now Franklin Street, wound 
over the hill till it reached Market Street, and then proceeded directly west. 
The other ran through Wolffstown and formed a junction with the former one 
at the western point, about a mile from the center of the town. Between the 
railroad, where it crosses Market Street, and the Diamond, were three or four 
small houses, in one of which, that stood near the residence of the late Dr. B. 
S. Schneck, lived Dr. Abraham Senseny, the grandfather of our eminent towns- 
man, Dr. A. H. Senseny. These houses were nearly surrounded by woods. 
The hill on which the academy stands and the country surrounding it, was 
covered with a dense woods, and abounded in wild animals of various kinds. 
The venerable widow of Dr. Senseny told the writer that the howling of the 
wolves in this woods, after nightfall, was no infrequent sound, and that they 
often ventured beyond the margin of the forest, even in daytime, thus enabling 
her to view their gaunt forms from the door of her dwelling. On Market 
Street, between the Diamond and the creek, no houses had yet been built, and 
the original forest trees were still standing. Col. . Chambers then lived on the 
bank of the creek, near the cemetery, as has already been stated; and his or- 
chard extended from the creek west to Franklin Street, and embraced that 
large tract of ground between Market and Water Streets and the boundaries 
already specified. The grain fields of the Colonel were situated along Second 
•Street, and extended from the present market house to Market Street, and ran 

*"CtiamV)ersbure in the Olden Time." written for Public Opinion, 1877. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 453 

back to the margin of the woods, a few rods further east, toward the 
academy. 

"During the next few years the town considerably improved in appearance 
and growth, a number of settlers having purchased lots and built dwellings. 
On Main Street, on the corner of King, in the house long occupied by Mr. 
George Goettman, Capt. Owen Aston then resided. The building was erected 
by a man named McCune. Near the residence of the late Judge Oyster, stood 
a small house tenanted by an old lady familiarly known as Molly Cline. Op- 
posite the residence of Dr. Calhoon, where the late Joseph Culbertson and 
William G. Reed, Esq. formerly resided, was a small log house, built and oc- 
cupied by a man named McKain, whose occupation was that of a tanner. His 
tanyard lay between his house and the Falling Spring, and in it was manu- 
factured the first leather made in Chambersburg. Col. William Chambers, 
son of the founder of the town, lived in the house for many years occupied by 
Mr. Alonzo Fry, a few doors north of Trostle's hotel. Proceeding np Main 
Street, we next come to the stone house on the corner of the Diamond, belong- 
ing to Mr. Andrew J. Miller. This building was erected by John Jack, about the 
year 1770, and was used as a tavern for many years. 

"For about ten years after the formation of Franklin County, until the- 
court-house was finished, the courts were held in this building. On one oc- 
casion, during the progress of an important trial, when the room was crowded! 
with spectators, one of the joists suddenly cracked and permitted the floor to- 
sink several inches, to the great consternation of those present. The broken 
joist was retained in its proper position by iron bands, and thus remained an 
interesting memorial of our early history until the house was destroyed by fire 
at the burning of Chambersburg, in 186-1, by McCausland's incendiaries. 
The next building on that side of the street stood on the site of the Chambers 
burg Bank. This was the tavern stand of Robert Jack, and was the first tav 
ern kept in the town. The building was at a later period occupied for tuany 
years by Jimmy Jack, so well known to the preceding generation, and of 
whose quaint sayings and doings the present citizens have heard so many ex- 
amples. The house was built of logs and afterward weather boarded, and 
was partly surrounded by a porch, which, on summer evenings, was a favorite- 
place of resort for the gentlemen of the town. It was torn down in 1828, the- 
year in which the bank was built. The next house to which we come, was a 
small log cabin, which stood where the fine brick dwelling of the late Thomas 
G. McCulloh, Esq., was subsequently built, and owned by Dr. James Hamil- 
ton when it was destroyed by the rebels, at the burning of the town, 1864.. 
This original house was owned by Geo. Cresinger, who kept a small store. 
After the erection of Franklin County, in 1784, before the old jail was built, 
this house was used as a county prison. So insecure was it, that culprits were 
chained to the floor and a guard of armed men was stationed around it to 
prevent their escape. On the corner of the Diamond and Main Street, where 
the store of Messrs. J. Hoke & Co. stands, a small dwelling of logs then stood. 
This was the residence of Gen. James Chambers, the oldest son of Col. Benja- 
min Chambers. 

" Adjoining the property of Gen. Chambers, Nicholas Snider lived in a 
small log house. Where the court-house stands was the residence of Capt. 
Samuel Lindsay, also a Revohitionary soldier. A small log hut then occupied 
the corner of the Diamond and Market Street, where the Franklin County Bank 
is located. The building was originally built for a blacksmith shop, but was 
afterward converted into a printing office, and was used by Mr. Robert Harper 
for the publication of the Franklin Repository, eighty years ago. Thomas Shan- 



454 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

non' s confectionery, shop was next in order as we pass up Main Street. This 
stood where Capt. John Jeffries is now engaged in the same business. Shan- 
non's original building was small and rough, but he eventually erected the one 
long occupied by Capt. Jeffries. For many years there were no buildings of 
any description between Shannon's property and the Union Hotel, for many 
years kept by Adam Fisher, and, after him, by his son, John, near the corner 
of Main and Queen Streets. Not far from Fisher's tavern, William Shannon 
kept a small public house. Mr. Shannon was a shoemaker as well as publican, 
and, in those early days, when traveling was not as common as it now is, he 
found ample time for the pursuit of his trade. These few scattered houses 
were then all that formed the now handsome town of Chamber sburg. They 
were, with one exception, all built of logs, and were hastily and carelessly 
erected to meet the pressing exigencies of backwoods life. The country 
around the town whs sparsely settled, although some of the more desirable 
locations were already selected by the hardy pioneers. It will be observed 
that there were yet no buildings on any of the streets of the town except Main 
Street. Building on Second Street did not begin until about the year 1780. 
At this time the improvement of the town was almost at a stand, and very few 
buildings were raised until the erection of Franklin County, in 17S4. This 
event gave a fresh impulse to improvement, and during the ten succeeding 
years a large number of brick buildings were erected on Main Street. Eighty- 
live years ago, the following brick and stone houses had been built: Beginning 
at the southern end of the town, and proceeding toward the Falling Spring, 
the first house on the west side of the street is the one built by Daniel 
Onangst, and for many years occupied by Dennis Berry and his family, by 
whom it is yet owned. The next house is the stone one near the German Re- 
formed Church, now owned by Mi;s. Jarret. This building was erected by 
Moses Blackburn, a mason, about the year 1789. In 1791 Mr. Jacob Dechert 
built the brick house now occupied as an office by Dr. J. L. Suesserott. Jo- 
seph Allison, a hatter, built and resided in the house for many years owned and 
occupied by Mr. Frederick Miller, now the residence of his son, Charles F. 
Miller. There were no brick or stone houses between this point and the resi- 
dence and office of the late Dr. John C. Richards. On this site then stood a 
two-story stone house, which was occupied as a tavern by William Morrow. 
This was then considered the best hotel in the town, and is rendered memora- 
ble as the house in which Gen. Washington and his staff lodged over night, 
while on their way to the western section of the State, to suppress the Whisky 
Rebellion in 1794. The stone house was removed by Thomas Johns in 1820, 
and a brick one erected in its place, which, in its turn, was burned by the 
rebels in 1864. On the corner of the Diamond and Market Street, on the 
site of the Central Presbyterian Church, stood a stone tavern, which Avas 
built by John McKonkey. This was known as the 'Green Tree Hotel.' at 
a later period kept by Thomas Hetich. These two last named houses were 
built about the year 1786. The stone house owned by Mr. Andrew J. Miller, 
as we have already seen, had been put up some yeai\s previously, and was the 
.first stone house built in Chambersburg. The next house was across the 
alley, and was the residence of Mr. Denig. father of the late Louis Denig, 
an 1 was. at a later day, occupied by the late Judge Jacob Oyster. These 
were all the brick and stone buildings on the west side of Main Street. Re- 
tracing our steps toward the point from which we started, we shall note the 
brick a td stone dwellings on the other side of the street. Opposite the Pies 
byteriau Church was a brick house then in course of completion by Dr. Andrew 
Bauui, a nntive of Germanv, who had recently come to the town. The Doct 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 455 

removed from Chambersburg before it was finished, and sold it to Christian 
Etter, by whom it was completed. It was purchased by Mr. Abraham D. 
Caufman, and is now owned by Col. James G. Elder. 

' ' The public house for so many years kept by Jacob Snider, was built in 1777, 
on the ground on which the National Hotel now stands. It was built by Nich- 
olas Snider, father of Jacob Snider. The next house was the one already men- 
tioned as belonging to Capt. John Jeffries. About the same year the stone 
house so long in the possession of the late George S. Eyster, was built and 
used as a dwelling by Samuel Purviance. Michael Trout kept tavern in the 
house long known as Radebaugh's Tavern, which stood where Mr. John 
Fisher's fine Indian Queen Hotel now stands. The next house on the south is 
the one formerly owned by Mr. Henneberger. It and the one occupied by Dr. 
Edmund Culbertson are supposed to be the oldest brick houses in Chambers- 
burg. Nearly opposite the Berry property lived Conrad Snider, in a two-story 
brick house, which was the last one on this side of the street. From the above 
enumeration, the reader will readily perceive that, at this early period, Cham- 
bersburg presented a very striking contrast with its present handsome appear- 
ance. The great majority of the buildings were mere cabins, only a story 
and a half high, with the upper apartments so low, that a man of ordinary 
height could scarcely stand upright without striking his head against the roof. 
Rooms suitable for stores were scarce, and the latter were necessarily small. 
We may remark in this connection, that the first store opened in Chambersburg 
was kept by a man named Somerfield, in a small room on the corner of Main 
and Queen Streets, on the site of the store of Mr. John Huber. Mr. Patrick 
Campbell succeeded Mr. Somerfield, and carried on the business there for 
many years. Some of our older citizens well remember Mr. Campbell and his 
store. 

' ' In the year 1788, Capt. Benjamin Chambers extended the town on the west 
bank of the Conococheague, in consequence of the increasing trade with the 
western part of the State. At the time the town was laid out by Col. Cham- 
bers, the travel was nearly all toward the settlements in Virginia and Maryland, 
and, influenced by that fact, the proprietor laid out his lots in that direction. 

" The creek was crossed on Market Street by a rough wooden bridge, which, 
previous to the extension of the town beyond its western bank, was not often 
used. Now, however, it was replaced by a more substantial and permanent 
structure. About the year 1791 a few brick buildings had been erected in this 
portion of the town; notably, the house on the bank of the creek and the one 
adjoining it, opposite Mr. John Miller's hotel, the former then occupied by 
Fredrick Spahr, a mason of herculean strength, and the latter by Christian 
Grove. The old tavern stand had been already built. Before the old brick house 
was erected, a log house occupied the same position. This was the first house 
built on this side of the Conococheague. When the workmen were engaged in 
digging the cellar under this old house, they suddenly came upon a large, flat 
stone, which was found to cover the mouth of a well, that was of average depth, 
and walled with rough stones. When, and by whom, this well was built, be- 
come interesting questions for the antiquarian to solve. It will be remembered 
that prior to its discovery, no white settlers had yet dwelt on this side of the 
Conococheague, and, consequently, it could not have been dug by them. Then 
its mouth was several feet below the surface of the ground, and, if it could 
possibly have been constructed by them, why should they have gone to the 
almost impracticable labor of concealing it? It evidently existed long before 
the settlement of the town, and was made by some race of people who inhabited 
this region before the Indian tribes which lived here at the time when Col. 



456 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Chambers built his cabin at the mouth of the Falling Spring. The mystery 
attending its origin is deepened, when it is remembered that several elegant 
and never- failing springs were in its immediate vicinity, from which abundant 
supplies of clear and cool water could at all times be obtained. The above 
mentioned story is not fabulous, but was received by the writer from old citi- 
zens of unquestionable truthfulness, who saw the well at the time it was ex- 
posed by the excavation of the cellar; and their story has been fully corrob- 
orated by several most respectable citizens who had often heard of the singular 
discovery from their ancestors. 

"In 1790 there were no buildings of any importance between the Diamond 
and the creek. Prior to the year 1822, the ground lay pretty much in its orig- 
inal condition. Between the corner, occupied by the old ' Green Tree Tav- 
ern, ' so long a favorite lodging place for the old citizens of the neighborhood 
when visiting the town, and the alley west of it, on the ground formerly oc- 
cupied by the Arcade, the only buildings were a small, weather-boarded 
house, and the stable belonging to the hotel. Between the alley and the 
creek was a deep and wide hollow, the lower side of which sloped gradually 
toward the water; near the bank of the stream was a large sycamore tree, 
which had stood there for ages, and beneath whose spreading branches the 
good wives of the town were accustomed to assemble in pleasant weather to 
perform their weekly labors over the washtub, and, perchance, discuss the 
prominent social events of the preceding week. Near this tree was a tine 
spring of cold water, which afforded a full supply of the refreshing beverage 
to the inhabitants of the neighborhood. This place was the play-ground of 
the children of the town, and the thick green sward and the cedar grove which 
covered a part of it, admirably fitted it for this purpose. The house on the 
old tannery lot, on the opposite side of the street, was already built and used 
as a brewery. It was afterward remodeled and converted into a dwelling 
house by the late James Finley. From this point toward the Diamond was a 
row of brick houses built by John Shryock and James Finley. There was one 
other house, further east, which was occupied by Mrs. Johns for many years. 
This was built by George Cook. These three last named houses were built 
about the beginning of the present century. The well-known stone tavern 
stand, styled the ' Golden Lamb, ' on the corner now in the occupancy of 
the Valley Spirit printing office, and for many years kept by the late John 
Noel, was built in 1795, by Stephen Rigler. Previous to that year a large 
walnut tree stood on the same corner, and was a conspicuous landmark i» the 
neighborhood. When the present handsome building was erected a few years 
ago by Mr. George Ludwig, the bole of the old tree was unearthed in an ex- 
cellent state of preservation. 

"The old court-house was built between the years 1786 and 1794. It was 
commenced in the former and completed in the latter year. The old stone 
jail, on the northeast corner of Second and Market Streets, was erected be- 
tween the years 1786 and 1798. It was under roof in 1791, but not finished 
before 1798. The first jailer was Owen Aston, who lived in a small frame 
house east of the prison. Previous to the erection of the stone jail, an old 
log jail occupied the same site. In the yard attached to this building, a 
couple of convicts were hung at an early day. After the completion of the 
stone building, a couple of negroes were executed from a platform which ex- 
tended into the yard from one of the back windows. These executions, with 
the hanging of a man named Thomas McKean, about the year 1807, on the hill 
near the academy, are the full number of all that have occurred in the county. 
The executions in Franklin County were briefly: (1) John Hanna and 








'tf£t^ J^ J ( 7^Z^^^z^ 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 459 

Josiah llamage, by Jeremiah Talbot, Wednesday, May 3, 1786, for murder. 
(2) Jack Durham, negro slave, by John Johnston, Tuesday, July 8, L788, 
for rape; (3) John McKean, by Jacob Snyder, December 22, 1807, for mur- 
der; (4) Hezekiah Shaffer, by Michael Gable, April 18, 1879, for murder; (5) 
Peachey Swingle (colored) by Michael Gable, June 6, 1879, for murder. For- 
merly, it seems, other days than Friday were unlucky. — [Compiler.] 

"About the time of the erection of Franklin County, in September, 1784, 
the legal punishment of criminals was somewhat different from that which is 
enforced at the present day. The venerable Jacob Immel, late of Greenvillage, 
told the writer, that, upon one occasion, seeing a number of citizens collected 
in the Diamond, and, curious to learn the cause, he approached the crowd, 
and saw that the source of the attraction was a culprit who was undergoing 
the operation of cropping, after having previously stood an hour in the pillory 
and received thirty-nine lashes upon his bare back. Immediately in front of 
the Repository office was a large hollow, from the center of which grew a large 
walnut tree, to which culprits were tied when about to suffer flagellation. As 
the population of the town increased and with it also the number of criminals, 
a larger and more secure prison became necessary; and, consequently, the 
present building, which was formerly called the new jail, to distinguish it 
from the old stone jail, was built in the year 1818. 

" The lot upon which the court-house was erected was given to the county 
by Col. Benjamin Chambers, and the contract for building it was awarded to 
his son, Capt. Benjamin Chambers, by whom the old stone jail was also raised. 
The work on the court-house was done by Walter Beatty, a prominent builder 
of that day. The court-house stood upon the site of the present handsome 
building. It was a plain, old fashioned brick structure, decorated with a high 
steeple, upon the top of which a gilded weather-cock indicated the direction 
from which the wind blew. The floor of the court room was paved with 
brick, it was warmed by two huge ten-plate stoves, into which a full length 
cord stick of wood could easily be thrust. In one corner stood an old wooden 
hydrant, the solitary visible memorial of the old water works. The bar for 
the use of the attorneys was elevated some distance above the floor, and the- 
judges' seats were some two feet higher than the bar. These were situated on the 
north side of the room. Along the front on Market Street, seats for the 
audience were placed, also considerably elevated above the floor. The jury 
rooms were on the spcond story of the building. 

"The county offices were formerly in a long two-story brick building 
adjoining the court-house on Market Street, and extending along that thorough- 
fare nearly to the alley. For several years after the formation of Franklin 
County, the several offices were filled by a single incumbent, Edward Crawford, 
Esq. 

"As an indication of the extent of the population of Franklin County, 
eighty-seven years ago, we quote a letter from Mr. Crawford to Charles Biddle, 
of Philadelphia, secretary of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. 
It may also serve in some degree to determine the activity with which Cupid 
conducted his amatory conquests at the same period: 

" Chambersburg, April 26th, 1790. 
"Dear Sir: 

"About one year ago, I received 12 blank Marriage Licenses, which are all disposed 
of and accounted for by me, except one. Tbe bearer hereof, Mr. John Colhoon, Mer- 
chant, will remain in Town a few days. Please be so obliging as to forward to me, by 
him, about the same number for the ensuing year. Mr. Colhoon will lodge at the Harp 
and Crown. 

"And I am, dear Sir, Your obedient, 

"And very humble Servant, 

" Edw. Crawford. 



460 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

' ' The first house east of the county offices building was the one built by 
Andrew Dunlop, Esq. , and stood on the ground upon which the law office of 
Messrs. Brewer & Gehr now stands. A short distance above the old jail, on 
the corner of the alley, was the stone house owned by a Mr. Swain, a hatter. 
This house was rough-cast and modernized, and became the hospitable home 
of the late lamented Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D. On the opposite side of the 
stieet were a few small, weather boarded houses, which were not removed 
until a few years ago. At a somewhat later period than that of which we are 
speaking, Jeremiah Mahoney kept a tavern in a small, two-story log house, 
known as the ' Light House, ' which stood on the spot now adorned by the hand- 
some residence of William McLellan, Esq. This locality was then a high hill, 
unenclosed by a fence, and known as ' The Common,' and was the usual play- 
ground for the boys of the neighboring academy. Whilst excavating the hill 
for the track of the Franklin Railroad, in 1837, a huge limestone rock fell 
upon the roof of the old building and crushed its way to the cellar, so com- 
pletely demolishing it as to render its repair impracticable. Around the out- 
skirts of the town the only building of stone or brick which could be found in 
1791 was the brick house on the corner of Washington and Water Streets, built 
a year or two previously by a shoemaker named Frederick Blecker. The land 
about the eastern point originally belonged to the plantation of Joseph Cham- 
bers, who lived in the stone house on the farm known as McKnight's, thus 
designated from its owner, the Rev. John McKnight, one of the pastors of 
Rocky Spring Church. This locality possesses a mournful interest to the older 
citizens of the town, as being the residence of Joseph Pritts, Esq. , the bril- 
liant editor of the Whig, and at a later date, of the Repository and Whig, and 
the compiler of Border Life. Here his useful life was closed. Edward Craw- 
ford purchased this land from Mr. Chambers, and divided it into town lots. 
The land around the northern point also originally belonged to Mr. Chambers, 
and was part of the same tract. It was purchased from Mr. Chambers by 
Thomas Hartley, Esq. , a gentleman from York County, by whom it was divided 
into building lots. The extreme end of the point was purchased by the Stit- 
tinger family, by whom several small houses were built. The rough-cast 
building, jit its extremity, was used as a tavern for considerably more than 
half a centftry. The crossing on the creek, near Heyser's paper mill, at the 
point now spanned by the handsome iron bridge, was called the Upper Ford- 
ing, to distinguish it from the Lower Fording, near the old edge-tool factory, 
to which allusion has already been made. 

' ' At the beginning of the present century, the whole town presented a rough 
and unpleasant appearance. The streets were neither graded nor paved; and, 
in wet weather, the mud was so deep as to render them nearly impassable. 
Old residents used to say that it was no unusual sight to see a wagon stopped 
in the Diamond and along Main Street, and so deeply embedded in the mud, j 
as to render it impossible for the horses to withdraw it. 

"Each citizen was expected to make such pavement in front of his dwelling 
or store as suited his taste and convenience; and, in many cases, no pavements 
of any description were laid. Brick walks were not yet introduced. Along 
Main Street, between the Diamond and Queen Street, a considerable hollow 
extended, which, in wet weather, was little better than a vast mud hole. The 
houses standing along this section of the street were much higher than their 
present level, and were reached by a flight of four or five steps. It has been 
filled up to the height of several feet. A high elevation existed in the Dia- 
mond, which was leveled when the streets were first graded. Queen Street, 
near Second, has baen dug down to the depth of seven or eight feet. Between 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 401 

the railroad and Second Street, the descent was quite steep and not entirely 
free from danger. For many years after the settlement of the town, this por- 
tion of it was not improved, and served as a grazing ground for herds of sheep 
and cattle which roamed over the neighborhood. When Chambersburg was 
laid ont, in 1764, it was the original design of its inhabitants to make Second 
Street the principal business street of the town, on which its future public 
buildings should be erected. This design was, however, frustrated, through 
the united efforts of a number of rich and influential gentlemen who had pur- 
chased lots, and built houses on them, around the Public Square. This street, 
like .Main Street, which lies parallel with it, runs nearly due north and south, 
while Market Street, which crosses it at right angles, runs nearly east and 
west. ' ' 

On the 8th of September, 1781, Col. Benjamin Chambers, had, for the 
sum of £3, lawful money, deeded to his son, Col. James Chambers, a tract of 
220 acres lying near Chambersburg, in Guilford Township. On this tract, Col. 
James laid out a suburban town, which was known as " Chamberstown, " and is so 
spoken of in the records to distinguish it from the principal town of Chambers 
burg. It lay, as Mr. George S. Kyle has discovered by carefitl searching, in 
the southwest part of what is now Chambersburg, being bounded on the north 
by German Street, east and west by the borough lines of Chambersburg and 
south by St. Johnstown, commonly nicknamed Kerrstown. 

Becoming financially embarrassed, Col. James and his wife, Catherine, dis- 
posed of the original tract to Andrew Dunlop, the consideration being '"divers 
good causes and considerations, them moving." This transfer occurred Sep- 
tember 29, 1786. On the 5th of June, 1797, Andrew Dunlop and his wife, 
Sarah Bella, for the sum of £2,800, transferred 130 acres of this tract, to- 
gether with the quit rents on lots sold by James Chambers and themselves, to 
Col. Benjamin Chambers, younger brother of James. What became of the 
ninety acres is not stated; but they were probably the town site. 

. What is currently known as Kerrstown, was laid out by John Kerr, and 
by him called St. Johnstown. Town plats not being recorded, its limits were 
not ascertained. 

As an indication of the price of town lots in Chambersburg one hundred 
years ago, it may be said that, on July 12, 1777, Benjamin Chambers and 
Jane, his wife, of the Township of Guilford, and county of Cumberland, con- 
veyed to Nicholas Snyder the lot on which the National Hotel now stands, for 
the sum of £1 10s., Pennsylvania currency, equal in value to $4 of the cur- 
rency of the present day, on condition that the purchaser should, within two 
years, build a good, substantial dwelling house on said lot, at least sixteen 
feet square, with a chimney of brick or stone, and pay forever thereafter, on 
the 28th day of June in each and every year, an annual quit rent of 15 shil 
lings, to the said Benjamin Chambers, his heirs or assigns. Other lots 
brought corresponding prices. 

In an article published by Hon. Henry Ruby in the Shippensburg News of 
November 27, 1875, under the head of "Chambersburg Sixty Years Ago," he 
says : 

"Franklin County was organized September 9, 1784. Chambersburg. 
now the county seat, was founded in 1764. The lirst settlers in this new 
county were the Chambers family, who occupied a small cabin near where 
Falling Spring empties into the Conococheague Creek. Unlike many of the 
old pioneers, this family was noted for its hospitality and kindness, and was 
always among the first to extend a hearty welcome to new comers as they ar- 
rived to settle down, ready to face the dangers, trials and hardships incident 



462 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

to all new settlements, as civilization extended her borders westward, where 
the usual comforts and necessaries of life are not found, and, if wanted, 
could not be procured without great expense and difficulties in transportation. 

"We were told by an old lady (the mother of an extensive family in Chain - 
bersburg) some years ago, that when she and her husband arrived, which was 
about 1785, they were immediately called on by Mrs. and Mr. Chambers, and 
heartily welcomed to their new home, with a pressing invitation to call and 
see them. A short time afterward they availed themselves of the invitation, 
and found the latch string of the door hanging out and the family snugly 
housed in their new cabin, with a board floor, a comfort which but few of the 
houses at that time had* The very kindly manner in which they were re- 
ceived had quite an encouraging influence, and it made them feel that, although 
among a strange people and in a new and wild country, they were among 
friends and protectors, which inspired them with fresh zeal in their newly 
adopted home. 

"One can form some little idea of the wild state of the country when Cham- 
bersburg was first settled, from the fact that, about 1785, immediately back 
from Radebaugh's tavern stand, it was a wild wilderness so thickly overgrown 
that it was not safe for any one unacquainted to enter into it any distance, for 
fear of being lost. It was no uncommon thing to hear wolves near the town 
howl. This we have from one of the early settlers." 

In the paper from which we took the foregoing extract, Mr. Ruby gives a 
list of the leading business men of the olden time. It does not pretend to be 
exhaustive, but serves its purpose in perpetuating the names and memories of 
the first inhabitants, one object had in view in this compilation. 

Benjamin Chambers; Joseph Chambers;, Snyder; Stephen Rigler, 

innkeeper; John Noel, Sr., fuller; Dr. Abraham Senseny, Sr. ; Frederick 
Roemer, innkeeper; Samuel Radebaugh, Sr., merchant; Daniel Reisher, Sr. ; 
George Stech, innkeeper; Hoffman, merchant; Patrick Campbell, mer- 
chant; Godfrey Greenawalt, Sr., butcher; Edward Crawford, prothonotary; 
Samuel Purvines, paper-maker; Samuel Colhoun, merchant; John Shryock, 
book merchant; Thomas Johns, hardware store; Jacob Heyser, Sr. , copper- 
smith; Christian Wolff, saddler; Jacob Brazer,' saddler; Jacob Snyder, sher- 
iff; Jeremiah Snyder, innkeeper; Dr. Lane; Henry Reges. scrivener ; D. Com- 
fort, basket-maker; Samuel Riddle, attorney; John Riddle, teacher; James- 
Cooper, cabinet-maker; Samuel Blood, teacher; James Warden, shoe-maker;. 
John Gross, Sr., shoe-maker; Samuel Holliday, justice of the peace; Dr. John 
McDowell; Dr. John Sloan; — — ^Seibei-t, Sr. ; Willia m Se ibejjL carpenter; 
Samuel Seibert, carpenter; John Seibert, merchant; Wesley Seibert; Peter 
Cook, butcher; Samuel Cook, butcher; George Cook, butcher; John Shull, 
rope-maker; Solomon Patterson, justice of the peace; John Welsh, sheriff;. 
John Campbell, innkeeper; Leven Murphy, blacksmith; John Oaks, windmill- 
maker; David Oaks, judge; G. Hummelshine, laborer; — — Owens, carpen- 
ter; L. Denig, Sr., druggist; L. Denig, Jr., druggist; Hugh Greenfield, 
sheriff; John Greenfield, nail-maker; Jacob Wilt, blacksmith; Joseph Hous- 
urn, shoe maker; J. Switzer, gunsmith; Jacob Oyster, tanner; Peter Oyster, 
saddler; Peter Minnich, tanner; Christian Flack, tanner; James Findlay, tan- 
ner; Owen Aston; Col. Young, farmer; Fridinger, sexton; Peter Gloss- 

brenner, tailor; Alexander Scott, watch-maker; Brown, attorney; 

Gibbons, Sr.. blacksmith; Charles Gibbons; Klunk. potter; Rev. B. S. 

Schneck; Reade Washington, attorney; Rev. McKnight; George Albright, 
miller; Thomas Lindsay, mail-carrier; - - Nitterhouse, Sr.; Philip Nitter- 
house, carpenter; John Nitterhouse, carpenter; J. Mohler,, farmer; Judge J. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 403 

Nill; John Dietz, book-binder; Coover, wagon-maker; Capt. James 

•Calhoun; Capt. John McClintick; Charles Young, watch-maker; George 
Shillito, weaver; Hugh McNulty, hatter; Daniel Smith, tobacconist; George 

K. Harper, printer; John Rothboust, music teacher; M. Trout, Sr. ; 

Merkell, sheriff; Jacob Whitmore, merchant; John Hershberger, printer; 
Jacob Spahr; Philip Berlin, wagon-maker; Jacob Dechert, hatter; David 
Snyder, merchant; Jacob Spangler, blacksmith; Daniel Spangler, cashier of 
the Chambersburg bank; Capt. Allison, court-crier; John Stephenson, Jr., 
tailor; John Kelly, fuller; Blecher, shoe-maker; Matthew Wilson, mer- 
chant; Wilson, hardware merchant; Judge Riddle; Samuel Cooper, cabi- 
net-maker; Rev. D. Denny; Rev. James Hoffman; Rev. Frederick Moeller; 
Dr. Samuel Culbertson; Joseph Culbertson, innkeeper; Thomas H. Crawford, 
attorney; Ludwig Heck,, carpenter; John Durborrow, carpenter; John Fa- 
vorite, wagon-maker; Jacob Jarrett, carpenter; F. W. Schoepflin, printer; 
Frederick Miller, tinner; Rud olph Harley, teache r; James Wright, hatter; 
Thomas Wright, book-binder; William Nixon, chair-maker; Thomas McCulloh, 
attorney; George Barnitz, brewer; Kirby, Sr. , teacher; Davis, sur- 
veyor; H. Markline, engraver. Charles Markline, printer; Jacob Flinder, 

locksmith; John King, ironmaster; Paul Hoeflich, barber; Brand, Sr. , 

blacksmith; Samuel Brand, blacksmith; Robert Peebles, innkeeper; Jacob 
Soasy, jailer; George Brown, carpenter; Jacob Brown, carpenter; Martin 

Brown, carpenter; John Brown, postmaster; Coffee, innkeeper; John 

Shortz, saddletree-maker; Maneris, .laborer; Jacob Hart, potter; John 

Measy, shoe-maker; Barnard Wolff, saddler; John Henneberger, tailor; 

Suesserott, watch-maker; Fred Schneider, hardware store ; James McFarland, 
merchant; David Washabaugh, sheriff; John McClay, sheriff; Frederick 
Stump, grocer; Frederick Smith, attorney; Dr. Jeremiah Senseny; William 
Heyser, paper-maker; John McGeehan, merchant; Thomas Early, sheriff; 
Silas Harry, bridge-builder; Thomas Plummer; Jacob Bickley, tailor; John 
McClintick, hatter; George Flory, cabinet-maker; John Smith, merchant; 

Henry Smith, teacher; John Noel, Sr. ; McLaughlin, teacher; 

Stupel, watchman; John Sloan, printer; George Mason, innkeeper; Frederick 
Hoffman, farmer; Daniel Dechert, hatter; Richard Morrow, clerk of court; 
John Flanagan, prothonotary; Joseph Pritts, printer; Rev. H. L. Rice; An- 
drew Colhoun, bank officer; Madeira; George Chambers, attorney; Jo- 
seph Chambers, attorney; James Dunlap, attorney; Robert M. Bard, attorney; 
James Riddle, attorney; Jacob Heck, merchant; Benjamin Fahnestock, drug- 
gist; Benjamin Fahnestock, merchant; Henry Heckerman, shoe-maker; Col. 

Marphy; Monroe; Biddle, vendue-crier; Schaffer. distiller; 

Peter McGaffigan, turnpiker; John Hughes, turnpiker; Henry Tray er, brewer; 

Little ; Pedigrew ; John Stewart, weaver ; John Bert, sexton ; George 

Heck, tinner; Judge Thompson; Matthias Nead, phothonotary ; John Burk- 
holder, blacksmith; Peter Eberly, farmer; Henry Hatnick, printer; John 
Strealy, printer; Holmes Crawford, treasurer of the Saving Fund; John F. 
Denny, attorney; Jasper Brady, attorney; William Gillaspy, wagon-maker; 

Henry Byerly; Jacob Heagy, tanner; Faber, card- maker; George Grice, 

plasterer; Pierce, carpenter; Richard Burden, farmer; — ■ Fetter, car- 
penter; Warden, cotton factory where now part of the woolen-mill stands; 

Jamison, tanner; Stumm, tanner; Denny Stephenson; Jacob Grove, 

blacksmith; William Grove, wagon-maker; Rev. Litchey; John Stephenson, 
tailor; William Ferry, auger-maker; George S. Eyster, merchant; Dr. Sam- 
uel Fahnestock. 

The pooling of interests is not wholly a modern practice. Seventy years ago. 



464 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



as will be seen from the following prontfhciarnento, the borough of Chambers- 
burg was threatened with a dearth of fuel by the combination of its bucolic 
neighbors. Observe that its significance is intensified by the date of its issue : 

Notice. 
We, the subscribers, in order to regulate the price of fire wood, have unanimously 
agreed to the following resolutions: 

1. We will not sell hickory wood for less than six dollars per cord; chestnut oak five 
dollars and fifty cents, and all other wood five dollars per cord. 

2. If any of us after the first of August next sell any wood in the borough of Cham- 
bersburg for less than the prices above mentioned, he shall forfeit and pay a fine of five 
dollars, the informer to have the fine. 

3. We wish to inform the town council of Chambersburg that we are not to b'e 
detained from morning to evening, for nothing, by his honor, their wood corder, except 
they wish to be more sensible of the effects of cold weather than they have been hereto- 
fore. 



July 4, 1817, Independence 

. -Christian Keefer, George Hoffman, 



Benj. Keefer, 
Casper Lingel, 
Robt. Anderson, Jr. 
John Ebersole, 
John Gilliland, 
Christian Foltz, 
Michael Doyle, 
John Bowers, 
Michael Winger, 
Abraham Winger, 
Peter Drushel, 
Samuel Leman, 
Abraham Eagle, 
Peter Eagle, 
Wm. Harper, 
Jacob Hosleder, 
Patrick Rady, 



Martin Gross, 
John Gross, 
John Huston, 
Moses Besore, 
Peter Besore, 
Adam Harmony, 
George Harmony, 
John Harmony, 
John Locher, 
Andrew Bard, 
Frederick Roemer, 
James Boyd, 
Abraham Huber, 
Jacob Rod, 
George Beshore, 
Samuel Huber, 
George Keisel, 



George Crider, 
Wm.Bard, 
Abr. Hollinger, 
John Stands, 
Peter Harman, 
Frederick Roemer, 
David Kraft, 
David Kraft, Jr., 
John Kraft, 
Jacob Ebersole, 
John Stacher, 
Frederick Karper, 
Joseph Winger, 
Henry Krider, 
Archibald Gabby, 
Robert McConnell, 
Abraham Keefer, 
John Brake, 



John Walgamote, 
Jacob Foerney, 
John Eshway, 
John Kessel, 
Frederick Dech, 
Sam. Goldsmith, 
John Straley, 
Jacob McFerran. . 
John Burkholder, 
John Tholl. 
Frederick Shark, 
Christian Plough, 
Jacob Burkholder, 
John Spracher, 
John Huber, 
Michael Hackman, 
Jacob Hollinger. 



INCORPORATION. 



By an act of the General Assembly of the State, dated 21st of March, 1803, 
the town of Chambersburg was incorporated into a borough. Its first election 
under this act is thus recorded: 

At an election held at the Court House in the Borough of Chambersburg on the Sec- 
ond dav of May Eighteen hundred and three, the Following Gentlemen were duly Elec- 
ted. For Chief Burgess, Major John Holliday had ninety-two votes — and for the Town 
Council Edward Crawford Esq. had ninety-four votes — Andrew Dunlap had ninety-four 
votes — and Christian Oister had ninety-three votes — John Shryock had eighty-seven votes 
— and Patrick Campbell had fifty-seven votes, whereupon the above Gentlemen were duly 
elected, and Also George Strite for high Constable had seventy votes being duly Elected 
given under our hands this second day of May 1803. 

Adam Hailman, Petek Dinkle, Jr. — Clerks. 

The above were the first town council and high constable regularly elected 
under the act of incorporation. On March 7, 1840, the act was amended to 
divide the borough into two wards, the North Ward and the South Ward, the 
center of Queen Street being the dividing line. On the 9th of April, 1872, 
the act was again amended to divide the borough into four wards — the First, 
Second, Third and Fourth Wards. 

A tax duplicate issued by the town council for the year 1803, based on a 
population of 500, amounted to $550.97. 



banks. 



The citizens of the new borough, which was yet in its infancy, seem to 
have felt the want of a secure place to deposit their surplus funds, and for the 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 165 

convenience of transactions in business and exchange, for we find that, on the 
^ sixth anniversary of its incorporation, the town council held a special meeting 
for the purpose of supplying the want, and passed the following resolution: 

Resolved, That we, the Town Counsel, of the Borough of Cham'g, for the purpose met 
do hereby upon due consideration invite the establishment of an office of discount and de- 
posit in the said borough, by the directors of the bank of Pennsylvania or Philadelphia, 
or any other bank in the State which now has, or hereafter shall have, competent author- 
ity so to do — promising said establishment as far as the influence of (he corporation will 
extend their aid and protection. 

Enacted March 8th 1809. J. Holliday, 

Samuel Dryden, 
Attest: Jacob Whitmore, 

Henry Reges, Jeremiah Snyder, 

Clerk. Christian Grove, 

Counsel. 

As a result of this action of the town council we find a banking association 
organized on the 4th day of September, 1809, with a capital of $250,000, of 
which Edward Crawford was president, and Alex. Calhoun was cashier. Its 
banking rooms were in the building on the corner of the public square, now 
occupied by the Franklin County Bank. On the 13th of May, 1814, it was in- 
corporated as a State bank. In 1828 a burglar succeeded in breaking into it, 
but obtained nothing but some counterfeit money, which the officers of the bank 
had collected together in a drawer. He was arrested the day following, and 
upon trial was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for three years, but 
was pardoned after serving one year. Finding the old building insecure, the 
directors purchased the lot now occupied by the present bank, and erected the 
handsome building which was long one of the ornaments of the town, until 
destroyed by the rebels in 1864. On November 17, 1864, it was changed from 
a State to a national bank, with the capital increased to $260,000, and, in the 
same year, they removed to their present beautiful building, having in the 
meantime occupied the first floor of the Masonic Hall, on Second Street. In 
March, 1875, an effort was made to rob the bank by Charles Claremont, alias 
Maj. Ralph Holland, and an accomplice named B. Johnston, alias A. B. Wicks, 
of Chicago. They succeeded in gaining an entrance through the private part 
of the building, on pretense of business; attacked Mr. G. R. Messersmith, the 
cashier, in his private office, and succeeded in securing a package of money 
containing $30,000. The resistance of the cashier raised an alarm, and the 
robbers fled, but only one was then captured — Rolland, who had the package 
of money, at the back door of the dwelling — ,and Johnston, who made his escape, 
was arrested at Mercersburg the following day. They were tried, convicted and 
sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of ten years each. The present officers 
of the bank are W. L. Chambers, president; and John Mcllvaine, cashier. 

The Franklin County Bank was established as an office of discount and de- 
posit in 1865, by Col. J. C. Austin and Col. James G. Elder. Shortly after, 
Scott Fletcher, Esq., was taken in as a partner, and the business of the firm 
was conducted under the title of Austin, Elder & Fletcher, until March, 1870, 
when they were succeeded by Hon. Chambers McKibbin and Charles H. Tay- 
lor, when it was organized into a banking institution, with Mr. McKibbin as 
president, and C. H. Taylor as cashier. Wm. McLellan, W. L. Chambers, 
T. B. Kennedy and John Stewart were subsequently added to the firm. In 
1878 this corporation suspended payment, and asked the court for a receiver to 
wind up its affairs. The depositors were all paid in full. 

In 1880, Jno. R. Orr purchased from the receiver the old Franklin County 
banking building, and on the 1st of April, of the same year, opened a banking 
house, under name of Chambersburg Deposit Bank, Jno. R. Orr & Co. being the 



466 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

proprietors. There have been some ctianges in the name of the firm at differ- 
ent times. At present the proprietors of the establishment are Orr, Camp & 
Co. From 1880 to the present the establishment has done bnsiness as The 
Chambersbnrg Deposit Bank, Jno. JR. Orr, the senior member of the firm, 
having been connected with the institution since its establishment in 1880. Mr. 
Camp entered the establishment as a clerk at the same time, and had been em- 
ployed as one of its trusted clerks until May, 1886, when he became a member 
of the firm. 

FIRST MARKET-HOUSES. 

As the population of the town increased, a market-house was deemed neces- 
sary for its convenience. A long, low brick house, with a single story and 
comb roof, was accordingly built. The roof was supported by brick pillars, 
which left its sides and both ends partly open. Its floor was of brick, and it 
was in many respects well adapted to its use. It stood in the diamond, oppo- 
site the Repository Hall, and was not taken away until two or three years after 
the erection of the new building on the corner of Queen and Second Streets, in 
1830. 

One of the old customs of a former day, which has forever passed away, was 
the holding of annual fairs in the old market -house. In the early summer and 
in the fall the people were accustomed to prepare various articles for ornament 
and use, in endless variety, which were then offered for sale in the old building. 
The town was alive with people from all sections, and huge quantities of sweet- 
meats, small beer and ginger bread were consumed. Truth compels the addi- 
tional remark, that a more potent beverage than small beer and mead was like- 
wise in great demand. The lads and lasses enjoyed a grand gala day, whose 
facilities for love-making did not pass unimproved. The taverns were filled to 
their utmost capacity, and the houses of the citizens were also freely opened to 
their country friends. Dancing at the taverns was the most popular pastime, 
and the young people engaged in it with untiring zeal, the fiddlers of the town 
meanwhile reaping a rich harvest of ' ' fips ' ' and ' ' levies ' ' for their ceaseless 
services on these lively occasions. These fairs were the means of bringing the 
people of the county together, enabling them to enlarge the circle of their ac- 
quaintance, and spend a season of festive enjoyment with each other. That 
they were a more substantial benefit to the merchants and shop-keepers of the 
town, is a proposition not likely to be controverted. These annual festivities 
generally embraced a period of three days, and were abandoned about fifty 
years ago. 

The old market-house was a common place of resort for the boys of the 
town, and many expeditions for the robbing of hen-roosts and the pillaging of 
orchards, as well as for less objectionable purposes, had their inception and 
the completion of their details effected in this popular trysting-place of a past 
generation. 

A clause of the act of incorporation of the borough of Chambersburg, dated 
21st of March, 1803, provides, that "Until it shall be otherwise directed by law, 
the inhabitants of said borough may hold two fairs every year hereafter, to 
continue two days each, commencing on the first Thursday in June, and upon 
the first Thiu'sday in October." 

PRESENT MARKET-HOUSE. 

At a meeting of the town council, held on April 19, 1830, the following 
resolution was unanimously passed: 

Resolved, bj r the Town Council of the Borough of Chambersburg, that the lot at the 
south-east corner of Queen and Second Streets, in said Borough, be purchased for the site 





» v — "^ ^ 




^£3^ 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 469 

of a Market House and Town Hall, and that a note for six hundred and thirty three dol- 
lars be given to Andrew Hemphill, the owner of said lot, payable on the first day of April 
one thousand eight hundred and forty, with interest from the date — the interest to lie paid 
semi-annually, the Town Council having the privilege of paying any portion of the prin- 
cipal at any period before it becomes due. Under the corporate seal of said Borough. 

John Radebai;<;h. 
Attest: Alexander Flack, 

John Calhoun, Reade Washington, 

Town Clerk. James Wright. 

The above named property, on which the present market-honse stands, was 
deeded to the burgess and town conncil of the borough of Chambersbnrg, 
on the 3d day of May, 1830, by Rev. Andrew Hemphill and Ruth his wife, 
for the sum of $633. The deed to be null and void and all moneys paid by 
the burgess and town council to be refunded, the property to revert to the 
Rev. Mr. Hemphill, if a market house was not erected before the first day of 
April, 1833. The contract for the erection of the market-house was given to 
Jacob Zettle and Henry Winemiller, May 11, 1830. On September 6. 
Jacob Zettle threw up his portion of the contract, and Henry Winemiller 
undertook the erection of the entire building, John Radebaugh and Martin B. 
Wingert being his sureties for the faithful performance of the contract. 

The first meat was sold in the market-house in March, 1831, and was 
hauled there on a wheelbarrow by John Tritle, Esq. , from the butcher shop 
of John Reed. The steer was purchased from Jacob Heyser, then residing on 
his farm, two miles south of town. When being driven to town, and within 
sight of the shop, the steer became frightened and broke away from his 
drivers, who succeeded in heading him only when he had run as far as the site 
of the powder magazine of Brand, Speer & Co. But he was not even then 
ready to be captured, and upsetting horse and rider by a toss of his horns, he 
crossed the creek and made for the hills, and was finally shot in the draft 
above Sulphur Springs. 

This building stood as erected by Mr. Winemiller, until the year 1874, when 
it was altered to its present convenient condition at a cost of $4, 000 by the 
burgess and town council, consisting. of the following named gentlemen; Bur- 
gess, John Dcebler: Councilmen, W. B. Grilmore, J. B. Miller, S. M. W r orley, 
J. P. Culbertson, Dr. J. L. Suesserott, J. C. Gerbig, Thos. Cook and Daniel 
Harmony. As a result, there is to-day one of the most comfortable and con- 
venient buildings for the purpose to be found outside of the larger cities, 
bringing into the borough treasury about $1,200 per annum from stall rents 
and licenses. 

On the 16th day of March, 1831, the burgess and council entered into an 
article of agreement, with Frederick and George J. Heisly, of Harrisburg, in 
which the Messrs. Heisly ' ' agree to furnish a Town Clock in the cupola of the 
Market House, the great wheels of which shall not be less than sixteen inches 
in diameter, the clock to be made of the best materials, with maintaining 
power, with four faces, with hour and minute hands — the conductors of the 
hands to be fixed with universal joints — the whole to be made and finished in 
a workmanlike manner. * * * In consideration of which the said Burgess 
and Town Council agree to pay to the said Geo. and Fred. Heisly, the sum 
of $375, on the day on which they shall put up the clock, and the further 
sum of $375 one year thereafter — that they will pay the expenses of bringing 
the clock from Harrisburg to Chambersburg, and that they will pay the ex- 
pense of boarding two hands to the said Geo. and Frederick, while they shall 
be engaged in putting up the said clock. ' ' 

25 



470 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

■WATER -WORKS. 

One of the first wants felt by the town after it had assumed the dignity 
of a corporate borough, was an abundant supply of good water. In 1818 a 
company was formed under the title of the Chambersburg Water Company, 
which erected water-works about one-half mile east of the town, the reservoir, 
or cistern, being located on the site of the present residence of Samuel Myers, 
Esq.* and the force pump at the nearest point on the Falling Spring. The water 
was conveyed from the pump to the reservoir, and from thence to town in 
wooden pipes, which must very soon have proven their unfitness, for we have a list 
of thirty-seven subscribers, representing fifty-six and one-half shares of stock, 
agreeing to give $12. 50 for each half share subscribed by them "it being expressly 
stipulated by the managers that the sums raised by this subscription shall be 
applied to, and for no other purpose than to procure cast-iron pipes to convey 
the water from the force pump to the cistern." " On the 21st of March, 1818, 
Philip Seibert and Son agree to build the house over the reservoir, according 
to the old bill of rates, from which they are to throw off eight'per cent and are 
to take one other share of water stock in addition to the seven shares which they 
have already subscribed for, and are not to demand any money until it be' 
ascertained that the completion of the work shall exceed $200. " On the 30th 
of January, 1819, at a meeting of the town council, it was "Resolved, that 
the corporation enter into an article of agreement with the Chambersburg Water 
Company to pay them $100 per annum, payable semi-annually, from 1st of 
July, 1819, in consideration of said company putting up and keeping in repair 
eight fire plugs, as agreed upon; and if any others shall be deemed necessary 
that they will put them also tip and keep in repair at the same proportion and I 
on the same terms." The article of agreement is dated January 30, 1819, , 
and is signed by Patrick Campbell, burgess of the borough of Chambersburg, 
and James Riddle, president of the Chambersburg Water Company. The 
signatures are witnessed by M, St. Clair Clarke, and a copy of the article is: 
recorded in the minute book of the town council by Henry Reges, clerk. On 
the 1st of September, 1820, there were fifty-five consumers. These works 
lasted but a few years — the records stop at 1823 — when they were discontinued, 
and the town had no regular supply of water, other than from wells and 
cisterns, until 1875, when the town council of the borough erected the present 
waterworks, which have been a decided success from the first day they have 
been operated. They were erected by H. P. M. Birkinbine, contractor, of 
Philadelphia, for the sum of $55,000. The reservoir is situated on Federal 
Hill, a short distance northwest of the borough, and has a capacity of 
1.200,000 gallons of water. The engine and pump are at the base of the hill 
on the west bank of the Conococheague Creek, opposite Heyser' s straw board 
mill, and have a capacity for pumping 35,000 gallons of water per hour. The 
water can be forced through the pipe to town, by either direct pressure from 
the engine and pumps, or through the reservoir, and is supplied to the con- 
sumers through six and one-quarter miles of cast-iron main pipes of the besl 
quality. The present number of consumers is 270, and is rapidly increasing. 
We take pleasure in recording the names of the burgess and town counci 
through whose energy and perseverance the present complete system o 
water-works was erected: Burgess, George W. Nitterhouse ; town council 
W. B. Gilmore, J. B. Miller, Samuel M. Worley, J. P. Culbertson, John C 
Gerbig, Dr. J. L. Suesserott, Thomas Cook and Daniel Harmony. The firs 
superintendent for six years was Wilber F. Eyster, who assisted in securing 
them. A. C. McGrath was his successor, and is the present incumbent. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBUBG. 471 



GAS-WOBKS. 

The gas-works were erected in 1856 by a private company. They are 
located on the western banks of the Conococheague Creek, immediately opposite 
the Baptist Church. They manufacture about 225,000 feet of gas per month, 
which is supplied to consumers through four miles of pipe. A. C. McGrath 

is the superintendent. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The fire department is one of the oldest and most perfect in the State. It 
embraces the following organizations: 

Junior Hose Company.— Regular meeting, first Monday evening of every 
month, at 7:30 o'clock, in Junior Hall. North Second Street. James A. Ham 
ilton, secretary. 

Vigilant Hook and Ladder Company. — Regular meetings, second and 
fourth Tuesday evenings of each month, in Vigilant Hall, North Second 
Street, at 8:30 o'clock. John C. Clark, secretary. 

Hope Hose Company. — Meets on first Wednesday evening of each month, 
in their hose house on "West Market Street, at 7 o'clock. Charles Fahnestock. 
president; A C. McGrath, secretary. 

Good Will Hose Company. — Regular meeting at 7 o'clock on the first Mon- 
day of the month, in their hall, on Catherine Street. Samuel Glass, secretary 

Friendship Steam Engine and Hose Company. — Regular meeting in Friend- 
ship Hall, South Second Street. 

Of several of these the following historic sketches were obtained: 

Junior Hose Company was organized in 1869, through the efforts of 
C. Henninger and Thos. Stumbaugh. It is well supplied with apparatus, 
having been recently presented by the city council with a new jumper and 500 
feet of gum hose, thus making it one of the best equipped companies in the 
State. 

The officers of the company are president, J. H. Shafer; vice-president, 
H. M. Eyster; recording secretary, J. A. Hamilton; assistant secretary, E. J. 
Hart: financial secretary. H. M. Miley; chief director and treasurer. Clay 
Henninger; assistant director, W. C. Hull; captain, G. W. Pensinger; board 
of trustees, H. M. Shirey, G. W. Pensinger, and A. L. Shafer. 

The present membership is 54. 

Hope Hose Company. — From the best information we can get, the Hope 
Hose Company is the descendant of the first fire company in Chambersburg, 
and in reality is No. 1 instead of No. 4, as at present. The company 
had two names prior to 1830, when it was located at the corner of the alley 
on Market Street, in the rear of the court-house. About 1830 the name was 
changed again to " Northern." In 1856 it was reorganized and known as the 
" Hope. " The apparatus consisted of a suction engine, a suction, and a hose 
reel. In a contest this engine threw 210 feet, which was considered a big thing in 
those days. From 1856 to the breaking out of the war the membership num- 
bered about seventy-five, and much interest was manifested, more so, really, than 
nowadays. The house was roomy and comfortable, and on cold winter nio-hts 
when the wind was blowing ' ' great guns ' ' there was always enough of the 
boys quartered in the house to insui-e a lively getting there in case of an 
alarm. Something like forty of the members enlisted at the first call for 
troops, and the old Hope Company was represented in the army by every 
rank, from brigadier-general to private, and many of them fill soldiers' graves 
to-day. In the big fire of July 30, 1864, the engine house, apparatus 
all the property of the company were destroyed, nothing being saved but half a 






472 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

dozen pictures, which now hang iu the meeting room of the hose house. In 
consequence of th<^ fire, and the absence of so many members in the army, the 
-company nearly went out of existence, but in i860, through the influence of 
some of the old members, the town council purchased a second-hand engine 
•and hose carriage, and provided quarters for them in a room in the eastern 
end of the market-house, which had been fitted up for the Protection Hook 
and Ladder Company, this company having disbanded. The meeting room 
was the one now used by the council, second floor of the market-house. 
The commissioners refused to allow the house to be rebuilt at the former 
location, although the members offered to do all the work free of charge. 
As a majority of the members lived down town, it was a difficult matter 
to get them to attend meetings in the market-house, though they always 
responded in case of fire. Until 1877 fire matters were dead in the town. 
About this time, owing to the introduction of water-works, the present 
department was organized, and the Hope Company numbered 4, more 
to correspond with the ward in which it is located than on acccount of its 
age. It has been in active service ever since, and now has a membership of 
about fifty. The present officers are George L. Hoffman, president; Wm. 
Houser, vice-president; John K. Berger, secretary; George Beitsch, treasurer; 
B. F. Gilmore, chief director. 

Good Will Hose Company, No. 3, of Chambersburg, was organized, 
May 30, 1877. The list of charter members is as follows: John C. Gerbig, 
B. L. Maurer. J. A. Peiffer, Adam Koch, Fred. Frey, Henry Fisher, D. B. 
Gelwicks,A. Mills, Philip Bietsch, John Podschaver, J. C. Fisher, J. D. Rich- 
ter, Peter Myers, Adam Lautenslager, William McKain, M. Humerhine, E, 
Lautenslager, Geo. Hart, Geo. Jacoby. The first officers were president, 
Adam Lautenslager; vice-president, S. E. Glass; secretary, B. L. Maurer 
treasurer, Adam Koch; directors, J. C. Fisher, J. D. Richter, Geo. Hart. 

The new building, located on East Catharine Street, was dedicated with 
iiffiuch festivity, February 8, 1886, and is a handsome brick structure, well 
adapted to its use. The interior is being fitted up with fine furniture and Brus- 
sels carpet, and presents a neat and tasty appearance. 

Following is a list of the present officers: President, Bruce M. Snyde: 
vice-president, Danl. McLeisher; secretary, Wm. Shatzley; assistant secretar 
Fred Link; treasurer, Dr. J. J. Smith; chief director, Jacob Smith; assista: 
directors, John Diffendall, Geo. Michels. The present membership is fifty-si 

Friendship Fire Company was organized in the year 1780, being o: 
of the earliest in Pennsylvania. The first organization was called the Unit 
Fire Company, and was destitute of nearly every appliance. The fires we: 
extinguished by dashing the contents of small buckets upon the flames, 
engine was purchased until 1816, and then two little machines, small enough 
be carried upon a wheelbarrow, were obtained. 

In 1838 the company was incorporated under the title of Friendship Fii 
Company, and so great was the interest manifested in the cause, that the 
ganization numbered 100 members. The first known election occurred J 
18, 1843, with the following result: President, Samuel Seibert; vice-pr 
Ident, J. M. Radebaugh; secretary, A. F. Armstrong; treasurer, H 
Davison; directors, Robt. Virl, J. H. McClintock, Lewis Heist, J. B.Wrig 
J. T. Houser, Peter Deckert, Chas. Evans, G. A. Grove, G. W. Nitterhous< 
messenger, Maj. Hen. Greenawalt. 

The service of the new company was extensive, and many a conflagration 
been averted by the promptitude and valor of its members. 

In April, 1869, the office of chief director was erected, and was first fill 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 17. : > 

by Christian Frederick. Two years later a reorganization took place. There- 
had been 310 active members previous to this time, and it was thought best 
to reduce the number. The company now took on new vigor, and soon ex- 
tended its reputation for promptness and efficiency. 

On the 13th of May, 1880, the centennial anniversary of the Friendship 
Fire Company was celebrated, amid scenes seldom witnessed in the Cumber- 
land Valley. Fellow organizations, from all parts of the State, assembled to 
aid in the demonstration. 

The town was handsomely trimmed and decorated in honor of the occasion,, 
and all were determined to signalize the celebration. Gov. Hoyt was present, 
and reviewed the assembled societies from a platform erected for the purpose. 
A magnificent banquet was tendered the visitors in the evening, and an address 
of welcome was made by Hon. John Stewart, to which H. M. Kelly and Mayor 
Paterson, of Harrisburg, responded in feeling tones. 

The members of this organization take an honest pride in the respect shown 
them by their appreciative fellow citizens, and by their many services they 
have obtained the merited title of "Old Reliables; always ready." 

MANUFACTORIES. 

From a very early period of her history, Chambersburg has been no£ed for 
the variety and extent of her manufactured articles. Thus, in the past, she- 
has had shops for the manufacture of buhr millstones, sickles, augurs, saws, 
and edge tools, wool hats and various other products. For several years a 
powder-mill was in operation near the suburbs of the town. For a long series, 
of years, she enjoyed an enviable reputation for the manufacture of various, 
kinds of edge tools. These were made at the Lemnos Factory, which was, 
established in 1826 by Messrs. Shugart & Co. It was purchased by Dunlop & 
Madeira, and conducted by them for many years. It nest became the prop 
erty of Messrs. Carlisle & Co. , and finally came into the possession of Messrs 
Huber & Co. In consequence of the multiplicity of similar establishments i; 
different parts of the country, the factory has been suspended. 

Mills. — About the year 1 780, Dr. John Calhoon, son-in-law of Col. Ben 
jamin Chambers, built at Chambersburg the first paper-mill that was estab- 
lished in Pennsylvania, west of the Susquehanna River. This was a long r low, 
weather-boarded building covered with red paint. It was situated precisely 
where the woolen-mill now stands. It was removed in 1832 to make room for 
the large mill erected on the same site in that year. In this old mill, paper was- 
manufactured from rags by the old hand process generally used before the 
introduction of modern machinery. Its production of printing paper was; 
large for that day, and had an extensive sale, being used by many newspapers 
both East and West. Previous to the year 1796. the whole Western country, 
as far as the State of Kentucky, was supplied with printing paper made at 
Chambersburg. The Pittsburg Gazette, for many years after its foundation 
in 1786, was printed on paper made at this mill, which was transported te> the 
office on pack-horses. 

In the year 1S08, Hollywell Paper Mill was built by John Shryock and: 
Thomas Johns. It soon became extensively engaged in the manufacture- of 
printing and various kinds of wrapping paper, as well as a very superior 
' variety for the printing of bank notes. Its products were sent to all parts of ' 
the country, and the United States Government became its largest customer.. 
In 1827 George A. Shryock, son of one of the original proprietors, took j>os- 
session of the mill. While under his control, in it were made the first boards 
and paper which were ever manufactured from straw. 



474 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Upon the completion of the large paper-mill built in 1832, by Messrs. S. 
D. Culbertson, Reade Washington, G-. A. Shryock, and Alexander Calhoun, 
the manufacture of straw boards and straw paper was discontinued at Holly- 
well, and it was thoroughly refitted with new and improved machinery for the 
production of the various kinds of paper made front rags. 

In 1841 it was owned by Barnard Wolff, Philip Nitterhouse, Wm. Heyser, 
and John Smith. This firm made an important change in the mill — taking 
out the wet machine and putting in a 48-inch cylinder machine with steam 
dryers, making the paper a continuous sheet and drying it as it was made. 
In 1862 it came into the possession of Wm. Heyser, Jr., and J. Allison 
Eyster, who improved the capacity of the mill by putting in improved tur- 
bine water wheels, erecting a separate building for the machinery, and gener- 
ally refitting the mill. In 1872 it passed into the hands of Mr. Wm. Heyser, 
who, finding cylinder made paper no longer salable, sold his cylinder 
machine, purchased and put up a 62-inch Foivrdernier machine, enlarged the 
machine house and increased the capacity of the mill On the 20th of March, 
1877, the building was burned to the ground, and the entire contents destroy- 
ed, or rendered useless. The present new mill with its improved machinery 
and enlarged facilities was built by Wm. Heyser, in the fall of the same year. 

In the northern end of the town, at what was called the Upper Fording, 
on the Conococheague, as early as 1803. stood an old saw-mill. A few years 
after this date the saw-mill gave place to a stone grist-mill, known as Albright's 
mill. This property was purchased by William Heyser and Philip Berlin, 
afterward by William Heyser. In 1848 Jacob Heyser became the owner, 
and in 1850 he and his father, Wm. Heyser, changed the grist-mill into a 
straw-board mill, under the name of the Franklin Mill. It was burned down 
in Januaiy, 1856, but was promptly rebuilt and was in running order in July 
of the same year. Iq 1857 the senior partner withdrew, leaving Mr. Jacob 
Heyser sole proprietor. The business was continued by this gentleman until 
I860, at which time it was sold to Mr. J. Allison Eyster. It remained in Mr. 
Eyster' s possession until 1869, when it passed into the hands of Mr. Jacob 
Heyser. In 1875 Mr. Thomas B. Kennedy became its owner. While owned 
by Mr. Eyster, the mill was greatly enlarged, and its production of boards 
reached 6,001) pounds daily. It is now run by Mr. William L. Heyser, and is 
capable of producing 1,000 tons of straw boards per annum. 

The mill referred to above as having been built in 1832, by Messrs. G. A. 
Shryock &Co. , was justly entitled to the appellation of "Mammoth," by which 
it was generally designated, its dimensions being 150x50 feet, five stories high, 
and containing 102 miles of drying poles, seventeen large drying presses, and 
every facility for the manufacture of paper boards and paper from straw. 
This mill was capable of producing 1,000 pounds of boards per hour, and ws 
destroyed by McCausland's incendiaries when the town was burned in 186^ 
It was never rebuilt, but its site was sold to a company who erected a larg 
woolen mill on it in 1866. This establishment is known as the Commonwealt 
Woolen Manufacturing Company. It employs eighty hands, and produces ai 
nually 140,000 yards of three-quarter woolen goods. The average amount 
wages paid each year is $34, 000. 

A large flouring- mill, capable of grinding 300 bushels of grain every twenty 
four hours, is adjacent to the woolen-mill, and belongs to the same company 

The steam flouring-mills, established in 1872, by Wunderlich, Nead & Co. 
are now owned and managed by Mr. Christian Burkhart. They have a capacit 
for grinding 900 bushels of grain every twenty four hours. 

A .steam saw and planing-mill and sash and door factory was establish^ 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 475 

in 1857, by Messrs. Henry Shepler and Joseph Clark. It is now owned by 
Messrs. Shepler & Son, and employs an average number of twenty hands. 

Other Industries. — The foundry and machine shop of T. B. Wood & Co. 
was established, in 1840, by Messrs. Win. Gilman and Charles Eberly. The 
motive power for the machinery and for the blast of the foundry was furnished 
by a single horse. The establishment passed through many hands until it 
finally came into the possession of T. B. Wood. In 1872 he associated with 
himself his son Mr. Geo. A. Wood and Mr. Levi D. Houser, the latter gentle- 
man having been foreman of the establishment for fifteen years previous. In 
1S7T) the old machine shop was torn down, and an entire new two-storied 
brick building, 90x40 feet, was erected on its site. The establishment is now 
one ( >f rhe most complete in the Middle States, and ships work to the extreme 
West and South. 

The furniture factory of Henry Sierer & Co. was established on 
West Queen Street, in 1853, by Henry ? Sierer, with steam motive power. 
Finding the location and steam power too limited for his increasing trade, in 
1858 he leased the water-power belonging to the property of Upton Wash- 
abaugh, on West King Street, and erected extensive shops at that locality. He 
also built large and commodious warerooms near the site of his former stand 
on Queen Street. These rooms, containing a large stock of valuable furni- 
ture, were burned by the rebel force under McCausland, in 1864. They were 
immediately rebuilt on a larger scale. The factory on King Street was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1868. It was also rebuilt on a larger scale, with additional 
improvements and conveniences to accommodate his large and growing 
business. The lease of this water-power having expired in 1872, the firm, 
now H. Sierer & Co. (Mr. Sierer having associated with him Mr. W. 
H. Bricker) purchased the old Lemnos Edge Tool Woi'ks, with its fine water- 
power. After rebuilding the dam, enlarging and remodeling the old build- 
ings, and erecting the necessary new ones, they established what is possi- 
bly the largest furniture factory in the Middle States, employing a large num- 
ber of hands, and selling furniture through the States of New York, Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, North and South Carolina and the 
District of Columbia. 

In addition to the foregoing, mention is briefly made of Wolf & Hammaker, 
who for several years have been engaged in the building of machinery of various 
kinds; D. F. Stager & Son, tanners and curriers; P. Nicklas & Bro. , manu- 
facturers of furniture; Craig & Nelson, planing mill, sash, doors, blinds, etc. 

In 1882 was begun the establishment in the town of the large works known 
as the Taylor Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of locomotive and sta- 
tionary engines, machinery, sawmills, mill gearing, and general machine 
work. The site of the works embraces the grounds obtained from the last ag- 
ricultural society of the county — some eight acres all told. Its organization 
began with a heavy stock company, embracing some of the substantial men of 
the town and county. It has clone an extensive business, sending its products 
to all parts of the country. At a recent meeting of the board of directors, the 
following letter was read: 

Chambersburg, Pa., January 15, 1887. 
To the Board of Directors of Taylor Manufacturing Company, Chambersburg, Pa. 

Gentlemen— Owing to the fact that my business interests in North Carolina are de- 
manding nay entire time and attention, I am obliged to tender my resignation as President 
and Director of the Taylor Mfg. Co. With the encouraging outlook for trade I believe 
the future prosperity of the company is assured. Thanking you for the cour'esies ex- 
tended to me during my term of service with you, and with best wishes, I am. 

Very Respectfully, 

J. E. Taylor. 



476 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The board accepted Mr. Taylor' s resignation, expressing regret that his in- 
terests required a severance of his relations with the company. 
The board then elected Mr. John L. Latshaw president. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

The Masons.— On the 5th of April, 1800, Lodge No. 79 of A. Y. M. was 
organized by Gen. James Chambers, and held its first meetings at the house 
of Owen Aston, on Market Street, a short distance east of the old jail. Gen. 
Chambers was its first master — a position he held till the time of his resigna- 
tion in 1804. It is not improbable that the lodge disbanded in 1804, no trace 
of its existence subsequent to July 3, of that year, appearing. 

George Washington Lodge, No. 143, of A. Y. M., was organized April 23, 
1816, and continued an active existence until the strong antf- Masonic sentiment 
compelled their dissolution. Their last meeting was held December 3, 1830, after 
which their building on Second Street was sold to the Messenger Association 
for a printing office. On the 20th of August, 1845, the lodge was re-organ- 
ized in a room on the third floor of Dr. W. H. Boyle's building, in the arcade 
on West Market Street. After a short time, they changed to a room in the 
third story of Dr. James Hamilton's building on Main Street. In 1848 they 
repurchased their former building from the Messenger Association, and have 
occupied it ever since. When Chambersburg was burned, it was one of the 
buildings saved from the conflagration, and this was the secret of other 
buildings in the same region being spared. Present officers: George Bietsch, 
W. M. ; Jno. M. Gilmore, J. W. ; B. L. Maurer, S. W. ; A. C. McGrath, 
Sec. ; H. S. Gilbert, Treas. ; A. L. Langdon, Wm. M. McKnight and D. M. 
Eiker are trustees. The lodge meets each Friday, on or before the full moon 
of each month, at Masonic temple on South Second Street. 

George Washington Chapter No. 176 R. A. M. , was organized with thirty- 
one members, March 6, 1856, by the M. E. H. P. Its original officers were 
Wilson Reilly, K. ; Geo. W. Brewer, S. ; John Armstrong, Treas. ; Thos. M. 
Carlisle, Sec. Its present officers: Geo. Bietsch, M. E. H. P.; John Goetz, 
K. ; W. M. Snyder, Scribe; Hastings Gehr, Treas. ; A. C. McGrath, Sec. 
Meets third Monday of every month. 

The Odd Fellows. — Chambersburg Lodge, 175, I. O. O. F., was insti- 
tuted at Chambersburg on the 16th of May, A. D. 1846. The original char- 
ter and records of the lodge having been destroyed by the great fire in" 1864, 
it was impossible to secure a complete history of this organization. The 
new charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania after the fire makes 
no mention of the charter members, nor of the first officers. Of those who 
took an active part in its organization, or who became members shortly after, 
but few are at present associated with it. Peter Feldman, Augustus Barnitz, 
John Earhart, William Robinson and John Monath united with the lodge at 
an early day, and yet hold their membership in it. 

The meetings were first held in the building that formerly stood on the site- 
now occupied by the Washington Street School-building. After several years 
the lodge moved to the market-house, in the room now called " Council Hall. " 
That room not being well adapted to lodge purposes, a more commodious one 
was secured in the town hall building. The burning of the hall, in 1864, 
compelled a return of the lodge to its old quarters in the market-house. The 
meetings continued to be held in that place until the hall was rebuilt, when 
the room now occupied was taken possession of, and has been devoted to lodge 
purposes ever since. The burning of the hall caused serious loss to the lodge. 
All its furniture, regalia, records, etc. , were destroyed. The members, however,. 




. 



' 




'^sT—^r^p^si/tZst^cJ 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. j, ( .t 

were not disheartened. The new room was fitted up at considerable ex- 
pense; the Avails and ceiling were beautifully frescoed; suitable furniture was 
purchased, and everything necessary to make the room attractive and com- 
fortable was carefully attended to. After taking possession of their new quar- 
ters, the members went to work with a will. Applications for membership 
were so frequent, that at one time the roll numbered considerably over 100. 
The treasiiry, which had been depleted by the necessary expenditures above 
mentioned, was rapidly replenished, and the prospects for the future were 
very flattering. But the financial crisis, which several years ago swept over 
the country, sadly interfered with its prosperity. The number of admissions 
decreased, and many of those who had been most active in promoting the 
welfare of the organization became discouraged. Their discouragement led to 
carelessness, and finally they permitted their membership to lapse. Numbers 
of these have recently been reinstated, and hopes are entertained that it will 
not be long before the membership will number as many as it did years ago. 

Chambersburg Lodge has enjoyed an enviable reputation as a working 
lodge. Its work has been carried on without the use of rituals, thus adding 
very much to the interest of the meetings. The matter of refitting the room 
is now being agitated, and should this be done, it will not be long before the 
lodge will have as fine a room as is to be found in the valley. The present 
corps of officers is as follows: Noble Grand, D. M. Funk; Vice Grand, W. H. 
Small; Secretary, Samuel Gelwix; Assistant Secretary, E. M. Smith; Treas- 
urer, George W. Bietsch; Warden, A. J. Eiker; Conductor, D. J. Simmers: 

E. S. to N. G., Emanuel Hall; L. S. to N. G.. B F. Burgner; R. S. to V. G., 
George Hart; L. S. to V. G., George A. Bietsch; R. S. S., Philip Bietsch; 
L. S. S. , William Robinson; I. G., Isaac Irwin; O. G. , Jacob Bickly; Hall 
Keeper, Jacob Bickly; Trustees, A. J. Eiker, Emanuel Hale and B. F. Mc- 
Curdy. The membership of the lodge at present numbers seventy-five. Many 
of those whose names appear on the roll are non-resident members; quite a 
number live in other States, while many others reside in different parts of Penn- 
sylvania. This being the case, the weekly attendance is materially reduced; 
but the attendance cannot be accepted as a proof of lack of interest, as those 
who are unable to attend are among the most prompt in the payment of their 
weekly dues. During the year ending October 1, 1886, this lodge paid $475 
for the relief of its members. While thus attentive to its own household, it 
has not overlooked worthy applications for assistance from other sources. 
Very rarely indeed does such an application fail to meet with a favorable re- 
sponse. About $1,500 are invested in bonds and other securities; a good 
working fund is in the hands of the treasurer; the property of the lodge is 
valued at $500. thus making the total worth of the lodge something over 
12,000. The present District Deputy G. M. , D. J. Simmers, is a highly 
esteemed member of Chambersburg Lodge. So efficiently does he fill the 
office, that year after year he receives the almost unanimous support of the 
different lodges throughout the district for this honorable position. 

Columbus Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F., was organized in a room in Dr. W. 
H. Boyle's building, on West Market Street, on the 31st of March, 1812. with 
the following charter members: Jabez Porter. Benj. F. Nead, Lewis F. 
Heck, Wm. Stevenson, Wilson Reilly, Samuel McCrory. William J. Stewart, 
Eby Byers and Robert P. Hazelet. But one of this number, Benj. F. 
Nead, is now living. Wilson Reilly was the first Noble Grand and Benj. 

F. Nead the first secretary of the lodge. This room in a short time proving 
too small, they removed to the third floor of the Lutheran lecture room, on West 
"W ashington Street, where they remained until 1857, when they removed to 



480 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

the front room on the third floor of Franklin Hall, on the Diamond, which 
they fitted up in good style and occupied undisturbed until the outbreak of 
the Rebellion. In September, 1862, after the battle of Antietam, a large 
number of wounded union soldiers were brought to Chambersburg, and in 
order to give them comfortable quarters, the members of the lodge gave up 
their room to the United States Government for a hospital, and while so 
occupied the lodge held its meetings in the adjoining room of Chambersburg 
Lodge. Shortly after again getting possession of the room, in the latter part 
of June, 1863, the rebel army under Gen. Lee passed through Chambersburg 
on its way to Gettysburg, and some of the vandals gaining admission into the 
lodge room, destroyed all the regalia, canopies, curtains and other fixtures of 
the order. Hardly had the lodge recovered from this loss, when, on the 30th 
of July, 1864, the rebel horde, under Gen. McCausland, again visited Cham- 
bersburg and burned the greater portion of the town, Columbus Lodge being 
entirely burned out. Not dismayed at their misfortune, they procured tem- 
porary quarters on the second floor of the market-house, and remained there 
until the completion of Repository Hall, when they removed to the front room, 
on the third floor of that building. On the afternoon of November 26, 1866, 
the new hall was dedicated to the uses of the order. The following named 
brethren acted as officers of the grand lodge of Pennsylvania, in the dedicatory 
ceremonies: P. G. Isaac H. McCauley, as G. M. ; D. D. G. M. Jacob Spangler, 
as D. G. M. ; P. G. Speakman Hicks, as G. W. ; P. G. Samuel King (of 
P'tomac Lodge, Hagerstown, Md. ), a*s G. C. ; P. G. Jacob N. Snider, as G. 
M. ; P. G. D. B. Kirby, as G. H. . with Brothers William E. Tolbert as H. of 
the North, John S. Hicks, as H. of the South, Edward G. Etter, as H. of the 
East, and Frank Henderson, as H. of the West. The hall was formally deliv- 
ered to the G. M. by D. D. G. M. Jacob Spangler, on behalf of the furnishing 
committee of the lodge, and was then dedicated to the uses of the order by the 
sprinkling of water, lighting of fire, scattering of wheat and strewing of flowers 
in the manner prescribed by the grand lodge of the United States. Music by 
the Hagerstown (Md.), and Chambersburg brass bands. At the conclusion of 
the dedicatory services an address was delivered by P. G. M. Isaac H. 
McCauley, on the duties of the order. 

Since the organization of the lodge it has had but four secretaries, viz. : 
Benj. F. Neacl, Charles W. Heart, Dr. William H. Boyle and the present 
efficient occupant of the office, David F. Leisher. Seventy-eight Past Grands 
have been created, forty-six of whom are now members of the lodge. Whole 
number of persons admitted to membership, 592; present number of mem- 
bers, 146. 

Olive Branch Encampment, No. 13, I. O. O. F., was organized on the 
third floor of the Lutheran lecture room, on the 24th of October, 1844, and 
after a few years' existence disbanded. It was reorganized on May 14, 1861, 
in the room of Chambersburg Lodge, where its meetings were held until the 
destruction of the town by order of the rebel, Gen. McCausland. Quarters 
were then obtained with the two subordinate lodges of I. O. O. F. in the 
market-house, until 1866, when the encampment was moved into the room of 
Columbus Lodge, and is now in a flourishing condition. 

Chambersburg Council. O. U. A. M., No. 228. was instituted March 22, 
1870, by District Deputy State Councilor B. K. Spangler, of Council No. 
205, Carlisle, assisted by the following pro tern State Council officers: V. O, 
A. C. Landis, of No. 207; R. S., C. F. Dinkle, of No. 205; F. S., J. P. Ran- 
kin, of No. 207; I.. James Eckenrode. of No. 207; Ex., C. Fenstemacher, of 
207; I. P., Jas. A. Smith, of 205; O. P., C. D. Eckels, of 205; Jun. Ex. O, 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 481 

C. M. Holler, 205; Sr. Ex. O, O. M. Blair, of 207. The charter mem- 
bers were E. G. Etter, M. A. Foltz, G. H. Wood, D. B. Dunkison, J. C. 
Wood, J. P. McClintock, Jas. Aughinbaugh, Jno. Fisher, D. A. Wertz, C. 
E. Fetter, J. F. Gibbs. J. F. Fuller, C. W. Fuller, D. F. Leisher, Leo Ebert, 
C. F. Smith and A. C. McGrath. The names of the first officers were Coun- 
cilor, G. H. Wood; V. C, D. A. Wertz; R. Sec, A. C. McGrath; Financial 
Sec, J. F. Gibbs; Treas., F. S. Gillespie; Inductor, J. F. Fuller; Examiner, 
J. P. McClintock; Inside Protector, D. B. Dunkison; Outside Protector, Jno. 
C. Wood; E. G. Etter, D. A. Wertz. Frank Hendernon, Trustees. The 
names of the present officers are: C, Win, Miles; V. C. , Abrani Rife; Rec 
Sec, J. C. Strealy; A&st. Rec. Sec, George Auxt; Fin. Sec, J. Frank Sni 
dor; Treas., J. F. Gibbs; Ex., G. F. Wolf; Ind., Harry Bickly; Inside 
Pro., Geo. Claucly; Outside Pro., Adam Gruber; Wm. Stake, Dan'l Har 
mony, S. A. Swert, Trustees. Present number of members, 79; whole number 
of admission from time of organization to date, 229. 

Franklin Guards were organized October 11, 1878, by Capt. George 
L. Miles, at Chambersburg. The present officers of the company are Cap 
tain, JohnC. Gerbig; first lieutenant, Philip Lautenslager; second lieutenant. 
Harry Gillespie ; secretary, Charles Hyssong. They meet every Friday evening 
for drill and attend annual encampment for brigade drill every summer. 

McDowell Camp, Sons of Veterans, Frank McGrath, captain, meets second 
and fourth Thursday evenings of each month in Housum Post room. It has 
been in existence but a short time. 

Housum Post, G. A. R. , 309, meets every Tuesday evening, in Post room, 
corner of Main and Queen Streets. It was organized February 21, 1883, by 
Capt. W. E. Miller, of Carlisle, Egan, Humor, Haverstick, Ensminger and 
Asst. Adj. Gen. T. J. Stewart, with the following charter members: Wm. 
Burgess, Jno. A. Siders, Jno. Doebler, B. A. Fahnestock, E. S. Shank, Calvin 
Gilbert, Geo. W. Duncan, John Herron, A. C. McGrath, L. V. Armstrong, 
John H. Lesher, J. H. Aughinbaugh, Frank Myers, Wilson Stewart, C. H. 
Fulweiler, W. J. Norton, D. W. Rowe, Geo. L. Miles, C. H. Cressler, Thos. 
Durbarow, Geo. B. Preisler, W. R. Kreps, C. M. Ditsler, Napoleon Hunter, 
Sam'l McGowan, J. B. Holtzworth, Alex Stewart, Dan'l W. Brandt, W. H. 
Davis, John W. Shenafield, John C. Gerbig, Adam Gruber, John Stewart, Fred 
Watts. 

Its first corps of officers embraced the following comrades: Wm. Bur- 
gess, C. ; John Doebler, S. V. C. ; C. H. Fulwiller, J. V. C. ; C. H. Cressler, Q. 
M. ; Thos. Durbarow, Surg. ; John A. Seiders, Adj. ; J. C. Gerbig, O. D. ; 
J. B. Holztworth, O. G ; J. H. Aughinbaugh, S. M. ; Calvin Gilbert, Q. M. 
S. ; John Shenafield, Chap. 

Its present officers are: T. R. Gilland, C. ; Dr. F. G. Piatt, S. V. C. ; 
E. E. Byers, J. V. C. ; A. C. McGrath, Adj. ; C. H. Cressler, Q. M. ; T. Dur- 
barow, O. D. ; Robert Dunkinson, O. G. ; Dr. J. A. Crawford. Chap.; Dr. E. 
Brallier, Surg.; W. H. H. Mackey, S. M.. and Geo. A. Minnich, Q. M. S. 

It enrolls 115 members, and is in a prosperous condition. 

P. B. Housum was born September 21, 1824, in Berks County, Penn. On 
the 25th of September, 1845, he married Miss Lucy S. Edmiston, of Bedford 
County, by whom he had five children: Mary Elizabeth, John Peter, Maria 
Louise Fannie, Benjamin Franklin and Cynthia; all are living except the first 
aud third. Ho server! in the late war as captaiu in the Second Pennsylvania 
Infantry during the three months' service. Subsequently, in 1862, he 
entered the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Regt. as lieutenant-colonel, and was 
with the regiment in its campaign in the Army of the Cumberland against 
Bragg' s army in Kentucky and Tennessee. 



482 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

He was wounded on the morning of the 31st of December, 1862, in the- 
battle of Stone River, and died of the wound received on the evening of Jan- 
uary 1, 1863. He was buried on Stuart's Creek, twenty-five and one-half miles 
east of Nashville, on the Nashville and Murfreesboro Pike. 

In his last letter written from Nashville on Christmas day, 1862, six days 
before he was wounded, he spoke thus to his wife : "I wish the war was over. 
1 am tired of running after the rebels. * * I will write as soon as we stop. 
* * God bless you all, and pray for our safe return." 

C. V. Council of Royal Arcanum was organized August 2, 1886, with the 
following gentlemen as charter members: Emanuel Brallier, M. D. , James N. 
Dyson, John L. Reside, George Denton, M. W. Straly, A. C. Rossman, 
Mahlon Havens, Frederick Kerlin, Samuel B. Hege, Daniel Herman, J. Will- 
iam Eyster, S. J. Hayden, John W. Talhelm, Benj. L. Maurer, A. L. Over- 
cash, Rev. A. S. Hartman, J. H. Dechert, Samuel Shryock, Frederick Hen- 
neberger, William D. Brooks, Harry A. Blair, Horace A. Logue, of whom E. 
Brallier, M. D. , was Regent; J. N. Dyson, Vice Regent; Geo. Denton, Past Re- 
gent; John L. Reside, Orator; M. W. Straly, Sec; A. C. Rossman, Collector; 
Frederick Kirlin, Treasurer; S. J. Hayden, Guide; May Ion Havens, Warden; 
John W. Talhelm, Sentry. These officers' term expired December 31, and the 
new officers elect are as follows: J. N. Dyson, Regent; S. J. Hayden, Vice 
Regent; E. Brallier, M. D., Past Regent; Benjamin L. Maurer, Orator; John 
H. Deckert, Secretary; A. C. Rossman, Collector; Daniel Herman, Treas- 
urer; M. W. Straly, Guide; Rev. A. S. Hartman, Chaplain; Henry Meyers, 
Warden; John W. Talhelm, Sentry; George Denton, Representative to Grand 
Council; Dr. E. Brallier, Alternate Representative; George Denton, J. W. 
Eyster and B. L. Maurer, Trustees. This is a very young organization (only 
six months old), but has been advancing steadily, holding their meetings 
bi-weekly on Friday evenings in Ludwig's Building, Memorial Square. 
Council room nicely furnished by individual exertion, and financially on a 
good foundation and a good show for advancement. 

Improved Order . of Heptasophs, Franklin Conclave, No. 104, was 
organized July 24. 1S85, with the following charter members: Chas. F. 
Palmer, B. F. Gilinore, Joseph Pomeroy, Wm. Burgess, Geo. W. Bietsch and 
sixteen others. Original Officers: Past Archon, B. F. Gilmore; Archon, 
George W. Bietsch; Provost, C. Henninger: Prelate, W. Burgess; Inspector, 
N. E. Shade; Secretary, A. N. Pomeroy; Financier, W. H. Eyster; Treasurer, 
A. W. Pomeroy; AVarden, G. W. Pensinger; Sentinel, E. W. Smith. The 
object of the organization is beneficial, and it meets in the Repository Build- 
ing. Its present membership is nineteen. , 

Young Men's Christian Association. — There was formerly a similar or- 
ganization here, but through mismanagement and an undue appreciation of 
its legitimate sphere, it collapsed. The present organization was begun in 
the spring of 1886 and perfected by the election of the following charter 
members on May 31 of tne same year, the fiscal year ending June 1, 1887: 
Jno. M. McDowell, Wm. B. Reed, Sam'l Gel wicks, R. E. Coyle. F. P. Har- 
baugh, A. L. McCJurg, S. H. Keagy, Victor Leisher, Andrew Blair, Thomas 
Blair, H. S. Gilbert, A. L. Langdon, David Speer, H. C.White, E. M. Smith, 
F. W. Day. Chas. L. Haney, Wm. Renck, Wm. Blair, Theodore Carl. Pres- 
ident, David Speer; vice-president, Wm. B. Reed; recording secretary, F. 
W. Day; treasurer, H. S. Gilbert; general secretary, R. E. White. The 
above is a list of the present officers. State secretaries. Rev. S. A. Taggart, 
W. A. Bowen, an 1 S. K. McKee, assisted in the organization, and Mr. McKee 
acted as general secretary from July 7 to August 7, 1886. The object of 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 483 

the society is the spiritual, mental and physical improvement of young men. 
At present they occupy temporary rooms over the Chanibersburg Deposit Bank. 
Col. J. C. Austin has offered to arect a tine building, which will be ready for 
occupancy in 1887. He purposes to place the entire building, except the three 
stores, under the supervision of the association. The building will be situated 
on Main Street, opposite the National Hotel, on the site formerly occupied by 
the Rosedale Seminary. 

Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in April, 1883. 
Its charter members were some fifteen or sixteen in number, only a few of 
which could be obtained: Mrs. L. V. Haulman, Mrs. Martha J. Shenaneld, 
Mrs. Charlotte Eyster, Mrs. Martha J. Eiker, Mrs. Delilah Bickley, Mrs. 
Anna M. Robinson, Mrs. Scott Flack, and others. Mrs. M. J. Shenaneld was 
the first president, and an efficient one. She died in March, 1886, much loved 
and lamented. The union passed appropriate resolutions recognizing her as 
the strong friend of temperance and ' ' mother of the temperance union in 
Chambersburg. " Some difficulty was experienced in securing competent and 
trained presiding officers. Mrs. Shields is the present efficient and zealous 
president, and Mrs. L. V. Haulman, secretary. During its existence, the 
union has had some distinguished lecturers, viz. : Miss Narcissa White, Grove 
City, N. J. ; Mrs. E. M. Laughlin, Boston; Mrs. Josephine Nichols, Indian- 
apolis; Mrs. Annie Wittemeyer, Philadelphia; Mrs. Mary Hunt, Boston; Col. 
George Bain, Louisville, Ky. ; Hon. A. H. Colquitt, Atlanta, Ga. 

CHURCHES. 

Falling Spring Presbyterian Church was established in 1736, in what is 
now known as Chambersburg. ' ' The deed for the ground was dated January 
1, 1768, from Benjamin Chambers and Jane, his wife, to Patrick Vance. 
Matthew Wilson, Edward Cook, Robert Patterson, William Lindsly, Jr. , 
William Gass and William Brotherton, in trust for the Presbyterian congrega- 
tion of Falling Spring." In 1787 the congregation was incorporated by act of 
Assembly. 

The purpose of this church is to maintain that system of doctrine and that 
form of ecclesiastical order set forth in the Westminster confession of faith 
and catechisms. It is Presbyterian. It is subject to the authority of the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, and of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church 
of the United States of America. • The first structure was a log building 
erected in 1739, on the bank of the Conococheague, not far from the site of 
the present edifice. This was used also for educational purposes. In 1767 it 
gave place to a frame building, seventy feet long and thirty- live wide. This 
stood until 1803, when the present stone church was erected. 

In the year 1856, during the pastorate of the Rev. Joseph Clarke, changes 
were made in it; the porch in front was removed and the two towers were 
built. Other changes were made in 1868. In 1876 the stone wall along the 
eastern side of the church grounds gave place to the present iron fence. In 
1877, during the pastorate of the Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, the present chapel 
was built. In 1885 an annex was made to the church, and a large pipe organ 
was set in it, at a cost, total, of $5, 193. 

In 1868 a colony of twenty-eight went out from the congregation and was 
organized by presbytery as the Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg. 
Present number of members, 212. Expenses last year, total for all purposes, 
$3,027. Owing to the fact that a volume of the minutes of presbytery, con- 
taining the record of the years 1750-59, was lost, by having been loaned to a 
clergyman residing in the South during the civil war, nothing is known of 



484 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

this church in its relation to presbytery* during that period. "When this town 
was burned by the rebels in 1804, the session book of the church and the 
church register were destroyed, so that we have no list of members reaching 
back of the year 1821, and no account of the early proceedings of the session. 
This great double loss causes the history of this congregation to be quite in- 
complete. 

It is not easy to fix upon the "most prosperous period of the church." 
If changes going to the external improvement of the church are to be consid- 
ered, the last ten years, perhaps, may be taken as a prosperous period. 
If we note the tokens of spiritual prosperity, we may say that in the year 
3866 there was a work of grace wrought which brought nearly forty into the 
church. In 1876-77 sixty-six united on profession of their faith. The last 
few years have been signalized by great activity and zeal in the work of for- 
eign and domestic missions. Last year $1,905 were raised for benevolent 
work. Names of pastors: Samuel Thompson, 1737-39; Samuel Cavin, 
1739-41; James Lang, 1767-94; William Speer, 1794-97; David Denny, 
1800-38; William Adam, 1839-41; Daniel McKinley, 1841-50; Joseph 
Clarke, 1851-57; Lambert S. Fine, 1858-59; Samuel J. Niccolls, 1860-64; 
Jno. Agnew Crawford, 1867-87. Dr. Crawford's resignation was handed 
in the autumn of 1886, and accepted to take effect January 1, 1887. At 
present (January, 1887,) the congregation has no regular pastor. 

The Sabbath-school connected with this church was begun in 1816, and is 
still in vigorous life. For many years Mr. John Cree, a ruling elder, was its 
excellent superintendent. For the last nineteen years Dr. George F. Piatt, 
ruling elder, has been filling the position with great ability. 

It may be of interest to state that for many years this church had in con- 
nection with it a very large and prosperous mission school among the colored 
people of the town. It began about the year 1862. Mr. William G. Reed, a 
ruling elder of the congregation, was for a long time its efficient superinten- 
dent. He was elected in 1864. It was suspended a few years ago simply 
because no suitable room could be found in which to meet, but with the expec- 
tation of opening it again. 

The Central Presbyterian Church. — This congregation owes its existence 
chiefiy to the crowded condition of the old Falling Spring Church, and an 
earnest desire on the part of its originators to provide abundance of room 
for all, rich and poor, who hold to the doctrines, and prefer the order and 
forms of worship approved of in the Presbyterian Church. Hence, in response 
to a petition signed by thirteen persons, as follows, to wit: J. C. Austin, J. A. 
Reside, H. L. Reed, E. D. Reid, Mrs. E. D. Reid, A. H. McCulloh, Miss 
Alice E. McCulloh, Miss Mary E. McCulloh, W. Blair Gilmore, I. H. McCau- 
ley, Joseph McClure, J. R. Orr, John L. Grier, the presbytery of Carlisle, at 
its adiourned meeting held at Duncannon, on the 9th of June, 1868, appointed 
Rev. Thomas Creigh, D. D., Rev. W. A. West and Elder J. E. McLanahan a 
committee ' ' to consider and. if the way be clear, organize a church in accord- 
ance with the prayer of the petitioners." This committee met in the Falling 
Spring Church on the 15th of August, 1868, and, after a full consideration of 
all the facts in the case, proceeded to organize a church, which was afterward 
called the Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg. Twenty-eight per- 
sons presented certificates from the old Falling Spring Church, and, after 
having promised and covenanted to walk together in church fellowship, pro- 
ceeded to the election of ruling elders, which resulted in the unanimous choice 
of James A. Reside and James C. Austin. These persons were ordained and 
installed into office the next day by prayer and the laying on of hands of the 
ministers and elders present, the session of the old church participating. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 485 

On the 6th of September, the Sabbath-school was organized with four pu- 
pils, viz. : Preston R. Austin, Alma Cassel, Edith Boyle and Susie Elliott. A 
superintendent and other officers and teachers were selected. The session held 
its first meeting in the court-house — used for the time being as a place of wor- 
ship — on the 19th of September, 1868, at which time Preston R. Austin was 
received into the communion of this church, being the first person received 
upon the profession of his faith in Christ. 

At a congregational meeting held September 28, 1808, the Rev. I N. Hays, 
of Middlespring, was unanimously elected pastor, and promised, for the pres- 
ent, $1,000 a year, to be paid in regular quarterly payments. At the same 
time the following persons were elected to act temporarily as trustees, being 
all the adult male members of the church, viz. : James A. Reside, Jacob Fetter, 
H. L. Reed, W. Hopkins, Wm. Clark, H. H. Elliott, H. Auld and J. C. Aus- 
tin. The Rev. I. N. Hays, having accepted the call presented to him, was 
installed as pastor on the 11th of December, 1868, Rev. S. S. Mitchell preach- 
ing the sermon, Rev. T. Creigh, D. D. , delivering the charge to the pastor, 
and the Rev. J. W. Wightman to the people. 

At a congregational meeting held January 18, 1869, it was resolved to under- 
take and, if possible, complete within the present year, a house of worship to be 
dedicated to the worship of Almighty Grod. Messrs. J. C. Austin, J. A. Reside 
and Col. O. N. Lull were appointed a committee to procure a plan, etc. On 
the 2'2d of February, 1869, the plan submitted by the committee was unani- 
mously accepted and adopted, and the same committee was requested to act 
as a building committee, to open subscriptions at once, and push forward the 
building of the church with all possible energy. On the 18th of January, 
1869, a charter for the church was procured from the court of common pleas 
of Franklin County, and on the first Monday of May (the 3d) eight trustees 
were elected, whose names will be found in the list of officers. 

The Central Presbyterian Church stands on the corner of Market and 
Main Streets, fronting the Diamond, on the site of the old Franklin 
Hotel. Its extreme length, including tower in front and study in rear, is 
110 feet; and its width, including buttresses, is 64 feet and 6 inches. At 8 
o'clock on the morning of the 25th of May, 1869, a large congregation assem- 
bled about the foundation of the church building to witness the ceremonies 
connected with the deposit of certain articles in the corner-stone. The Rev. 
J. A. Crawford, pastor of the Falling Spring Church, after Invocation, read 
the following portions of Scripture, viz.: Ezra iii: 8-11; Psalm cxxvii: 1, 2; 
also Psalm cxxxii: 8-18, after which the pastor, Rev. I. N. Hays delivered an 
appropriate address. At the close of the address the pastor deposited in the 
corner-stone, a copper box very securely fastened and made air-tight, contain- 
ing the following interesting historical relics, etc. , viz. : A copy of the address — 
a brief history of the church up to this time, to which is added a complete list 
of the original petitioners asking for the organization — the present officers 
and members of the church, the names of the generous contributors to the 
building of the church, and of the pupils at present in the Sabbath-school, all 
of which will be found herein but the names of the Sabbath-school children. 
In addition to the above, the box contained a copy of the confession of faith 
and of the hymn book used by the congregation; copies of all the newspapers 
of the borough, and of the daily papers of Philadelphia and New York circu- 
lating in Chambersburg, together with the names of the editors and employes 
of the Valley Spirit and Franklin Repository printing offices; copies of the 
constitution and by-laws of the temperance, beneficial, benevolent and other 
institutions of the borough; of the burning of Chambersburg the rules of 



486 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

court, and impressions of the seals of the different courts of the county; the 
coin and paper money of the United States now in circulation, from one cent 
up to $1; the Government stamps — postage and revenue. 

The box having been deposited, the Rev. James F. Kennedy led in prayer, 
after which the congregation joined in singing the old version of the One 
Hundreth Psalm to Old Hundred. Names of members of the church at date of 
organization, August 15, 1868: Hugh Auld, James C. Austin, Mrs. S. E. 
Austin, Beckie A. Austin, Mrs. Mary Cassel, Mrs. Annie E. Cassel, Wm. 
Clark, Mrs. Sarah Clark, Elizabeth J. Clark, Eliza Durborow, Martha Dur- 
borow, Henry H. Elliott, Mrs. Emma Elliott, Jacob Fetter, Mrs. Maria 
Fetter, Minnie R. Fetter, Wm. Hopkins, Mrs. Sarah Hopkins, Mary E. Mc- 
Culloh, Alice E. McCulloh, Mrs. Maggie Orr, Henry L. Reed, Mrs. Charlotte 
Reed, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Reid, Annie Reid, James A. Reside, Mrs. Mary M. 
Reside. Carrie V. Reside. Officers at the date of laying the corner-stone, May 
25, 1869: Pastor, Rev. I. N. Hays. Ruling elders: James C. Austin, James A. 
Reside. Trustees: J. C. Austin, # for four years, J. A. Reside, for four years, 
John R. Orr, for three years ; H. H. Elliott, for three years; Wm. Clark, for 
two years; Wm. T. Speer, for two years; John M. Gilmore, for one year; 
John L. Barr, for one year. Building Committee: J. C. Austin, J. A. Reside, 
O. N. Lull. Architect, S. D. Button. 

The beautiful edifice was ready for occupation in the autumn of 1870. 
The formal dedication services took place on Thursday, September 21, 1870. 
In these services, the Rev. John L. Withrow, pastor of the Arch Street Presby- 
terian Church, Philadelphia, preached the sermon. The Rev. J. A. Craw- 
ford, Rev. ' Jas. F. Kennedy, of Chambersburg, Penn. ; Rev. Geo. P. Hays. 
D. D. , President of Jefferson and Washington College, Pennsylvania, with the 
pastor, took part in the services of the day. On the Sabbath following the 
dedication, the members of the two Presbyterian churches of Chambersburg 
united in a union communion service, held in the new church edifice. On this 
occasion the Rev. J. A. Crawford, pastor of the Falling Spring Church, 
preached the sermon. In 1885 a fine pipe organ, manufactured by J. H. & C. 
S. Odell, New York City, was placed in the church. The catalogue price was 
$4,000. It was a free-will offering of some friend or friends of the church, 
who have not permitted their names to be made known to the public. 

In the spring of 1886 the pastor moved into the parsonage, purchased 
several months before, on Queen Street The property with the deeded repairs 
cost about $6,000. The present membership is 185. The enrollment in the 
church and chapel Sabbath -schools is 360; of this number 150 are in the 
Chapel school. 

At a meeting of the session, September 27, the pastor presented the 
project of building a chapel in the southern part of the town, near the Taylor 
works. At this meeting Jas. A. Reside, Hezekiah Keefer and Jas. C. Austin 
were appointed a committee to examine a site already recommended as a 
desirable location. After viewing the ground, this committee reported favorably, 
both as to the project of a chapel and its location, and September 29, 1884, 
purchased four lots fronting on the east side of Fairground Avenue. The chapel 
erected thereon is a brick building with a frame annex, the main part, with 
the addition, being 57x29 feet. The lots and the building cost about $3,000. 
On Sabbath, December 21, the chapel was first occupied, twenty one persons 
coming together through the snow and rain. On this day the Sabbath-school 
was organized. After an existence of two years, it has 150 teachers and 
scholars, enrolled, with an average attendance of eighty. Jas. C. Austin is 
superintendent; W. H. H. Mackey, assistant superintendent; J. W. Rearick, 
secretary, treasurer and librarian. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 489 

On Sabbath, February 1, 1885, the chapel was formally dedicated. The 
Rev. C. R. Lane, Ph. D. , read the Scriptures. The Rev. John Jay Pouieroy, 
pastor of the Central Church and the Chapel, made the prayer of dedication. 
The Rev. Jas. F. Kennedy, D. D. , Rev. John Edgar, Ph. D. , and Rev. J. A. 
Crawford, D. D. , followed with addresses. 

Rev. Isaac N. Hays, D. D., was installed the first pastor of this church, 
December 11, 1868, and served with unusual success for six years. 

Rev. John C. Caldwell, D. D. , the second pastor, was installed October 
22, 1874, and on August 7, 1883, the pastoral relation was dissolved, to enable 
him to accept the call extended to him from the First Presbyterian Church, 
of West Chester, Penn., which church he still serves. 

Rev. John Jay Pomeroy, D. D., the third pastor is a native of Franklin 
County, the eldest son of the late Judge Thomas Pomeroy, of Roxbury. He 
was installed pastor of this church April 10, 1884, and is the present incum- 
bent. _, 

St. John' s Evangelical Lutheran Church. — Inasmuch as the records of this 
church were entirely destroyed during the burning of Chambersburg by the 
Confederates under Gen. McCausland, on the 30th of July, 1864, it is scarcely 
possible to obtain thoroughly reliable dates in regard to the early history of 
the church; and wherever inaccuracies occur they must be attributed to the fact 
that the early history had to be constructed out of scattered fragments, gath- 
ered from numerous quarters and from the memory of the oldest inhabitants. 
It appears that a number of German families migrated to what is now Franklin 
County, as early as 1 740, and located in the neighborhood of Grindstone Hill, about 
seven miles southeast of Chambersburg. These were either Lutherans or Re- 
formed in the religious faith. It is not known that they had the ministrations 
of the gospel in their own tongue or by ministers of their own denominations, 
until about 1765, when one Rev. John George Bager of Conewago, near Han- 
over, York County, visited them, and gave them occasional attention in spiritual 
affairs. 

The first notice we have of regular preaching was about the year 1770, 
when Rev. John George Young, of Hagerstown, Md., succeeded Rev. Ba- 
ger, and began to preach in the Scotch-Irish village of Chambersburg, in the 
German language. Rev. Young was the first regularly stationed minister of 
the Lutheran Church, in the southern end of the valley, and the most of the 
old congregations in Washington County, Md., and in this county, were col- 
lected and organized by him. He continued in charge of these small and 
widely scattered congregations until 1783, when he was succeeded by Rev. 
•John Michael Steck, who served four congregations in this county, viz. : Jacob's, 
aear the Maryland line, in Washington Township; Grindstone Hill, in Guilford 
Township ; Chambersburg and Scherer' s, or Pleasant Hall, near Orrstown. He 
continued pastor four years, when he removed to Bedford, Penn. The last 
year of his ministry in Franklin County, he resided in Chambersburg, and he 
ivas doubtless the first Lutheran minister who resided here. He was succeed- 
ed in the pastorate by the Rev. Anthony Ulrich Lutgen, of Greensburg, West- 
noreland Co., Penn., who took charge in 1789, and remained pastor until 1794, 
vhen failing health compelled him to resign. He died in 1796. His remains 
epose beneath the present church edifice, and are marked by a marble slab, 
)laced in the floor of the lecture room, with an appropriate inscription. Be- 
ween the years 1794 and 1802, the name of the pastor is in doubt. It may 
ihvo been tho Rev. John Ruthrauff, who resided in or near Greencastle. and 
reached at Jacob's, Grindstone Hill, and at other points; but it is more prob- 
ible that Chambersburg during that time was connected with Scherer' s, Ship- 

26 



490 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

pensburg, and perhaps other places, lying north and west of Chambersburg. 
Hence it is necessary to pass over seven or eight years, without doing more 
than merely surmising as to the history of the congregation. 

We are able to resume the thread of history definitely on the 1st of June, 
1802, at which time the Rev. John Frederick Moller, of Frederick, Md., took 
charge of the pastorate and continued in the place until the autumn of 1829, 
when owing to impaired health, he removed to Somerset, Ohio, where he died 
in 1883, of a violent attack of apoplexy, aged about sixty years. Pastor 
Moller was born in Graudentz, Prussia, on the 5th of March, 1773, and was 
educated at the University of Konigsberg. He came to America in 1799,. and 
was settled over the pastorate at Frederick, for about two years, when he was 
called to Chambersburg, where he was pastor for nearly twenty-eight years. 
"Until the close of his ministry here the services were conducted entirely in 
German. 

After a vacancy of nearly two years, Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, D. D. , of 
Hagerstown, Md. . took charge of the pastorate on August 1, 1831. His 
entrance upon the pastoral work, marks a new epoch in the history of the 
congregation. By reason of the retention of the German language, and, con- 
sequently, German methods also of carrying on the work of the church, its 
growth and development had been greatly hindered, and the congregation was 
in a languishing condition. Pastor Kurtz introduced English preaching, estab- 
lished a Sunday-school, instituted prayer meetings, and earnestly labored to pro- 
mote revivals of religion, and was a strenuous advocate of temperance. And 
though on account of his earnest advocacy of these principles he was bitterly; 
persecuted, yet he was eminently successful in promoting the prosperity of 
the church. During the first year of his ministry a remarkable revival of re- 
ligion took place, which resulted in a large increase in the membership of the* 
church, among which were included many heads of families and prominent 
citizens. By reason of failing health his labors were abruptly terminated be- 
fore he had completed his second year. 

He afterward became the editor of the Lutheran Observer, which position; 
he retained for nearly thirty years. He also founded the missionary institute 
at Selins Grove, Penn. He died at Baltimore, Md. , on the 29th of December,! 
1865, aged about seventy years. His successor in the pastoral office was the 
Rev. John N. Hoffman of Taneytown, Md., who took charge on the 1st of 
September, 1S33-, and remained in the pastorate of this charge until Decem- 
ber, 1842. He was succeeded in the beginning of 1843 by the Rev. Samuc" 
Sprecher of Martinsburg, Va. , who remained pastor until the beginning 
June, 1849, when he resigned, to accept the presidency of Wittenberg College, 
located at Springfield, Ohio. His ministry was attended with large success, 
interesting revivals of religion were held, and large and important accessioi 
were made to the church. 

During the summer of 1849, the congregation called the Rev. James L. 
Schock of Reading, Penn., to be its pastor. His connection with the church wa 
brief, covering only two years. He was called to the Church of St. James, in Ne^ 
York. He was succeeded by Rev. W. F. Eyster on the 1st of October, 1851. 
His pastorate extended over a period of about eight years. During his minis 
try the present church edifice was erected, in 1854. The next pastor was 
Rev. Jacob Stock, who took charge' in April, 1860, and remained paste 
until October 12, 1863. He was succeeded by Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D. 
Lancaster, Penn. , who remained in charge about two years and a half, whe 
he resigned, to become the editor of the Lutheran Observer. Rev. J. A. Kunkle 
man was called to succeed him, and took charge on the 1st of January, 1867 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 491 

but his pastorate was very brief. He was called to the Ltitheran Church at 
Fort Wayne, Ind., and retired from the pastorate at Charnbersburg on the 1st 
of September, 1867. Rev. Irving Magee succeeded him on the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1868, and remained in the pastorate until February 1, 1869, a space of 
thirteen months. The next pastor was Rev. L. A. Gotwald, who entered upon 
the duties of his pastorate on the 1st of August,, 1869, and remained in 
charge until the 1st of March, 187-4, a period of four years and seven months. 
A vacancy of fourteen months and a half ensued, when Rev. A. Stewart Hart- 
man, of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, N. Y. , took charge on 
the loth of May, 1875. He is still in charge at the present time, November 
15, 1886. The congregation is one of the largest in the Cumberland Valley, 
and has always been prominent and influential in the Lutheran denomination. 
Its present membership is over 500, with a Sunday-school of equal size. 

The present church edifice is the third owned by the congregation, and 
erected on the same site the first was built, as a Union Church, Reformed and' 
Lutheran, on land donated by Capt. Benjamin Chambers, on condition that he- 
should be given a rose each year, from a bush grown upon the land, as a ren 
tal. This church was built during the pastorate of Rev. John Michael Steckv 
the second during the pastorate of Rev. Frederick Moller, and the last, as al- 
ready stated, during that of Rev. W. F. Eyster. 

German Lutheran Congregation was organized on the 14th of Septem- 
ber, 1839, by John Monath, Anton Hornung, George Hoffman, Adam Trietsk. 
Philip Pfeifer, G. L. Dillman, A. Hornung, P. Wendel, John Gottrnan, S 
Reiz, F. Dittrnan, L. Ebert, George Ludwig, L. Heist, and H. Bauer. The 
house had been erected two years previous by a branch of the Zion Reformed 
Congregation, at a cost of $2,400. but on account of debt it was closed for 
nearly two years, when the present congregation secured it. A parsonage was 
erected in 1883, costing $3,000. It enrolls 180 members. Annual expenses 
about $800. The pastors, from 1839 to 1886, have been as follows: R. 
Clemens, J. H. Fischer, G. H. Brandan, G. M. Marz, C. Bauman, C. Schwan- 
koosky, F. W. Naschold. C. Bauman (second time), M. Wolf, G. Roth. L^ 
Zuber, A. Berg, E. J. Nidecker, R. H. Clare and A. Kurz. 

Methodist Episcojjal Church.— In 1793 Mr. Daniel Madeira and his wife. 
Ellen, moved to Chambersburg from Reisterstown, near Baltimore, Md., 
and lived on south side of Market Street, between Second and Third, in the 
house now occupied by Mrs. Dr. A. H. Senseney and child. In this house, in 
the above named year, the first Methodist meeting was held and the first sermon 
was preached. The preacher who was the pioneer in this work was Rev. Charles 
Burgoon, then stationed on the Frederick Circuit (1794-95) and subsequently 
on the York Circuit (1796). The first meeting house, a log building, was 
erected in 1799 on a lot deeded by John Madeira to whom it had been left 
by Daniel Madeira to Thomas Yeats, Joseph Brarely. Jacob Kern, and John 
Walls, of Cumberland County, 3nd David Huss, of Franklin County, trustees. 
It stood on the south side of Queen Street, east of the railroad, and on the 
southeast corner of the first alley from Queen to Washington Street. A burial 
ground adjoined the church, in which the first interment was that of James 
Falkner. For some twelve years this house sufficed for the little congregation . 
In March, 1802, Thomas Yeats, a trustee living at Shippensburg, moved to 
Chambersburg and formed a class, consisting of himself and his wife Eliza- 
beth. Daniel and Nancy Morrison, John Lloyd. Hannah Carver and Robert 
Cadden. Mr. Yeats, licensed in his native country, Ireland, to preach, exer- 
cised his office here. Leaving his farm in the country, he removed to town,, 
where he kept a dry goo'cls and grocery store on Queen Street. His melancl.wh 



492 HISTOltY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 






death occurred at the building of the Arcade in 1830. The ministers since 
1794, when Chambersburg was made a part of the Carlisle circuit, just formed, 
were: Charles Burgoon, 1794-97; Seeley Bunn, 1799; David Stevens and 
Abraham Andrews, 1800; James Smith and John Wells, 1801; R. R. Roberts, 
1802; David Pidler, Joseph Stone and Nicholas Willis, 1803: Jacob Gruber 
and Wm. Brandon, 1804; Solomon Harris and Leonard Cassel, 1805; James 
Paynter and Joseph Carson, 1806; James Hunter and Jacob Dowell, 1807 ; 
Robert Burch and Lasley Matthews, 1808; Robert Burch and Jacob Guest. 
1809; James Reid and George Askins, 1810; Peter Beaver and Robert 
Wilson, 1811. On the 25th of October, 1809, an appeal in the form of 
a subscription "to the liberal public," saying "the members of the 
Methodist society, in and near Chambersburg, finding themselves incon- 
veniently circumstanced for divine worship, by reason of the smallness of 
their present meeting house, and distance thereof from the center of the 
town, and considering it as closely connected with the good interests of 
their fellow-citizens, that a building be erected in a more eligible part of the 
borough, have resolved to make sale of their present house of worship, and to 
apply the price thereof to the raising of another, on a lot ground lately pur- 
chased for that purpose, adjoining the lot occupied at present by Dr. Sloan. 
* Length, 45 feet; breadth, 35 feet; height, 18 feet." 

The house was completed in 1811, and dedicated on the 8th of October, 
Rev. Robert Wilson delivering the dedication sermon. In 1845, the congrega- 
tion having increased so rapidly as to require it, the old house was torn down 
and the present handsome structure erected in its stead. 

A class register for June 17, 1806, reveals the names of the following 
members under the leadership of Thomas Yeats and James Wright : Eliza- 
beth Yeats, Daniel Morrison, Mary Allison, John Lloyd, Nancy Cypha, Mary 
Brown, Kitty Burns, Richard Lewis, Elizabeth Brooks. "Christiana Riblets, 
Rudolph Harley, Ami Yeats, Margaret Lowth, Sarah Carver, William Jobn-V 
stbn, Sarah Johnston/ Nancy Johnston, "William Robert Yeats and Michael 
Burns. 

The following named have served as preachers since 1811: 1812, Rob- 
ert Wilson; 1813, James Reid, George Askins; 1814, George Askins, N. B. 
Mills; 1815, Robert Wilson, Thos. Larkins; 1816, Robert Wilson, George 
Brown; 1817, Hamilton Jefferson; 1818. Hamilton Jeff erson, Fred Steir; 1819, 
Caleb Reynolds. Fred Steir; 1820, Caleb Reynolds, Wm. Munroe; 1821, An- 
drew Hemphill; 1822, Marmaduke Peirce; 1823. Robert S. Vinton; 1824-25, 
John Bear; 1826, Joseph Rowan; 1827-28, William Prettyman; 1829-30, An- 
drew Hemphill; 1831, Basil Barry; 1832. Joseph White; 1833-34, Tobias 
Reilly; 1835-36, George Hildt; 1837-38, Richard Bond; 1839-40, JohnBowan; 
1841, Jared H. Young; 1842-43, James Lauks; 1844-45, James H. Brown; 1846, 
Thomas H. W. f Munroe; 1847-48, E. R. Weitch; 1849, John Smith; 1850-51, 
Robert M. Lipscomb; 1852-53, John M. Jones; 1854-55, John Guyer; 1856- 
57, Philip R. Reese; 1858-59, Daniel Hartman; 1860-61, Wm. Harden; 
1862, Wm. Brittain; 1863-64, Thomas Barnhart; 1865-67. S. H. C. Smith'; 
1868-69, Samuel Barns; 1870, E. W. Kirby; 1871, C. Little; 1872, Thomas 
Reese; 1873, B. B. Hamlin; 1874, Francis Hodgson; 1875, J. A. Lippincott; 
1876-78, W. G. Ferguson; J 878-80, G. W. Miller; 1880-83, Dr. D. S. Mon- 
roe; 1883-86, M. L. Ganoe; 1886, M. L. Smyser. 

Statistics: Number of members, 510; one church, valued at $12,000; one 
chapel, valued at $2,000; one parsonage, valued at $3,000; Sunday schools, 
2; officers and teachers, 63; scholars, 520. Benevolent contributions last year: 
For missions, $1,067; other causes, $250; total, $1,317. Annual expenses, 
including ministerial support, $2,600. 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 493 

The Second Methodist Congregation was organized in September, 1860, with 
about three- fourths of a dozen of members. They leased the ground whereon 
had so long stood the house of worship of the United Presbyterians, and which 
was burned by the rebels under McCausland, and built a comfortable frame 
edifice. Their numbers increasing with their zeal, they bought a lot on the 
northeast corner of Second and King, known from time immemorial as the Gross 
lot. occupied by a family of that name found in the annals of the borough as 
hunters and fishermen, and put up a substantial and attractive church and 
parsonage in the summer of 1875. The order of their ministers is as follows: 
Rev. Francis Dyson, from September. 1869 to April, 1870; John Donahoo, 
INTO; A. D. Yocum, 1871; A. M. Kesler, 1872; William C. Bobbins, 
1873-74-75. The congregation was finally disbanded, and the house sold to 
the United Brethren Church. 

Zion's Reformed Church. — This congregation was organized in 1784 or 
1785, by Rev. Jacob Weymer, in the house then occupied by Nicholas Snider, 
'near the Diamond. At the time its charter was received, March 24, 1819, the 
following members constituted it: Godfrey Greenawalt, Christian Etter, Jacob 
Heyser, Jacob Snider, Christian Wolf, John Stump, Abraham Keefer, Sr., 
Benjamin Keefer, John Swartz, Barnard Wolff, William Heyser, Henry Smith, 
S. Saimy. Daniel Smith, Christian Smee, S. Faber, Henry Keiler and John Whit- 
more. The present excellent house was built in 1 81 1, and remodeled in 1 883-84. 
Its first Sunday-school was organized in 1830. The congregation has a mem- 
bership of 350, and incurs, for all purposes, an annual expense of about 
$1,700. Its condition is a prosperous one. 

The following is its line of pastors: Rev. Jacob Weymer organized the 
congregation in 1784 or 1785. and was the first regular pastor, but remained 
such for a short time only. Rev. John Christopher Faber was his successor. 
at what date is not known. He preached his farewell sermon in the spring of 

1789. Rev. Leitzel next supplied the pulpit for a sbort period. He is- 

supposed to have been connected with the Lutheran Church. Rev. Philip 
Stock was his successor, at what date is not known, probably in 1791, as he- 
was pastor of the congregation at York, Penn. , in 1790, for a short time. He- 
continued pastor here for some years, as he had a student (Rev. John Brown,. 
D. D. ,) from 1798 to 1801. At what time he resigned is not known. Rev. 
James Hoffman became pastor in 1807, and remained such until 1818. . Rev.. 
Frederick Rahauser became pastor in April, 1819, and remained until April,, 
1833. Rev, Hamilton VanDyke was associate pastor, preaching English part 
of the year 1833. Rev. Henry L. Rice became pastor in May, 1834; died May 
3, 1837. Rev. Jacob Helfenstine became pastor in October, 1838, and con- 
tinued to April 1, 1842. Rev. W. Wilson Bonnel became pastor xYIay 6. 1842, 
and continued to September 18, 1845. Rev. Alfred Nevin. D. D. , became 
pastor in November, 1845, and continued to March 1, 1852. Rev. Samuel N. 
Callender, D. D., became pastor September 1, 1852, and continued to October 
15. 1856. Rev. Samuel Philips became pastor January 11, 1857, and contin- 
ued to April 28, 1861. Rev. B. Bausman, D. D. , became pastor November 1„ 
1861, and continued to November 1, 1863. Rev. P. S. Davis, D. D. , became- 
pastor May 1, 1864, and continued to January 1, 1875. Rev. W. 0. Crenaer 
became pastor November 1, 1876, and is present incumbent. 

St. John's Reformed Church, East Market Street. — About the year 1849* 
there was a division in the German Lutheran congregation on East Wash- 
ington Street. Chambersburg. A part remained where they were, while the- 
others erected what is now known as St. John's Reformed Church, on East 
Market Street. The congregation remained Lutheran for about ten years; 



'494 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

then, having become too weak to call 1i pastor, they prevailed on Rev. B. S. 
Schneck, D. D., who was a resident here, to serve them, and the church 
became reformed from that time on. The early records of the congregation 
were all burned with Dr. Schneck' s library during the war, so that there 
is no record in existence of the first members and officers. Dr. Schneck 
served the congregation until his death in 1874. Then the congregation 
■called Rev. H. Hanhart, now of Cincinnati, who remained about two 
years. He was succeeded by Rev. C. Gundlach, who remained three 
years. From that time on until the summer of the present year (1886), the 
congregation was supplied by Rev. W. C. Cremer, pastor of Zion's Reformed 
Church. Up to this time the congregation had been wholly German, but as 
there was scarcely any German immigration to Chambersburg. and as the 
young people were all receiving an English education, it became apparent 
that the congregation could not survive unless English services were intro- 
duced. To this end application was made to Mercersburg Classic, to which the 
congregation belongs. Classis granted the request, and the following 
arrangement was made: Every alternate Sunday morning service was to be 
German, all other preaching services English; the Sunday-school to be con- 
ducted in English, with room for German classes; in the prayer meeting 
members were to have the privilege of praying in the language they preferred. 
Under this arrangement Classis promised financial aid, and the congregation 
called Rev. M. Z. Hittel as pastor. He began his work on October 1, 1886. 
At present the congregation numbers about sixty members. 

First United Brethren Church. — As early as 1818 preaching was done at 
the house of Jacob Braizer, by three German local preachers, viz. : Samuel 
Huber, John Crider, and Jacob Wingerd. About the same time John Oakes 
moved to town, and opened his house for preaching. At his house the congre 
gation. consisting of eighteen members, was organized in 1823, by the Rev 
Samuel Huber. Among the charter members were Samuel Huber, John Oakes 
Catherine Oakes, Margaret J arret, Jacob Glosser, Jacob Bigler, Jacob Braizer 
Henry Flinder, Elizabeth Melinger, Harriet Jarret, David Oakes, John Oakes 
Jr., George Oakes, Mary Hutz, Frederick Glosser, Mary Croft and others 
The first house was erected through the labors of Samuel Huber, who 
made a personal canvass for aid in 1828; the second in 1S52 during the labors 
of Rev. John Dickson; the third or present, in 1882. during the pastorate of 
Rev. J. P. Miller, at a cost of $10,000. In 1871, over 100 members with- 
drew and formed the King Street congregation. Present membership. 400. 
Sunday-school was organized in 1S42. The following is the roster 
■of preachers: 1823-24, Rev. John Brown; 1824-25, Simon Dresbach 
and William Brown; 1826-27, Gideon Smith and John Zohn; 1828-29, 
Jacob Erb, and Jacob \Vieman; 1830-31, John Krock. and John 
Hendricks; 1832, Frederick Gilbert: 1S33. George Gilbert and Enoch Hoff- 
man; 1834, J. Binger and Joseph Hershev; 1835-36, Jacob Ritter and John 
Debalt; 1837-38, John Fohl and Jacob Kessler; 1839-40, Rev. John Fold; 1841- 
42, Jacob Rhinehart of Virginia conference; 1843-45, George Miller, of Alle- 
gheny Conference; 1846, John Fohl; 1847-48, Alexander Owens; 1640-50, John 
W. Bonewell; 1851-53, John Dickson; 1854-56, Z. A. Colestock; 1857-59, 
"W. B. Raber; 1860-61, Z A. Colestock; 1862-65. John Dickson; 1866-68, 
H. T. Hummelbaugh, (Mr. H. died October, 1S68, and Rev. J. M. Bishop sup- 
plied the congregation until meeting of conference, in February, I860): 1869, 
Rev. J. G. Schaff; 1870-72;- W. T. Lower; 1873-74, B. G. Huber; 1875-77, 
H. A. Schlichter; 1878, D. W. Proffitt; 1870-81, S. A. Mowers; 1882-87, 
J. P. Miller. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 495 

King Street Church, United Brethren in Christ. — During the year 1876 
there arose difficulties in the United Brethren Church of Chambersburg. 
located on South Second Street, growing out of the failure of the pastor to 
enforce the rule of the discipline of the church in regard to secret societies. 
The result of these differences (which also led to others) was that quite a 
number of the membership did not worship with the rest of the congregation 
during the year 1877; but they held services (on Sunday afternoons) in a 
private house on East Broad Street. Appeals were taken to the annual con- 
ference of 1877, which met at Baltimore, Md., and the conference of 1878, at 
York, Penn., and also to the general conference held in Westfield, 111., 1877, 
and the general conference held at Lisbon, Iowa, 1881. The committee of 
the Westfield General Conference, to whom the appeal was referred, report- 
ed as follows: " That there have been some irregularities in the proceedings 
of the Chambersburg Quarterly Conference, and in the rulings made at its 

ons, by which the rights of some parties have been prejudiced; but your 
committee is of the opinion that this body has no jurisdiction in the case." 
This general conference referred the whole matter back to the annual confer- 
ence During the month of March, 1878, after the session of annual conference, 
held in York, Penn. , the people, seeing that there was no redress of their 
grievances to be had froni the powers that were, determined to have a house 
of their own where they could worship together in peace. Accordingly 
during the month of April following they bought the church building on the 
northeast corner of Second and King Streets from the Second Congregation 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they took possession on the 
5th of May following. There were 100 members from the old church who 
united to worship. From the time that they began to worship in the 
private house on Broad Street, in 1877, until October. 1882. they 
were served by the following ministers who held local relations in 
the United Brethren Church: J. M. Bishop, J. Fohl, J. Fetterhoff, and A. 
Bickley. From October, 1882, to April, 183-4, they were served by Rev. W. O. 
Tobey, of the Central Illinois Conference. From April, 1884, until the pres- 
ent time, Rev. M. F. Keiter, of the Virginia Annual Conference has served as 
pastor. The' church edifice has cost them about $6,000. During the past 
summer they have erected a parsonage on South Second Street, at a cost of 
about 12,300. Their annual expenses are about. $850. Their original member- 
ship from the old church, as seen above, was 100, and their present membership 
is 200. As a church they stand by Section 7, Article II, of the constitution of 
the United Brethren in Christ, which says, " There shall be no connection with 
secret combinations," and the rules of discipline in harmony therewith. In 
consequence of this position they do not hold a very popular place in the com- 
munity where secret societies seem to be so very popular. They now stand 
independent of any annual and the General Conference of the church at large, 
and what the result of the agitation over church questions in the United 
Brethren Church will be, and what benefits, if any, will accrue to them there- 
from, remains yet to be seen. They also have a Sabbath-school with an aver- 
age attendance, during the last six months, of 155. 

Corpus Christi Catholic Church* — There is a tradition that a Catholic 
Church existed in Chambersburg as early as 1785 or 1787, but its truth has 
never been verified. The lot on which the present edifice stands was bought 
from Thomas Hartley, Esq., in 1792, in which year the first structure, a log 
building, 25x40 and 12 to 15 feet high, was built. It had three oblong 
windows on each side, and, according to the prevailing custom, the door was at 

"From facts furnished by F. X. Deckellmayer. 



496 HISTOKY OF FBANKLIN COUNTY. 

the western end of the building, and»the altar at the eastern, compelling the 
audience to pass from the street to the opposite end of the building to enter it, 
and thus face eastward. The priest at the time was Rev. Dennis Cahill, a 
man of considerable distinction. He was succeeded by Revs. Duhamel, 
i nlon, Prince, Galitzan and Dietrich. Rev. Fillon is said to have resided 
at Chambersburg for a short time and taught school in a log house whose site 
was that of the warehouse of Grier Bros. These attended at intervals of four 
or more weeks. 

About 1806, Rev. Nicholas Zachary, from Taney town, Md. , became pastor 
and continued till about 1820, attending once a month. In 1812, he built the 
present substantial church whose front is a marvel of stone masonry. Ita 
front on Second Street is 45 and depth 60 feet. The log building which it re- 
placed was sold to the Colored Methodists, who removed it to Kerrstown, and 
used it till 1860. In 1818, the church was incorporated with the following 
trustees: Rev. Nicholas Zachary, Patrick Campbell, Thomas Murray, John 
Devine, Patrick Brown, Richard Heyden and George Garlin. Owing to 
financial pressure, 32 feet of the original lot was sold conditionally. About 
1820, Rev. Kerns became the first resident pastor, and conducted services 
twice a month, the remaining time being given to Waynesboro and Path Valley, 
mission points. He was succeeded in 1825 or 1826, by Rev. Ferdinand Mc- 
Cusker, who continued until 1834. In December, 1828, during his pastorate, 
the church organ was bought in Philadelphia, through the instrumentality of 
the late Archbishop Hughes, of New York, who, on account of his parents, 
brothers and sisters living in Chambersburg, took great interest in the matter. 
This instrument, the first used in Chambersburg, was built by Longman & Co. r 
of London, and was brought to Philadelphia by Father Creaton, an English- 
man, and used in St. Joseph's Church as early as 1748. During the Revolu- 
tionary war its sweet tones were heard by many distinguished officers, Ameri- 
can and foreign. 

Following McCusker, Rev. Thomas Hayden, an excellent man, preached 
about three years, being succeeded in 1837 by Rev. Patrick Rafferty. After 
eleven months, Rev. Mr. Barges, a German and English student, came, during 
whose term the pastor's house was erected. The other pastors in succession 
were Revs. Mr. Loughran (1839), James Miller (1839-42), Father Nugent 
(1843), Basil Sharb (1844), Lane, William O'Hara (1844), Schraudenback 
(1846), Richard O'Connor (1847), Leavitts, Hugh McMacken (1848), M. A. M. 
Wirtzfield (1849-51), Dr. Lightner (1S51-53), John Dougherty (1853-55), 
McDonough, Barrett, Linden, Kelley, A. Miller (1857-60); McKee, (1860-68) 
(during his pastorate important changes and additions were made to the 
house. He entered the army as chaplain.) McCullum (1863-64), Gerteman 
(1864-66), Mullen, Coxe (l8'66-69). 

In 1866 Chambersburg was placed under the diocese of Harrisburg. Rev. 
Field was first pastor, Coxe retiring; Stenzel, 1870-71; Botzker, 1871-75, 
during whose office important changes occurred — weekly services were es- 
tablished; Rev. T. J. Fleming, 1875-82, made repairs and paid off much 
debt. Father Schlatter has been pastor since 1882. The congregation is out 
of debt. Membership, 350; condition prosperous. 

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church. — Occasional services of the Episco- 
pal Church were held in Chambersburg previous to the year 1868. The first 
settled minister was the Rev. Wm. George Hawkins, whose term of service 
extended from February, 1868, to September, 1873. During his ministry the 
parish was organized and admitted into union with the convention of the 
diocese, in May, 1869. The corner-stone of the present church edifice was 





/^ 




BOKOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 4iK> 

laid July 6, 1870, and the building completed and occupied in 1872. The 
Sunday-school building in the rear of the church was also erected during 
the time of Mr. Hawkins' rectorship. The rectors since have been the 
Rev. John Collins McCabe, D. D., who served from November, 1873, until 
his death, February 27, 1875; the Rev. Henry C. Swentzel, from August, 
1875, to July, 1881; the Rev. George C. Hall, from October, 1881, to March, 
1884; the Rev. V. Hummel Bergham, from October, 1884, to the present time. 
The present number of communicants is 40; scholars in the Sunday school 
about 45, and the annual expenditures for all purposes about $1,000. The 
estimated value of the property is about $11,000. 

Church of God. — This organization established its work in the year 1858 
by purchasing, through the agency of the East Pennsylvania eldership, a 
house of worship begun, but not completed, by the Baptists. This purchase 
occurred April 9, the sum paid being $1,928.08. It was dedicated the 29th 
of the following September; destroyed by the rebels in 1864. The house 
was rebuilt in 1866 at a cost of $6,499.55. The membership, at present, is up- 
ward of 80. The following is the list of pastors or preachers who have served it : 
Revs. G. U. Ham, D. A. L. Laverty, B. F. Beck, A. H. Long, C. H. Forney, J. 
Hunter, D. Townsend, W. H. Englar, J. B. Soule, J. W. Miller, J. M. Car- 
veil. J. B. Lockwood, I. S. Richmond, G. L. Cowen, S. W. Naill, W. J. D. 
Edwards, C. D. Rishel and J. H. Martin, the last being the present incumbent. 

Colored Churches. — The first congregation of colored people was organized 
in 1811. In 1812 they purchased the log building which was used until that 
time as a Catholic Church, and moved it to a lot in Kerrstown. In this they 
worshiped as a Methodist Episcopal congregation until 1872, when it was 
torn down and the present brick building was erected and dedicated to the 
worship of God by the African Methodist Episcopal Bethel congregation. In 
1^45 a division occurred in the Kerrstown congregation, and the seceding 
branch built a log church on West German Street. The first church was built 
of a log stable purchased from Jacob Heck, Esq. , and served the congregation 
until 1872, when, emulating the example of their Kerrstown brethren, they tore 
it down and erected the present brick building which was dedicated to the 
worship of God by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion congregation. 

The first Sunday-school in Chambersburg was a union school intended 
for all denominations. It was established by Mr. Samuel Blood and Mr. 
James B. Ross, of Philadelphia, on the third Sabbath of August, A. D., 1816, 
in the old academy, in the rear of the ground where the Chambersburg 
Academy now stands. It was only one story high, and divided into two rooms, 
in one of which Mr. Samuel Blood was teacher at that time. The Sabbath that 
the school opened, there were nearly 100 children and only two teachers, Mr. S. 
Blood and Mr. J. B. Ross. On the second Sabbath there came an additional 
number of nearly 100, making in all 190 children, and all to be managed by two 
men, and they both very young. It continued in this manner for a few Sab- 
baths, when several ladies, among whom were Eleanor Calhoun, Eliza Riddle, 
Mary Purviance, Elizabeth Ross and several others, wishing to lay a helping 
hand to the good work, offered to take charge of the female members. Then 
the school was divided in two parts, under the same roof, one for each sex. 
One day Mr. Smith Findlay, son of Gov. Findlay, was standing at his door when 
several colored children from the Sabbath -school passed Attracting his 
attention, he asked where they had been. They replied at the new Sunday- 
school in the academy. Mr. Findlay resolved to go to see this new, and to him 
unheard-of, Sunday-school. Accordingly, he went next Sabbath and took 
charge of a class, becoming a very worthy teacher. The union school was 
subsequently divided into six or eight different schools. 



500 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

THE CEDAR GBOVE CEMETERY. 

The grounds of this cemetery were opened for interments in the fall of 1854. 
The first body buried there was that of Mrs. Jane Snider, wife of Geo. W. 
Snider, November 3, 1854. The next burial was the re-interment of the body 
of Alfred M. Smith, Esq., long connected with the public press of this 
place, and perhaps the most brilliant literary genius ever born in Chambers- 
burg. Mr. Andrew Eiker, superintendent of Cedar Grove Cemetery, has 
buried 1763 persons during the past nineteen years as follows: 1868, 58; 
1869, 57; 1870, 86; 1871, 86; 1872, 74; 1873, 90; 1874, 107; 1875, 110; 
1876, 101; 1877, 90; 1878, 80; 1879, 81; 1880, 105; 1881, 112; 1882, 94; 
1883, 114; 1884, 90; 1885, 98; 1886, 130. There were more burials last 
year than during any other in the history of the cemetery. Mr. Eiker, the 
very efficient superintendent of the cemetery, has just entered upon his twen- 
tieth year as superintendent. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Education received early attention in Chambersburg. The private school 
first, then academy, and finally the public school and college was the order 
of development. In one of the numbers of the Western Advertiser and Cham- 
bersburg Weekhj Newspaper for February, 1793, published by William Davi- 
son, appears the following advertisement: 

J. Grammar School. 

The friends of literature in Franklin and the neighboring Counties are informed that 
1 lines Ross, if suitably encouraged, will open a Grammar School in Chambersburg about 
the beginning of April next. Those who are desirous to favour this undertaking are 
requested as speedily as possible to call and Subscribe, or send their names to John Cal- 
houn, in whose hand the subscription paper will be placed. 

It is expected from the long tried and \vell : known abilities of the teacher, that gener- 
ous encouragement will be given to this institution, which promises to be the foundation 
of a permanent seminary of learning in this place. 

Chambersburg, 20th February, 1793. 

James Ross was a native of Delaware, and professor of languages in the 
first faculty of Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn. , which was organized in 
1784. He came to Chambersburg, agreeably to his announcement, in 1793. 
The exact length of time he remained here can not now be ascertained, in conse- 
quence of the destruction of the records of the academy, by rebel incendiarism. 
He removed from Chambersburg to Lancaster, about the year 1800, and re- 
opened his school. Finally, he went to Philadelphia, and was in that city in 
1812, for, in the fourth edition of his Latin grammar, published in that year, 
he styles himself • ' professor of the Latin and Greek languages, North Fourth 
Street, Philadelphia." Mr. Ross published, while in Chambersburg, the 
first edition of "Ross' Latin Grammar," a work which was the most popular 
text book of its kind of that day, and had a very wide circulation and reputa- 
tion. It was very cordially recommended and used by such eminent scholars 
as Dr. Henry Muhlenburg, Drs. C. L. Becker, James P. Wilson and Ashbel 
Green, as well as many others equally distinguished. Among his pupils in 
Philadelphia was that eminent divine and scholar, Rev. James W. Alexander, 
D. D. , of Princeton College, who was accustomed to speak in the most enthu- 
siastic terms of the fine classical attainments of his teacher. Dr. Alexander 
was a favorite pupil of Mr. Ross, who was accustomed to call him "Alexander 
Magnus," in facetious allusion to his rather diminutive stature. 

Mr. Ross also published several other small works for the purpose of aid- 
ing the student in acquiring a knowledge of the Latin tongue. He was in the 
-habit, as a pastime, of writing Latin poetry and epitaphs, and made an admir- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBEESBUEG. 501 

able translation of the "Westminster Shorter Catechism," in that language. 
Mr. Ross was a close Bible student, and always read the New Testament in the 
original Greek, and his copy gave evidence of frequent and careful study, its 
margins being closely covered with acute critical annotations. Mr. Ross died 
in Philadelphia, on the 6th of July, 1827, aged eighty-four years. He was 
buried in the grave-yard of the old Ranstead Court Church, but when the 
property was sold, his remains were taken to Carlisle for re-interment. 

Sufficient encouragement having been given, the new school of Mr. Ross 
was opened, tradition says, in a small log house on West Queen Street, not 
far from its junction with Water Street, on the north side. Here it remained 
for the next four or five years. Meanwhile, Capt. Benjamin Chambers, with 
that enlightened liberality which ever distinguished him, gave, in 1796, .two 
lots of ground upon which to build a permanent school. He also took an 
active part in establishing and placing the new school on a solid foundation. 
A charter for the academy was granted by the State of Pennsylvania, dated 
August 23, 1797, and a substantial, though small, brick schoolhouse, was 
soon afterward erected. The trustees designated in the charter were James 
Riddle, Capt. Benjamin Chambers, Edward Crawford, William M. Brown. 
John Colhoun, Christian Wolff, Samuel Riddle, George Hetich, Nicholas 
Clopper, John Brown, Christian Oyster and Patrick Campbell. The building 
being finished, James Ross removed his grammar school, into it, and thus 
completed the organization of the Chambersburg Academy. The original 
building at first answered sufficiently well for the comparatively small number 
of scholars which comprised the school. In the course of time, however, the 
population of the town increasing, a larger and more commodious building was 
required for the growing number of students. The old house was, therefore, 
removed in the year 1825, and a large, handsome and convenient edifice 
erected in its stead. This second building was destroyed by fire in July, 1864, 
by the rebel horde under McCausland. Four years later, the academy was 
rebuilt and greatly remodeled, and, in all the conveniences of an institution 
•of learning, it has few superiors. Among its principals were James Ross, Rev. 
D. V. McLean, Rev. S. W. Crawford, Rev. David Denny, Samuel Blood and 
William Van Lear Davis. These were succeeded by Dr. J. H. Shumaker, an 
instructor and manager of great ability, and Prof. Alexander, the present in- 
cumbent. 

In the Repository of April 12, 1814, Mrs. Catherine Durang, lately from 
Philadelphia, informs the ladies of Chambersburg and vicinity, that she has 
received a fresh supply of millinery goods at her dwelling in the George Cook 
building, next door to John Shryock, and that she had secured the services of 
a gentleman to conduct a school in connection, he instructing in writing, arith- 
metic, geography and other sciences, while she gave lessons in embroidery and 
needle -work. This, it seems, was the embryo of an industrial school, the first 
in the town. 

July 11, 1815, John Riddle and Joseph Parks announce the opening of the 
" Chambersburg Union School," pupils being " accommodated with boarding 
on moderate terms by either of the subscribers." This was evidently a pri- 
vate school under a union name. Schools for dancing, writing, etc. , were held 
at various times by A. Bonaffon and T. M. Fitzgerald, from 1817 to 1819. 
Thus the work continued, until, without attempting to trace the intervening 
steps, the present school system was developed. 

Schoolhouses. — The Chambersburg School District owns four first-class 
brick buildings and rents a second-class frame building. 

The King Street Schoolhouse, built in 1857. is three stories high and con- 
tarns nine school rooms and four recitation-rooms, in which thirteen teachers 



502 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

are employed. The grades are two first primary, one for each sex; two sec- 
ond primary, one for each sex; two intermediate (two teachers each), one for 
each sex; one first grammar for boys, two teachers; one second grammar for 
boys, and one high school for boys. There are 185 girls and 344 boys in this 
building. Cost of lot, building and furniture, $20,000. 

The Washington Street Schoolhouse was built in 1877, and contains six 
principal, and two recitation-rooms. The pupils are all girls, and number 344. 
The schools are graded as follows: one first primary; one intermediate, two* 
teachers; two first grammar; one second grammar, and one high school. Cost 
of lot, building and furniture, $11,500. 

The West German Street Schoolhouse was erected in 1874, and contains 
four rooms. The scholars are all colored, and consist of 100 boys and 87 
girls, graded as first primary, second primary, intermediate and grammar. 
All scholars who pass examination in the higher grade in this building are then 
transferred to the high schools. Cost of lot, building and furniture, $5,300. 

The East German Street Schoolhouse was built in 1885, and contains four 
rooms, which accommodate 231 pupils — 110 boys and 121 girls — in the follow- 
ing grades: two fiist primary, one for each sex; one second primary for girls, 
and one intermediate for boys. Cost of lot. b lilding and furniture, $5,900. 

The rented building, on the corner of Washington and Water Streets, is. 
two stories high, and contains a first and second primary for boys, 127 in 
number. 

On account of the crowded condition of the primary schools, the school 
board has decided to purchase a lot of ground, upon which to erect another 
school building, something similar to those on German Street. 

The school board of the district for the school year commencing June 1, 
1886, is composed as follows: First Ward — John A. Seiders, William D. Guth- 
rie. Charles S. Hull. Second Ward — Jacob N. Snider, Dr. John P^_Seibert, 
James A. McKnight. Third Ward— W. Rush Gillan, WrjJfHTMackey, Sam- 
uel Monath. Fourth Ward — Charles H. Cressler, Henry S. Gilbert, John D. 
Brenner. President, Jacob N. Snider; secretary, John A. Seiders; treasurer, 
Charles H. Cressler. The amount appropriated by the State to the Chambers- 
burg School District for the year commencing June 1, 1886. was $1,689.16, 
and the amount of the tax duplicate for the same year, $16,763.40. State ap- 
propriates and tax for 1835, $426.22; for 1886, $18,452.56. 

The Act of Assembly establishing the office of borough superintendent, was 
passed in 1867, but its provisions were not accepted by the Chambersburg 
School District until June, 1884, and on the 26th of that month, Prof. AVm. 
H. H. Hockenberry, then principal of the male high school, was elected to that 
position for the period of three years, at a salary of $800. 

The following is a synopsis of the monthly report of the borough super- 
intendent, W. H. Hockenberry, for October, 1886: Number of male pupils, 
667; female pupils. 719; number in high schools, 81; in grammar schools, 
296; in the intermediate schools, 297; in the second primary schools, 272; in 
the first primary schools, 444; average per cent of deportment, 89; average 
per cent of progress, 87; average per cent of attendance, 90; number of 
scholars not absent from any session, 506; number of scholars not tardy, 903; 
visits by school officers and patrons, 86; hours spent in school by officers and 
patrons, 115. 

Wilson Female College. — For some years prior to 1870 various ministers 
and laymen of the Presbytery of Carlisle had expressed a desire for an institu- 
tion abreast of the age and devoted to higher female education under Christian 
auspices. It was resolved among them at some informal conferences to locate 
it in the Cumberland Valley, at whatever point presented most advantages and 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 503 

offered most help to the proposed college; for the plan to make it a college and 
of full standing as such, and not merely a seminary, was the desire of those 
seeking to found it. Various good seminaries did then, as now, exist in the 
State, but no female college in connection with the Presbyterian Church. 
Carlisle and Chambersburg seemed to be the competing points, but a gift of 
$30,000 from Miss Sarah Wilson, residing near Chambersburg, was the prin- 
cipal thing leading to a decision in favor of the latter town, in connection with 
the favorable location of the town, situated as it is near the center of the entire 
valley, the more southern portion of which, beyond the Potomac, is known as 
the Shenandoah Valley, famous in the civil war. 

About the same time an opportunity occurred for a purchase near Cham- 
bersburg, which in its favorable terms was almost equal in itself to a gift. 
Alexander K. McClure, Esq., now (1887) of Philadelphia, had erected, just 
north of Chambersburg, a palatial residence on which he had spent $35, 0< ><). 
but owing to certain reverses he had to part with his ideal and magniii 
cent structure. This, with the large farm surrounding it, was purchased for 
the intended college and then the surplus land was sold off, about thirty acres 
being reserved for college use. Of course other gifts were needed and were 
received for the work and for the extension of the buildings. Thomas A. 
Scott, Esq., then (1869) of Philadelphia, gave $20,000. Thomas B. Kennedy. 
Esq. , and many other Chambersburgers and residents of the valley, both men 
and women, subscribed in fair proportions and gave, also, both interest and 
labor to the new work. Among these were many excellent clergymen, one of 
the various earnest workers being Rev. I. N. Hays, D. D., now of Allegheny, Pa. 

It was judged best, even by the clerical friends of the enterprise, that the col- 
lege should have its own separate board of trustees, and accordingly ^a charter 
passed by both houses of the Pennsylvania Legislature and approved March 
24, 1869, by Hon. John W. Geary, then governor of the State, put the college 
into corporate existence, with power to grant any degrees granted by any col- 
lege or university in the United States, and with a board of eighteen trustees and 
a limit of twenty- nine, a majority to be always Presbyterian ministers holding 
the Westminster Confession, and two-thirds to be Pennsylvania citizens. 
While holding these points the board has invariably been liberal, having always 
had many laymen in it, and having other States and other denominations al- 
ways represented in its membership, and requiring from its pupils who were 
not Presbyterians that they attend at their own church, if such church existed 
in the town or unless parents wished otherwise. 

The college started its work in the fall of 1870 in the handsome building 
originally belonging to the McClure estate, and in a $20,000 extension put to it, 
of 106 by 35 feet and of four and one-half stories high. To this another extension 
of 40 by 35 feet has now (1886) been added, to accommodate the late continual 
increase of pupils. With the new gymnasium building, finished in 1877, the 
value of college buildings and grounds is now about $80,000, and, as about 
1875-76, nearly $20,000 was held as endowment, the gifts, etc. to the found- 
ing of the college maybe valued at $100,000. For a few years say, 1876 
1877 and 1878, the management of the college exceeded its income, and 
changed the endowment held into about that amount of debt. For several 
years prior to the present time (1887) this condition of things has been re- 
versed, and with releases, mainly from certain liberal-minded, trustees, in con- 
nection with other gifts and payments of certain mortgages, the claims against 
the college are but half what they were some years ago. In 1883 the town, 
with some help from elsewhere, raised $3,000, and prevented the college from 
passing into other hands, the friends of the college having hopes that before 
many years Presbyterian men and women of means would have the same in- 



504 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

terest in, and be as liberal to the cause of higher Christian female education, 
as to the education of young men. Of the original trustees of the college,. 
W. L. Fletcher, Esq. , T. B. Kennedy, Esq. , and Rev. J. A. Crawford, D. D. ,. 
of Chambersburg, Rev. Wm. A. West, of Harrisburg, W. D. McKinstry, Esq., 
of Mercersburg, J. C. McLanahan, Esq., of Greencastle, W. S. Amberson, 
Esq., of Waynesboro, with Rev. C. P. Wing, D. D., of Carlisle as president, 
still continue on the board with the addition of many worthy members both lay 
and clerical. The college opened, as first catalogue* (1870-71) records, with 
Rev. Tryon Edwards, D. D. , as president, but in the next year' s catalogue Rev. 
Jas. W. Wightman, as vice-president, stands at the head of a well chosen fac- 
ulty. In the third (yearly) catalogue, Rev. Jas. F. Kennedy, D. D. , takes the 
position previously held by Rev. Mr. AYightman, and holds it in the fourth and 
fifth year catalogues. In the sixth (1875-76) Rev. W. T. Wylie heads the fac- 
ulty as president elect, and as president in the seventh and eighth. In the 
ninth, tenth and eleventh annual catalogues, Rev. T. H. Robinson, D. D. , now 
of Allegheny Theological Seminary, holds the position of president, with Miss 
Abby F. Goodsell, now of Vassar, as lady principal. f In the twelfth and 
thirteenth years of the college (fall of 1881-83) J. C. Caldwell, D.D., is presi- 
dent, and from that time to the present(1887) Rev. John Edgar, Ph. D. 

The highest ranking of the pupils who entered in that first year was as 
sophomores, and so of course none graduated in the fall of 1871, and none in 
1872. A first senior class graduated in 1873, and the three years following 
saw thirty added to that number. The present senior class (1887) numbers 
nine, each class behind it probably doubling on the one preceding it, and the whole 
college numbering 125. This numbering of graduates who take a B. A. de- 
gree, does not however include the many who graduate in music with the B. 
M. degree, nor the many who finish in art, or in the shorter courses of study, 
which for a few years prevailed in the college curriculum. The college work 
is of the same type as that in the higher male colleges of the land, and the 
college presents a strong faculty in its various departments, and one which is 
increasing in numbers with the constant increase in the number of the pupil*, 
and in the continued enlargement of the buildings. The college runs at a low 
rate of expense, considering its many advantages. Tuition in all branches is 
but §60 per year, and board, with room, light, heat, etc., is but $190 per year 
when paid half yearly in advance. Young women, with this slight advance 
on normal rates, have opportunities for much higher recompense, than in 
common schools when teaching in the larger institutions, for which Wilson 
thus fits them. The college is evidently fulfilling the expectations of its 
founders in training young women for the various duties of life. 

BOROUGH OFFICERS, 1886-87. 

Burgess. S. Miller Shillito; council: First Ward — Chas. Yoh, James 
Aughinbaugh; Second Ward — P. H. Peiffer, Geo. A. Wood; Third Ward, B. 
F. Johns, F. A. Henninger; Fourth Ward— John Miller, Fred Zullinger; 
clerk to council, Samuel Myers; attorney, T. R. Gilland; fire marshal, P. H. 
Peiffer; water commissioner, Geo. A. Wood; chief of police, C. Kriechbaum; 
subordinates— Jack Gallagher. Jefferson Carbaugh, John Mull; wood inspec- 
tors — D. M. Funk, Geo. Dittman; magistrates — John A. Seiders, Van T. Haul- 
man, Loren A. Culp; market master, Adam Wolf; borough treasurer, James 
L. Black; borough auditors — W. H. Hockenberry, D. S. McFadden, JohnCree. 

*We have termed the catalogue issued June, 1871, the first catalogue because itcovers the record of the first 
actual college year, from fall of 1870, to June, 1871. It was preceded by what is properly a prospectus, dated 
December, 1870. 

tl)r. Edwards and Dr. Robinson did not reside at Chambersburg or at college during incumbency. 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 505 



CHAPTER XX. 

BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 

Location— Settlement— James Black— Early Traffic— Original Plat- 
Derivation of Name — Sketch of Dr. Mercer— Past and Present Busi- 
ness Interests — Incorporation— Prominent Residents— Birthplace of 
President Buchanan— Mercersburg College and Public; {Schools— 
Church History— Cemetery— Banks— Fire Company— Secret Societies. 

MERCERSBURG, the fourth town in size in Franklin County, is situat- 
ed on a terminal branch of the South Penn division of the Cumber- 
land Valley Railroad. It is on the line of the main gravel pike leading from 
McConnellsburg through Mercersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro, across South 
Mountain to Baltimore. The site of the town is a beautiful one, being but 
three miles from North or Kittatinny Mountains, which lie in graceful waves 
along the west and, in autumn, afford views of exceeding grandeur. The 
larger part of the town is in Montgomery Township, the remainder being in 
Peters. 

settlement. 

The first settlement is said to have been made by the Scotch-Irish in 1730. 
At that early date James Black built a mill at or near the present site of 
Mercersburg. The settlement which grew up around it was, in honor of him, 
christened ' ' Black' s Town. ' ' The religious proclivities of the people soon led 
to the organization of a Presbyterian Congregation, known as " The West 
Conococheague Church, ' ' the membership of which embraced a vast stretch of 
country, now tributary to the congregations of Welsh Run, Loudon and 
St. Thomas, about fourteen miles square. 

The property which Black owned was subsequently sold to William Smith. 
Though this transaction is not on the records, there is good reason to suppose 
it occurred about 1750. The latter was one of the justices of the peace for 
Cumberland County, and a man of considerable prominence in those early 
times. In those early days, say from 1750 to 1765, Smith's (now Mercers- 
burg) was an important place, an extensive trade being carried on with the In- 
dians and first settlers on the western frontier. 

EARLY TRAFFIC. 

It was nothing uncommon at that time to see from fifty to one hundred 
pack-horses in a row, laden with salt, iron and other commodities for the 
Monongahela country. Sometimes dishonest and unscrupulous people surrep- 
titiously took goods which, falling into the hands of the Indians, were injuri- 
ous to the settlers. This led to the practice of inspecting, military-like, 
whatever these tradesmen carried. Justice William Smith was one of these 
inspectors. The following is a copy of his passes: 

Cumberland County, ss. 

By William Smith, Esq., one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace of Sa'd County. 

Permit the Bearer, Thos. M'Cammis, to pass to Fort Bedford with nine Kegs of Rum, 
Eight Kegs of Wine, One Keg of Spirits, One Keg of Molasses, Three Kegs of brown 
Sugar, Four Kegs packed with Loaf Sugar and Coffee and Chocolate, in all Twenty-six 



500 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Kegs, and One bag of Shoes, provided always, that this permit shall not Extend to Carry- 
any Warlike Stores, or any Article not herein mentioned. 
Given under my Hand and Seal, 15th May, 1765. 

Wm. Smith. 

To make assurance doubly sure, James Smith, then a military man in 
nature and subsequently in practice, gave this additional authority: 

As the Sidling Hill Volunteers have already inspected these goods, and as they are all 
private property, it is Expected that none of these brave fellows will molest them upon 
the Road, as there is no Indian Supplies amongst them. Given under my Hand, May 
15th, 1765. 

Jas. Smith. 
■ 

One more will suffice to show the spirit of the times very clearly. Like the 
others it is given exactly as found in Vol. IV, Pennsylvania Archives, First 
Series, page 220. 

Cumberland, ss. 

Permit the Bearers, Alex'r M'Kiney and Lachlan McKinnon, to pass unmolested 
to and from Anteiatim, they behaving themselves Soberly and inoffensively, as becomes 
loyal Subjects, they being Soldiers Carrying a Letter to Daniel M'Cay, and as they say, 
is going to purchase two Cows. Given under my Hand, this 20th of May, 1765. 

Wm. Smith. 

The reason for this precaution is found, perhaps, in the following state 
ment. taken from Incidents of Border Life, etc., of an occurrence that antedates 
the foregoing passes: 

"In the life and travels of Colonel James Smith, an interesting incident, 
having some relation to this place, is mentioned. The King's proclamation 
was then circulated, prohibiting any person from trading with the Indians until 
further orders. 

"Notwithstanding all this, about the 1st of March, 1765, a number of 
wagons loaded with Indian goods and warlike stores were sent from Philadel- 
phia to Henry Pollen's,* Conococheague, and from thence seventy pack-horses 
were loaded with goods in order to be carried to Fort Pitt. This alarmed the 
country, and Mr. William Duffield raised about fifty armed men, and met the 
pack-horses at the place where Mercersburg now stands. Mr. Duffield desired 
the employers to store up their goods and not proceed until farther orders. 
They made light of this, and went over the North Mountain, where they 
lodged in a small valley called the Great Cove. Mr. Duffield and his party 
followed after, and came to their lodging, and again urged them to store up 
their goods; he reasoned with them on the impropriety of their proceedings, 
and the great danger the frontier inhabitants would be exposed to if the 
Indians now should get a supply; he said it was well known that they had 
scarcely any ammunition, and were almost naked; to supply them now would 
be a kind of murder, and would be illegally trading at the expense of the 
blood and treasure of the frontiers. Notwithstanding his powerful reasonings 
these traders made game of what he said, and would only answer him by ludi- 
crous burlesque. 

" When I beheld this, and found that Mr. Duffield would not compel them 
to store up their goods, I collected ten of my old warriors that I had formerly 
disciplined in the Indian way, went off privately after night, and encamped in 
the woods. The next day Smith and his men brought the traders to their own 
terms — prevented them from carrying the goods to their place of destination." 

*Henry Pawling, one of the early settlers and leading spirits of Antrim Township. 




C7~,0l /^Oat^ 



tXi 



UoilOUGH OF MEBOERSBURG. 509 

ORIGINAL PLAT. 

By a son of the aforesaid Squire Smith, \\ illiain Smith, Jr., the town of 
Mercersburg was laid out, the original town plat yet to be seen, somewhat dis- 
figured, in a public office in the village, bearing date March 17, 178(>. Lad It 
six streets, three north and south, viz.: Main, Fayette and Park, and three 
east and west, Seminary, California and Oregon. The paper above referred 
to, which should have been recorded at the county seat, has been so thor- 
oughly blurred as to make it difficult to decipher the names of the original lot 
holders. The following few were secured: Benjamin Sterrett, Chas. Tipper, 
Win. Leaman, George Robertson, James Davidson, Win. Elliott, James Hus- 
ton (a captain in the Revolutionary war, to whose company, as it was ready to 
start for the field, the celebrated Dr. King made a very patriotic speech. —See 
chapter on Revolutionary war) and Robert McDowell. 

DERIVATION OF NAME. 

The name, Mercersburg, was given to the new town in honor of Dr. Hugh 
Mercer, a distinguished officer during the war of the Revolution. He was a 
Scotchman by birth, and a man of considerable talent which was made effective 
by a liberal education. With a military training and experience in Europe, he 
was admirably adapted for service in the colonies, to which he was assigned, 
with a captain's rank, in 1756. After several years he was promoted to the 
rank of colonel. When the Revolutionary war broke out he was, on the 
recommendation of Washington, appointed by Congress to the rank of briga- 
dier-general. He served faithfully in various engagements and capacities. In 
the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777, he "received seven wounds — five in 
his body and two in his head, and was much bruised by the breech of a musket, 
of which bruises he soon after died. " * A Tory paper, as quoted in " Diary of 
American Revolution, " says : ' ' Among their [American] slain were eleven 
officers. Mr. Mercer (one of the rebel officers since dead), when he was taken 
up by our people, asked how many the numbers were who had thus attacked 
him ; and upon being told he cried out with astonishment, ' My God ! is it 
possible? I have often heard of British courage, br. never could have imag- 
ined to find such an instance as this.' "f 

PAST AND PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

Mercersburg was formerly a more active business place than at present. The 
building up of rival towns in other parts of the county, with excellent railroad 
facilities, has had the effect to di inish its trade; and yet the natural 
elements of soil and climate are wholly in its favor. With proper efforts, the 
close proximity of Cove Gap, with its natural advantages and historical associa- 
tions, ought to make Mercersburg a summer resort of great importance. 
Though it cannot hope to be again what it was formerly — the Athens of Frank- 
lin County — it may, by the utilization of the facilities near at hand, be the 
finest resort in the county. 

As showing the business of the town forty years ago, the following item 
from Rupp' s history is given : 

' ' Marshall College, the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church 
and affiliated institutions are located here. The town contains 4 dry goods 
stores, 1 grocery, 2 druggists, 3 confectionaries, 4 tailor shops, 6 shoe-makers. 
2 hatters, 2 wagon-makers, 1 coach-maker, 1 plow-maker, 2 weavers, 2 sil- 
versmiths, 3 butchers, 2 livery stables, 2 oyster cellars, 4 tan-yards, 1 distill 

*Pennsylvania Journal, February 5, 1777. 
tFor full sketch of Dr. Mercer, Bee page 270. 



510 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ery, 1 pottery, 3 hotels, 4 rough carpenters, 6 house joiners, 4 cabinet-makers, 
5 chair-makers, 4 saddlers, 4 coopers, 4 blacksmiths, 1 public school, 1 female 
seminary, 1 flouring-mill, 2 brick-yards, 7 physicians." 

At present it has 3 dry goods stores, 6 groceries, 2 drug stores, 2 hardware 
stores, 3 milliners, 2 hotels (Mansion and McAfee), 3 coach-makers, 7 churches 
(Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist Epis- 
copal, United Brethren and Colored Methodist), 3 physicians, 1 undertaker, 2 
bakers, 1 tinshop, 3 blacksmiths, 1 cabinet shop, 2 meat markets, 1 bank, 1 
newspaper (Mercersburg Journal*) 2 coal dealers, 1 postmaster, 1 lodge I. O. 
O. F., 1 Gr. A. R. post, 2 barbers, 1 attorney, 1 notary public, 2 justices of 
the peace, 2 tailors, 1 monument dealer, 1 dentist, 3 boot and shoe dealers, 1 
brass band. 

INCORPORATION. 

The town was incorporated in February, 1831. Its population by the census 
of 1880 was 970. 

PROMINENT RESIDENTS. 

Its history records the residence within its limits of some prominent men, 
amono- whom we can mention only a few: Wm. Findlay, ex-governor of Penn- 
sylvania; James Buchanan, President of the United States; Thomas A. Scott, 
the railroad king of America; Dr. Philip Schaff. the renowned Biblical scholar 
and theologian; Dr. J. W. Nevin, ex-president of Marshall College, and emi- 
nent divine; Dr. Frederick A. Rauch, first president of the college in Mer- 
cersburo-; Hon. E. E. Higbee, present State school superintendent. At pres- 
ent we simply give their names. In chapter XVII, " Master Spirits, " will 
be found a brief sketch of several of them. 

BIRTHPLACE OF PRESIDENT BUCHANAN. 

On Main Street stands the house which James Buchanan, the father of the 
President, built at the opening of the present century. It has been remodeled 
and is now known as the " McAfee House, " conducted by the McAfee brothers. 
On Fayette Street stands, on a very humble site, a one -story, hewed-log house, 
20x21 feet, as measured by the writer, aided by W. H. Wilson, in the 
summer of 1886. It is whitewashed as any ordinary wooden building 
would be, and was, at the time the measurements were made, occupied by 
John Rodgers and his wife, both very aged people. This rude hut is the 
one in which James Buchanan, once President of this Nation, was born April 
23, 1791. It then stood by the side of a packer's path in Cove Gap, distant 
three miles and a half. It was removed to Mercersburg and placed on its 
present site, about 1830 or 1832. From the site in the Cove was dug, in 
October, 1885, a number of ancient coins, one of which was sent by Mr. Unger 
to President Cleveland, who acknowledged its receipt in a kind letter. One 
of them, an English penny dated 1776, was obtained by -the writer of this 
sketch from E. E. Parker, who dug it from the debris that now marks the 
birth-place of a deceased President. Could the hut and these coins tell their 
simple story, they could give many incidents connected with the early life of 
the boy who, with a bell about his neck to prevent his being lost among the 
rocks and bushes, was securing that training which subsequently qualified him 
for a life of distinction and public trust. 

In the building on the northwest corner of the Diamond was kept, forty-five 
years ago, a dry goods store by William Metcalfe. One of his clerks at the 
time, receiving the sum of $10 per month and board, was Thomas A. Scott, 

*See Chapter X. 



BOEOUGH OF MEBCERSBUEG. oil 

subsequently the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and rail- 
road king. In one of the books kept by Mr. Metcalfe is found this journal 
entry : 

Mercersburg, Feby. 19, 1842. 

Jno. Mvers (tailor) Cr. 

By making coat and vest for T. A. Scott $7.00 

We give, in order, a brief account of the various educational, religious and 
other agencies by which society in the village and community has been fash- 
ioned and preserved in the past, and which have been the pride of the place. 
Naturally we commence with the college. 

MERCERSBURG COLLEGE. 

Mercersburg became a center of literary and theological education, and ac- 
tivity for the Reformed Church in the United States, about fifty years ago. 
A large number of the most prominent and active clergymen and laymen of 
the denomination have been educated at its literary and theological institu- 
tions. 

Marshall College was founded at Mercersburg under a charter granted by 
the Legislature of Pennsylvania, March 31, A. D. 1830, and went into opera- 
tion on the 9th of November, of the same year. The Legislature, at the same 
time, voted an appropriation of $12,000 toward its endowment. The col- 
lege sprang originally out of the high school, atttached to the theologi- 
cal seminary, of the German Reformed Church, and which had been re- 
moved from the borough of York, Penn. , to the village of Mercersburg, in the 
previous autumn. The theological seminary followed two years later from 
York. The college was named in honor of Chief Justice John Marshall, of 
the Supreme Court of the United States, who had died during the previous 
year, in the zenith of his fame. 

Rev. Frederick A. Ranch, Ph. D.< who had previously been the principal 
of the high school, whilst still located at York, from 1832 to 1835, became the 
first president of Marshall College. A German by birth and education, he 
had been thoroughly educated, and was well fitted for the position. In 1840* 
he published his work, or treatise, on ' ' Psychology, ' ' which may be said to 
have introduced this science to the attention of American students. Dr. Rauch 
continued to fill the position of president until his lamented death, in the thirty- 
fifth year of his age, which occurred March 2, 1811, causing marked sorrow, not 
only among the students and immediate friends of the college, but also 
throughout the denomination. He had also been professor in the theological 
seminary, whilst still at York, and subsequently, from its removal to Mercers- 
burg, in the fall of 1837, up to the time of his death. 

The large four-story seminary, or college building, together with the adja- 
cent professor houses, on the east side of the town, was erected in 1836 and 
1837. In the autumn of 1837, as already stated, the theological seminary of 
the Reformed Church in the United States, was removed toMercersburg, fronx 
York, under the solemn pledge of the church, that it was to be permanently 
located there, a pledge that was subsequently shamefully violated, by its re- 
moval to Lancaster, Penn. 

Early in 1840, the Rev. John W. Nevin, D. D. , at the time a professor iii 
the theological seminary in Allegheny, Penn. , was called to fill the chair of 
systematic theology in the institution at Mercersburg. which had become va- 
cant through the resignation of Rev. Dr. Lewis Mayer. After due con- 
sideration, Dr. Nevin accepted the appointment, removed to Mercersburg. and 
in May, of the same year, entered upon the duties of his professorship. The > 



'512 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

■death of Dr. Raueh, in the early part of*the following year, rendered it neces- 
sary for Dr. Nevin to assume the temporary presidency of Marshall College, 
which was afterward made permanent, and which he filled acceptably for the 
period of twelve years. 

la October, 1843, the synod of the Reformed Church unanimously elected 
Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, then of Berlin, Prussia, to one of the professorships in 
the theological seminary. A call accordingly was extended to him, which, 
after due consideration, he accepted. In August, 1844, Dr. Schaff arrived, 
and in the following October was duly installed as professor of church history 
and Biblical literature. His inaugural address, " The Principle of Protestant- 
ism," delivered in the German language, was translated by Dr. Nevin, and 
published in English and German, and at once attracted extraordinary atten- 
tion. Its ability was universally recognized. It, however, contained views 
■concerning the then present state of the church, which appeared new to Amer- 
ican readers, although well known in Europe, and provoked no small amount 
of adverse criticism, but which are now very generally accepted by Christian 
thinkers. Dr. Schaff continued in connection with the seminary until his 
removal to New York, where he subsequently became a professor in the Union 
Theological Seminary. He has been a prolific writer of books of acknowl- 
edged worth. His reputation as a distinguished theologian and author is inter- 
national. He is still living at this time, whilst his coadjutor, Dr. Nevin, depart- 
ed this life June 6, 1886. 

Marshall College, while located at Mercersburg, held deservedly high 
rank as a literary institution. The number of students was large, and nearly 
200 were graduated in the regular classical course. In 1853, however, the 
college was removed to Lancaster, Penn. , and formally united with Franklin 
College, the united colleges being named Franklin and Marshall Colleges. 
The difficulties, which necessitated the acceptance of propositions of union 
r®m Franklin College, were purely of a financial nature. Even as such they 
were rather imaginary than real. Many persons believe and affirm, that had 
"the membership of the Reformed Church put forth the same strenuous efforts 
to endow and carry forward Marshall College at Mercersburg, that were made 
to bring about its union with Franklin College, and to secure an endowment 
since, the results would have been at least equally great, if not greater. 

Although Marshall College was removed to Lancaster, Penn. , in 1853, the 
theological seminary of the Reformed Church in the United States continued 
to remain at Mercersburg, where its permanent location had been solemnly 
promised for eighteen years longer, until 1871, when it too was transferred to 
Lancaster, its present habitation. 

After the removal of Marshall College to Lancaster, the buildings at the 
south end of Mercersburg, which had been the property of the college, and by 
its board of trustees had been sold to the citizens of the place, were still occu- 
pied and utilized for educational and literary purposes, under the name of 
Marshall Collegiate Institute. This arrangement continued in force until the 
summer of 1865. 

Mercersburg College was incorporated by the court of common pleas of 
Franklin County, Penn., October 30, 1865, receiving a liberal charter 
* ' for the education of youth in the learned languages, the arts, sciences and 
'useful literature." The original corporators, styled the board of regents of 
Mercersburg College, nine in number, were Rev. Henry Harbaugh, D. D., 
Prof. E. E. Higbee, Adam B. \Vingerd, Rev. Thomas G. Apple, Rev. Peter 
S. Davis, Rev. Walter E. Krebs, Rev. Cyrus Cort, David Zeller and Jacob 
Heed. Rev. H. Harbaugh. D. D. , was chosen president, Prof. E. E. Higbee, 
secretary, and Adam B. \Yingerd, treasurer of the board. 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 5 I 

The property owned by the college at present, and which was purchased in 
1865 from the citizens of Mercersburg, for the sum of $6,500, consists of the 
preparatory building, diagnothian hall, professor house, and five acres of 
ground at the southern extremity of the borough limits. In 1871, what is 
known as the seminary or college building, two professor houses adjacent, and 
four acres of land, situated on an elevation at the eastern border of the town, 
were transferred, at a nominal sum, to the board of regents of Mercersburg 
College by a lease from the board of trustees of the Theological Seminary, for 
the term of ninety-nine years, subject to certain specified conditions and re- 
strictions. 

Mercersburg College soon became a success, and had during the first year 
100 students enrolled. Its first graduates went forth in 1871, and in a period 
of nine years gradiiated sixty young men in the learned languages, the arts, 
sciences and useful literature, one-half of whom have entered the ranks of the 
Christian ministry. In 1873 a post graduate department was formed, in 
which regular theological instruction was given to such graduates as desired to 
prepare themselves for the work of the holy ministry. 

From the veiy start Mercersburg College was hampered financially, being 
without endowment, and depending upon its income from tuition, which 
proved to be an uncertain source of revenue. When the financial crisis came, 
measurably at least, brought about by the terrible rebellion in the Southern 
States of the Union, twenty five years ago, the college soon felt its effects. 
The number of students began naturally to decrease, while the expenses of 
the college remained substantially the same. It gradually became so much, 
crippled financially as to be compelled to suspend operations in October, 1881,. 
and close its halls of learning for the time being. The amount of its indebted- 
ness at the time was about $15,000. This has been very materially decreased, , 
but is still an unfortunate incubus on its operations and usefulness. 

In September, 1881, the college was revived and reopened, and has been 1 
moving forward in its important work since, agreeably to its charter right> 
and privileges. It is under the efficient management of the Rev. George \V 
Aughinbaugh, D. D., as president, who has had considerable experience as an-' 
educator as president of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, and subsequently 
as president of Palatinate College, at Meyerstown, Penn. He is assisted by a- 
competent corps of teachers in the different branches taught. The number of: 
students is again increasing from year to year. 

Mercersburg College has had three presidents thus far: Rev. Thomas G. 
Apple, D. D., from 1865 to 1871; Rev. Elnathan E. Higbee, D. D., from 
18/1 to 1880; and Rev. George W. Aughinbaugh, D. D., from 1881 to. the 
present time. 

The college is under the control of the board of regents, elected by the' 
Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States. Rev. 
Wm. M. Deatrich has been president of the board of regents since 1880. Ex- 
tensive repairs to the property are being made at this time, June, 1886. A 
better location for a college could not well be found. The site of Mer- 
cersburg is healthful and it is surrounded with scenery at once striking and 
beautiful. It is easy of access, being in direct railroad communication with 
the great thoroughfares of travel on every side, and yet, at the same time;, 
sufficiently retired to form a secure retreat from the stir and noise of public 
life. In this respect its students are removed from the excitement and dis^ 
traction of a large city, and brought under the elevating and educational 
power of an undisturbed college life in the midst of scenery almost unrivaled, 
in its beauty and grandeur. There is not at the same time a more healthful 



514 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

location in any part of the county ox- State. In point of air, water and gen- 
eral climate, it is all in this view that the most anxious parents can desire. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The earliest knowledge that can be obtained of the schools in Mercersbnrg 
dates to about 1825 or 1830. This school was known as the " Stone Academy, " 
situated on what was then known as •' commons.'* but which is now occupied 
toy the new Presbyterian Church on the corner of West Seminary and Park 
Streets. This building was erected by the citizens. The money was raised by 
subscription. How long this institution remained separate from the public 
school system, we are unable to say. 

For a number of years, the schools of Mercersbnrg were under the control 
of the directors of Montgomery Township; school being held successively in the 
basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church — the building now occupied by 
Dr. Unger — Gcethean Hall and the public school building. 

April 14, 1857, the people of Mercersburg and surrounding community ap- 
plied to the court of Franklin County to be incorporated into a separate dis- 
trict from Montgomery Township. Viewers were appointed who met in June 
of the same year, and August 14, 1857. the grant was obtained. This, then, 
is the basis from which we date the existence of Mercersburg Independent 
School District. 

On the 14th of September, 1857, Coethean Hall and the lot of ground on 
which it stood were sold by Franklin and Marshall College to J. O. Carson, W, 
D. McKinstry, Atchison Ritchey and J. H. Murphy, who held it as trustees. 
These parties retained it in trust until the 30th of September, 1862, when they 
disposed of it to the school board of Mercersburg Independent School District 
for the sum of $2,500. The building was used for public school purposes from 
that time until in 1878. when Henry Waidlich accepted the building and 
grounds in part payment for the erection of the present public school building 
on West Seminary Street. After the fire, part of the walls tumbled down, 
and the work of completely razing the stone and brick work will soon destroy 
all vestige of a once stately and useful edifice. 

May 31, 1878, a contract was made for the erection of the building now oc- 
cupied for school purposes. Henry Waidlich took the contract at $5,391.41, 
together with the two buildings — Hall and Dr. Unger' s place — occupied at that 
time for school, which, together with cost of grounds upon which the building 
stands, amounts to about $8,000. The board of directors who gave the con- 
tract was R, P. McFarland, J. S. Whitmer, O. L. Murray. John Orth, John 
Waidlich and Dr. R. S. Brownson. 

The board having control of building and schools at present consists of 
Thos. McAfee, Henry Spangler. J. W. Witherspoon, W. L. McCullough. R. 
JP. McFarland and J.' O. Martin. 

Among the principal teachers, before the present building was occupied, 
were Messrs. Richard, Clark, Rice, Bruce, Atherton. W. C. McClelland; 
Misses Sarah and Maggie Andrews, Annie and Maggie C. Beall. 

At the opening of school in the public building, Prof. H. A. Deisert was 
^elected principal, and graded the schools. The principals from then to the 
present were J. A. Hashinger, J. H. Devor and Will A. Elder. The present 
corps of teachers are Will A. Elder, principal: Miss Maggie C. Beall, assistant; 
Miss Sadie M. Parker, grammar; Miss Mollie Patterson, secondary; Miss 
Annie R. Geyer, second primary; Miss Maggie Porter, first primary; J. Calvin 
Wilson, colored school. 

They have a five years' course in the high school: first year — reading, geog- 






BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 515 

raphy, spelling, grammar, arithmetic and penmanship; second year — history, 
geography, physiology, arithmetic, grammar, spelling and penmanship; third 
year— grammar, algebra, physiology, history and penmanship; fourth year — 
book-keeping, literature, algebra, physiology, familiar science; fifth year — re- 
view of all branches. 

Graduating class of 1886 consisted of fifteen members — thirteen girls and 
two boys. 

There is a colored school, separate from the white school, whose pupils, 
when prepared, are permitted to enter the secondary room of the general 
system. 

CHURCH HISTORY. 

Presbyterian Church. — In 1738 was organized the Presbyterian Church, 
known as Upper West Conococheague, embracing within its ample domains 
what now constitute the congregations known as "Welsh Run, Loudon and St. 
Thomas — about fourteen miles square. Two rival points claimed the location 
of the edifice, — Waddell's Grave-yard, near Bridgeport, opened up in antici- 
pation of being successful, and Church Hill, several miles from Mercersburg . 
The latter place was finally selected, the warrant for the land having been taken 
by William Maxwell and William Campbell. As the result of a controversy in 
the general church, which originated some years prior to this time, and which 
involved even the newly organized congregations, a separation took place in 
this body resulting in the establishment of the Lower "West Conococheague, 
or what was subsequently known as the "Welsh Run Church, but now the Rob- 
ert Kennedy Memorial Church. 

In 1754 Rev. John Steele was invited to become pastor of Church Hill, 
and likewise of East Conococheague, now Greencastle. This call he ac- 
cepted, and continued the work for about two years. His congregation was 
subjected to incessant attacks by the Indians. In fact, the usual coiirse pur- 
sued was for preacher and members to repair to the church with rifle in hand, 
ready to be summoned at any time by the cries of distress in the neighbor- 
hood. When such calls came, pastor and people went forth to wreak sum- 
mary vengeance on the cruel savages, the reverend captain leading. ' ' It was 
about this time that Col. James Smith and Messrs. John McCollough and 
Richard Bard and his wife were taken captive by them, all of whom were con- 
nected with this congregation (the latter three after their captivity), and 
whose thrilling narratives are recorded in ' Incidents of Border Life,' and 
which give a good idea of the exposures and hardships and sufferings of the 
inhabitants of this region of country at this early period. ' ' * For a time the 
congregation was unable to meet, on account of the depredations of the In- 
dians, which dispersed its members. After their return they reorganized and 
received " supplies " till 1762 and 1763, when Indian incursions came near break- 
ing it up again. The session at this period embraced William Maxwell, 
William Smith, John McDowell, William McDowell, John Welsh. Alexander 
White, John McClelland, Jonathan Smith, William Campbell, Robert Flem- 
gin and Samu el Templeton. 

August 30, 1769, Rev. John King was installed pastor of the congrega- 
tion, numbering at the time 130 families. Mercersburg having now been es- 
tablished, a house of worship, very plain, was erected in the village in 1791. 
on grounds given by Hon. Robert Smith. The congregation, subsequent to 
this time, met in the village. Dr. King, a minister second to none in his day. 

*Rev. Thomas Creigh, in History of Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague, now Mercers 
burg, Franklin Co., Penn. 



516 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

in the Presbyterian Church in this country, continued to serve it until 1811, 
when ill health compelled his resignation. 

Rev. David Elliott became pastor October 7, 1812, and continued until Octo- 
ber '29, 1829. In 1818, during his pastorate, the " Social Weekly Prayer Meet- 
ing " was instituted, and proved to be a source of great strength to the people. 
In 1819 a new house of worship was erected at a cost of $6,000. After a 
faithful service of more than seventeen years, he was chosen to fill the pulpit 
in Washington, Penn. 

November 17, 1831, began the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Creigh, and it con- 
tinued until it was terminated by death a few years ago. He was a preacher of 
power and usefulness, and deeply impressed himself on the people whom he 
served. 

The following is a list of prominent persons whose birthplace was within 
the bounds of the congregation, and whose parents were members either of 
the church or congregation: James Buchanan, President of the United States; 
William Findlay, governor of Pennsylvania; John Findlay, member of Con- 
gress; James Findlay, member of Congress; Prof. John McDowell, LL. D. ;. 
Win. McDowell, captain Revolutionary war; Robert McCoy, captain Revolu- 
tionary war; Archibald Bard, associate judge; Robert Smith, associate judge 
and representative; James A. Irwin, captain United States Army; Thomas A. 
Scott, president Pennsylvania Railroad. In addition, there were lawyers, phy- 
sicians and ministers of great prominence and worth. 

United Presbyterian Church. — The present congregation, which numbers 
about twenty-five members, is the successor of two religious branches — the Se- 
ceders and the Associate Reformed. The history of each congregation is briefly 
told: The Seceders, about the year 1772, erected a log meeting-house a mile and 
a half from the present site of Mercersburg, on the road leading to Green- 
castle. Owing to its peculiar location it was called " Slate Hill Church." The 
building was used for school purposes, James Buchanan when a boy having 
been a pupil within its walls. This building was subsequently removed to the 
village; but with age its place was supplied by anew brick one, in 1828, which 
the congregation continued to use for a period of forty-four years. It was 
finally sold and is now the property of Jacob R. Kreps, and used by him for a 
town hall. The congregation was absorbed, and is no longer in existence. 

About 1794 Thomas Johnston, of Lancaster County, settled near Mercers- 
burg, and became the harbinger of the Associate Reformed Church in its re- 
gion. His membership for a time continued at Carlisle. His family and 
those of several neighbors constituted a sort of mission, which was visited by 
such men as Pringle, Kendall, Scroggs, Blair and others. 

In August, 1822, a call was extended to Rev. Thomas B. Clarkson, who of- 
ficiated with acceptance. Through his labors, the church in Little Cove was 
united with the one in Mercersburg, so that in 1826 he reported 184 members. 
His successors were Rev. Findlay W. McNaughton, 1828-57 ; Rev. James Bruce,. 
1858-65; Rev. Robt. G. Ferguson, 1866-78; Rev. J. E. Black, 1878-83. 
Since 1883 no regular pastor has been had, but it has been fed by " supplies. " 

The house of worship owned and occupied by the United Presbyterian 
Church, the successor by union in the past of the other two, was erected at a 
cost of $16,000. It is a handsome structure. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.* — It is an important his- 
torical fact, especially in many of the smaller towns and rural districts, that 
Lutheran and Reformed congregations erected and owned church build- 
ings and burial grounds jointly, in the early history of these two denominations. 

♦By the present pastor, Rev. M. L. Culler. 




Q 







BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 519 

They bad a common language, the German, and often neither congregati 
was able to build without the aid of the other. Each denomination had its 
own pastor and church officers, and the pastors conducted divine service alter 
oately for their respective congregations. This is true of the Lutheran and 
Reformed Churches of Mercersburg. They began their history about the same 
time. Rev. George Baugher who lived at Conewago, York County, began 
making visits in 1765 to the Lutheran settlement in Franklin County, preach- 
ing the word of God, catechising the youth, and administering the holy sacra- 
ment. The Lutherans in and about Mercersburg were organized into a con- 
gregation about the year 1800, by the Rev. John Ruthrauff, who lived, and also 
served the Lutheran Church in Greencastle. The first church building erected 
jointly by the Reformed and Lutherans, was constructed of logs, and situated 
indthe northeastern portion of the town, or near the present stone building, 
afterward erected and now owned by the ' ' United Brethren. ' ' It was a very 
primitive structure, and small. The seats were made of logs split in halves 
and smoothed on the split sides, and supported frorn the floor by wooden pins 
fastened into these slabs. Evidently there was not much in such sittings to 
encourage drowsiness. A constitution for the government of the pastors, 
church officers and members of the two congregations, and also the graveyard. 
very strict in its requirements, was drawn up by Rev. Ruthrauff, May 10, 1804, 
signed by him and also by the church officers, Jacob Geyer and Peter Shearer 
on the part of the Lutherans, and by Daniel Eigelberger and Michael Hoke 
on the part of the Reformed. Two copies of this constitution in manuscript 
are in existence at the present time (1886). One is in the possession of each 
congregation; both are in the German language, one, however, is written in 
English characters. In 1813 a lot was purchased upon which the stone build- 
ing already referred to was erected by the two congregations. The lot was also 
used as a graveyard, and is yet owned by the two denominations. The build- 
ing was begun in 1811 and not entirely finished in every respect until about 
1825. Rev. Ruthrauff, the first regular Lutheran pastor, was possessed of 
considerable means. The incident is related of him, that while he was preach- 
ing a sermon in the church at Greencastle, a gentleman came into the church, 
and, walking up to the pulpit, told him his mill was on fire. In reply he 
quietly remarked that '"he supposed he would let it burn," and contin- 
ued his sermon to its completion. Most preachers would have cut the sermon 
short, and tried to save the mill. It is also said that his congregation, im- 
pressed with his earnestness and devotion, contributed more than sufficient to 
rebuild the mill, which is yet standing about one mile north of Greencastle, a 
little to the west of the turnpike and on the Conococheague Creek. In 1827 
Rev. Ruthrauff resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Shultze, who served 
the church for two years. In 1830 Rev. Mr. Baughey became pastor, and con- 
tinued as such until 1832, when he was succeeded by Rev. Reuben Weiser, 
who afterward received the title of D. D. from Pennsylvania College in 1876. 
After a long and successful ministry, he resided several years in Georgetown, 
Col., where he died in 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. During 
his ministry the church building was repaired at a cost of SI, 000. The members 
at that time numbered sixty. He was the first to introduce the English lan- 
guage in the worship of the congregation. He resigned the church in 1835. 
From this date until 1816 there was no stated pastor, but the congregation 
was supplied at intervals by different adjacent pastors. 

Some time in 1816, Rev. Michael Eyster, who had charge of the church at 
Greencastle, also became pastor of the Mercersburg congregation, and con- 
tinued in that relation until 1819. In 1851 Rev. P. P. Lane became pastor, 



520 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

and was succeeded in 1853 by Rev M. M. Bgechtel, who served the church for 
one year. In 1854 Rev. S. McHenry took the pastoral care of the Mercers- 
burg church, and was succeeded in 1859 by Rev. John Roth, during whose 
ministry a difficulty arose which caused about twenty members, principally 
Germans, to withdraw from the Lutheran congregation and unite with the 
Reformed Church. In June, 1859, a Lutheran Sunday-school was first organized, 
with Samuel King as superintendent. Among the teachers in the Sunday- 
school at its first organization were Miss Harriet Sohn, Jacob Phinice, John 
Greenwald, Messrs. Sellers, Furry, Gilbert, Eresman, and Miss Rebecca 
Lightner. Sometime in the summer of 1863, Rev. A. M. Whestone became 
the pastor. During his ministry the church enjoyed considerable prosperity. 
Among the church officers in the stone building in its earlier history were 
Jacob Geyer, Peter Shearer. Solomon Weiser, Mr. Sellers, Edward and Christian 
Walt. In the spring of 1S67, during Rev. Whestone's pastorate, the lot on 
which the present brick church and parsonage stand was purchased for $820, 
and on the 13th day of July of the same year the corner-stone was laid, and the 
church was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. Jiily 5, 1868, at a cost 
of $9,064.11. In 1871 Rev. Whestone resigned the church, and in February, 
1872, was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Hesson. During Mr. Hesson's ministry 
the church enjoyed increased prosperity and many additions were made to the 
congregation. In the summer of 1876 the handsome and commodious parson- 
age was built, on a part of the lot previously purchased, in the south end of the 
town and near the church, at a cost of about $5,000. Waidlich & Bros, were 
the architects and builders, both of the present church and parsonage. In the 
summer of 1880 the church was repainted and handsomely frescoed. Beau- 
tiful lawns with a variety of evergreens and other trees are in the front of 
both church and parsonage, making the church property of St. John' s one of 
the most attractive in Cumberland Valley. Until the year 1875, the congregation 
of Mercersburg had always been served in connection with other adjacent 
Lutheran congregations, the pastors dividing their time between the several 
congregations, over which they had pastoral care. But in the spring of 1875, 
St. John' s resolved to support its pastor alone and enjoy the benefit of his en- 
tire service. They have honorably and faithfully carried out their resolution 
ever since. When in 1881, by reason of impaired health, Rev. Hesson was 
compelled to resign the pastorate, the number of members had increased to 220. 
In August, 1881, Rev. M. L. Culler, the present pastor, took the pastorate 
care of the church. The congregation has continued to prosper steadily. Al- 
though many of the members have moved West, and to other portions of the coun- 
try, and others have been called from the church militant to the church triumph- 
ant in heaven, yet at present, June, 1886, the membership is 250. A spirit of 
progress and improvement has especially marked St. John's history, ever since 
the congregation abandoned the old stone building in 1868. The Reformed 
congregation abandoned the stone building in 1845. The present church offi- 
cers are John Klee, David Thompson, George C. Steiger, Sr., John Waid- 
lich, elders; Adam Steiger, Sr. , William Brubaker, John Schoenberger, Jacob 
Fries, and John Steiger, deacons. The trustees are J. O. Martin, H. L. 
Waidlich, and Jacob H. Fries. The Sunday-school at present numbers 
143 scholars and fifteeen teachers, the largest number ever reached in its 
history. In the library are about 225 volumes. Lesson books and helps, and 
two instructive religious papers are distributed to the school. Organ and 
cornet, and other appliances are used to make the exercises of the school in- 
teresting and instructive. In view of the condition of the congregation and 
Sunday-school, without intending any disparagement to the faithful and sue- 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 521 

Bessful labors of previous pastors, it can with truth be said that the present is 
the most prosperous condition the St. John's congregation has yet attained in 
all its varied history. In studying the history of the church of Christ, both in 
general and of particular congregations, we are impressed with God' s gracious 
and faithful care of his people who are devoted to His service, and the won- 
derful vitality of the church amid the most adverse circumstances, disappoint- 
ments and discouragements. While it has of ten happened that many mere hu- 
man and secular organizations have existed only for a time, and have then 
passed away, there is not an instance on record of a Christian congregation be- 
coming extinct, whenever founded on the pure Gospel of Christ, and where the 
word of God is faithfullly preached and the holy sacraments properly adminis 
tered, except when the members of a congregation move away in very large 
numbers ; and they, then in their new homes organize themselves into congre • 
gations, so that the church is perpetuated. " The gates of hell shall not pre- 
vail against the church. ' ' 

Trinity Reformed Congregation* — The first record of any member of 
the Reformed Church living in Mercersburg or vicinity that has as yet 
come into our possession is an article of agreement between the members 
of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, made on the 10th of May, 1804. 
This article is signed by Rev. John Ruthrauff, pastor of the Lutheran congre- 
gation at Greencastle, and Jacob Geyer, Peter Shearer, Daniel Eigelberer 
and Michael Hoke, who constituted the church council. It is not only an arti- 
cle of agreement, but at the same time a constitution defining the rights, priv- 
ileges, duties and qualifications of pastor, officers and people. It is an interest- 
ing and in some, respects, a curious document. From this article of agree- 
ment and constitution we learn that the Reformed and Lutheran members con- 
stituted but one congregation in this place at that time; that they occupied and 
owned one church building; that pastors had to be members of some evangelical 
synod; that officers must be elected from both religious persuasions; that 
they must be men of good report, upright and devout; that they must 
exercise a watchful care over the congregation and punish all ontward 
violations of God's law; that members must aid in supporting the Gospel; that 
all such had a right to vote, a share 'in the church and burying-ground, and all 
the blessings and privileges of the congregation. 

Rev. Jonathan Rahauser's Pastorate. —Rev. Jonathan Rahauser was pastor 
of the Reformed people from October, 1792, to the day of his death, which 
occurred in September, 1817. He had nine other preaching points. We do 
not know whether the Reformed members were served regularly with preaching 
before Mr. Rahauser came or not, but it is not likely that they were. Their 
number could not have been very large at that time, for at a communion held on 
the 23d of December, 1804, the communicants numbered only fourteen. 
Their names are as follows: Michael Hoke, Simeon Leidy, Johanes Wolf, Freder- 
ick Scherer, Peter Scherer, Paul Schaf er, Johanes Dahlman, Johanes Troutman, 
Barbara Hisson, Anna aria Wolf. Dorothea Dahlman, Catharina Merckel, Eliza- 
beth Breidenthal, Barbara Leidy. On Saturday preceding the above date the 
following persons were confirmed: Jacob Schort. Jacob Leimaster, Jona- 
than Scherer, Johanes Leidy, George~Schafer, Johanes Schafer, Samuel Brand, 
Johanes Dahlman, Paul Schafer, Joseph Zimerman. Isaac Dahlman, Jacob 
Kalm, Jacob Dahlman, Martin Reudenauer. Andreas Herkman. Adam Ku- 
gal, Maria Bahn, Elizabeth Bahn. Hanua Dahlman, Freny Dahlman, Hana 
Leidy, Susana Mauerer, Elizabeth Kalm, Anamaria Kugel, Catharina Wolf, 
Mearia Schaffer, Susana Reudenauer, Elizabeth Wolf, Margretha Scherer. 

*Extracts fioiil sketch oi the church by its present pastor, Rev. J. W. Knappenberger. 



522 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Elizabeth Leiineister, Anaraaria Leimester, Anamaria Karnel, Susana Wolf. 
The names are spelled as they are given on the record. According to this rec- 
ord, there were forty-seven Reformed members the 23d of December, 1804. 
This includes those confirmed on the preceding day. It is probable that some- 
members were prevented from being present at this communion, so that the 
actual membership was somewhat larger. 

These members were formed into a separate and distinct organization some 
time previous to the year 1811, for in the minutes of the synod of the German 
Reformed Church in the United States, which met in Reading, Penn., in 
May, 1811, it is stated "that the three congregatiuns, Greencastle, Miller's 
and Mercersburg, in Franklin County, which are served by Rev. Mr. Rahausor, 
made a request, to be received as congregations by synod." It is said that 
the request was granted and that they were to be informed of the fact by 
letter. 

The Union congregation, thus divided into two distinct organizations, since 
known as the Reformed and Lutheran congregations, still worshiped in one 
building and continued to do so until the year 1847. 

The first church was built of logs. * The lot on which it stood was owned 
by Joseph Grub, in 1786. When it came into the possession of the Re- 
formed and Lutheran people, or in what way, the court records have, as 
yet, failed to give us any information. But on this lot, No. 88, on the orig- 
inal town plat of Mercersburg, on North Fayette Street, a log church was 
built some time after the year 1786, but previous to the year 1804. 

The log church was used until the year 1813. It was then moved to> 
the lot adjoining on the south; converted into a dwelling-house, and was 
so occupied for many yeai's. It was then used as a shop for some time, and 
was only taken down and altogether removed in the spring of the year 1876, 
by Christian Haulman, who wished to erect a new building on the lot on 
which it stood. 

A bell not honored with a place in a cupola or spire on the top of the log- 
church, but hung on several poles sunk in the ground a short distance away, 
was used to call the people together for worship. This bell was afterward 
placed in a small spire on the stone church, where it did service for a long- 
time. It was in due season elevated to a position in the cupola of Trinity 
Church, and was used until it became cracked and entirely worthless. It was 
then given in exchange, as old metal, when the bell in present use was pur- 
chased. 

The log building was used until 1813, when the lot adjoining on the north 
was purchased of John Brownson by Michael Hoke and Jac. Geyer, in trust 
for the Reformed and Lutheran congregations. On the land now owned a 
new church of stone was erected. It was commenced in 1813, but was not en- 
tirely finished until some time after 1820. It required patience and persever- 
ance to build a church in those days, when the people were in moderate circum 
stances, money scarce and times hard. The church was a credit to those that 
built it. Dr. Welker describes this church as follows: "The stone church orig- 
inally was entered on the side next the street, and the pulpit was on the 
rear side opposite the door, and galleries were over the front side and the two- 
ends, the stairway starting at the left of the door. ' ' 

The Rev. Rahauser. as already stated, served this congregation until Sep- 
tember, 1817. Few additions were made during his pastorate, as the list of 
communicants numbers only fourteen in 1821. The reason was that his charge 
was so large that he could preach here only once a month, and do very little 

*See description under bead of Lutheran Church. 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 523 

pastoral visitation. No congregation could grow very rapidly under those cir- 
cumstances. Mr. Rahauser was, however, a faithful worker and an earnest 
preacher. 

Rev. F. A. Scholl's Pastorate. — Rev. Rahauser was succeeded by Rev. F. 
A. Scholl, who served this congregation until 1830; he had five other preach- 
ing points; he preached here once a month and in the German language ex- 
clusively; this was a severe loss to the congregation, as many went where they 
•could hear preaching in the English language. Little pastoral work was done, 
and the congregation was mainly held together by church affection and the 
observance of the sacrament, which was only once a year. The highest num- 
ber that communed at any time during the pastorate was forty-six, and the 
smallest fourteen; the average number is twenty-one. 

Rev. Dieffenbacher's Pastorate. — Rev. Dieffenbacher' s pastorate began in 
1830 and continued until 1832. He preached at Loudon, McConnellsburg, and 
the Little Cove. His pastorate marks an epoch in the history of this congre- 
gation. He was the first pastor to make his home in Mercersburg. He 
preached alternately in the German and English language. He held weekly 
prayer-meeting, organized a Sunday-school, catechized the young, and kindled 
new life and spirit in the hearts of the people. The attendance was largely 
increased and the list of communicants more than doubled. Dr. "Welker, who 
began the Heidelberg catechism under his ministry, speaks of him as a most 
amiable and exemplary Christian minister. 

Rev. Dieffenbacher thought best to resign this charge in the spring of 

1832, and accepted a call to Woodstock, Va. To a large part of the congrega- 
tion this was a great loss. Yet how strange are the ways of God ! His resig- 
nation opened the way to secure the location of the theological seminary and 
the establishment of Marshall College at this place. 

Rev. Hamilton Vandyke's Pastorate. — After Rev. Dieffenbacher had gone, 
Rev. Hamilton Vandyke supplied the congregation with services for a short 
time. He was assistant pastor to Rev. F. Rahauser in Chambersburg, in 
preaching in the English language. 

Rev. Meayer's Pastorate. — Rev. Jac. Meayer became pastor in the fall of 

1833, and remained pastor till 1836. He was active and energetic, and the 
congregation grew in numbers and interest under his ministry. He preached 
in the German and English languages. 

It was during his pastorate that the proposition to locate the theological 
seminary and high school was brought before the people of Mercersburg and 
vicinity. Rev. Meayer was heartily in favor of having it here, and worked 
enthusiastically for its accomplishment. It is due to him to state that he was 
largely instrumental in bringing it to pass. In his great enthusiasm to get the 
institutions here it is said that ' ' he held out unwarrantable inducements to get 
subscriptions, which in the end alienated many of the members of the church 
from him. and undermined his reputation for integrity with the public." This 
led to his resignation in 1836, when he became financial agent for the Theo- 
logical Seminary. 

Rev. Joseph F. Berg's Pastorate. — After Rev. Meayer resigned, the congre- 
gation was served for a short time by Rev. Joseph F. Berg, who was professor 
of languages in Marshall College, and at the same time pastor of this congre 
gation. This was the beginning of the year 1837. * He was an eloquent 
preacher, a fine scholar, and very pleasant, socially. The congregation was 
greatly benefited by his brief pastorate. 

Rev. John Rebaugh' s Pastorate. — -Rev. John Rebaugh became pastor in 
the fall of 1837. and served this congregation until 1839. He was active and 



524 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

energetic, an earnest preacher and successful pastor. The congregation con- 
tinued to grow and flourish during his pastorate. In 1839 the list of com- 
municants numbered 116; the average number of communicants was eighty- 
eight. 

The congregation was without a pastor from 1839 to the spring of 
1843, being supplied with services by the professors of the college and 
seminary, and by candidates for the charge, of whom there were a goodly 
number. The congregation suffered a great deal during this long vacancy 
from want of pastoral care and attention. It could not be otherwise, 
and yet the communions were held regularly, and were well attended 
on the part of the membership. Additions were made from time to 
time. In 1843 thirty-five members were added to the congregation. This 
addition was owing largely to the work and influence of Mr. McCauley, then a. 
student in the theological seminary. During the winters of 1842 and 1843 he 
had taught a catechetical class and prepared them for church membership. He 
preached to the congregation under seminary license from April, 1843. He was 
installed pastor of the congregation on the 11th of June, 1843, which relation 
continued till the autumn of 1845. Rev. McCauley did an excellent work in 
this congregation. He used his influence to have everything done systematic- 
ally. The congregation adopted a constitution, which defined the duties of 
officers and members, and provided for the regular election of the officers, the 
regular meetings of the consistory, and a book for the keeping of a record of 
the proceedings, as well as bringiDg about a better state of discipline than had 
prevailed heretofore. The congregation grew rapidly under his ministry. 
Ninety-one members were received into the congregation during his pastorate, 
including the students. Dr. McCauley, speaking of his work here, says, 
' ' The period of my ministry in Mercersburg was characterized by a greater 
degree of activity than any subsequent part of my ministerial life and met the 
approbation of the Classis. ' ' He resigned in the autumn of 1845. 

It was during Rev. McCauley' s pastorate that the brick church on East 
Seminary Street in which we now worship was built. The movement to build 
a new church originated in the college and seminary. The stone church was 
too small for the commencement and anniversary occasions, and not in harmony 
with the institutions of learning. The place in which the leading institutions 
of this denomination were located demanded a larger and more handsome church. 
The time had come when the congregation was able to build a church for its 
own use, and which it required for its future development and growth. Such 
were some of the arguments used to influence the congregation to undertake the 
work. They were a little slow to move at first but at length decided to build 
a new church, at a congregational meeting held October 6, 1844. Dr. Schaff 
headed the subscription with $100. On January 18, 1845, the committee ap- 
pointed for the purpose had raised $4,395, and was continued with instructions 
to raise the amount as speedily as possible to $5,000. 

The corner-stone of the new edifice was laid in June, 1845. 

The church was not completed until the spring of 1847. It was dedicated 
on May 30, 1847; the dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. J. Rebaugh; 
the sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Nevin, D. D. 

Rev. William Philips' Pastorate. — Rev. Wm. Philips became pastor of the 
congregation in December, 1846, and continued pastor until December, 1849. 
The congregation had been taxed pretty heavily in building the new church, 
and from this and other causes did not pay Rev. Philips' salary. He seems 
to have done all that he could to build up the congregation in members and in 
righteousness, but became discouraged, and resigned in 1849. 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBUBG. 525 

The congregation remained without a pastor until 1851. It was supplied 
with services during this time by the professors in the college and seminary, 
and by persons who were candidates for the charge. Very little pastoral work 
was done and the congregation became very much demoralized. 

Rev. Theodore Appel's Pastorate. — In the spring of 1851, Rev. Theodore 
Appel became pastor. He preached for the congregation on Sunday morning, 
and taught in the college during the week. The congregation revived, grew 
in interest and numbers, and some of the debts were canceled. The record 
says that twenty-live persons, including students, were received into this con- 
gregation during his pastorate. 

Rev. Henry Wagner's Pastorate. — Rev. Henry Wagner became pastor in 
1853 and served this congregation till IS 50. During his pastorate seventeen 
members, including the students, were admitted to membership. 

Rev. G. G. Brown's Pastorate. — After various fruitless attempts to get a 
pastor, the congregation extended a call to Mr. Brown, then a student in 
the theological seminary, who accepted the call and served the congregation 
until April, 1883. Under his ministry the congregation made steady progress. 
He was a faithful pastor. During his pastorate 473 members, including 
students, were added to the congregation, averaging about eighteen each year. 
During his pastorate the parsonage on South Main Street was purchased, 
and the three building lots on the east of the church, on Seminary Street, were 
presented to the congregation by Mrs. A. R. Schnebley, and one and part of 
another lot adjoining them were presented to the congregation by the heirs of 
Adam Hoke, for the building of a new parsonage for the congregation. So 
that the church owns a parsonage and over four lots of ground near the 
church, as well as having an interest in a property on Oregon Street. 

Rev. J. W. Knappenberger succeeded Rev. Brown November 1, 1883, and . 
is pastor at the present time. The congregation at present is in a very pros- 
perous condition. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first Methodist minister to preach in 
Mercersburg was known as ' ' Daddy Stone. ' ' His first discourse was preached 
in the bar-room of Henry Spangler, from whom the old missionary received 
kind treatment. This occurred in 1807 in the hotel kept at that time by 
Spangler. 

For a period of about fifteen years, all worship was conducted in private 
houses. In 1822 a small brick edifice was erected in the northwest corner of 
the town. This structure was used till August 9, 1833, when a fire consumed 
it and some six or eight others. In 1834 the present brick structure on the 
corner of Fayette and East Seminary Streets was built at a cost of $2, 300. 

Preachers under the organization since 1820, have been Samuel Clarke, N. 
B. Mills, Robert Minshall, JohnPaisel, James Lanks, George Hitt, Wm. Butler, 
David Shaver, Christopher Parkison, James Reed, N. P. Cunningham, James 
Bershley, Basil Barry, Jesse Stansbury, W. B. Edwards, D. Hartman, J. 
Stine, J. Clary, T. C. Hays, J. M. Jones, P. D. Lipscomb, Jos. S. Rook, W. 
Clem, M. Goheen, John Lanahan, P. McAnally, A. Jameson, W. How, E. 
Teal, Wm. Monroe, Wm. Mercer, D. Hartman, John M. Green, B. F. Brook, 
W. Monroe, T. T. Hyssong, Isaiah Forest, P. E. Waters, G. W. Cooper, E. 

Welty, John Lloyd, Weltz, John Thrush, Horace Holland, John Her- 

sey, Samuel Smith, D. Hartman, Jacob Hartman, J. Monroe, L. M. Gardner, 
R. R. Murphy, W. R. Mills, J. H. Clippinger, N. Schloper, D. Castleman, 
Wm. Ernshaw, Jas. H. McCord, Dr. T. Daugherty, James Curns, G. W. 
Heyd, J. W T . Buckley, J. P. Moore, J. H. Marsh, G. W. Izer, B. Rhodes, J. 
H. S. Clark, F. Adams, Wm. Stevens, J. H. Colgrove, E. A. Deaver, John 



526 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Moorehead, B. H. Mosser, J. Mortijner, J. W. Forest, J. W. Feight. The 
house of worship is undergoing repairs, at present, which will cost $2,000. 

United Brethren Church. — This church was organized in 1867, with the 
following charter members: John Sharar, John S. McCuen, David Springer 
and others, former members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

John Cell, a member of the church in Peters Township, bought for $400, 
the house formerly used by the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, and pre- 
sented it to the new congregation. This house, repaired at a cost of about 
$1,000, is still used by them. The preachers have been S. A. Mower, Luther 
Bricker. Bingaman, Jacob L. Vancy, John Fohl, Jacob Wantz, D. W. Prof- 
fit, S. T. Wallace, W. H. Sherer, C. A. Butner, L. A. Mickey, W. A. Grim. 

FAIEVIEW CEMETERY. 

This cemetery was incorporated on June 5, 1866, by S. A. Bradley, M. 
Fallon, Atchison Ritchey, H. N. Eberly and D. M. B. Shannon. The grounds, 
containing nearly twelve acres, were surveyed and drafted by Jas. D. McDow- 
ell. Its first directors consisted of D. M. B. Shannon, S. A. Bradley, H. N. 
Eberly, W. D. McKinstry and J. N. Brewer. Of this number Bradley was 
president, McKinstry, secretary, and Brewer, treasurer. The present corps 
embraces J. W. Witherspoon, president; J. N. Brewer, treasurer; W. D. Mc- 
Kinstry, secretary, and D. M. B. Shannon, superintendent. 



Mercersburg Savings Fund. — About 1815 this institution was established 
by Wm. McKinstry, Jas. O. Carson, David Dunwoody, John Johnston and Ed- 
ward Aughinbaugh. Mr. Aughinbaugh was its first cashier and secretary. 
Johnston the second, and W. D. McKinstry its third and last. It had several 
presidents in succession, the last one being John McFarland. It closed out 
its business in 1857—58. 

Farmers Bank. — This institution was organized as a bank of deposit June 
1, 1874, by George C. Steiger, * Win. Boyd, T. C. Johnston, Jos. Boyd, Joseph 
Winger,* A. R. Schnebely,* F. C. Waidlich, J. N. Brewer,* John Waidlich,* 
J. S. Whitmer* and others. Geo. C. Steiger has acted as president from the 
first; W. M. Marshall was cashier from 1874 to 1878, since which time J. W. 
Witherspoon has held the position. The bank building was erected in 1881 at 
a cost of $3,200. 

EIRE COMPANY. 

Eclipse Fire Company, of Mercersburg, was organized in December, 1885. 
Its first officers were Geo. W. Atherton, president; H. L. Waidlich, vice-presi- 
dent; Geo. A. Hornbaker, secretary; A. B. Lmderbaugh, chief director; John 
Pensinger, C. H. Fallon, assistant directors; John Eckert, treasurer; J. V. 
Pheil, chief engineer; S. C. Jordan, Geo. W. Weitzel, assistant engineers; 
David Criswell, chief pipeman; Oliver Myers, hose captain; M. S. Murray, 
engine captain. Present officers: Geo. W. Atherton, president; John Pen- 
singer, vice-president; Geo. A. Hornbaker, secretary; John Eckert, treasurer; 
A. B. Lauderbaugh, chief director; John Pensinger, C. H. Fallon, assistant 
directors; J. V. Phiel, chief engineer; S. C. Jordan, Ed. Anderson, assist- 
ant engineers; J. Myers Martin, chief pipeman. 

Hand engines were used till 1885, when, in December, the village council 
purchased a Silsby Engine for $2,200 and 1,000 feet of hose for $800. Three 
large cisterns for water supply were dug in the village, holding 18,000, 20,000 
and 25,000 gallons respectively. 

Time of meeting, first Tuesday evening of each month. 

*Present board of directors. 








7 a^6 




-C£^~ 



BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG. 529 

SOCIETIES. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Marshall Lodge, No. 233, was organ- 
ized March 12, 1847, with the following charter members: Adam Wolff, Noble 
Grand; John D. Schriver, Vice-Grand; A. M. Spangle, Secretary; Malachi B.. 
Hassler, Assistant Secretary; Samnel Welchans, Treasurer. 

The present is the second permanent hall, the first having been a room in 
the McKinstry block. The first two were private dwellings, used but for a short 
time. The present officers are A. R. Hoffeditz, Noble Grand; John A. Dale, 
Vice-Grand; M. J. Slick, Secretary; John Waidlich, Assistant Secretary; Ban- 
ner Graves, Treasurer; A. E. French, Chaplain. 

The present membership is thirty-five; the value of lodge furniture and 
regalia, $400; resources of lodge, $2,600. 

Capt. J. P. McCollough Post, No 497, G. A. R.— Charter members: N. 
W. Kuhn, M. J. Slick, A. A. Myers, A. E. French, Milton Hause, R. M. 
Small, Saml. Sites, Wm. Hollingshead, Wm. F. Seltzer, Harry Shorts, G. 
W. C. Myers, David F. McDonald, Jno. K Shatzer, David T. Miller, Mi- 
chael Kreps, J. G. McLaughlin, Jno. W. Winters, David Sharar, Jacob Spidal, 
J. Monighan, Geo. W. H. Ely, John Bennett, D. S. Stouffer, W. E. Mc- 
Kinstry, J. M. Greer, Wm. F. Mish, Isaac Hollingshead, Jacob Henninger. 
This post was organized October 2, 1885, with the following officers: N. 
W. Kuhn, C. ; Isaac HolliDgshead, S. V. C. ; J. G. McLaughlin, J. V. 
C. ; M. J. Slick, Adj. ; A. E. French, Q. M. ; David Criswell, S. M. ; A. A. 
Myers, Q. M. S. ; D. F. McDonald, O. D. ; W. F. Mish, O. G. ; Milton 
Hause, Chap. ; Jacob Blattenberger, Surg. 

(Capt. J. P. McCollough was born near Upton, Penn. , April 1, 1837. He 
entered the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers as first sergeant of Company C, and was promoted for gallantry at the 
battle of Fredericksburg to the captaincy of same company, Capt. Robt. 
Brownson having been promoted to the mayorship of the regiment. After the 
muster out of the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment, Capt. McCol- 
lough entered the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment as captain of Company 
D, the 16th of September, 1864, to serve for one year. He participated with 
the regiment in all its engagements till the 2d of April, 1865; when in front of 
Petersburg he was wounded near Fort Cummings, a piece of shell striking his 
right hip and wholly destroying it. He died about 10 o'clock the same night. 
He was a good officer, and performed, his duties faithfully. His body was 
buried and still rests in the White Church Graveyard, about two and a half 
miles east of Mercersburg. ) 

Sons of Veterans of United States Army. — Maj. Robert S. Brownson Camp 
No. 132, division of Pennsylvania Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., was organized and 
mustered August 30, 1886. Officers: Captain, Geo. W. Atherton; first lieuten- 
ant, Jno. A. Small; second lieutenant, W. C. Myers; chaplain, C. L. Seibert; 
orderly sergeant, J. M. Kuhn; quartermaster- sergeant, J. T. Pensinger; ser- 
geant of guard, Washington Winters; corporal of guard, D. E. Criswell; camp 
guard, G. W. Ely; picket guard, W. J. Hepfor; color sergeant, Edwd. Win- 
ters; trustees, Thos. St. Clair, E. C. Kershner and C. L. Seibert. The above 
are all the charter members. The camp meets each Wednesday evening in 
McCollough Post room. Present membership is twenty-five. 

Woman'' s Christian Temperance Union. — This society was organized January 
23, 1884, in the Methodist Church, by Mrs. McLauglin, of Boston. The original 
officers were president, Mrs. Emma J. Baker; vice-presidents, Mrs. Culler, Mrs. 
Kieffer, Mrs. Knappenberger and Mrs. Stevens; treasurer, Mrs. Reisner; re- 
cording secretary, Miss E. D. Creigh; corresponding secretary, Miss Mary 

28 



530 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Ritchey. The present officers are president, Mrs. Reisner; vice-presidents, 
Mrs. Kieffer, Mrs. Culler and Mrs. Knappenberger ; treasurer, Mrs. Reisner; 
recording secretary, Mrs. E. J. Baker; corresponding secretary, Miss Ritchey; 
superintendent of library, Mrs. Lane; assistant superintendent of library, Misa 
McKinstry. The number of members is now thirteen. 



CHAPTER XXL 
BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO. 

Origin of the Name— Location— The Plat— Original Lot Owners— Incor- 
poration— Banks— Manufactories— Water- works— Societies— Churches- i 
—Temperance Union— Schools— Cemetery— A Famous Sewing Machine. 

THE borough of Waynesboro was first christened Waynesburg, a name it t 
probably would have retained, but it was in time discovered there were ; 
other towns in the State bearing this name, and so it was changed. It is said ! 
that it received its christening from this incident: Gen. Anthony Wayne, at I 
one time, in his travels through this part of the State, stopped over night at the 
wayside inn that was then established here. He was pleased with his night's i 
entertainment and still more pleased with the cool, sparkling sweet water that 
bubbled up from the spring hard by, and then too, when he looked on the wide* 
and lovely landscape that lay spread before him, he was so impressed that he i 
remarked, ' ' what a lovely place to build up a town. " 

LOCATION. 

It is situated on the old national turnpike, leading from Baltimore to Pitts- 
burgh through Greencastle and Waynesboro, in as lovely a spot as there is in i 
the rich and beautiful Cumberland Valley. The Baltimore & Cumberland i 
Valley branch of the Western Maryland Railroad passes through it, and in it 
terminates the Mont Alto branch of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. 

THE PLAT. 

The village of Waynesburg (now Waynesboro) was laid out by John Wal- 
lace, and the instrument signed by him in the presence of Jacob Stephens, 
Peter Hefleigh (or Hoeflich) and David Soil, on December 29, 1797, Daniel 
Royer attesting the signatures as justice of the peace. The land was held by 
the original John Wallace, great-grandfather of the John in question, by 
virtue of two warrants from the proprietors of Pennsylvania, dated March 1, 
1749, and August 3, 1751, respectively. 

A diamond was located, through which two streets at right angles were 
run, the one east and west known as Greencastle and Nicholas Gap; the one 
north and south, as the Chambersburg and Hagerstown road. 

ORIGINAL LOT OWNERS. 

The names of lot owners on original plat, recorded March 6, 1798, were as 
follows : 



BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO. 



531 



1 Michael Corkery. 

2 and 3 Jacob Stevens. 

4 John Wilson. 

5 John Burns. 

6 Christian Cagy. 

7 Jacob Wolf. 

8 Daniel Corkery. 

9 Robt. Buchanan. 

10 James Moorhead. 

11 and 12 Hans Gordon. \/ 
13 and 14 David Shull. 

15 and 16 Henry Fore. 

17 Henry Neely. 

18 Henry Neisely. 

19 and 20 John Ziter. 

21 Win. Miner. 

22 Patrick Mooney. 

23 and 24 Hans Gordon. V 
25 James Moorhead. 

* * * 

27 Hans Gordon. »/ 



28 and 29 Adam Lenhart. 

30 Michael Corkery. 

31 Abraham Stoner. 

32 and 34 John Wilson. 

33 Jacob Holm 

35 Hans Gordon. 

36 Abraham Stoner. 

37 and 38 Michael Corkery, 

39 Michael Stoner. 

40 James Downey, Sr. ^ 

41 John Wallace, Jr. 

42 Jacob Stoner. 

43 Samuel Royer, Sr. 

44 David Parks. 

45 James Downey, Jr. ^ 

46 Jacob Holmes, Jr. 

47 Jacob Holsinger. 

48 John Stoner. 

49 Henry Smith. 

50 David Stoner. 

51 Abram Stoner. 



52 53, and 54 Peter Hefleigh. 
55 to 60, inclusive, Michael 
Corkery. 

* * * 

69 and 70 for Dutch Lutheran 

meeting-house. 
71 and 72 Peter Hefleigh. 

73 John Hefleigh, Jr. 

74 Peter Hefleigh. 

75 and 76 John Thomson. 

77 John Wilson. 

78 and 79 Fleming & McClan- 
nahan. 

80 Jacob Stevens. 

81 Hans Gordon. 

84 Thomas Hunter. 

85 for Church. 

86 Joshua Stevens. 

87 to 90, inclusive, Jacob> 
Stevens. 



The chance finding of this old record gives nearly a full list of the early- 
settlers in and about the village. Many of the names of these pioneer families 
are still those of their respectable descendants in the county. 

This tract of land was first taken up by John Wallace, Sr., in 1749. The- 
settlements for some time around it grew slowly. For some time after a 
hostelry was first opened it was called by the neighbors " Wallacetown." 

When the ground was platted and the village laid out by John Wallace, 
Jr. , grandson of the above named John Wallace, the people then began to 
purchase property in the place, and several residences were soon put up. The 
price of choice lots was fixed at £6 each, and others at £5, with a quit rent of 
$1 per lot annually. 

INCORPORATION. 

December 21, 1818, the town was incorporated into a borough, and then 
definitely named Waynesboro. 

BANKS. 

The First National Bank of Waynesboro. — This bank, which grew out of 
the savings bank, an institution established in about 1856, was organized in 
1863, first directors being George Jacobs, Daniel Mickley, Samuel Frantz,. 
George Besore, James H. Clayton, Alex. Hamilton, John Price, Henry Good, 
W. S. Amberson. Presidents have been George Jacobs and W. S. Amberson, 
the present one being Joseph Price. John Philips has been cashier since the 
organization. 

The Waynesboro Savings Fund Society was started in February, 1883. 
John Mill, treasurer until 1886, was succeeded by John Philips, present incum- 
bent. Capital stock, $75,000; surplus, $15,000. 



MANUFACTORIES. 



Waynesboro from its first settlement was regarded as the best point for 
manufactories in the county. In this respect it took the lead, and maintains 
it to this day. 

Frick Company. — George Frick, general superintendent, began the manu- 
facture of grain drills and small machinery at Quincy, three miles north 
of Waynesboro, about 1848; afterward removed to Ringgold, Md., three miles 
south of Waynesboro, where he continued the business, adding that of thresh- 
ing machines and, later, steam engines. In 1860 he removed to Waynesboro. 



532 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

built shops on the ground now occupied by the Geiser Manufacturing Com- 
pany's works, and increased his line of manufactures. In 1866 works were 
built adjoining the original shops, and the manufacture was confined to steam 
engines, boilers, saw-mills, etc. In 1871 he associated C. F. Bowman as part- 
ner, under the firrn name of Frick & Bowman, which continued till the death 
of Mr. Bowman in 1872, after which a stock company was formed under the 
name of Frick & Co., and commenced business February 10, 1873, with a 
capital of $35,000. Increase of business and want of railroad facilities led to 
a removal of the works to the west end of the town, where new shops were 
built in the winter of 1881 and spring of 1882, which gave increased capacity 
to meet the growing demand for their machinery. The cost of the land and 
buildings was $150,000, and the machinery, $130,000. 

In the month of October, 1884, arrangements were made to incorporate 
the company under the laws of the State, and on January 15, 1885, a charter 
was issued to the company, under which they commenced business February 
1, 1885, as Frick Company. The charter capital is $1,000,000, of which 
$900,000 had been the paid up capital of Frick & Co. and is the working 
capital of the company at present. 

Upon the organization of Frick & Co. John Philips was elected president, 
which position he held during the entire continuance of that company, and 
also the first year of Frick Company. S. B. Binehart, Esq., was elected 
president for the present year. George Frick has been general superinten- 
dent since the formation of the company. The following board of directors of 
Frick Company has (1887) been elected: S. B. Binehart, W. H. Snyder, 
Samuel Hoeflich, A. H. Strickler, A. O. Frick, Daniel Tritle, C. L. Hamilton, 
Jno. Philips, Jacob S. Lesher. 

The Geiser Manufacturing Co., one of the largest manufacturing estab- 
lishments in its line in the State, began business in a small way on the site of 
its present works, in the year 1866, under the firm name of Geiser, Price & 
Co. , the individual members being Daniel Geiser, B. E. Price, Josiah Fahrney 
and J. F. Oiler. With a capital of $16,000 they confined their operations to 
the building of separators and horse-powers. Their success was so great that 
the following year they purchased the entire works, heretofore leased by them, 
and in 1868 the firm was increased by the addition of Daniel Hoover, John 
Philips and John S. Oiler, to its membership. The business of this year 
increased to $185,000. January 1, 1869, the firm became incorporated under 
the title of The Geiser Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $134,600. 
New buildings were erected, until the works covered nearly two acres of ground, 
with a capacity of four machines per day, employing about 175 hands, the 
business at this time amoimting to from $185,000 to $200,000 per annum. 
The stockholders were Daniel Geiser, B. E. Price, Josiah Fahrney, J. F. Oiler, 
Daniel Hoover, Jno. Philips, A. D. Morganthall, A. E. Price, Joseph Price 
and Samuel Hoeflich. The manufacture of "The Geiser" separators and 
horse-powers was continued till the fall of 1879, when, on the 11th day of 
November, they purchased the steam engine works of F. F. & A. B. Landis, 
of the city of Lancaster, which, together with all the machinery, stock in trade, 
etc., were moved to Waynesboro, necessitating a still further increase of the 
works, the erection of more buildings for the accommodation of this branch of 
the business, and it was not till the first of April, 1880, that everything was in 
readiness for the manufacture of the now celebrated ' ' Peerless ' ' steam engine, 
the demand for it increasing, as its reputation extended, year by year, till these 
extensive works were pushed to their fullest capacity. The business was inter- 
rupted and a serious loss entailed on this company by the almost entire destruc- 



BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO. 533 

tion of their works by fire April 29, 1882. The loss was heavy and the blow a 
severe one, yet the men who had conducted this business from its inception to 
this time were not easily discouraged, but at once erected temporary buildings, 
pushed forward the work, and in a few weeks the shipment of engines and 
separators was again commenced, the heavy business of that year attesting to 
their energy. At the same time the erection of the present extensive and sub- 
stantial buildings was begun and carried on as fast as possible to completion, 
till to-day they stand an ornament to the town of Waynesboro as well as an im- 
portant factor in its prosperity, a monument to the men of energy composing 
The Geiser Manufacturing Company, and an item of no small magnitude in 
the history of Franklin County. The following are some of the dimensions of 
the several buildings: Main building 334x55 feet, three stories high; one 
wing, 150x55 feet, three stories high; one wing, 120x55 feet, one story; foun- 
dry, 190x68 feet, one and two stories; boiler shop, stack shop, paint shop 
and testing department in proportion; pattern house, a three-story building, 
50x50 feet, all of brick, built in the most substantial manner. The capital 
stock is $656,000, the list of stockholders being too long to secure personal 
mention in this article. The officers for 1886 were Daniel Hoover, president 
and superintendent; B. E. Price, vice-president; J. J. Oiler, treasurer; J. F. 
Oiler, assistant treasurer; A. D. Morganthall, secretary; F. F. Landis, 
mechanical engineer; directors, B. E. Price, Josiah Fahrney, Daniel Hoover, 
A. E. Price, A. D. Morganthall, J. F. Oiler, Keuben Shover, Jason Bell; 
treasurer, Melchor Elden; secretary, A. D. Morganthall. Of the original 
incorporators all are still living except Daniel Geiser, who died November 19, 
1882. 

American Manufacturing Compaiiy build the celebrated fruit evaporators, 
that are marketed in this country, South America and Europe. The reputa- 
tion of these fruit dryers is unequaled, and they are in such demand, that the 
factory is constantly run to its full capacity. 

Sash and Door Factory. — M. Good & Bro. have an extensive sash and door 
factory. 

Hosiery Factory. — Lidy & Hess Seamless Hosiery factory was established 
in a small way in 1881, by G. Frank Lidy, at first with a capacity of two 
dozen half-hose per day. It has grown to a capacity of eighty dozen per day, 
employing forty-five girls, two boys and three men. In 1885 J. C. Hess was 
made a partner. The plant was taken to Hagerstown, Md. , in 1886. 

Planing Mill. — Daniel Shockey has a planing-mill, and deals extensively in 
walnut lumber. 

Miscellaneous. — There are six warehousemen, grain and coal dealers, three 
hotels, three firms dealing in stoves and hardware, four printing and job 
offices [for particulars as to the newspapers of the town, see Chapter X.] 
four dry goods stores, fourteen grocery stores, two jewelers, three druggists, 
three hat and shoe stores, six clothing houses, six millinery establishments, 
and a corresponding number of the usual smaller establishments. 

WATER-WORKS. 

No town in the State is better supplied with excellent water than Waynes- 
boro. In addition to the elegant springs, that for years were the town's sup- 
ply, the borough is now provided with the most perfect water-works. It was 
made by simply building a reservoir on the side of the hill, and putting in 
pipes to conduct it into the town, the force of gravitation answering all the 
purposes of expensive machinery. 



534 HISTOKY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

SOCIETIES. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Lodge No. 219 was organized February 
16, 1847, by Joseph Bender, H. Stonehouse, J. H. Stoner, J. B. Resser, J. 
€. Tracy, F. A. Harbaugh, J. Mills. First officers: J. W. Stoner, N. G. ; 
H. Stonehouse, V. G. ; J. B. Resser, Sec. ; J. C. Tracy, Ass't Sec. ; Joseph 
Bender, Treas. This hall was built in 1873, at an expense of $6,000; number 
of members, 111. 

Knights of Pythias. — George Washington Lodge, No. 487, K. P., 
was organized March 7, 1883, in Odd Fellows Hall by B. F. Gilmore, 
D. D. G. C, Simon Wiener. A. M. Frick, G. B. Beaver, Wm. A. Price, 
J. C. Hess, J. Wiener, D. W. Burns, J. H. Brown, D. Johnston, B. H. Gar- 
linger, D. T. Miller, F. Sothers, J. F. Lohman, A. Bowders, A. Baker, L. 
Kretzer, J. P. Lowell, A. D. Morganthall, G. H. Baker, H. H. Barkus, Ezra 
Hinestine, W. A. Diener, A. W. Ovelman, L. Snyder, W. F. McGrail, D. 
King, A. C. Rossman, W. A. Hess, John Neal, J. Frantz, E. C. Morganthall, 
Jacob Funk, Fred. Funk, S. Sis. Jacob F. Lohman died six months after 
institution, and J. H. Brown, a past officer and the founder of the lodge, in fact, 
was suddenly killed at Phcenixville. Penn. , Iron Works, January 23, 1886. 
Original officers: G. Beaver, P. C. ; S. Wiener, C. C. ; W. Price, V. C. ; J. Brown, 
Prelate; E. Morganthall, M. A. ; A. D. Morganthall, K. R. & S. ; D. Johnston, 
M. E. ; Jacob Wiener, M. F. ; D. W. Burns, I. G. ; J. C. Hess, O. G. ; J. P. 
Lowell, A. Frick, J. P. Frantz, Trustees. The membership numbers 68. 

The Waynesboro Academy of Medicine was instituted March 3, 1884. The 
original members were Drs. Benj. Frantz, I. N. Snively, A. H. Strickler, 
John M. Ripple, James B. Amberson, John A. Bouse, Geo. W. Boteler, and 
Joseph Frantz. Officers: Dr. Benj. Frantz, president; Dr. I. N. Snively, 
vice-president; Dr. J. B. Amberson, secretary and treasurer, and Drs. John 
M. Ripple, John A. Bouse and Joseph Frantz, censors. 

The avowed objects were " to promote the usefulness, honor and interests 
of the medical profession, and for the purpose of fostering friendly inter- 
course between those engaged in the profession. Their anniversary exercises 
were held February 18. Present officers, J. B. Amberson, president; John M. 
Ripple, vice-president; J. Frantz, secretary and treasurer; Drs. Koons, 
Fritz, I. N. Snively, censors. 

The first medical society of Waynesboro was called to meet at the office of 
Dr. E. H. Henry, April 18, 1872. The following officers were elected: Dr. 
Benj. Frantz, president; A. H. Strickler, secretary. The membership of this 
society was composed wholly of physicians of the town: Drs. B. Frantz, A. H. 
Strickler, I. N. Snively, John M. Ripple, A. S. Bonebrake, E. A. Herring. 

Improved Order Red Men. — Uncas Tribe, No. 101, I. O. R. M., was organ- 
ized May 15, 1870, in Odd Fellows Hall, by J. R. Reiniger and W. A. Price, 
with seventeen charter members. First officers were J. B. Russell, W. A. 
Price, W. A. Hanstine. They place their wigwam in Odd Fellows Hall. This 
is said to be first society of this order organized in America. It has a mem- 
bership of ninety-four. 

Grand Army of the Republic. — Capt. JohnE. Walker, Post No. 287, was or- 
ganized September 22, 1882. The following were charter members: H. G. Bone- 
brake, F. J. Beard, D. C. Detrich, P. R. Welsh, W. A. Price, L. W. Detrich, 
J. R. Hoeflich, G. G. Pilkington, I. J. Cunningham, J. W. Wheeler, A. D. 
Morganthall, Geo. A. Rhea, J. B. French, D. Cleverstine, G. W. Welsh, G. 
Frank Lidy, A. Bowder, M. H. Stiner, Jas. P. Wolff, J. R. Wolfersperger, 
Samuel Hoeflich, A. S. Bonebrake, J. C. Smith, C. S. Eckman, E. S. Hans- 
tine, Jacob Potter, J. A. Dieloler, J. C. Martin, I. N. Snively, M. D. , Henry 



BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO. 535 

Manns, J. L. Weagley, Wm. Symons. First officers: H. G. Bonebrake, com- 
mander; P. R. Welsh, adjutant; S. Hoeflich, quartermaster. Present offi- 
cers: John J. Grumbine, commander; Wm. H. Miller, senior vice-commander; 
E. Diffenderfer, junior vice-commander; F. J. Beard, chaplain; P. R. Welsh, 
sergeant-major; Jer. Zimmerman, O. D. ; Abram Bender, O. G. Delegates 
to encampment, Geo. F. Lidy, alternate W. W. Leach. 

(We insert, as most appropriate here, a short sketch of Capt. Walker from 
•whom the post is named: John Edmund Walker was born in Waynesboro, 
March 11, 1839, a son of Dr. Thomas and Harriet Walker. He spent his 
•childhood days at the Waynesboro schools, and when the war broke out he en- 
listed in the ninety days' service and served his time. He then raised part of a 
•company and again enlisted with the rank of first lieutenant in Company A, 
Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers; was promoted to the captaincy; 
served until near the close of the war; took part in many hard fought battles; 
was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and, creeping from the battle field 
under cover of darkness, was sent home to recruit in strength and for the regi- 
ment. He fell near Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864, shot through the temples; 
his body fell into the hands of the enemy. Friends tried to bring the body 
from the field but were forced to retire under heavy fire. They, however, 
secured his sword, but in the chances of war it never reached the hands of 
those for whom it was intended. His sacred ashes rest among the ' ' unknown. 
It is supposed they are in some one of the national cemeteries. A cenotaph 
to his memory has been erected in Waynesboro.) 

CHURCHES. 

The German Baptist Church gives us the earliest church history of Waynes- 
boro and vicinity. The old Antietam Church was organized in 1752. Its 
first location was not in, but near, Waynesboro. Its founders were John Price, 
Llrich Snowberger, Dr. Geerge Gingerich, Theodore Ingold, John Funk and 
David Stover. The first officers were D. Stover, John Funk and William Sto- 
ver. Their first rude log church was built in 1798, Welty's church in 1836, 
and Snowberger' s in 1856; the latter in the town of Waynesboro. This was 
the pioneer church. It existed in the days of Indian forays and massacres. 
The congregation for years carried their guns regularly to church, stacked 
them by the door, and placed a sentinel by them to give the alarm, so that the 
men could rush to their arms. The territory of this congregation was very 
large, and in time it was divided into subdivisions as follows: Manor and 
Beaver Creek, in Maryland, Welsh Run, Back Creek Ridge and Falling 
Springs, in Franklin County, and the original Antietam Church. It was im- 
possible to have regular supplies until 1790. Those in charge from that date to 
the present were as follows: Revs. William Stover, George A. Martin, John 
Funk, Daniel Stover, John Rover, Jacob Holsinger, Henry Strickler, Jacob 
Fahrney, Israel Senger, D. Fogelsonger, Daniel Keefer, William Boyer, 
Jacob Price, David Bock, Isaac Renner, Abram Stanny, Joseph F. Rohrer, 
Joseph Garber, Daniel Holsinger, Jacob Poller, D. F. Good, Abram Golly, 
Jacob Snider, Daniel Baker, John D. Benedict, B. E. Price, Tobias F. Imler. 
Present membership is 405. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waynesboro, Penn. , was organized by 
Rev. John Ruthrauff in the year 1800 with the following charter members: 
Jason Bell, Martin Geiser, G. W. McGinley, T. J. Filbert. Daniel Tritle and 
John Johnston. As was customary in the earlier days, the Lutheran and Re- 
formed Churches occupied the same houses. The present commodious church 
was built in 1869 at a cost of $11,000, and greatly repaired under the minis- 



536 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

try of Rev. P. Bergstresser, in 1885, at a cost of $9,000. The following pas- 
tors have served the congregation: Revs. John Ruthrauff, from 1798 to 1825; 
Samuel K. Hoshour, 1825-29; John Reck, 1829-35; John P. Cline, 1835-40: 

F. W. Conrad, D. D., 1840-44; John Heck, 1844-57; John F. Campbell. 
D. D., 1857-62; Edwin Dorsey, M. D., 1862-63; Alfred Buhrman, 1863-71; 
C. L. Keedy, M. D., 1871-75; P. Bergstresser, D. D., 1876-87.* In 1879 was 
held a spirited discussion, lasting through a period of seven days, between the 
pastor, Rev. P. Bergstresser, and Elder S. H. Bashor, of Ashland, Ohio, 
The subjects were "Baptism," "The Lord's Supper," and "Feet Wash- 
ing." The debate, which aroused great excitement in Waynesboro, was pub- 
lished, and an edition of 2,000 copies was readily sold. The congregation, 
which enrolls about 400 members, is maintained at an annual expense of $1,000. 

The Trinity Reformed Church was organized out of a part of the member- 
ship of the Salem (Besore's) congregation, in 1817. First pastor, Rev. 
Jonathan Rahauser; second, Rev. F. A. Scholl; worshiped in the Union 
Church on Church Street, owned conjointly by the Lutherans, Presby- 
terians, and Reformed until 1826. A log church was built on the site occupied 
by the present edifice, and dedicated May 20, 1827. Mr. Scholl' s services 
being altogether in German, the need of English services was felt, and Rev. 

G. W. Glessner was called in 1831. He officiated in English and German. A 
new brick church was built, the corner-stone of which was laid in the spring 
of 1833, and it was dedicated June 21, 1834. An addition of eighteen feet 
was built to the rear end of it in 1839. Rev. Glessner resigned in 1840, and 
was succeeded by Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, who remained until 1845, when 
Rev. Theodore Appel took charge and remained two years. Rev. G. W. 
Glessner became pastor the second time, remaining until 1851. Rev. H. W. 
Super took charge and remained until 1854, was then absent one year, when 
he returned and remained in charge until 1862; from this year to 1868, Rev. 
Walter E. Krebs was in charge. Rev. H. H. W. Hibshman succeeded Rev. 
Krebs in July, 1869, and remained in charge until October 1877. During his 
time, the present house of worship was built, the corner-stone of which was 
laid August 7, 1870, and it was dedicated December 24, 1871. The present 
pastor in charge, Rev. F. F. Bahner, was installed December 1, 1877. Dur- 
ing his pastorate the church indebtedness has been paid, and large accessions 
made to the congregation. 

St. Paul's Reformed Church. — The membership originally of this church 
was organized out of the old (Trinity) church in 1873. The officers were S. 
Hoeflich, D. B. Russell, W. F. Grove, elders; J. R. Hoeflich, T. R. Resser 
and G. F. Lidy, deacons. Their church building was erected in 1871, at a 
cost of $3,000. The first pastor, Rev. W. C. Shaffer; present pastor, Rev. 
Isaac M. Motter. Membership 130. 

St. Andrew's Catholic Church was organized in 1819, where the Catholic 
graveyard now is, with the following charter members: Michael Coskery, Dr. 
John Oellig, William Mooney, Richard Hayden, James A. Yerk and others. 
A small wooden building was erected the same year at a cost of $400. This 
congregation was served by Revs. Lockey and Westfield, and probably some 
others whose names are unknown. 

In 1850 another organization by the same name was formed, consisting of 
Joseph Hoover, Jacob Wright, Michael Little, David Ryder, Samuel Ryder 
and Henry Harret. By them a brick edifice was erected at a cost of $2,000 
on the corner of Main and Broad Streets. It has been served by the follow- 

*Rev. P. Bergstresser, D. D., of Waynesboro, has accepted a call extended him by the Lutheran congrega- 
tion of Middletown, Md., and his resignation of bis present charge has been accepted by the General Council 
of the congregations composing it. 





&^£^^£2^^>s 



BOBOUGH OF WAYNESBOBO. 539 

ing pastors: Revs. James Miller, Dougherty, J. J. Demming and J. Sleater. 
It has a membership of sixty. 

The United Brethren in Christ Church has a brick edifice and frame parson- 
age. The buildings were erected in 1882. The first officers were E. Heller, 
leader; Christian Miller, steward; B. F. Funk, D. Barnhart, C. Miller, trust- 
tees. The church buildings were erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. 
Young, the first minister in charge. He remained until 1885, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. A. H. Shank, and then the present pastor, Dr. R. Burkholder, 
was installed in 1886. Membership, sixty. 

Methodist Church. — There are no recorded data by which to fix with certainty 
the date when Methodism was introduced into Waynesboro. In the early part 
of this century the preachers on Carlisle Circuit included this among their 
preaching points, and it was by one of them, the Rev. J. Gruber, in all prob- 
ability, that the first converts were received into the society. The first class 
was formed about the year 1805, and consisted of three members, Mrs. Phcebe 
Wilson and her daughters, Hannah and Margaret, who had formerly been con- 
nected with a meeting of Friends in Chester County. About this time Charles 
Rice, an Irishman, removed to the town. He had been a class-leader in his 
native country, and was at once appointed to that position in the incipient so- 
ciety here. Meetings for worship were regularly held in a log building on 
Main Street, formerly used as a carpenter shop. Preaching services usually 
occurred on Tuesday evenings, when the clergyman remained over night with 
Squire Nathaniel Wilson. There was no remarkable increase in the member- 
ship until 1823, when Revs. James Hanson and Robert Clark held a camp- 
meeting on what was then known as the Wallace farm, southeast of town. 
This was the first evangelistic effort of the kind ever made in the vicinity, and 
was regarded as a novel method of procedure. The encampment consisted 
of five tents and "a half," the latter being a covered wagon owned by a Mr. 
Anderson, whose desire to participate in the meeting exceeded his ability to 
provide the usual accommodations. A number of prominent citizens united 
with the society, and from this time the hostility and suspicion with which it 
had formerly been regarded seem to have completely subsided. 

The erection of a church building was at once agitated. A lot of ground 
at the corner of Church and Second Streets was secured and the work of build- 
ing was at once begun. Much of the material and labor was contributed gra- 
tis by the members, and although in size and appointments the structure com- 
pared favorably with others of a similar character, its cost represented a compar- 
atively modest sum. It was built of brick, and in conformity with the ideas of 
church architecture in vogue at the period, had a wide vestibule, high pulpit, 
and uncomfortable seats. It was completed in 1825 or 1826, and thus, within 
twenty-five years from the time the first efforts to effect an organization were 
made, the society was firmly established and had every prospect of a prosper- 
ous future. The succeeding thirty years present little of interest. In 1831 
a second camp-meeting was held in what was then known as Pine Grove, a local 
pleasure resort on the Quincy road. Rev. Edward Smith was the pastor at 
this time. The appointment was successively transferred from Carlisle Circuit 
to Hagerstown Circuit, and then to Greencastle Circuit, which, when Revs. 
Elias Welty and John Z. Lloyd were pastors in 1848, comprised thirteen ap- 
pointments. Waynesboro became a station in 1856 and was placed in charge 
of Rev. John H. C. Dosh. In September, 1857, the corner-stone of a new 
church edifice was laid, a camp-meeting of several days' duration forming part 
of the exercises. The dedication occurred in the following year. This build- 
ing occupies the site of its predecessor, and ranks among the most substantial 
and attractive churches in the county. 



540 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The following list of pastors since 1856 has been compiled from the anxu 
conference minutes: 1856-58, John H. C. Dosh; 1858-60, Thomas Daugherty 

1860, Richard Norris; 1861, Rescoel; 1862, Savage; 1863-65, A. M.' 

Kesler; 1865-67, C. F. Thomas; 1867-69, Daniel She ffery; 1869-71, J. A. De- 
Moyer; 1871-74, J. Donahue; 1874, W. L. Spottswood; 1875-78, J. H. Mc- 
Cord; 1878-81, William H. Keith; 1881-83, Thomas S. Wilcox; 1883-86, 
Alfred S. Bowman; 1886, Benjamin Mosser. Owing to the illness of the lat- 
ter, Rev. Buck, ex- missionary to India, has performed the active work of 

the pastorate since October, 1886. 

Presbyterian Church. — The early history of this church in Waynesboro is in- 
volved in obscurity. The records have unfortunately been lost and such informa- 
tion as is now attainable is entirely traditional and correspondingly meager and 
unsatisfactory. It appears that as early as 1790, there were Scotch-Irish families 
residing in the vicinity who were occasionally supplied with preaching. An 
organization was effected but not continuously sustained, owing to the sparsely 
settled character of the country and the difficulty of procuring a settled pas- 
tor. It is said that in 1805 there was an unfinished church building on Church 
Street, but the preponderance of evidence seems to indicate that no effort in 
this direction was made until 1811, when Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians 
united in building a church on the site of the German Baptist meeting-house. 
The original organization was then revived, and a pastor called in connection 
with the church at Oreencastle. The latter place was thenceforth the Presby- 
terian center of a large section of country. Revs. Long, Buchanan, Davie, 
Emerson, Clark, Richardson, Beatty and Wightman were successively pastors 
at Waynesboro under these circumstances, all residing there except Mr. Clark, 
who lived at Millerstown, Adams County. The several parties to the owner- 
ship of the union church having disposed of their respective interests, Mr. 
Wightman suggested to his congregation the erection of a separate church build- 
ing. An eligible site was secured and the project assumed definite form in 
the appointment of a building committee, consisting of D. F. Gordon, J. H. 
Clayton and W. S. Amberson. 

Active building operations were begun in 1865; March 26, 1867, the spire 
was completed, and in July of the following year, the finished structure was 
dedicated. It is a brick building with a seating capacity of 500, and 
is pleasantly located on the principal street of the town. The first resident 
pastor was Rev. W. N. Geddes, and his successors in regular order, Robert F. 
McClean, Samuel McLanahan and T. C. McCarrell, the present incumbent, 
who preached his introductory sermon July 11, 1880, and was ordained and 
installed July 21, 1880. The present membership is 150. The present ses- 
sion is constituted as follows: W. S. Amberson, elected in 1862; James H. 
Clayton and Joseph Price, elected in 1873; Thomas H. West and William 
Hammett. Among those who were prominently identified with the earlier his- 
tory of this church were John Clayton, William Downey, William Fulton, 
James Burns and Robert Mcllvaney. 

TEMPEEANCE UNION. 

The Women 1 s Christian Temperance Union, of Waynesboro, was organized 
in October, 1883, by Mrs. John Shinafield, president of the Chambersburg 
Union, and some of her associate officers. The officers elected were: Presi- 
dent, Mrs. Samantha A. Brenisholts; vice-presidents, Mrs. Rev. McCarrell, 
Presbyterian Church; Mrs. Rev. Bahner, Reformed Church; Mrs. Jennie Sto- 
ver, Methodist Episcopal Church; Mrs. C. C. Eyler, Lutheran Church; sec- 
retary, Miss Kate Brotherton; treasurer, Mrs. Annie Hawker. The union 
needs to be aroused to increased activity, is the opinion of the presiding officer. 



BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO. 541 

** SCHOOLS. 

' The town has long been noted for the excellence of its schools and the 
comfort of its school buildings. The present building was erected in 1871, 
meeting with strong opposition when first suggested. The total cost of 
buildings was $22,000. They were provided for and erected under the aus- 
pices of the following board: J. H. Krebs, president; John Hamilton, sec- 
retray; John Coon, William Hamilton, Dr. Herring, George Harbaugh. The 
enrollment at present is 600 pupils. The present board consists of Dr. F. S. 
Brenisholts, president; George M. D. Bell, secretary; J. R. Wolfkill, Dr. 
A. H. Strickler, Dr. B. F. Boteler, J. B. Krebs. High school — Principal, 
Charles H. Albert; assistant, Miss L. C. Clugston. Grammar school — Princi- 
pal, L. F. Benchoff ; assistant, D. C. Weller. Intermediate schools — A grade, 
Flo. Richardson; B grade, Ida M. Negley; C grade, Jennie Cunningham. 
Primary schools — A grade, Emma Worley; B grade, Mary Gordon; C grade, 
Mamie J. Criswell and Annie Stauffer; D grade, Ada M. Hewitt and May 
Shank. The fiscal statement for 1885 shows receipts, $7,100.82; expendi- 
tures, $6,940.14. 

CEMETERY. 

Bum's Hill Cemetery was incorporated in 1880 by James P. Wolfe, 
W. S. Amberson, T. H. West, John B. Hamilton, George W. Welsh, A. J. 
Beard. The first board of directors were Dr. J. M. Ripple, John B. Hamil- 
ton, George W. Welsh, Charles West, James H. Clayton, James P. Wolfe, 
Jesse Beard. The present officers are: Dr. J. M. Ripple, president; George 
W. Welsh, secretary, and W. S. Amberson, treasurer. 

A FAMOUS SEWING MACHINE. 

In the spring of 1886 Miss Addie G. Beaver, of Waynesboro, conceived 
the novel idea of securing a sewing machine by tid-bit contributions from 
members of the United States Congress. Writing to each senator and repre- 
sentative a neat letter, in which she suggested that not poverty but curiosity 
prompted her action, she requested such small sum as each one might contrib- 
ute. As the result of this voluminous correspondence, some 900 letters all 
told, she received $S6. 10, which was invested in an American sewing machine, 
made in Philadelphia, the inscription being: "Presented Addie G. Beaver by 
Members of 49th Congress, U. S., 1886." 



542 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 

Site of the Borough— Ancient Burying Grounds— Plat of the Town, and 
First Residents— Early Reminiscences and Anecdotes — Old Churches, 
Cemeteries and Epitaphs— Incorporation of Borough— Its Centennial 
—The Turnpike— Church History— Cemetery— The Schools— Industries 
— Borough Officers— Bank— Town Hall Company— Societies. 

GREENCASTLE was originally a hyphenated word, " Green-Castle," and 
was so known for years after it was founded. It was a natural town 
site, as is evidenced by the fact that from a time unknown it was a favorite 
rendezvous of not only the Indians, but, if there was a race of men here before 
the Indians, it was also their important meeting place. This is attested by the 
very old burying place near the town, known to our forefathers as the ' ' In- 
dian burying grounds. ' ' The writer, in company with Dr. J. K. Davidson and 
the Rev. C Cort, of Greencastle, visited recently this interesting place. It is 
situated nearly a mile southeast of the town, about two and a half rods from a 
spring in the field opposite Col. Winger's Crystal Springs. Dr. Davidson 
pointed out the spot where he remembers seeing, fifty years ago, a pile of 
human bones. His information at the time was that these were Indian bones. 
In this neighberhood were found many Indian arrow-heads, stone axes and 
other implements. In this connection it is not irrelevant to state that the 
Indians, probably following the migrating game, but certainly from some 
cause, were the real engineers in designating the future sites of all, or nearly 
all, our cities and towns. The buffaloes were migratory in their habits, travel- 
ing long distances with the seasons. On their way they would have certain 
resting places or stopping places, as in crossing large streams. These points 
would in time become the rendezvous of the Indians, and at such places their 
tepees would be erected and a burying place selected. Every great city in the 
country has thus been indicated by the Indian or buffalo. Their necessities or 
instincts were better guides, it seems, than were the judgments of the best en- 
gineers sent to this country by Europeans to select town sites and found cities. 
The latter were nearly always entire failures, where men sank fortunes, and 
in a few years the promised city would be given over to the bats and wild 
beasts. 

Greencastle is in the southeast part of the county, in Antrim Township, in 
the heart of the fertile limestone country, well watered, and has reached a high 
state of improvement. It is on the old Baltimore turnpike passing through 
Mercersburg and Waynesboro. The Cumberland Valley Railroad passes ■ 
through it. The land on which it is located was deeded to John Smith, No- 
vember 4, 1761. Smith conveyed it to John Davidson November 6, 1762, 
and he conveyed it to William Allison April 25, 1763. The patent was issued 
to him July 26, 1766. The tract described in the patent contained 300 acres. 
May 3, 1769, he conveyed the land to his son, Col. John Allison, who platted 
and laid out the village of Greencastle in 1782. It acquired its name, most 
probably, from a place called Greencastle, in County Donegal, Ireland. 



BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 543 

TOWN PLATS, ETC. 

The town plat, as originally made, described 256 lots of equal size, and 
numbered from 1 to 256, inclusive. They were then sold by lottery, the price 
placed upon each lot being $8. The lottery consisted in buying a ticket 
for |8; the 256 numbers were then placed in a box, and each ticket holder 
drew a number, the number drawn to determine which should be his lot. 
There were no blanks, and the only prizes were what were considered the choice 
lots. 

Henry P. Prather, the present postmaster in Greencastle, now (1886) in 
the seventy-fifth year of his age, says of the first settlement of the place: " I 
remember that about sixty-two years ago a man named Tanner, a teamster 
over the Baltimore & Pittsburgh road, informed me that when he first came 
through Greencastle there was but one house in the place. It was a log house 
on the present site of the National Hotel, and was used as a tavern. He 
frequently drank in the place, the only drinking cups used being made of 
cow's horns. Here is evidently the origin of the well-worn expression, 'took 
a horn. ' " It is highly probable some of the Allisons were the ' ' mine host ' ' 
of this old time hostelry that was the favorite stopping place of travelers and 
freighters, as well as the famed old wide-mouthed fireside that was a most 
tempting resort of neighbors, far and near, to meet in friendly discourse. 

Before the French-Indian war, Henry Prather and Elias Davidson, grand- 
parents of Henry P. Prather and Dr. J. K. Davidson, respectively, drove cat- 
tle from the Cumberland Valley to Detroit. After the Allisons, among the 
first settlers were the Crawfords, Statlers, Lawrences, Grubbs, Watsons, 
Clarks, Nighs, McCulloughs and McClellans. Dr. McClellan, who died at an 
advanced age a short time ago, was the first regular bred physician in this part 
of the county. In 1778 the Revolutionary hero, Capt. Miller, located in what 
afterward became Greencastle. His daughter, Mrs. Mary McDade, died in 
the town August 3, 1870, at the remarkable age of one hundred and three 
years. She could give most interesting descriptions of the wilderness when 
her young eyes first looked upon it. She remembered the one house that was 
then in the place — the hotel above spoken of. There was also a blacksmith shop 
on the Rhodes' corner. Her father, Capt. Miller, had served through the en- 
tire war for independence. When Gen. Washington passed through Green- 
castle, in 1791, he was much moved at meeting Mary McDade, and solemnly 
laid his hands upon her head and blessed her. 

l^ Mr. J. C. McLanahan has now in his possession a deed, dated February 1, 
1783, made by John Allison and Elizabeth Allison to John Nigh, Sr., for Lot 
No. 81, on the north side of Baltimore Street, 60x210 feet; consideration, £3. 
The instrument was acknowledged before Thomas Johnston, justice of the 
peace. Col. John Allison, the founder of the town, was born December 23. 
1738; William, his brother, was born November 15, 1749, and lived and died 
on the old homestead. 

An incident of these early times, worth mentioning, is the following: When 
Mason and Dixon were running the line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, 
they boarded for a time with Col. Allison. They marked a meridian on the 
door sill, and this was for years used by the neighbors to set their time pieces. 

OLD CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES. 

The Presbyterian Church at Moss Spring, adjacent to Greencastle, was ev- 
idently the oldest church building in this part of the county. It was built in 
1737 or 1738, frame, 28x42, and called " Old Red Meeting House." It was 
enlarged in 1804 by an addition of twelve feet on the south side. The situation 



544 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

is a delightful one, and during the intermission of services the people, lunch 
in hand, would gather at the spring and drink of its cool, clear waters, or stroll 
at will among the rocks and woods of the surrounding groves. The first pas- 
tor was Rev. Samuel Cavin. The ' ' Old White Church, ' ' in Greencastle,. 
was erected in 1792. It stood on the south side of Baltimore Street, east end 
of the town. It was made of logs and clapboards and painted white. The 
deed to the church lot was made by James McLanahan and John Allison, and 
the trustees, George Gelby, George Clark, Andrew Reed, John Cunningham 
and James Crooks. In 1826 these two churches were united in faith, but or- ' 
ganically in 1828, the pastors at the time being Rev. Buchanan, of the "Red" 
church, and Rev. Fullerton of the ' ' White, ' ' and a brick church was erected 
in Greencastle. Rev. Fullerton removed to Hagerstown. Rev. Buchanan re- 
mained in charge here until 1839. His successors were Rev. I. Marshall Da- 
vie, 1840 to 1845; Rev. T. V. Moore, to 1847; Rev. W. M. Paxton, to 1850;. 
Rev. Edward Emerson, to 1860; Rev. W. T. Beatty, to 1863; Rev. J. W. 
Wightman, to 1870; Rev. D. K. Richardson, to 1880; then came Rev. J. H. 
Stewart, who was succeeded, in 1883, by the present pastor, Rev. J. D. 
Hunter. 

The historical house in the town is now the residence of Joseph H. Beeler, 
on Lot 42. John Allison sold this lot to William Scott in 1783; he sold to John 
Rodman in 1791, who erected the front, as the building now stands, in 1792. 
In 1797 Robert McLanahan purchased it, and in 1801 sold to Jacob Krebs. He 
used it as a residence and hatter shop until 1829, when it was sold by the sheriff 
to Polly and Sarah Weaver. In 1842 they sold it to Rudolph Heichert. It 
was a parsonage of the German Reformed Church until 1870. 

In the German Reformed Graveyard we find some of the oldest accessible 
records of the early settlers: Margaret, consort of John Gearhart, born 1765, 
died August 8, 1855. Robert Scott, Sr., died May 15, 1842, aged seventy- 
two years; Elizabeth, his wife, died April 16, 1842, aged seventy-three years. 
John Scott, born September 12, 1795, died July 2, 1870. Michael Stickel, 
died February 28, 1863, aged seventy years and four months. Mary Swisher, 
born [1771, died April 10, 1852. William Alsap, died July 21, 1867, aged 
ninety years; Elizabeth, consort, born April 19, 1775, died August 16, 1856. 
Adam Shirez, born February 14, 1797, died May 7, 1862. Nicholas Shrader, 
died May 19, 1859, aged eighty-four years. Samuel Smith, born February 19, 
1779, died March 10, 1870; Eliza, consort, born December 27, 1791, died Oc- 
tober 11, 1867. John Shrivey, died March 20, 1850, aged seventy-six years. 
Peter Stoner, died April 12, 1853, aged seventy-five. James Powell, born 
February 24, 1786, died April 18, 1856. Conrad Spielman, born February 
11, 1753, died December 4, 1829; Dorothea, consort, born May 6, 1748. Dan- 
iel Stall, born September 20, 1764, died June 17, 1837. Michael Tice, died 
February 20, 1824, aged sixty-six years. On this tombstone is the following 
couplet: 

"Now I am dead and in my grave 

And all my bones are rotten, 
When this you see, remember me, 
Although I am forgotten." 

Barbara, consort of Michael, died April 2, 1825, aged fifty-nine. Rev. F. A. 
Scholl, died May 13, 1865, aged seventy-seven years; Eliza, consort, died Feb- 
ruary 16, 1840, aged forty-eight years. 

In Mossy Spring Cemetery are the following: William Wallace, died 
March 26, 1818, aged eighty years; Martha, consort, died August 9, 1834, 
aged eighty-six years. Archibald Fleming, died September 20, 1869, aged 



BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 545 

eighty-six years; Eve, consort, died July 11, 1865, aged seventy-three years. 
Joseph Davidson, died May 13, 1842, aged eighty-eight years. Margaret 
Robinson, wife of Joseph Davison, died November 10, 1836, aged seventy- 
five years. Margaret Davison, nee Brown, consort of J. Davison, died Feb- 
ruary 26, 1797, forty-one years of age. William Davison, died September 
31, 1831, aged fifty-two years. Jane Davison, died August 28, 1869, aged 
eighty-seven years. James Watson, died July 2, 1831, aged eighty-eight; Eliz- 
abeth, consort, died October 30, 1804, aged fifty-nine years. John Watson, 
died July 30, 1842, aged seventy-three years. David Watson, died May 22 r 
1847, aged sixty-four. Elizabeth Watson, died October 23, 1849, aged sixty- 
two years. Isabella Watson, died March 26, 1860, aged eighty -two. Robert 
Crooks, born August 17, 1772, died March 9, 1850. John McLanahan, died 
September 4, 1797, aged sixty-seven years. John Allison, died June 14, 1795, 
aged fifty-seven years; Elizabeth, consort, died November 19, 1815, aged 
sixty-seven years. William Allison, died September 4, 1825, aged seventy-six 
years; Mary A., consort, December 7, 1848, aged seventy-seven years. Nancy, 
daughter of Col. John and Elizabeth Allison, wife of Elias Davidson, died De- 
cember 26, 1818, aged thirty- eight years. Rebecca, wife of Elias Davidson, 
died June 22, 1824, aged thirty-six years. Rev. Robert Kennedy, died Octo- 
ber 31, 1843, aged sixty-six years; Jane, consort, and daughter of John and 
Mary Herron, died May 31, 1803, aged twenty-six years; Mary D., consort, 
born August 16, 1785, died March 14, 1845. John Boggs, M. D. , born Au- 
gust 8, 1787, died July 12, 1847. James Allison, Sr., born June 5, 1798, died 
January 25, 1861; Susan M., consort, born December 10, 1795, died January 
29, 1861. Eleanor, wife of Thomas Hughes, born April, 1774, died June, 
1852. George Fatzinger, died January 16, 1880, aged ninety-seven years; 
Catharine, consort, died September 20, 1870, aged eighty years. Dr. John 
McClellan, died June 11, 1846, aged eighty-four years. [His son Robert be- 
came governor of Michigan and a member of President Polk's cabinet.] John 
Kennedy died January 17, 1815, aged seventy years. James Mitchell, born 
April 25, 1780, died July 17, 1854; Catharine, consort, born May 14, 1792, 
died March 22, 1841. William Martin, died July 22, 1873, aged eighty years. 
In the "Old White Church" cemetery are Mrs. Sarah, wife of Rev. Mc- 
Elroy, died June 10, 1842. William McLanahan, died December 27, 1833, 
aged sixty-one years; his wife, Mary Gregg, died June 9, 1826, aged thirty- 
eight years. David Fullerton, died February 1, 1843, aged seventy-one 
years; Joanna, consort, died July 29, 1837, aged sixty- seven years. Rev. John 
Young, second pastor of the congregation of Greencastle and Conococheague, 
died July 24, 1803, aged forty years. Margaret, consort of George Clark, 
died February 12, 1810, aged fifty-nine years. Rev. John Lind, died Sep- 
tember 20, 1821, aged forty-one years; Ann Washington Smith, consort, 
died February 19, 1819, aged forty years. James McLanahan, Sr., died 
April 17, 1823, aged eighty-eight years; Isabella G., consort, died September 
16, 1819, aged seventy-six years. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village became an incorporated borough by act of the assembly, March 
25, 1805. By ordinance, in 1812, new names were given to the streets, as follows: 
Mifflin, Madison, Baltimore, Franklin, Dahlgren, Morris, Washington, Carlisle, 
Findlay. 

the town's centennial — 1782-1882. 

July 4, 1882, was celebrated with due pomp and ceremony as Greencastle' s 
centennial year. A grand street parade that was arranged, was seriously in- 



#46 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

terfered with by a heavy rainstorm. The meeting was driven from Ziegler' & 
Locust Grove to the town hall. The' president was Geo. W. Ziegler; vice- 
presidents, Henry P. Prather, William W. Fleming (the oldest native born 
citizen), Dr. Wm. Grubb, Dr. Adam Carl, Dr. J. K. Davidson, William Mc- 
Crory. Prayer by Rev. J. H. Stewart, and reading Psalm by Eev. D. Agnew. 
Declaration of Independence by A. G. McLanahan, Jr. The historic address 
by Hon. D. Watson Rowe. Interesting addresses made by Rev. Cyrus Cort, 
Rev. F. Klinefelter, Rev. Samuel McLanahan, the latter giving many interest- 
ing incidents of his ancestor, Col Allison. A poem was read by Capt. C. F. 
Bonner, entitled, " The Centennial Lay." Patriotic songs were sung by the 
audience. The St. Thomas and Mercersburg bands were present. The cele- 
bration was a great success throughout; and much of the credit of this is due 
the committee of arrangements, as follows: President, J. C. McLanahan; sec- 
retaries: W. C. Kreps, J. R. Davison, John H. Shook, P. S. Wilhelm, 
William G. Davison, James Shirey, B. F. Winger, Dr. F. A. Bushey, R. G. 
Scarlett, C. P. Bechtelle, William Snyder, H. Clippinger, Samuel Detrich, 
C. H. Ruthrauf, Dr. W. B. Brown. For the vocal music, the audience was 
indebted to the choristers: Mrs. Helen Strickler, Mrs. M. K. Detrich, Misses 
Sadie Fisher, Julia Bart, Clara Goetz, Alice Goetz, Grace Eby, and Messrs. 
S. H. Eby, H. Clippinger, Samuel Detrich, J. C. Gilliland, James E. Fisher, 
J. W. Thiel, William Parkhill, George W. Parkhill; Miss Grace Bishop, 
organist. 

GREENCASTLE AND MARYLAND TURNPIKE. 

This was first a turnpike and plank road, and organized in 1849. Incorpo- 
rators: Henry Miller, Jacob Pensinger, A. B. Wingerd, Michael Gordon, Ja- 
cob Wingerd, B. M. Powell, Charles W. Farmer, Mrs. C. Grabriel, David 
Hicks, David Strite, Michael Geller, Michael Grossman, John Ruthrauff, John 
Rowe, Joseph Hallor, William Grubb, A. L. Irwin, Geo. W. Ziegler, Samuel 
Obercash, Samuel Miller, W. H. Brienbaugh, Benjamin Snively. The route 
was surveyed, and work commenced in 1857. Length of road, five miles. 

THE CHURCHES. 

The accounts of the " Old Red Church " and the "Old White Church " 
are given at pp. 543-544, because they were among the oldest record accounts 
that are now accessible. 

Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greencastle. — The date of organi- 
zation can not be definitely ascertained. The earliest extant record is a copy of 
the paper deposited in the corner-stone of the old church, bearing the date, Sep- 
tember 13, 1792, and containing the following names: Nye, Bayer, Saylor, 
Basehore, Zimmerman, Brundlinger, Simon, Hochlender, Gerard, Hoeflich, 
Schaffner, Klapsaddle, Wagner, Peifer and Mann. Until the dedication of 
that building, April 2, 1798, the Lutherans worshiped with the Reformed 
congregation in the ' ' Old Log Church. ' ' The first known pastor, Rev. John 
Ruthrauff, took charge April, 1795, and served this people forty years, all the 
services being in the German language. The first English pastor was Rev. 
John Reck, 1832; succeeded by the following: Revs. Jer. Harpel, 1835; Jacob 
Martin, 1837; Peter Sahm, 1840; Michael Eyster, 1846; Christian Kunkel 
(supply), 1850; James M. Harkey, 1850; Edwin Breidenbaugh, 1852; William 
F. Eyster, 1865; A. Stewart Hartman (supply), 1869; Thomas T. Everett, 
1870; Frederick Klinefelter, 1872. The German and English services alter- 
nated until 1865, when the former was discontinued. The original church 
building was enlarged in 1836, remodeled in 1857, and removed March, 1875, to 
be replaced by the present structure, the corner-stone of which was laid June 




(^yy^l^- J&A-tf&n^ 




BOROUGH OF GBEENCASTLE. 549 

13, of the same year, and the first service held in the lecture room February 
6, 1876. The building was completed and dedicated June 13, 1880, costing 
$16,352. The Sunday-school is one of the oldest in the county, having grown 
out of a German Union parochial school, as early as 1810, the first teachers 
of which were Zimmerman, Cleveland and Kibler. The superintendents have 
been Messrs. Conrad Sohm, John G. Miller, Matthias Walter, Thomas David- 
son, Bernard Walter, Dr. Adam Carl, John Heichert, John Schillito, Peter 
Spence, Matthias Nead, Samuel Ruthrauff and Benjamin Palmer. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1826, in the house of Jacob 
Staley, in Greencastle. The first members were Albert Kreps, Joseph Akers 
and Jacob Staley and family. The first public house of worship was built 
about 1834. The second church was erected in 1851, at a cost of $1,600. The 
present building was erected in 1883, at a cost of $10,000. Pastors: 1867, 
Rev. Oliver S. Stuart, served one year; 1868, G. D. Pennepacker; 1869, J. 

A. Woodcock; 1870, J. B. Shaver; 1871, A. H. Mench; 1872-73, H. B. 
Fortner; 1874, W. V. Gane; 1877-79, H. C. Cheston; 1880-81, J. P. Moore; 
1882-84, J. Y. Shannon; 1885, R. H. Wharton. In 1886 J. C. Brown began 
his term and he is the present pastor. The church membership is 105. A 
successful Sunday-school is connected with the church; it numbers about 125. 

The German Reformed Congregation worshiped in a log church, at first, in 
company with the Lutherans. The Reformed built their own church in 1808. 
An account of this old log church is given above. Their minister in 1808 
was Rev. Rahouser. In 1818, Rev. F. A. Scholl, the first resident pastor, 
resigned in 1833. Supplies were then furnished from Mercersburg, Revs. 
Jacob Mayer and Hamilton Vandyke acting generally. The next resident was 
Rev. John Rebaugh, from 1837 to 1851, succeeded by Rev. John S. Faulk; 
then Rev. Thos. G. Apple, whose successors were Drs. S. N. CalJender, Moses 
Keifer, and Revs. S. K. Kremer, John H. Sykes and Cyrus Cort, the present 
efficient incumbent. 

The United Brethren Church was organized in 1816, at the house of Peter 
Hawbaker, who afterward served the church as pastor. The first congrega- 
tion numbered six, viz. : Peter Hawbaker, Susan Hawbaker, Conrad Cofforth, 
Mrs. Cofforth, Jacob Byerly, and Henry Knauber, Jr. ; the last named was the 
class leader. Until 1829 meetings were held in the union schoolhouse, where 
two other congregations worshiped at the same time. Their own house was 
erected in 1828 — a frame, costing about $900. The trustees and building 
committee were John Dowe, Geo. Ziegler, Jacob Wingerd, Samuel Lauchard 
and Solomon Moore. They worshiped in this house until 1884, when it was 
removed and the present brick erected, costing $7,000. It is on North Wash- 
ington Street, near Madison. The trustees and building committee were Rev. 
Christian Newcomer, Mr. Flack, Jacob Erb, William Brown, Mr. Dreisbach, 
John Zahn, Frederick Gilbert, Geo. St. Clair Hussey, John Hendricks, James 
Neiman, John Fohl, James M. Bishop, Tobias Crider, Alexander Owen, W. 

B. Raber, Z. A. Colestock. The pastors of this church have been as follows: 
1854, Revs. T. F. Howell and J. S. Wentz; 1855, J. S. Wentz and J. B. 
Weidler; 1856, G. W. Showman and William Owen; 1857 and 1858, J. M. 
Bishop, William Owen and S. L. Minnick. Wm. R. Coursey served the church 
during the years 1859 and 1860, with H. Y. Hummelbaugh. During 1861 
and 1862 Alexander Tripner was pastor, with J. F. Wilt as junior preacher 
during 1861. From 1863 to 1865, inclusive, J. C. Smith was pastor, with 
Wm. Humberger, as assistant, during the first two years, and J. X. Quigley 
the year 1865 ; 1866-67, J. Dickson, with Mr. Brickley assistant the first year 
and S. A. Mower during the year 1867. During 1868, J. G. Schaff and B. G. 

29 



550 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Huber. From 1869 to 1870, J. X. Quigley. From 1871 to 1872, J. F. Sheaf- 
fer; 1873, J. M. Bishop; 1874-75, Wilson Owen; during the former part of the 
year 1876, W. O. Smith; during the latter part of the same year, D. W. 
Weller; 1877, W. B. Evers, and, during 1878, "W. A. Dickson; from 1879 
to 1880, Wm. Quigley; 1881-84, G. W. Bingham. The present pastor, J. B. 
Weidler, was appointed to this place in March, 1885. Total membership, 
342. The first services in Greencastle by United Brethren were held in 1814, 
conducted by Rev. Christian Newcomer. For a long time services were at 
very long intervals. 

CEDAR HILL CEMETERY. 

President, Alex. S. Elliott; secretary, J. R. Ruthrauff; treasurer, Jacob 
Hostetter; superintendent. George M. Byers; board of managers, Alexander 
S. Elliot, Jacob S. Fleming, Jacob Pensinger, Jacob Hostetter, Jacob Dear- 
dorff, Jere. Detrich, Dr. F. A. Bushey, L. H. Fletcher, Hamsher Clippinger, 
S. H. Prather, J. R, Ruthrauff. 

SCHOOLS. 

An early school-teacher in the town of Greencastle was Robert Allen. He- 
taught a school here in 1812; he was noted for his fine penmanship; he had 
formerly clerked in a wholesale flour establishment in Boston. His outfit was 
so remarkable for that day and attracted such keen interest we are unable to 
describe it: a splendid rifle and sword, excellent violin, a gold watch and clothes 
of latest cut. He was a bachelor, intelligent, companionable, and, for that 
day, a further mark distinguished him from teachers — he was not a member 
of any church. 

The schoolroom was built of round logs, the corner ends not cut off, roof 
of clapboards four feet long and eight inches wide, and weighted down with 
heavy poles; chimney in the center of the room, where logs could be burned, 
the usual batten door and string latch; floors made of slabs from the saw-mill;, 
the same with wooden legs in auger holes made the seats, and also the writing 
bench around the wall. 

Other prominent teachers were John Bryson, McCune, Gammel, Miss 
McAllister, George Lawrence, Thomas Gamble. James McDowell was a 
prominent and successful teacher, well known in this line all over the county; 
he was capable, and severe in his discipline. Then there were teachers, Clark 
McDowell, Mrs. Rankin, Robert McClellan. Thomas Davis taught a select 
school, and Daniel B. McClain a classical school. Holmes Agnew was a teacher 
for some time. John B. Farmer is well remembered as a teacher; he taught 
faithfully during the week, but drank freely during his vacations; he was 
quite successful, nevertheless, as an instructor. In 1847 Rev. William Bell 
Stewart commenced a school and taught three years; he introduced the use of 
the blackboard. 

The text books in the olden time were not many; Dilworth's speller, Bible 
reading, Gess' arithmetic, then Pike's. Geography was not then taught. 
Penmanship received much attention, and the pens used were goose quills. 

INDUSTRIES. 

Croivell Manufacturing Company was started as a foundry, by Bradley 
& Chappel, in 1845. In 1850 J. B. Crowell bought Chappel's interest, and, 
as Crowell & Bradley, the business was conducted till 1857, when Franklin 
Keller was admitted to a partnership. At this time the manufacture of grain 
drills and hay rakes was added to the business. The establishment was burned 
in 1861, and at once a temporary structure was erected. Bradley, Crowell & 



BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 551 

Keller dissolved the firm the same year. The new board of directors of the 
Crowell Manufacturing Company, of Greencastle, has (1887) elected the fol- 
lowing officers: President, J. B. Crowell; secretary, C. F. Fletcher; treasurer 
and superintendent, Jos. E. Crowell. 

Steam Saw-mill. — In 1860 Edwin Emerson, Gen. Detrich andW. H. Davi- 
son started a steam saw-mill, sash and door factory. In 1801 James C. Austin 
purchased the interest of Emerson and Detrich, and in 1862 Mr. Crowell bought 
out Mr. Austin and formed a partnership with Mr. Davison, adding the grain 
drill and hay rake business to the factory of Austin & Davison. In 1870 Crowell 
& Davison dissolved, and Davison's half interest was purchased by J. B. 
Crowell and Jacob Deardorff, the latter having been clerk of the old firm. In 
1874 Joseph E. Crowell, of Ohio, nephew of the senior Crowell, purchased a 
fourth interest. The firm then became J. B. Crowell & Co., and so continued 
until 1882. The company was incorporated in 1878, capital stock $65,000, 
but the name was not changed by the act of incorporation until 1882, when it 
w r as newly incorporated as the Crowell Manufacturing Company; capital stock 
at present, $200,000. In addition to the articles manufactured, the company 
added the making on an extensive scale of traction and stationary engines, 
boilers, saw- mills, threshers, etc. It is now one of the most extensive and suc- 
cessful manufactories in the country. The company gives employment to 
about 100 hands. 

J. A. Harper's Carriage Works, consisting of wood, paint, blacksmith 
shops and warehouse, were commenced in 1881. The sales are to the sur- 
rounding country and the South. 

BOROUGH OFFICERS. 

Burgess, John Carl. Town council: C. P. Bechtelle, president; Geo. W. 
Brumbaugh, C. F. Bonner, J. J. Stager, C. C. Teatian, D. W. Mowen; secre- 
tary and attorney, J. B. Buthrauff; treasurer, J. E. Whitmore. Constable, 
Chas. W. Pentz; justices of the peace, Peter Mutersbaugh and Wm. A. Mc- 
Kinney. School directors: H. R. Gaff, president; Wm. G. Davison, secretary; 
D. B. Keefer, John Wilhelm, Dr. J. F. Nowell, C. F. Fletcher. Auditors, 
Fred. Z. Heck, Wm. A. Reid, E. E. Davison; assessor, William A. McKin- 
ney; tax collector, Peter Smith; high constable, Samuel Garman, Sr. ; wood 
measurer, Samuel Detrich; policeman, William Shrader. 

NATIONAL BANK. 

President, Dr. James K. Davidson; cashier, John H. Shook; clerk, Sam- 
uel H. Eby; directors, Dr. J. K. Davidson, Benj. Snively, Geo. W. Ziegler, 
Jacob B. Crowell, John Carl, John Wilhelm, David Z. Shook, Abraham Grove, 
Jacob Shank, J. C. McLanahan, Isaac Shank. 

TOWN HALL COMPANY. 

President, Addison Imbrie; secretary and treasurer, Jacob Pensinger^ 
directors, Jacob Pensinger, John Wilhelm, Jacob Deardorff, J. C. McLana- 
han, James S. Crunkleton, Addison Imbrie and Dr. J. K. Davidson. 

SOCIETIES. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Conococheague Lodge, No. 228, was 
organized in 1846. Charter members: A. N. Bankin, Michael Cantner, Wol- 
ford Rosenfeld, John Wilhelm, William Brown; meetings originally held in 
building now occupied by depot. The society was revived by charter in 1876, 
and called Greencastle Lodge. The following were charter members: Michael 



552 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Cantner, Frederick George, George Bradley, Levi Pickle, Jeremiah Detrich, 

A. N. Hubert ; Henry W. Scott, Secretary ; Harry Stoner, N. G. ; Thomas Gor- 
don, V. G. 

Knights of Honor was organized February 24, 1880. Charter members: 
W. F. Patton, dictator; John B. Davison, P. D. ; C. B. Bechtelle, V. D. ; 
J. B. Davison, F. B. ; A. K. Branisholts, treasurer; W. G. Davison, "Wil- 
liam Snyder, C. H. Buthrauff, W. B. Buthrauff. Josiah Lesher, A. S. Elliott, 
G. B. Hawbaker, A. A. Wagner, H. H. Carr, Dr. F. A. Bushey, Dr. J. F. No- 
well, William Laubbs, Peter Smith, Theodore Koontz, C. H. Fulwiler, C. F. 
Eckman. 

Legion of Honor was organized in February, 1881. Members: J. Detrich, 
William Snyder, John Gates, B. F. Winger, E. W. Bhodes, Charles E. Bhodes, 

C. H. Buthrauff, Geo. E. Haller, J. Patton Moore, William Snyder, A. A. 
Wagner, J. S. Snively, Jacob Stover, J. C. Spielman, F. A. Bushey, J. B. 
Davison, J. Fletcher Nowell, J. E. Whitmore, W. O. Snyder, W. G. Davi- 
son, H. B. Gaff, Benj. Palmer, T. J. Nill, W. B. Buthrauff, W. S. Snively, 
Addison Imbrie, John B. Buthrauff, J'. H. Scarbaugh, C. F. Fletcher, M. S. 
Kinkle, John Goetz, Jacob Hostetter, Jacob Wilmer, J. B. Metcalf, Benj. 
Snively, Clifford Bhodes, William Laubbs, W. L. Bhodes, W. S. Detrich, W. 

D. Parkill, P. B. Haller, James M. Leiter, D. B. Keefer, Henry M. Pope, 
David Byers. First officers: John Gates, commander; W. F. Patton, P. C. 
(since deceased); J. Detrich, V. C. ; William G. Davison, secretary; Jacob 
Hostetter, treasurer; A. W. Welch, collector. 

Masons. — Mount Boyal Lodge was organized about 1815. The charter 
members were Col. Wood, Bobbin Guinnea, Jacob Kunkle, John D. W T ork, 
Eli Fuss, Capt. James Brown, Arowine Miller, Daniel Horr, William Clark 
McDowell. The society disbanded in the days of anti-Masonic excitement. 
The present is the Mount Pisgah Lodge, No. 443. It was organized August 
26, 1869, by William Adams, A. F. Schafhirt, Benj. F. Winger, S. B. Snively, 
Joseph A. Davison, John Goetz, H. B. Gaff, S. H. Prather, Jacob Lear, Jacob 

B. Smith, Eli Fuss, James M. Brown, Wm. Hammett, George W. Frye, W T m. 
H. McDowell, James P. W T olff, A. J. North, Joseph W. Winger and Thos. 
Pawling. William Snvder was the first initiate. Present officers are F. A. 
Bushey, W. M. ; Lewis Cantner, S. W. ; John Goetz, J. W. ; H. E. Gaff, 
Treas. ; B. F. Winger, Secretary. 

The W. C. T. U. was organized October, 1883, by Mrs. Shennafield and 
Mrs. Dr. Kennedy, of the Chambersburg union. The charter members were 
these ladies : Mesdames, Sarah J. Crooks, M. J. Buthrauff, John Bert, Ben. Bert, 
M. H. E. McLanahan, H. J. Agnew, Feldman, Joseph Crowell, E. Martin, An- 
nie C. Branisholts, Oliver Brown, Hollenberger, J. D. Hunter, B. F. Winger, 
Dr. Nowell, Chas. Buthrauff, Joanna Pittenger, William Addleman, J. Y. Shan- 
non; Misses H.J. Davison, Sarah P. Moore, Susan P. Hawbecker, L. C. Fatzing- 
er, Kate Clippinger, Jennie Agnew, May W T est, Blanche Winger, Bessie 
Brown, Sarah Glaser, Bel. Buthrauff, Kitty M. Martin, Minnie Snively, Nan- 
nie Gordon, Julia Bert, Jennie Brosius, Clara S. Yous, Mary Wilders. 
First officers: President, Mrs. John Bert; general vice-president, Mrs. Bev. 
John Agnew; corresponding secretary, Miss Blanche D. Winger; recording 
secretary, Miss May West; treasurer, Mrs. Benj. Bert. Present officers: 
President, Mrs. John Bert; general vice-president, Mrs. Bev. John Agnew; 
corresponding secretary, Mrs. William Axldleman; recording secretary, Miss 
Blanche D. Winger; treasurer, Mrs. Benj. Bert. Meetings are held once a 
month. They make use of the W. C. T. TJ. monthly readings; have spent $35 
for literature. 



BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 553 

Corporal Rihl Post, No. 438, G. A. K, was organized May L2, 1884, 
by John A. Seiders, of Chainbersburg, with the following charter members, 
J. R. Davison, Jacob S. Snively, M. W. Kisecker, C. H. Fnlweiler, Rev. J. 
Y. Shannon, William Snyder, Daniel Hellane, J. B. Byers, Geo. B. Snively, 
Jacob Wilt, Henry Foster, William Brenizer, Dr. F. A. Bushey, Dr. H. G. 
Chritzman, G. W. Kennedy (deceased), Cyrus Kennedy, James Morehead, 
Jacob Helfrich, David H. Mowen, David Hager, George Arendt, E. B. Car- 
penter, Geo. T. Hudson, Frank Hoffman, J. R. Cummins, Samuel Showalter: 
J. L. Meredith. Oscar Anderson, Simon Palmer and D. A. Pentz. Original 
officers: Commander, J. R. Davison; senior vice-commander, Jacob S. Snively; 
junior, M. W. Kisecker; adjutant, C. H. Fulweiler; chaplain, Rev. J. Y. 
Shannon. The post is in a nourishing condition. 

(William H. Rihl,* after whom the post was named, was born in Philadel- 
phia, in 1843. Concerning his ancestry, nothing has been learned. He was 
by occupation a gardener. At the time he entered the service he was eighteen 
years old; five feet, six and a quarter inches in height; had light complexion, 
blue eyes- and dark hair. On the 19th of July, 1861, he enlisted for three 
years, or during the war, in a company of cavalry recruited and organized by 
Capt. W. H. Boyd, one of the first companies raised, for that branch of the service 
during the war. The company was finally attached to the First New York Cav- 
alry, a regiment authorized to be raised by Col. Carl Schurz, but which, on 
account of his being appointed minister to Spain, was finally drilled and led 
into the field by Maj. Andrew T. McReynolds. who became its colonel. This 
company became Company C, with the following corps of officers: Captain, 
William H. Boyd; first lieutenant, Wm. W. Hanson; second lieutenant, James 
H. Stevenson. The regiment was known as the First New York (Lincoln) 
Cavalry, and was the first cavalry authorized to be raised during the re 1 ellion. 
The following was the authority: 

Wai! Department, 
Washington, May 1, 1861. 

To the Governors of the several States and all whom it may concern: 

I have authorized Col. Carl Schurz to raise and organize a volunteer regiment of cav- 
alry. For the purpose of rendering it as efficient as possible, he is instructed to enlist 
principally such men as have served in the same arm before. The Government will pro- 
vide the regiment with arms, but can not provide the horses and accoutrements. For 
these necessaries we rely upon the patriotism of the States and the citizens, and for this 
purpose I take the liberty of requesting you to afford Col. Schurz your aid in the execu- 
tion of this plan. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

It was composed of four companies of Germans and six of Americans, re- 
cruited in New York; a company from Michigan, and Boyd's company, from 
Philadelphia. The command operated with the Army of the Potomac in its 
various movements. During Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania Boyd's detach- 
ment rendered invaluable service in escorting Gen. Milroy's supply train from 
Winchester to Harrisburg, and then harrassing the advance and flanks of the 
advancing rebel army. At Greencastle the company, with some forty-three 
men. made a bold dash on Jenkins' advance, and drove them in great con- 
fusion back to the main command. In this reckless charge, M. S. Cafferty and 
Corp. William H. Rihl were far in the advance. As they were dashing past 
the Fleming house, just out of town, they were fired upon by a body of rebel 
infantry lying in a wheat field to the left. The result was the wounding of 
Cafferty in the leg and the shooting of Rihl through the head, the ball enter- 
ing his upper lip and passing out through the upper part of the skull. Thus 

* Much carelessness has been shown in the spelling of this name. The one given in this text is the au- 
thorized one, being sanctioned by the orderly sergeant, his captain, and his muster and pay rolls in Albany 
and VVasbington. 



554 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

fell, o he 22d of June, 1863, Corp. William H. Rihl, the first Union soldier 
slain free soil during the war of the Rebellion. Miss Mary Fleming was 
the loyal person to be at the side of the young soldier, brave and dashing 

in hJ at now a martyr to the cause of liberty. His body was interred by 
the enemy in the wheat field, where it remained, for several days, when it was 
exhumed and removed to the Lutheran graveyard, in the village. On the 
2'2d of June, 1886, twenty-three years after his tragic death, the remains of 
dorp. Rihl were taken from their resting place in the graveyard, and with 
imposing ceremonies reburied by patriotic hands on the site where he fell, 
preparatory to the erection of a suitable monument. These exercises were 
under the direction of Corp. Rihl Post, the members of which conceived the 
idea of perpetuating in this public manner the memory of the brave comrade 
after whom the post was called. A large fund has already been subscribed, 
and much more is to be raised to complete the work undertaken.*) 



CHAPTER XXiy. 

TOWNSHIPS. 

Antrim, 1741— Ltjrgan, 1743— Peters, 1751 — Guilford. 1751 — Hamilton, 1752— 
Faxxett, 1761— Letterkenny, 17(52 — Washington, 1779— Montgomery, 1781 
— Southampton, 1783— Franklin, 1784— Greene, 1788— Metal, 1795— War- 
rex, 1798— St. Thomas, 1818— Quincy, 1838. 

PT"^HE territory now embraced in Franklin County was formed into the civil 
_1. divisions of townships long before the county they are in was thought of. 
When the Cumberland Valley, embraced in what is now Cumberland and 
Franklin Counties, was part of Lancaster County, it was divided and 
townships erected. In 1735, the valley was separated into two townships, 
and, by a singular coincidence, the division line was substantially the same as 
now divides the counties of Cumberland and Franklin. At that time the 
land in this and Cumberland County was in the possession, and the owner- 
ship of the Indians. The treaty with the Five Nations, at Philadelphia, 
by which the proprietors of the province became the owners of the soil 
here, took place October 11, 1736. The court of quarter sessions of Lancas- 
ter County, at the November session of 1835, divided the valley into two 
townships, Pennsborough and Hopewell, the former embracing substantially 
what is now Cumberland County and the latter what is now Franklin County. 
The division line between Pennsborough and Hopewell Townships crossed the 
valley about where Newville now is — then or soon afterward known as the 
*' Big Springs." From this place to the Maryland line was, for a time, Hope- 
well Township. Lancaster County. 

In giving the account of the erection of the different townships now in the 
county, we have followed, as closely as we could, the chronological order of 
their formation. 

*[Just as our forms iro to press we learn that Dr. H. G. Chritzrnan has introduced a bill in the Legislature, 
appropriating 8500 lor this monument. — Ed | 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 555 

ANTRIM, 1741.* 

At the May term, 1741, of the quarter sessions court of Lancaster "upon 
the application of the inhabitants of the township ' ' (of the western portion 
of Hopewell), presented by Richard O'Cain, Esq., the order of the court 
erecting Antrim Township was made; and here again is the coincidence that 
the order forming the new township included the same territory now forming 
the county, except Warren (Little Cove), Fannett and Metal Townships. 
Therefore, except these three, the present townships of the county were, at 
different times, taken from the territory of Antrim. 

It was evidently named for Antrim, Ireland, and the name is significant of 
where the early settlers were from — the brave and hardy Scotch-Irish, who 
pushed their way to the extreme frontier settlements and in the face of appall- 
ing obstructions " hewed the dark old woods away," and gave us the smiling 
green fields, of to-day. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

The first settlers were Jacob Snively, James Johnston, Joseph Crunkleton 
and James Rody. They came in 1735. Joseph Crunkleton had obtained from 
the proprietaries his " license" for land the year before, 1734, and it is there- 
fore probable that he was the main cause of directing the attention of those 
who came with him to this place. His ' ' license ' ' was for so much land to be 
selected in or about a certain rather indefinitely described place, to be after- 
ward surveyed and patented to him. The land selected by Mr. Crunkleton is 
the property now owned by Benjamin Snively and David Eshelman, situated 
about two miles east of Greencastle. Mr. Snively made his improvement upon 
the land that was the homestead of Mr. Andrew Snively, deceased. Mr. 
Johnston took up the lands now owned by Christian Stover and Henry Whit- 
more. Mr. Rody settled on Conococheague Creek and made his improvement 
on the land now owned by Andrew G. McLanahan. Thus was constituted 
the first white settlement in Antrim Township. 
/" This was known as, or was called, the ' ' Conococheague settlement. ' ' They 
/ had hardly got up their first log cabins when other ' ' settlers ' ' began to arrive. 
In the preceding history of the borough of Greencastle is given the account of the 
early settlers in and about Greencastle, and in the account of the ' ' Old Red 
Church' ' may be found also all the known facts of many of the prominent early 
settlers in Antrim Township. The "Red Church" was the first organization of 
the kind in this part of the county. It was situated about three-fourths of a 
I mile east of where Greencastle now stands. The transcriptions from the old 
I graveyard are of much interest to the descendants of these early settlers. 

EARLY LAND TITLES. 

From the oldest records of land titles in the township are taken the follow- 
ing: 

William Allison's warrant dated September 7, 1<50, for 270 acres. His 
neighbors at that time were Robert McCrea, John Allison, Casper Walter, An- 
drew Robison, Samuel Smith. The deputy surveyor was John Armstrong. 

John Allison, 80 acres, warrant dated August 1, 1766. Neighbors: John 
Davison, Evans Shelby. 

Gustavus Brown, 282 acres, warrant, August 22, 1751. Neighbors: John 
Wallace, Capt. A. Cain. 

James Bones, 228 acres, warrant, August 4, 1766. Neighbors: John Gor- 
don, John Potter, Michael McNulty, John Johnston. 

♦For Borough of Greencastle, see page 542. 



556 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Thomas and George Brown, survey. February 22, 1763. Neighbors: Ja- 
cob Snively, John Potter's heirs, Joseph Cook, Benjamin Chambers, Patrick 
McClane, Robert Thompson's heirs, Joseph Reynolds. 

Joseph Gallady, 60 acres, warrant, May 13, 1763. Neighbors: Henry 
Snively, S. Crunkleton, Samuel Smith. 

John Nigh, 65 acres and 62 acres, warrant, May 13, 1763. Neighbors: 
John Waggerly, Samuel Findlay.' 

Simon Eaker, (in right of Philip Wolff,) 130 acres surveyed September 14, 
1767. Neighbors: George Patty, Simon Eaker, Robert Beard, William Pat- 
ty and John Leab. 

John Mitchell, 227 acres. 

James Beatty, 114 acres. 

Henry Gordon, 67 acres. Neighbors: James Bones, Jacob Snively, Henry 
Gordon, Thomas Johnston. 

Abraham Gable, 195 acres, warrant, April 13, 1749. Neighbors: Michael 
Gable and W. O. Grubb. 

Abraham Gable, in right of Richard Gable, 130 acres, warrant, May 31, 
1762. Neighbors: Henry Stoll and Wm. Berryhill. 

William Findley, 169 acres, warrant, May 3, 1768, Neighbors: John 
Scott and Robert Davison. 

Elias Davidson three tracts, 176 acres. Neighbors: David Scott, Will- 
iam Neal, Robert Crunkleton, John Lowman, John McClellan, Abraham 
Smith, Robert Davison. 

John Davison, 147 acres, December, 1752. 

Robert Davison, 3 tracts, February, 1766. 

Elias Davidson, 26 acres, December 19, 1761. 

Samuel Findley, 106 acres, June 10, 1762. 

Robert Crunkleton, 101 acres, June 3, 1762. 

Joseph Cook, 264 acres, December 4, 1766. 

Thomas Clugston, 109 acres, January 14, 1767. 

John Scott, 109 acres, August 1, 1766. 

Henry Stahl, 13 acres, March 1, 1768. 

Richard O'Cain, 79| acres, July 25, 1751. 

Henry Stahl, two tracts, 270 acres, October 5, 1765. 

Jacob Snively, four tracts, January 20, 1753. 

James Scott, two tracts, 447 acres, June 5, 1762. 
-' Abraham Smith, two tracts, 370 acres, June 10, 1747. 

Samuel Smith's heirs, 437 acres, August 13, 1746. 

William Smith, two tracts, 67f acres, November 18, 1748. 

John Coil, 68 acres, August 28, 1766. 

Michael McNulty, 334 acres, May 24, 1753. 

Joseph Alexander, 100 acres, February 8, 1742. 

Andrew Miller (right of David Magaw), three tracts, 440 acres, March 
18, 1737. > 

Benjamin Chambers, 361 acres, August 1, 1755. 

George Gibson, 520 acres, October 28, 1746. 

Andrew Gibson, 203 acres. 

Richard Gable (right of Abraham Gable), 110 acres, October 31, 1767. 
— Adam Hoops, 242 acres, September 30, 1751. 

James Knox (in right of Samuel McFarren), 160 acres, June 10, 1747. 

David Kennedy, 50 acres, November 9, 1741, and June 14, 1740. 

David Scott (now John Lowman' s), 187 acres, August 20, 1738. 

John Mitchell, 254 acres, March 21, 1737. 




•-1- 




2^2-? 



&sfe^ 



ANTKIM TOWNSHIP. 559 

Archibald McClellan, 64 acres, October 16, 1741. 

Jarnes McLanahan, four tracts, 900 acres, July 5, 1742. 

William Magaw, 86 acres, March 25, 1748. 

Henry Pawling. 121 acres, June 10, 1762. 

Thomas Poe, 56S acres, October 9, 1750. 

Henry Prather,72 acres, June 4, 1762. 

George Reynolds, 343 acres, October 6, 1738. 

Robert Wallace, 65 acres, October 19, 1743. 

John Brotherton, 135 acres, April 25, 1747. 

John Potter, 1 14 acres, October 9, 1750. 

Samuel McPherren, 174 acres, June 10, 1747. 

Moses Thompson, 141 acres, May 24, 1753. 

James McBryer, 219 acres, February 3, 1755. 

David McBryer, October 4, 1753. 

Moses Thompson, April 9, 1755. 

Thomas Entricken, April 9, 1755. 

Thomas Nesbitt, April 9, 1755. 

George Corbet, April 9, 1755. 

OLD GRAVEYARD TRANSCRIPTIONS. 

In Brown's Mills Cemetery are found the following: Henry Pawling, died in 
1761 (this is the oldest record on the stones in this graveyard); near this is an- 
other which informs us that Henry Pawling died February 15, 1794, aged 
forty seven years. John M. Pawling, born December 1, 1783, died November 
26, 1838; Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Prather, and wife of JohnM. Pawling, 
born May 18, 1788, died November 12, 1864. Sarah Courtney, died August 29, 
1802, aged sixty-two years. Jane McCleary, consort of Robert McCleary, born 
March 7, 1766, died July 20. 1851. William Reynolds, died April 2, 1819, 
aged seventy-nine years; Ruth Reynolds, died June 23,. 1824, aged eighty- 
two years. John McLean, born November 13, 1766, died August 1, 1849. 
James Poe, one of the Revolutionary patriots, died June 22, 1822, aged 
seventy-four years; Elizabeth Poe, consort, died September 11, 1819, aged 
fifty-two years. Rev. Mathew Lind, died April 21, 1800, aged sixty-eight 
years; his consort, Jennette Fulton, died April 1, 1819, aged seventy-three 
years. James Witherspoon, died March 18, 1838, aged eighty-one years; 
Mary, consort, died November 25, 1838, aged eighty-seven years. 

In cemetery near Shady Grove are found the following: Col. Thomas 
Johnson, died in 1819, aged seventy-five years ; Martha Beatty, consort, died in 
August, 1811. Eliza M. Lanahan, daughter of Thomas Johnson, died aged 
fifty-eight years. Joseph Cooke, died February 5, 1804, aged eighty-two 
years. James Johnston, born in north of Ireland, died in 1765. From docu- 
ments in the possession of his descendants, he settled in Antrim Township 
in the early part of the year 1735. There are some evidences indicating that 
he was the first white settler in the township. In time, however, he would 
have preceded those mentioned above by a few months. Add to these the 
account of the interments in 3Iossy Spring Cemetery, given in the account 
of Greencastle, and it makes a full account of necrology of the early settlers. 

LIST OF TAXABLES 1786. 

The earliest records accessible, of those who were here in 1 786, are fur- 
nished in the list of taxables for that year, in Antrim Township with its pres- 
ent boundaries, including the borough of Greencastle. 



560 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



John Allison. 
William Allison. 
William Adams. 
John Allan. 
Samuel Archer. 
Dr. Robert Aj&Uuise. 
Conrad Burner. 
Widow Bee. 
Hugh Barklej. 
James Boreland. 
James Brotherton. 
Wm. Berryhill. 
Wm. Burk. 
_ Jacob Brumbaugh. 
George Brown. 
Jacob Bair. 
Wm. Beaty. 
Fredk. Byars, Sr. 
Fredk. Byars, Jr. 
•Conrad Bush. 
James Brown. 
Ceo. Bartlebaugh. 
John Beatty. 
Henry Beast. 
Christ. Brandibarger. 
Jacob Brunk. 
Joseph Crunkelton. 
Hugh Curathers. 
John Crunkelton. 
Robt. Crunkelton, Sr. 
Robt. Crunkelton, Jr. 
Saml. Crunkelton. 
Wm. Cros 
James Cross. 
George Clark. 
Thos. Clugston. 
Gabriel Carpenter. 
Joseph Cook. 
Peter Coon. 
Christ. Creamer. 
James Crawford. 
i Charles Cox. 
Robert Cooper. 
Michael Carey. 
Wm. Callahan. 
Leonard Crowbarger. 
Robert Clugston. 
John Downey. 
Wm. Downey. 
Saml. Downey. 
Alex. Drybrough. 
Robt. Davison. 
Elias Davidson. 
Dr. John Davidson. 
John Davison. 
Joseph Davis. 
John Davis, tailor. 
Saml. Duglas. 
James Dixon. 
Thos. Duglas. 
Wm. Dowuey. 
Abm. Derush. 
John Dusingberiy. 
Adam Dickey, 
George Eldrich. 
.Peter Elie. 
Cutlip Evert. 
Wm. Evert. 
John Erwin. 
George Eaker. 



Wm. Eaker. 
Abm. Elie. 

Humphrey Fullerton. 
Fredk. Ffsher. 
Conrad Fisher. 
Nich. Frye. 
Jas. Fleck. 
John Foy. 
Hemy Gordon. 
George Gordon. 
Alex. Gordon. 
Hugh Gaff. -— 
Abm. Gabriel. 
Richard Gabriel. 
John Gay. 
John Gibson. 
John Gibson (creek). 
John Grindle. 
Jacob Gallady. 
Abm. Gansinger. 
John Greer. 
Robt. Gibson. 
Danl. Hughes. 
Jacob Harshberger. 
Widow Hanna. 
Widow Hart. 
Abm. Hull. 
John Heafley. ►' 

Francis Hibrick. 

Saml. Hutchison. 

Wm. Henderson. 
John Haugh. 

Thos. Hutson. 

Henry Hoover. 

Nich. Hewit. 

David Howell. 

Henderson & AVilkiu. 
Jas. Johnston. 

John Johnston. 

Thos. Johnston, Esq, 

Dr. Robt. Johnston. 

Wm. Johnston. 

Robert Johnston. 

Andw. Jack. 

Crissly King. 

John Keer. 

John Kirk. 

John Kennedy. 

Fredk. Kycher. 

Wm. Kiers. 

Rev. James Lang. 

Rev. Matthew Liun. 

John Lawrence. 

Richd. Lawrence. / 

Robt. Linn. / 

James Long. 

David Long. 

Michl. Lowman. 

Jacob Lowman. 

George Lowman. 

David Larimore. 

Joseph Lowrey. 

Evans Lewis. 

John Lowman. 

Jacob Leisure. 

Danl. Lane. 

Danl. Liubaugh. 

Wm. McKee. 

Robert McCulloch. 



Saml. McCulloch. 
Jacob Millar. 
James Moor. 
John Millar. 
Danl. Millar. 
Henry Millar. 
Jas. McBride. 
John McLaughlin. 
Danl. Mowan. 
Ludwick Mowan. 
Patrick McEntyre. 
Mary Michal, 
James McLene. 
Danl. McLene. 
Richard McLene. 
Hugh McKee. 
Jas. McRoberts. 
Jas. McCormick. 
John McCormick. 
/ Jas. McClenahan. 
/Widow McClenahan. 
Wm. McClellan. 
Robt. McClellan. 
Jas. McKelley. 
Alex. McCleary, 
Saml. Moor. 
John Marshal. 
>Pat. Maxwell. 
Jas. McEntyre. 
Stephen Mowan. 
Baltsher Mowan. 
Morris McGraw. 
Leigh Masters. 
Henry Morrow. 
Danl. McCan. 
Jas. McClain. 
Henry Millar. 
Hance Miller, Jr. 
John Mares. 
Lazarus McLean. 
John Nye, Sr. 
John Nye, Jr. 
Wm. Neal. 
Wm. Nesbit. - 
Cutlip Nuts. 
Thos. Prather. 
Abm. Prather. 
Christ. Piper. 
John Porter. 
Jose] ih Paton. 
Robt. Paton. 
Henry Pawling. 
Jas. Poe. 
John Packman. 
Felty Pachel. 
Jacob Packsler. 
John Piper. 
Felt}* - Preman. 
Peter Poorman. 
John Paton. 
Andrew Robison. 
James Roberts. 
James Rea. 
John Rinch. • 
Wm. Rankin. 
James Roddy. • 
Andrew Reed. 
John Rule. 
Mat. Ryburn. 



Peter Remer. 
John Rodeman. 
John Rodgers. 
George Rumble. 
Wm. Reany. 
Wm. Rankin. 
Eml. Stotlar. 
Abraham Smith. 
John Scott. 
Wm. Scott. 
John Stoonking. 
Jacob Stotler. 
John Stotler. 
Samuel Smith. 
David Snider. 
Dr. Henry Snively. 
Jacob Sayler. 
Patrick Sangerson. 
Andrew Snively. 
Jos. Snively. 
Saml. Stotler. 
Henry Sights. 
Crisley Snively. 
Henry Snively. 
Dr. Geo. Stover. 
Gasper Stotler. 
Wm. Stover. 
Jacob Stover. 
Emil Stover. 
Fredk. Summers. 
Henry Snively. 
Nick Stuff. 
Henry Stall, Sr. 
Peter Shenholtz. 
Widow Stitt. 
Henry Secrist. 
Philip Stiffey. 
George Sharer. 
Ludwick Small. 
William Stever. Sr. 
William Scott. 
Moses Thompson. 
Robert Thompson. 
Richard Taylor. 
Andrew Thompson. 
Thomas Tacy. 
John Thompson. 
John Weerman. 
Peter Wolf. 
Geo. Wallace. 
Christ Widener. 
Jacob Weidner. 
John Woods. 
Peter Whit m ore. 
James Watson. 
Richard Wright. 
William Woodman. 
Christopher Wise. 
James Witherspoon. 
James White. 
Adam Wilson. 
Jacob Weaver. 
Fredk. Weibel. 
Peter White. 
Jacob Winterberger. 
James White. 
Alex. Young. 
John Youst. 
Jacob Zacharias. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 



561 



FREEMEN. 



"William Allison. 
William Cook. 
Jeremiah Callahan. 
Joseph Crunkleton. 
Jos.Crunkleton, No. 
Jacob Crone. 
William Downey. 
John Ervin. 
James Gibson. 
Jacob Galladay. 
Joseph Grubb. 
Abm. Gansinger. 
Sol. Hoover. 



Peter Hull. 
James Johnson. 
Felty Killer. 
Uanl. Keek. 
2,James McLauahan. 
Robert McClellan. 
Wm. McClellan. 
Saml. Moore. 
Daniel McLene. 
Thos. McLene. 
John McCloskey. 
William Mintooth. 
John McClear'y. 



James McLanahan. 
Hugh Mclntyre. 
Thos. McClain. 
Geo. Nye. 
Henry Pawling, 
ltobt. Pattern. 
Abm. Prather. 
John Rush. 
James Robinson. 
Dr. Adam Rankin. 
James Richey. 
Thos. Richey. 
William Rule. 



Abm. Smith. 

Emanuel Stutter. 
Samuel St otter. 
Stophel Sites. 
Saml. Smith. 
Saml. Stover. 
Henry Sieerist. 
Henry Strimb. 
Conrad Speer. 
Fredk. Summers. 
Robert Wilkeus. 
Cutlip Wisar 
Andrew White. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The Kennedy Settlement in Antrim Township was made between the years 
1755 and 1760. John Kennedy, a native of Lancaster Connty, came to the 
confluence of the East and the West Conococheague, in the southwest part of 
Antrim Township, and located on 700 acres of land, bhe first tract being bot- 
tom land extending a mile and a half in length along the creeks. Contrary 
to the general principle that the early settlers locate on the uplands, and 
hence on the poorest land, he chose the lowland because of the superior fish- 
ing qualities it possessed. This tract he obtained . from an old Indian chief, 
Cornplanter, with whom he lived in the most pleasing friendship for a quarter of 
a century, the old chief having pitched his wigwam at the junction of the 
stream on account of its easy approach to the haunts of the finny tribes. Sub- 
sequently John was joined by his brother David, who, being a bachelor, lived 
"with John in a hut located 100 yards south between the house now occupied by 
Lazarus Kennedy and the creek. John had a son, David, and two daughters, 
Ellen (subsequently married to Joseph Lowry, who lived near to Upton), and 
Mary (married to George Eaker). David, the son, inherited all the farm, and 
became a boatman on the creek between the confluence and the Potomac at 
Georgetown and Alexandria. He married Mary Robinson, daughter of Fran- 
cis Robinson who lived across the creek in what is now Montgomery Township. 
From this union sprang three children — one son, Lazarus, and two daughters, 
Harriet and Charlotte. It is claimed that the same Indians who murdered 
Enoch Brown and his faithful pupils, wounded old John Kennedy. He was 
out hunting his horses which were found grazing in the creek bottom about a 
mile from his home when he was attacked by a party of Indians. They killed the 
horse he rode, and wounded him in the right thigh and shoulder. Being a good 
marksman, he continued to retreat and fire upon them until he reached a bushy 
oak tree that had fallen down into Rush Run, in the top of which he secreted 
himself till nightfall, when he ventured forth and crept away to Cross' Fort, dis- 
tant about a mile from the tree top, where he remained about six weeks away 
from his family. Finally, Cornplanter sought him out, and hearing his story, 
went in pursuit of the desperadoes and chased them into the mountains. The 
199 acres lying at the north end of the track, on which Lazarus Kennedy is 
now living, have remained in the possession of the Kennedys since the first 
settlement by John. Near neighbors and early settlers were the Allisons and 
Henry Pawling at Greencastle ; the McColloughs and Beards near Upton; the 
Davises near Welsh Run; Adam Armstrong, Richard Gabriel. 

About the close of the last century John Kennedy attempted to establish a 
village at the confluence of the two Conococheagues, on the south side of the 
main stream, but the enterprise was soon given up and the town plat vacated. 



562 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

It is now known as the Kennedy farm.* It was here the first and only attempt 
in the county was made to transport merchandise by water. 

In 1772 John Crunldeton laid out a town on the road from "Conoco- 
cheague settlement," (which afterward became Greencastle) toward Waynes- 
boro, about two miles oast of Greencastle. He named the town ' • Crunldeton. " 
Several lots were sold, three houses built and a tavern, by George Clark; 
another, a store, by John Lawrence. This was the maximum of the town's 
growth. Two of the houses were moved away an 1 the place became a part 
of Benjamin Snively's farm. There is no mark now left, except one house, to 
indicate it ever was a village. 

David Brown, who settled in Antrim Township, probably where Brown's 
mill now is, in 1769, came on a trip through what is now Franklin County. He 
kept a diary of his trip, and we extract from it that portion referring to the 
county. It is what he saw and what he wrote down, dated April 26, 1769. We 
apprehend that nothing in this book will be read and pondered with more in- 
terest than these words from Mr. Brown just as he wrote them: 

"After which we crossed Yellow Breeches (which seldom rise much,) and 
went up the creek to Moris' works, which consisted of one furnace and a forge, 
with five fires and 2 hammers, that were all worked by a spring, the head of 
which was not above fifty rod distance, being the largest spring and the best 
works I ever saw — and from thence to Fultons in Carlyle and lodged— had good 
entertainment (but the town is inferior to York both as to size and to situation) 
had an agreeable conference with Col. Armstrong, &c. 

" 27th. Set out a half after 1 1 for a miller and went to Laughlins mill on the 
great spring — there met Lyon on the road, and on enquiry found he was the 
man we were looking for. From thence went up the Spring by R. Whisbeys 
mill, at which we stopped and reviewed it — thence up to Barritz's Tavern on 
the road and fed— went to Wm. Ripleys on the run at Shippenstown. 

' ' 28th. Sett off and went to Baineys and fed; from thence across Coney gogig 
to Chamberstown, where there is a mill on a large spring with about thirty 
feet fall right down into the east Conegogig — went up the road, then turned 
and crossed Conogegig again on Adam Hoopers place, a little above Jacks mill 
and went to Samuel Moorheads, where we dined and fed with great welcome 
without pay — thence went across the woods into Loudon road and up to James 
Campbells at a large stone house, about four miles from Loudon, where we saw 
three young bears, that were lately caught by a wagoner who lived down by 
Brandywine and was carrying them down — thence up across the west Conogo- 
gig to Rowland Harris's in the gap; lodged all night. 

"29th. Went to Allen Browns to breakfast, then turned to the left hand up 
the mountain to a large body of iron ore, and saw about 10 dear in the woods; 
then turned down to the road again and went to the foot of Tus Krora (ParnelF s 
nob) mountain to the sleeping place, where we saw six waggons going to Pitts- 
burg; went to Mr. Elliotts, staid all Day — walked to his mill and to a large rich 
bottom along the creek, part of which he has cleared." 

David Brown was the grandfather of Capt. James Brown. A note from 
Genl. C. T. Campbell, of Scotland, Dak., says: " I think his remains are in. 
the old Brown graveyard, where my grandfather Poe was also buried. : ' 

BOROUGH AND VILLAGES. 

The borough and villages in the township are Greencastle, Shady Grove, 
Wingerton, Middleburg, Brown's Mills and South Pennsylvania Junction. 
Shady Grove was one of the early settlements in the county. The first to 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 563 

come here were the Johnstons, Gordons and Snivelys, 1784-35. They came 
in about the order following: A. Gordon, Jacob Lay, Abraham Unger, M. 
Snively, Henry Ditch, John and Henry Baltzley, Samuel Fisher and Henry 
Grove. A good portion of the land is hold by the descendants of thoso who 
originally purchased it. 

The village was platted and laid out in 1840 by M. Snively. The church 
in the village is the German Baptist— called Dunkards. It was organized in 
1877. 

The population is 125 souls. In the village is a creamery, one general 
store, two blacksmith shops, a steam chopping-mill, a pump-maker, doctor, 
etc. 

Middleburg. — The first settler here, who built the first house, was Jack 
/ W olgamot. The village was founded by Jacob Strickler, in 1812. It is on 
the main rOad leading from Greencastle to Hagerstown, and takes its name 
from the fact that it is equi-distant between the two places. 

It was originally called ' ' Spiglersburg. " Wolgamot, it is said, built his 
house on the State line — one-half the house in Maryland and one-half in 
Pennsylvania, so he could worry the officers who occasionally called to see him 
on official business. But upon a new swing of the line, he had made a mis- 
take, as the house was in Maryland and only the chimney in Pennsylvania. 

The Middleburg Reformed Church had its first preaching by Rev. John Re- 
baugh in 1837; congregation organized in 1852, sixty -four members. The act- 
ive members, elders and deacons were Philip Stine, Abraham Ziegler, Daniel 
P. Miller, Henry Miller, Michael Stine, Peter McLaughlin, Daniel Brickley. 
John Zeigler. Rev. Rebaugh continued in charge until 1863, then Revs. 
Thomas G. Apple and Callender until 1870. The place was then made a sup- 
ply station; preaching by Rev. W. F. Colliflower, then by Revs. Stephen R. 
Reiner and John Sykes. Rev. Cyrus Cort is now the pastor in charge. The 
congregation is rapidly growing and the church entirely prosperous. There 
is a Sunday-school of 120 attendants and nineteen teachers. 

THE MOKMONS. 

Mormons in Antrim. — It is not generally known, perhaps, that a strong 
effort was made to establish Morinonisih in Pennsylvania, and yet such is the 
case. After the killing of Joe Smith and Hyram Smith, at Carthage, 111., by 
a mob, on the 27th of June, 1844, the leadership of the Saints naturally 
belonged to Sidney Rigdon; but Brigham Young, an ambitious man 
and a more recent convert to the faith than Rigdon, was chosen first president. 
His talented competitor was cutoff from the communion 'of the faithful, cursed, 
and solemnly delivered over to the devil, " to be buffeted in the flesh for a thou- 
sand years.'"' In a short time, Rigdon, with a band of faithful followers, came 
eastward to Pittsburgh, Penn. , where they established a paper to promulgate 
their doctrines. While Young and his associates were flying to Salt Lake City. 
Rigdon and his adherents, reversing the doctrine that " westward the course of 
empire takes its way," sought a congenial field among the conservative inhab- 
itants of the Keystone State. 

The work at Pittsburgh did not prosper. In a short time, two emissaries 
sent out by Rigdon made their appearance in Antrim Township. Stopping 
on the bridge that spans the Conococheague Creek, about a mile and a 
quarter west of Greencastle, they cast their eyes over the farm of Andrew 
G. McLanahan, which lay spread out before them and said : ' ' This is the 
place the Lord has shown us in visions to be the site of the city of New 
Jerusalem.'' Shortly afterward, Peter Boyer. a wealthy farmer of Allegheny 



564 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Comity, Perm., come on and contracted with Mr. McLanar arm. 

of about 400 acres, at $14,700. BoyW paid 16,000 in ad\<^ '■■ gave 

a mortgage for the remainder of the purchase money. The purchaser u>_ pos- 
session in the spring of 1846, and in a short time Sidney Rigdon, Elders Hyde and 
Heber, Judge Richards, William E. McClellan, Hatch, Hinkle, Zody, Grimes, 
Ringer, and others joined them. The band numbered, all told, about 150. 
Most of them moved upon the farm, where they intended to lay out a grand 
city, build a magnificent temple and establish extensive manufacturing estab- 
lishments. Some of them located in town, and some engaged in various busi- 
ness interests. They brought with them a printing press, under the direction 
of Mr. E. Robinson, now of Iowa, and established a weekly paper, called the 
Conococheague Herald. 

They had among them mechanics, farmers, professional men and a few 
capitalists. Among the latter class was Judge Richards, who claims to have 
sacrificed $200,000 for the cause of Mormonism. Sidney Rigdon was the 
Prophet and Commander. Every Sunday they held services on the barn 
floor at the farm, Rigdon doing most of the preaching. He was regarded a 
very shrewd and eloquent man. 

They did some preaching in the town, but were unsuccessful in arousing, 
on the part of the community, the opposition which they had expected, to make 
their cause popular. Rigdon boasted that the conflict would rage till- the 
streets were drenched with blood. He declared that there was not in the 
churches of the town religion enough to save a nest of woodpeckers. 

Idleness prevailed among these people. The money brought with them was 
soon consumed. The house, the barn, the corn crib, the smoke house even, 
were used as dwelling places. Crops of grain were allowed to go to waste. 
The time for the payment of the mortgage notes arrived, but no money for 
that purpose was available. McLanahan foreclosed, in August, 1847, and all 
the visions of the future great city disappeared. Some went to Utah, and 
some joined the Gentiles. The conservative spirit of the Pennsylvanians 
would not accept the new religion, and the whole scheme failed, to the great re- 
joicing of the people. To the western branch must the future look for the ful- 
fillment of the prophecy uttered in 1829 by Robert Southey, the English poet 
and historian: " The next Aaron Burr who seeks to carve a kingdom for him- 
self out of the outgrown territories of the Union may discover that fanati- 
cism is the most effective weapon with which ambition can arm itself; that the 
way for both is prepared by that immorality which the want of religion natur- 
ally and necessarily induces, and that camp-meetings may be very well direct- 
ed to forward the designs of military prophets. Were there another Moham- 
med to arise, there is no part of the world where he would find more scope or 
fairer opportunity than in that part of the Anglo-American Union into which 
the older States continually discharge the restless part of their population, 
leaving laws and gospel to overtake it if they can; for in the march of modern 
civilization, both are left behind. ' ' 

LURGAN— 1743. 

The name of this township, like old Antrim, plainly indicates the nativity 
of the people who were here in control of affairs at the time it was erected. 
The territory of which it was formed was taken from the north part of Antrim 
Township, its north boundary line being the line of Cumberland County, its east 
and south boundary lines being Conodoguinet Creek, and its west line the 
summit of Kittatinny Mountain. When formed it embraced its present ter- 



LUKGAN TOWNSHIP. 565 

ritory and what is now Letterkenny, Greene and Southampton Townships. 
The date given above as that of its formation is not from the records, but the 
oldest mention found of it now in the archives is in a " deed " for land in Cum- 
berland County, in which Lurgan Township is a part of the description and 
the deed bears the date of the year above given — 1743. This was then Lan- 
caster County, but the instrument was afterward recorded in Cumberland 
County. This is conclusive that it is that old at least, but does not furnish 
any other evidence that it may not be older. 

The situation of the original territory in this township was such that it 
would naturally catch the eye of the immigrants as they passed up Cumber- 
land Valley in the hunt of new homes. The territory now forming the town- 
ship lies west of the main traveled route of immigrants in passing down the 
yalley. Blue Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain are on its west and northwest 
borders. It is drained by Conodoguinet Creek, Paxton Run, Trout Run, and 
several small ravines flowing east from Blue Mountain. 

EARLY LAND TITLES. 

The earliest land entry in the township was November 4, 1730, John 
Hastins (Hastings). The entry made in the statement of the survey says: 
' ' By vertue of a, warrant from the Honorable Proprietaries bearing date the — 
day of — I have surveyed and laid out unto John Hastin. in the township of 
Hopewell in the County of Lancaster on the west side of Susquehana River, 
603 acres of land." (Signed) Zach Butcher, D. S. 

Endorsements : 

"To survey this tract, if any more vacant land include it. ' ' 

' ' If any persons settled thereon, let them know they must apply to ye 
Sec'y's office." 

" Returned &c. , May 18, 1762, for Samuel Jones in person, and a warrant 
dated October 10, 1760." 

"May Hastings sells, as is said, this land to Samuel Jones, who sells, 
as is said, to Joseph Jones, who is deceased, leaving a widow and two children. 
All parties concerned, are to be present together. 14 April, 1759." 

" John Everly applies for the share belonging to the widow and children 
of Joseph Jones." 

The other land entries were as follows: 

John Maclay, 263 acres, August 16, 1754. Neighbors, A. Grimes and 
Francis Grimes. 

John Reynolds, 433 acres, October 6, 1738. Neighbors, Robert Edmon- 
son, Samuel Reynolds, Edward Shippen. 

Samuel Reynolds, two tracts, 160 acres, June 13, 1749. Neighbors, James 
Reynolds, A. Mclntire, Wm. Rippey, John Reynolds. 

Henry Swaney, 69 \ acres, April 19, 1746. Neighbors, Arthur Clark, John 
Cummins, Robert Peebles, Robert Scott. 

James Culbertson, 184 acres, August 14, 1751 (he reported no neighbors 
with lands adjoining). 

LIST OF TAXABLES, 1786. 

Taxables in what is now Lurgan Township, in 1786, were as follows: 

Benjamin Alsworth. John Crookshanks. Philip Foust. Philip Hollinger. 

Peter Alport. George Cripaugh. Francis Grimes. Henry Humbrey. 

Thomas Barr. Michael Cripaugh. John Grimes. William Hunter. 

Christopher Bower. Andrew Dickey. William Gaston. Margaret Hemphill. 

John Campbell. Robert Donovan. David Harron. John Johnston. 

William Crossman. James Dunlop. Frederick Hess. Archibald Johnston. 



566 



HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



John Knox. 
Henry Millar. 
William Leim. 
Ludwich Long. 
Joseph McKibben. 
Archibald Mahan. 
Robert Miller. 
John Maclay. 
Charles Maclay, Jr. 
James McKee. 
Alex. McCammont. 
Charles Maclay. 
Robt. Morrow. 
Robert McKaue. 

Michael Brady. 
William Bradley. 
Dennis Cintery. 
John Emery. 
James Gaston. 
Robert Huston. 



Gawin Morrow. 
Sarah McCormick. 
Isaac Miller. 
Lett ice McKibben. 
Andrew McPherren. 
Wm. McCall. 
Wm. McKnight. 
John McKnight, Jr. 
Wm. McCombs. 
Barnabas M'Laughlin 
Hemy Mahan. 
John Maclay./" 
John McCall. 



James Patterson. 
Thomas Pumroy. 
James Reid. 
Peter Ratts. 
Joseph Reed. 
Giles Reed. 
John Strain. 
Abel Seyoc. 
Harman Shoe man. 
.Thomas Snodgrass. 
Barnhart Sower. 
Anthony Shoemaker. 
Andrew Suber. 



FREEMEN. 



Joseph Kyle. 
George Martin. 
David Maclay. / 
James McRorey. 
Joseph McKane. 



William Magaw. 
Joseph Porter. 
Thomas Reed. 
Andrew Ralston. 
John Shoeman. 



John Shoeman. 
Peter Sheerer. 
John Seyoc. 
George Stevenson. 
John Snider. 
Wm. Turner. 
John Thompson. 
John White. 
Abraham Weir. 
Samuel Woodrow. 
George Wright. 
John Watson. 
George Winsel. 



Philip Shoeman. 
Simon Shoeman. 
J ames Trimble. 
Samuel Walker. 
George Weir. 



THE POME ROYS. 



Among the earliest settlers in the county and in Lurgan Township, was 
Thomas Pomeroy, who came about the year 1730. He was the owner of a 
large tract of land about two miles from Roxbury on the Newbury road. He 
reared a family of eight children— four sons and four daughters. He died 
about 1770. His widow, Margaret, died in 1777. The sons were Thomas, 
John, George and Samuel. One of the daughters married a Mr. Doyle, and 
another married Mr. Duncan. Except Thomas, who remained on the old 
homestead, the sons all went West. He was born in Lurgan Township in 
1733, so far as we now can know, the first white child born in the township. 

In the history of the State, and especially of the Revolutionary times, the 
Pomeroys are a noted family. Thomas, the son of the first settler became em- 
inent in his day. His first wife and two children were massacred by the In- 
dians. 

VILLAGES. 

Roxbury. — The first settler in this place was Alexander W. Pomeroy, who 
located on the Pomeroy farm, immediately adjoining the village, now in the 
possession of his great grandson. A relative of the Pomeroys, Francis Gra- 
ham, Jr. , was an early settler in the village. He was one of the Revolutionary 
heroes, and to the time of his death drew a pension for his services in the war. 

The village is situated on Condoguinet Creek, at the base of Kittatinny 
Mountain. It was laid out by William Leephar about 1778. In the old days 
of "pack horses" it grew to be quite a business point, but its busy days 
have now departed. Mr. Leephar built a grist-mill in 1 783. The ' ' Sound 
Well Forge" was built by Leephar, Crotzer & Co. in 1798; the Roxbury 
furnace in 1815. The last to carry on these works were the Hughes, in 1857. 
Two churches were built in the place, the Union Church, in 1815, and the 
Methodist Protestant, in 1873. 

Grand Army of the Republic. — Lieut. A. A. Pomeroy Post, No. 295, of 
Roxbury, was organized December 26, 1882, by Capt. W. E. Miller, assisted 
by Comrade Haverstick. Charter members: W. H. Stewart, J. Breckenridge. 
W. McGowen. Jacob Seilhamer, J. E. Harvey, Frank Creamer, John Watson, 
Wm. Watson, Adam Franklin, J. Maclay, H. D. Bechtel, Peter Pfeiffer. 
Samuel Pery, George Franklin, George Seilhamer, Cyrus Hazlett. First offi- 
cers of the post: Commander, John Breckenridge; Senior Vice-Commander, A. 
Franklin: Juuior Vice-Commander, Jacob Seilhamer; Quartermaster, W. H 



TETERS TOWNSHIP. 567 

Stewart; Adjutant, Frank Creamer. The officers for 1887 are as follows: 
Commander, A. Franklin; Senior Vice-Commander, Wm. Traxler; Junior 
Vice-Commander, G. Gussman; Quartermaster, J. P. West; Adjutant, J. Seil- 
hamer. The post is named in honor of the gallant Lieut. A. A. Pomeroy, who 
was killed at the battle of White Oak road, March 31, 1865. 

(Andrew A. Pomeroy, fourth son of the late Hon. Thomas Pomeroy, 
and brother of Revs. J. J. and Seth W. Pomeroy, was born and reared in 
Roxbury. His education was acquired in the schools of his native village and 
at the Fayetteville Academy. Prior to the war he became so firmly convinced 
that ' ' human slavery as it existed in the United States was an iniquitous in- 
stitution — an outrageous sin against God and man ' ' that he expressed his sen- 
timents unreservedly and was pronounced by time-serving politicians " a 
young Abolitionist. ' ' With these sentiments deeply rooted in his youthful 
nature, he entered Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 9, 1862, and, excepting a period of sickness 
following the battle of Antietam, was with his command till it was mustered 
lout of service. He was wounded in the left arm at the battle of Chancellors- 
liville, May 3, 1863. 

After a short stay at home, he entered Company I of the One Hundred 
and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, his commission bearing date 
September 14, 1864, and did valiant service with it in the Army of the 
Potomac till the period of his death. 

The following communication is inserted in justice to the gallant hero: 

Headquarters 1st Div. 5th Corps,, 
Army of the Potomac. 

June 30, 1865. 
Thomas Pomeroy, Esq., Roxbury, Penn.: 

My Dear Sir: As this army is about to break up, and I am reminded anew of the 
brave and good who have served with me through the hardships and hazards of war, I 
can uot forbear to address you a line expressive of my high regard for your son, late 1st 
Lieut. 198th Reg't Penn. Vols., who fell while gallantly fighting at his post in the battle 
of the White Oak Road, March 31st, 1865. Be assured, sir, his manly and noble conduct 
was not unnoticed by his General, nor did he fall without tears due to so brave and true & 
man. I must also speak of your other son, Chaplain of the same Regiment, whom les- 
Iteern as a man worthy of all love and praise, faithful to every trust, wise and not weary 
|in well doing. You may have a pride, though tinged with sadness, in having given men 
like these to your country's cause; and, though one life was laid down, yet such lives are 
never lost. I honor you — I congratulate you as the father of such sons, and I shall always 
remember with love and mournful satisfaction their heroism and devotion. I am, my dear 
sir, with high regard, your friend and servant, J. L. Chamberlain, 

Brevet Major- General, Commanding Division.) 

Mowersville is about three and a half miles from Roxbury. It was laid out 
in 1866 by Joseph Mowers. It has a population of about forty. Its first settler 
was John Mowers. The United Brethren Church was organized in 1832. 

Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Company was established April 6, 1852; 
Joseph E. Mowers, president; John E. Maclay,' secretary. It commenced in a 
small way, intended as a mutual benefit to neighbors, and has now grown to 
much importance. December, 1885, its total risks were $5, 1 22, 293. Its char- 
ter members were Joseph E. Mowers, David Hays, Daniel Snoke, John Hensel, 
Jacob Foglesonger, John E. Maclay, Adam Shoeninaker, Henry Clippinger, 
Christian Snoke. 

Centre is situated on the road leading from Roxbury to Orrstown. 

PETERS— 1751. 

This township was named in honor of Richard Peters, the distinguished 
colonial secretary of the province under Govs. Thomas, Palmer, HamiL 

30 



568 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



ton, Morris and Denny, from 1743 to 1702. Mention of the township in the 
Cumberland County records is made in 1751, raising the presumption that it 
was organized by the court soon after that county was erected. At lirst it 
embraced its present territory and that of Montgomery, and a part of St. 
Thomas west of Campbell's Run. Here, too, the names of early settlers indi- 
cated Scotch Irish people. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

Among the first settlers were William McDowell, born in the North of Ire- 
land, and came to America between 1714 and 1720, and to Peters Township in 
1730 or 1731. In 1759 the people were driven away by the Indians, and the 
McDowells went to Wrightsville, where William died at the age of seventy-seven 
years. His sons were John, William, Nathan, James and Thomas. The 
grandchildren of William are all dead except two — Mrs. C. M. White and Will- 
iam H. McDowell, children of Thomas. 

EARLY LAND TITLES. 

The earliest record of land titles in what is now the territory of Peters 
Township is that of Rev. John Black and Samuel Harris, March, 1737; then 
Andrew McCleary, August 17. 1738; then are the following: William Arm- 
strong. June 15, 1752; neighbors, Thomas and John Barr. John Dickey, 
May 25, 1753. James Glenn, December 2, 1743. Heirs of William With- 
row, in right of William Halliday, September 7, 1753. Samuel Irwin, in 
right of Henry Johnston, March 4, 1742. William Maxwell, November 1, 
1745. James McCullough, March 23, 1771. William Clark, January 22, 
1753. John McDowell, December 26, 1752. James McDowell, April 30, 
1773; his neighbors were John McDowell, Nathan McDowell, William 
Mc Dowell, L. McClellan, Eliza J. McLellan. Richard Peters, August 17, 
1751; his neighbors were Joseph Smith, James Irwin, Joseph Stewart and 
Robert Smith. Edward Shippen, November 1, 1745; his neighbors were 
Robert Clark, William Wilson, James Irwin. John Taylor, November 10, 
1742; neighbors, John Dickey, Sr., Robert Wilson, William Hays, John Har- 
ris. James Wilson, November 15, 1746; neighbors, Samuel Robb and Will- 
iam Wilson. Robert McClelland, February 18, 1744. James McClelland, 
March 31. 1743; neighbors, Robert Culbertson, James Wilkins, James Gard- 



LIST OF TAXABLES 



1786. 



The list of taxables in 1786, in the territory of the township, as it is now, 
was as follows: 



Daniel Alexander, 
Andrew Alexander, 
William Armstrong, 
Hez. Alexander, 
Adam Armstrong. 
Arthur Alexander, 
John Baird, 
James Blair, 
Alexander Brown, 
Thomas Barr, 
Ann Black (widow), 
Thomas Boal, 
Samuel Brown, 
William Barnett, 
Joshua Bradner, 
John Black. 
John Baird, 



James Black, 
Widow Brown, 
Robert Barnet, 
David Bowel, 
John Blair, 
George Brown, 
Hugh Kerrell, 
Wm. Clark 
Robert Clogage, 
William Campbel, 
Michael Carsell, 
Samuel Chapman, 
Thomas Calhoun. 
Michael Campbell, 
Robert Crawford, 
Patrick Clark, 
Wm. Campbel. ' 



Robert Culbertson, 
Charles Campbel, 
Thomas Clark, 
Jolin Dickey, 
James Dickey, 
Widow Donelson, 
Wm. Dunwoody. 
John Dochertv, 
Samuel Davis, 
David Davis, 
James Davis, 
Widow Davis. 
Philip Davis, 
Joseph Duulop. 
Arthur Douelson, 
Davii Davis, 
Nathaniel Davis, 



Joshua Davis, 
Thomas Davis, 
Joshua Edwards, 
John Erwin, 
Mathew Erwin, 
James Erwin, 
Widow Faner, 
John Flanaghin. 
James Flanaghin, 
Moses Fisher, 
James Galbreath, 
John Gillmore, 
Widow Garison, 
Samuel Gilespie, 
James Galaway, 
Joshua Hariss, 
John Hariss, 



TETEKS TOWNSHIP. 



C69 



Jeremiah Hariss, 
Charles Hariss, 

\\ idow Huston, 
James Holland, 
John Huston. 
John Hamilton, 
Joseph How, 
John Holyday. 
William Holyday, 
Wm. Hanby, 
David Huston, 
John Hill. 
James Holiday, 
Alexander Hutchison, 
Messcch James, 
Wm. Lowrie, 
Henry Larkan, 
Wm. Maxwell, 
James Mitchell, 
James Sloan, 



John Morlan. 
John Martin, 
James Mercer, 
.John Mercer. 
Wm. Marshall, 
Wm. Moor, 
Widow McFarland, 
Andrew Morison, 
John McDowell, 
Alexander McKee, 
Robert McClellan, 
Wm. McDowell, Jr 
Wm. McClellan, 
John McClellan, 
Andrew Moor, 
Wm. McDowell, 
James McConnel,' 
Robert McCoy, 
Wm. Mclllhallon, 
James McMahon, 



James Murphy, 

Wm. Morrison, 

James McClellan, 
V Robert Newell, 

Victor Neeley, 

.lames Orr, 

Thos. Orbisou, 

Thomas Owins, 

Nathan Orr, 

Matthew Patton, 

John Patton, 
, Francis Patterson, 

David Rees, 

James Rankin, 

Alexander Robertson 

Wm. Semple, 

Richard Stevens, 

Andrew Simpson, 

Wm. Shanon, 



Hugh Shanon, 
Widow Scott, 
Ah\. Staret, 
Collin Spence, 
John Taylor. 
Janus Wright, 
Wm. Wilson, 
John Wilson, 
John Winton, 
James Wilkey, 
James Wilson, 
Mat hew Wallace, 
Moses AVhite, 
John Waason, 
Joseph Williams, 
John Woods, 
Joseph White, 
Thos. Waddel. 



Samuel Templeton, 
Wm. Taylor, 
James Wilson, 
James Wallace, 
And. Willabee, 



FREEMEN. 

Oliver Wallace. James Coyle, Alex. Hutchison, 

Robert Anderson, James Brown, Ed. Horkan, 

Gayin Cloggage, Alexander McConnel, William Gueen, 

Robert Banerleld. James Carswell, John Laird, 

David Alexander, James Blair, David Wallace. 



Loudon is on the Chanibersburg and Bedford turnpike road, in Peters 
Township, fourteen miles west of Chanibersburg, at the base of Parnell's Knob. 
As early as 1756 it appears in the history of those times as Loudon town. 
That year a fort was erected there. (For full particulars see chapter III. ) 
The present tow"n is about a mile northwest of the fort. In the days of bridle 
paths and pack-horses it* was quite a point for the departure of pack trains for 
Bedford, Fort Cumberland and Pittsburgh. 

The present town was laid out by Johnston Elliott, in 1804. "When the 
great highway to Pittsburgh was made it became noted for manufacturing 
wagons and equipments. The opening of the railroads in the valley, however, 
changed all this, and the town's business passed to other points. The South- 
ern Pennsylvania Bailroad passes by the town and now the people have free 
communication with the outer world. 

In the village is the Eagle House, many years ago owned and kept by 
Thomas Scott. In this house was born Hon. Thomas A. Scott, tbe railroad 
magnate, and here he spent his young days. 

The village has two general stores; two merchant tailors; wagon and 
blacksmith shops; four new churches, as follows: 

Methodist Episcopal. — This church had an organization here in 1826, and 
at that time they erected a church building. Some of the active members 
were the Mileses, Hendersons, Statlers, Burkholders and Duffields. Since 1877 
St. Thomas, Loudon and Charleston have been joined as one charge and 
called Loudon Circuit, Bev. E. M. Aller, pastor in charge. 

Lutheran Church. — This was organized about 1830, by Bev. Peter Sahm, 
with the following charter members: John Beaver and wife, Catherine Allin- 
der, Elizabeth Brahm, Sarah McGrath, Peter Spencer, Catherine Spencer, 
James McCuen and wife, Mrs!; Sarah Wright. Prior to 1845 the congregation 
met in the Union House with the Beformed congregation. In 1846 it erected a 
brick edifice of its own at a cost of $1,600. In 1855 it was torn down and re- 
placed by the present brick structure, at a cost of $3,400. The membership 



570 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

is sixty-five. The Sunday-school, under the superintendency of Ferdinand 
Senseny, enrolls seventy-five to one hundred. The following preachers have 
served the congregation: Revs. Peter Sahm, David Smith, William Kopt, 
Solomon McHenry, Bechtel, George Roth, A. M. Whetstone, A. J. Hesson, 
H. B. Winton, Benjamin F. Kautz. 

United Brethren Church. — Preaching had been held in and around Loudon 
at an early day, but not regularly till 1854, when, through the efforts of John 
Haller and his wife, the proclamation of truth was made. The organization 
began in 1855, and consisted of John Haller and wife, Benjamin Hoover and 
wife and John Lehmaster and wife. The last two families moved away, leav- 
ing Mr. and Mrs. Haller to fight their battles alone. Among the preachers 
may be mentioned Revs. Tobias Crider, Humberger, Jeremiah Bishop, 
Adam Cress, Jacob L. Vance, Jacob G. Schaff, S. L. Minnich, P. C. Haller, 
A. Bickley, Samuel Young, W. A. Jackson, J. F. Smith, John Haller, S. Big- 
ham, Jacob T. Shafer, J. M. Bishop, Samuel A. Mowers, T. Enterline, John 
Fohl, Jacob Wantz, William Palsgrove, P. Corte, D. W. Proffitt, S. T. Wal- 
lace, W. H. Sherer, Luther Bricker, C. A. Burtner, L. A. Wickey, W. A. 
Grim. The present structure was erected in 1883, under the direction of John 
Haller and C. A. Burtner, at a cost of $1,600. The congregation has seven- 
teen members, with no Sunday-school, at present. 

Reformed Church. — This was partially organized in 1815, and was com- 
pleted in 1819. Says the Rev. Jacob Hassler, present pastor: 'At first the 
preaching was in Stenger' s schoolhouse ; first regular pastor, Rev. F. A. Scholl. 
Communicants in 1820: John Long, Magdalena Long, Philip Tritle, Eliz- 
abeth Tritle, George Palsgrove, Samuel C. Palsgrove, George Werner, Rebec- 
ca Werner, Peter Stenger, Conrad Stenger, and others. Seventeen are on rec- 
ord. The church grounds were donated by Conrad Stenger. This was adja- 
cent to the Stenger Cemetery. No building was erected, however, on this 
ground, but uniting with the Presbyterians and Lutherans, a building was put 
up in the village in 1819. The charter members in this early church were John 
Dickey, Thomas Scott (father of Thomas A.), John Beaver, Sr. , Conrad 
Stenger, Sr. (father of the late Hon. Peter Stenger, and grandfather of Hon. 
W. S. Stenger), Matthew Patton, James Lowe and R. W. Kirby, In 1851 
the church was repaired and remodeled at a cost of about $800. In 1876 it 
wa s torn down, and the present St. Peter' s Reformed Church was built on Main 
Street — a brick structure, two stories, with spire, vestibule, lecture room, and 
cost about $5,200. The following is a list of the different pastors : Rev. F. A. 
Scholl, 1819-29; Rev. Jacob Dieffenbacher, 1830-33; Rev. Jacob Mayer, 1834- 
37; supplied by. Rev. John Rebaugh and Theo. Students, 1838-42; Rev. C. 
F. McCauley, 1842-45; Rev. William Phillips, 1845-49; Rev. J. Hassler, 1850 
-58; Rev. D. M. Giles, 1858-59; Rev. John Ault, 1859-62; Rev. R. P. 
Thomas, 1863-65; Rev. F. A. Gast, 1865-67; Rev. W. C. B. Shulenberger, 
1868-73; Rev. J. Hassler, 1873-86, who is the present pastor — embracing thus 
a period, in the two pastorates, of over twenty- one years. Present membership 
is from eighty- five to ninety. The elders are Peter Shearer, Casper Metz, A. 
Dale and Henry Gluck; deacons, Thomas McGuire, Fred Snyder, J. H. 
Hoerner; trustees, Elias Patton, P. Shearer, A. Dale. Suuday-school has 
sixty to seventy-five scholars; superintendent, Elder Casper Metz." 

Presbyterian Church. — [See history of Presbyterian Church under chapter 
head — " Borough of Mercersburg. "] 

LEMASTEES. 

This place is a small station on the South. Penn. railroad; has a postoffice, 
etc. The church of the United Brethren was erected in 1881, at a cost of 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 571 

$2,200. The building committee were Rev. M. Bitner and Jacob Leh- 
master; first ministers: Revs. Bitner, John Hoover, J. Lehmaster; membership 
fifty; pastors in charge: Revs. Bitner, Wickey and Grimm. The nucleus of the 
village was started in 1876 by Samuel Plumb, who purchased eleven acres of 
ground of Mr. Lehmaster and built a workshop. It has a population of 150 
souls. 

UPTON. 

This town was laid out in 1840 by George Cook, who commenced business 
in the old tavern stand now belonging to the estate of Notley Easton. He 
erected a number of buildings, and became the godfather of the town. He 
was an enterprising citizen, dying October 1, 1871, at the age of fifty-eight 
years. At one time he was captain of a company of light dragoons, a militia 
company that embraced such men as the McDowells, Potters, Eatons and Mc- 
Coys. One of the first settlers was Wm. Maxwell, who owned a large body 
of land one mile west of Upton, subdivided into six or eight farms. A 
graded school of two rooms was built in 1868. A union church is occupied by 
the Lutheran and Reformed bodies; the house is of brick completed in June, 
1858, at a cost of $1,304. Organization began at that time. 

St. Stephen's Reformed Congregation at first held meetings in the school- 
house near Upton; the building is part of the residence of N. P. Martin. The 
first attendants were George Cook, George Summers, Jacob Hawbecker, John 
Greenawalt, Adam Mummart, William Benniger, Charles Eckert, Thomas 
Goltman, Thomas Clingan, David Shoup, Fred. Houghlander. Elders in 
1859: George Cook, J. Hawbecker. Deacons: Wm. Stitzel, Henry Michley, 
J. Shriver, Leander Brindle. Rev. T. G. Apple was the pastor until 1866, 
when he was succeeded by Rev. S. N. Callender, remaining until 1870; Rev. 
J. G. Bunn until 1883, when the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Knappenberger, 
took charge. 

Lutheran: Rev. Ed. Breidenbaugh, Rev. Eyster, Rev. Thos. T. Everett; 
Rev. Fred. Klinefelter. 

In the old WaddellVemetery, sometimes called Eckert' s, between Lemas- 
ters and Mercersburg, are buried the following: 

Thomas McDowell, died August 4, 1857, aged seventy-nine years; Mary 
G. , consort, died October 31, 1854, aged seventy years. Patrick McDowell, 
died April 24, 1846, aged seventy-six; Elizabeth, consort, died August 2, 1851, 
aged seventy-one. Nathan Brownson, born October 2, 1779, died January 24, 
1856. James McDowell, died April 8, 1864, aged seventy eight years. Mary 
P. McDowell, died October 9, 1876, aged eighty- eight years. 

James Buchanan (father of President Buchanan), died June 11, 1821, aged 
sixty. We quote these words from the stone marking his grave; "The deceased 
was a tender husband, an intelligent parent, and a faithful friend. In all his 
intercourse with society, which was extensive, he sustained the character of an 
honest man and a useful citizen. ' ' Elizabeth, widow of James Buchanan, 
died May 14, 1833, in the sixty-seventh year of her age. Elliott T. Lane, 
died November 23, 1840, aged fifty; Jane Buchanan Lane, wife, born July 
17, 1793, died February 20, 1839. 

W. S. Buchanan, born November 14, 1805, died December 19, 1826. 
George W. Buchanan, lawyer, died September 26, 1832, aged twenty-five 
years. 

Harriet E. Henry, wife of Rev. Robert Henry, born August 5, 1802, died 
January 23, 1840. 

James Dickey died March 13, 1813, aged fifty- nine. Rebecca Dickey, died 
August 27, 1821, aged seventy. James Dickey died March 6, 1855, aged 
seventy-three. 



572 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Wm. S. McDowell, born October 20, 1776, died January 20, 1834; Mary, 
consort, born January 8, 1781, died January J, 1860. John McDowell died 
January 6, 1794, aged seventy-eight; Agnes, wife, died August 8, 1766, aged 
fifty-one. John McDowell, LL. D., died December 22, 1820, aged sixty-nine. 

Mathias Moris, born in German Township (Philadelphia), May 19, 1717, 
died October 9, 1811. 

Wm. McDowell, died September 17, 1812, aged ninety; May, consort, 
died April 9, 1805, aged seventy-eight. 

Capt. Samuel Patton, died June 9, 1821, aged eighty. He settled on 
what was the site of Fort Loudon; Elizabeth, consort, died July 13, 1826, 
aged eighty. 

Jacob Lehmaster, born July 8, 1775, died June 25, 1861; Elizabeth, con- 
sort, died July 8, 1857, aged seventy-one. David Lehmaster, born May 19, 
1821, died March 26, 1876. 

In the Churchill Cemetery are the following: 

Rev. John King, D. D. , who for forty-two years was the faithful pastor of 
the West Conococheague Church. [See page 184, chapter on Revolutionary 
war. ] 

Thomas Bard, born April 2, 1769, died July 9, 1840; Jane, consort, born 
December 17, 1783, died August 31, 1857. Isaac Bard, died July 28, 1806, 
aged forty-five years. Richard Bard, died February 22, 1799, aged sixty-three; 
Catharine, consort, died August 31, 1811, aged seventy-four. 

James Crawford, died 1798. 

Judge Archibald Bard, died October 18, 1832, of cholera, aged sixty-seven; 
Elizabeth Beatty, wife, born January 17, 1774, died January 9, 1852. 

Matthew Sims Van Lear, born July 8, 1795, died December 19, 1852. 

Alex. McCutcheon, died August 3, 1844, aged eighty-eight. 

Wm. Hayes, died August 26, 1804, aged sixty-two; Jean, wife, died Aug- 
ust 26, 1804, aged fifty-three. 

Samuel Findlay, died 1804, aged seventy-one; Jane, wife, died 1783, aged, 
thirty -five. 

Robert Smith, died April 21, 1849, aged eighty-three; Elizabeth, wife, 
died March 20, 1814, aged forty- seven. 

Dr. P. W. Little, died July 21, 1848, aged sixty-five; Mary S. Parker, 
wife, died August 26, 1848, aged fifty-nine. 

Alexander McCoy, died March 19, 1846, aged sixty. 

John McFarland, died December 18, 1856, aged seventy-five; Elizabeth 
Parker, wife, died January 27, 1845, aged fifty-five. 

Robt. C. McFarland, died June 15, 1850, aged seventy-three. 

James Stuart,' died April 27, 1813, aged seventy-seven. 

Hugh Conway, died April 19, 1828, aged sixty-one. 

Wm, Hamilton, died January 19, 1831, aged sixty-five. 

John Dickey, Esq., died January 25, 1842, aged ninety; Elizabeth, wife, 
died May 28, 1842, aged eighty-seven. 

BRIDGEPORT. 

The land about this place was taken up by the McDowells, Dickeys and 
Beams at a very early day, the first having located between 1730 and 1734. 
Up to about 1825 the settlement was known as McDowell's Mill. At the date 
last mentioned a stone bridge was built across the west branch of *the Conoco- 
cheague, since when the place has been called Bridgeport. 

The present mill, used for both lumbering and flouring purposes, was 
built in 1846, and is the third one erected on the site. It is owned by Mr. 



GUILFORD TOWNSIII P. 



573 



Jacob Wister, who also possesses the site of the old McDowell fort, described 
in the chapter on the Indian war. 

The business of the place consists of the 11 >uring and Lumber-mills, a dry 
goods store, a blacksmith and two carpenter shops, a shoemaker and a coach 
maker. It had a postoffice from 1878 to 1882, when it was removed in Leh 
master's Station. 

It has a graded school building of two rooms, which is also used for 
church purposes. Present population, 140. 

COVE GAP. 

Cove Gap is a small hamlet in Peters Township, situated on the public 
road from Warren Township; population, abont fifty. 

GUILFORD— 1751. 

The time of the formation of this township is also arrived at by taking the 
oldest dates of its mention in the records of Cumberland County. With the 
early Scotch-Irish settlers there seems to have been a number of English 
families, and it is probable they gave it the English name it bears. The pres- 
ent spelling of the name is different from that of the English town after which 
it was named. The sound is preserved, and we must remember that our fore- 
fathers spelled proper names by sound, and not by first learning how to fol- 
low custom in putting the letters together. 



EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

Within the borders of this township the early land entries were made by Wm, 
Adams, October 12, 1749; neighbor, George Cook. David Adams, September 
9, 1766; neighbors, John Shetz, Peter Fry, Patrick and John Vance, William 
Adams, John Lindsay, John Buck. Henry Black, September 9, 1766; neigh- 
bors, William Gass, Moses Lamb, Benjamin Chambers. Samuel Burg, De- 
cember 9, 1762; neighbor, John Forsyth. Nicholas Beaver, December 18, 
1792; neighbors, Fred. Shelley, Jac. and Simon Strong. Patrick and John 
Vance (right of Samuel Caven), May 31, 1743; neighbors, Benjamin and Will- 
iam Gass. Edward Crawford, August 4, 1751; neighbors, William Vanlear, 
James Crawford, George Crawford. John Cawden, June 10, 1762; neighbors, 
Michael Bard, Samuel Ren wick, Geo. Crawford, Hugh Crawfoid, Harvey 
Smith. Robert Craig, June 4, 1762; neighbors, Jeremiah Worden, Samuel 
Morehead. [This land lies on Conococheague. ] Samuel Howard, October 24, 
1749; neighbors, Philip Stump, Peter Gazette, Fred. Croft. John Mushet, 
August 10, 1743. Jacob Snively, February 20, 1754; neighbors, Samuel Mc- 
Crea, Thomas Clogston, Thomas Cole, William Davis, John Clogston, Peter 
Gozat. Alexander Stewart, June 29, 1750; neighbors, James and Edward 
Crawford, William Delap, James Lindsay. 



LIST OF TAXABLES- 



1786. 



David Adams. 
Capt. Jolm Andrew. 
John Andrew, Sr. 
"William Adams. 
John Acbeson. 
Owen Aston. 
David Archibald. 
Peter Bondhrick. 
Henry Bondbrick. 
Matbias Brothers. 



William Brotbertou. 
John Black. 
Daniel Bonbrick. 
Geo. Bittinger. 
Robert Bigiiam. 
Daniel BonbrieU, Jr. 
Fred. Bonbrick. 
Nicholas Bittinger. 
Walter Beatfy. 
John Beard. 



Jacob Cover. 
Jacob Cook. 
John Clugston. 
Andrew Cover. 
Ezekiel Chambers. 
Martin Cook. 
Adam Cook. 
Joseph Coughener. 
James Cowninghain. 
Jacob Cover. 



Edward Crawford, Jr. 
Edward Crawford, Sr, 
John Crawford. 
Jno. Caldwell. 
Alex. Culbertson. 
Henry Coyle. 
George Cook, Sr. 
George Cook, Jr. 
John Croft. 
Archibald Cashey. 



574 

Jacob Coffer. 
Saml. Drummon. 
Nicholas Earhart. 
Robert English. 
Peter Frey. 
Robert Filson. 
John Fleck. 
Felty Gooseliead. 
Philip Gooseliead. 
Mathias Gift. 
Adam Gift. 
George Gift. 
William Gass. 
Hugh Gibbs. 
Bartholamy Haddon. 
John Harmony. 
Ludwick Harmony. 
Solomon Horner. 
John Harron. 
Jacol) Hicks. 
George Helman. 
Daniel Handman. 
Geo Hartsough. 
Mathew Hopkins. 
Albright Hickman. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Adam Harmony. 
William Johnston. 
John Jack. 
Geo. Kerriher. 
John Kerriher. 
William Kirby. 
David Keller. 
Andrew Kiser. 
Jacob Keller. 
Abram Kovel . 
John Lindsay. 
James Lindsay. 
Fulton Lindsay. 
Geo. Lamb. 
Win. Long. 
Wm. Long (spring). 
Wm. Long (road). 
Mary Lindsay. 
Alex. McKeever. 
John McMullan. 
Henry McClelon. 
David Martin. 
James McFarlan. 
James McWilliams. 
J. McCanney. 



Mary McCormick. 
John Miller. 
James McCoskey. 
Wm. Nicholas. 
John Polk. 
James Patton. 
Daniel Poorman. 
Widow Packard. 
Henry Ralphsnyder 
John Ranfew. 
William Ross. 
John Rannels. 
John Ralphsnyder 



\ 



Anthony Snyder. 
John Sheets. 
Frederick Smith. 

^ William Snodgrass. 
Conrad Snyder. 
Mathew Sharp. 
John Thorn. 
Henry Thrallman. 
John Thompson. 
Jacob Tritle. 
William Vinlear. 
Elizabeth Vance. 
William W T allace. 



Michael Ralphsnyder, Martin Wingert. 



Thomas Sherlow. 
"-Mich. Snyder. 

Samuel Snodgrass. 
^Jacob Snyder. 

Gasper Slear. 
vHenry Shiietts. 

Peter Snyder. 

Philip Stumps. 

Adam Stumps. 

Geo. Smith. 

Daniel Smith. 



Robert Willson. 
John Wingart. 
Pierce Wallacher. 
Jeremiah Worder. 
Saml.W. Walles. 
Michael Whitmore. 
William Walles. 
Mathew Wilson. 
Martin Wingart. 
Conrad Wolfkill. 
James Young. 



James Andrew. 
John Andrew. 
Allen Baxter. 
Leonard Burkhamer. 
Joseph Crawford. 
.James Druman. 
Robert Duncan. 
Jacob Hicks. 



Peter Harmony. 
Alex. Jeffreys. 
John King. 
Geo. Lamb. 
Geo. Martin. 
James McCimm. 
Alex. McKimey. 
Adam Martin. 



Samuel Ross. 
Peter Snyder. 
Peter Smith. 
Henry Snyder. 
John Stumps. 
Isaac Smith. 
Peter Snyder. 
Henrv Sheffer. 



Jacob Sheets. 
James Snodgrass. 
John Smith. 
William Vinlear. 
Jacob Wolfkill. 
John Wingert. 



MANORS AND EARLY SETTLERS. 

Greene Manor — Guilford Manor. — Of these two proprietary grants, the 
only ones mentioned in the records of Franklin County, Mathew Henderson 
in his re- survey says: 

"General description of two tracts of land adjoining each other situate 
partly in Guilford and partly in Greene Townships, in the county of Franklin, 
formerly in the county of Cumberland, one whereof containing, according to 
the original survey, 1,275 acres and allowance, etc. Surveyed the 18th of 
April, 1766, in pursuance of a warrant of the 13th of October, 1760,* and the 
other containing 3,220 acres and allowances, surveyed the 8th and 9th of 
March, 170-3, in pursuance of a warrant of the 1 3th of October, 1700. Now re- 
surveyed according to the original lines, and such parts thereof as have been 
settled and are now occupied (together with Nos. 11 as yet unoccupied), laid 
off into such convenient tracts or plantations as may generally best suit the pur- 
chasers, or occupiers who all propose to become purchasers, in doing which, 
however, I was obliged, save in few instances, where the occupiers had 
crowded and intermixed their improvements with each other, to run the divis- 
ion line in such a manner as to lop off some skirts of these improvements 
where I thought it just and reasonable. " 

He then describes the lands of the two manors as pinery land, but good 
timber, which he says, " of late years has been greatly pillaged of the best tim- 
ber. ' ' He adds, however, ' ' by people more or less remote from the lands. ' ' 

*'This is the tract (ien. Armstrong informs' us which lie had at first surveyed and appropriated to him- 
self, and afterward gave up to the proprietors." 



GUILFORD TOWNSHIP. 575 

The soil there is gravelly and stony, abounding with deep ponds of water, 
the creek not affording much water — not much meadow land. 

The tracts were divided into twenty-one subdivisions: No. 1, occupied by 
John Baker; 2, 3, and 4, John Landis; 5, Jarvis Moss; 6, Alexander McKee- 
ver; 7, Jacob Ramsey; 8, Thomas Thelman; 9, Michael Morehead; 10, Conrad 
Wolfkill; 11, Capt. Edward Crawford; 12 (unoccupied); 13, Henry Bone- 
brake; 14, Michael Summers; 15, Sol. Horner; 16, Peter Bonebrake; 17, Adam 
Ross; 18, Casper Cease; 19, Henry McPherreu; 20, Lodowich Bxirkhammer; 
21 (unoccupied). These surveys were made by Surveyor Mathew Henderson 
between 1790 and 1794. 

The reader is referred to the history of Chambersburg for a full account of 
many of the early settlers in this township, as well as for sketches of many of 
its prominent men. 

The Scotch Irish, led by the Chamberses, were the first to come to this town- 
ship — 1730. The German settlers came between 1736 and 1745, then there 
was a falling off in their numbers, but in 1749 the rush of Germans was very 
great. 

CHURCHES. 

Churches at Grindstone Hill. — Two of the oldest churches in the country 
districts of Franklin County, the members of which were of German extrac- 
tion, are the two worshiping at Grindstone Hill in this township, viz. : the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran and the Reformed. The history of each is here given. 

Evangelical Lutheran. According to the Rev. D. H. Focht, whose ad- 
mirable historic discourse, delivered December 25, 1854, is our principal scource 
of information, "The German Settlement," in the midst of .which this congre- 
gation is located, was made as early as 1736. For a time the settlement in- 
creased slowly, but the influx in 1760 was very great. The first Lutheran 
family in the neighborhood was that of Matthias George, who located in 1742. 
He was followed by the Smiths and Kellers in 1750; Jacob Heck and Daniel 
Purman (Poorman) about 1757; Matthias Gift, Daniel Lob, Herzog, Andrew 
Cover. Andrew Keyser and others about 1760. The Tritles, Benedicts, Ober- 
kershes, Reichards, Gie-semans, Essicks, Stengers, Fetterhaffers and Loch- 
baums came later, but before the close of the century. 

The Lutherans and Reformed united to erect a house of worship. A site 
of fifty-one acres and 144 perches was reserved for the churches. Peter Bein- 
breck, whose warrant dated July 1, 1772, held the land for the congregations 
until October 27, 1798, when for the sum of £7 (his expenses) he made a deed 
to six trustees. In 1815, some thirty-three acres were sold, leaving about 
eighteen acres yet in the possession of the churches. The first edifice, known 
as the "old log church" was built in 1766, and served as a place of worship 
until 1833. Its history, fully written, would reveal a chapter of thrilling in- 
terest. The old name, which still clings, "Grindstone Hill Church," was 
given in consequence of the stone quarried in that region, and has outlived the 
consecrated title "Solomon's Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed 
Church." The logs for this house were brought four miles, timber then being 
scarce in the vicinity. A contest arose as to who should bring the first one. 
John George Cook and Daniel Lob were the champions. Jacob Keller and 
Daniel Purman represented the Lutherans on the building committee. Its 
structure was of the ancient style, but it served a wise purpose to those early 
people. During preaching, guns were stored in a corner while shot-pouches 
were hung on pins along the wall. The people watched as well as prayed. 

The second edifice, of brick, in the form of a parallelogram, 40x50 feet, was 
dedicated November 24, 1833. The attendance was so large that but half the 



576 HISTORY or FRANKLIN county. 

people could find room within. The dedicatory services were conducted by 
the two churches conjointly. Rev. Jbhn N. Hoffman was the pastor of the 
Lutherans at the time. 

The earliest complete list of members accessible is that of 1801, as follows: 
Daniel Purman, George Fetterhaffer, John Giesernan and wife, Peter Purman, 
Andrew Keyser and wife, George Gift and wife, Jacob Essick, Adam George 
and wife, Magdalene George, John Essick, Henry Linck, Barnhard Purman, 
Peter Purman, Jr. , Jacob Purman, David Keller, Barnard Reichard, Matthias 
Gift, Baltzer Oberkersh and wife, Barbara Purman, Elizabeth George, Chris- 
tina Stenger, Fronica Meily, Catherine Gift, Barbara Fetterhaffer, Isabella 
Smith, Eve Smith, Catherine Lochbaum, Elizabeth Griel, Peter Smith, Chris- 
topher George and wife. 

Pastors of the church have been: Revs. John Bayer, 1765-70; John 
George Young, 1772-83; John Michael Steck, 1784-88; Anthony U. Ludgen, 
1789-94; John Ruthrauff, 1795-1815; John Fred. Mceller, 1816-29; Benj. 
Kurtz, D. D., 1831-33; John N. Hoffman, 1833-35; Jeremiah Harpel, 1835- 
37; Jacob Martin, 1839-40; Peter Sahm, 1840-45; Michael Eyster, 1846-47; 
Levi T. Williams, 1847-49; A. C. Wedekind, 1849-50; David H. Focht, 
1850-54; Geo. Sill, 1855-59; S. McHenry, 1859-65; J. R. Miller, 1866-69; 
A. C. Felker, 1869-71: A. H. Sherts, 1872-86. A Sunday-school was organ- 
ized May 5, 1833, with ten teachers and forty-six pupils. Its early superin- 
tendents were Jeremiah Herman, 1833; Daniel Hepper, 1842-43; Jacob C. 
Snyder, 1844-45; Adam Cook, 1845-46; William Essick, 1846-48; Jacob 
C. Snyder, 1848-50; John Reed, 1850-51; Jacob Snyder, 1852-54. 

Reformed Church. — Its history is contemporaneous with that of its sister 
church just described. Its first name, Solomon's Church, gave way to its 
present one, Grindstone Hill Church, by which it is recognized on the records. 
Rev. Wm. M. Deatrick, clerk of the Mercersburg Classis of the Reformed 
Church, gives the following list of its pastors: Revs. Jacob Weymer, 1785- 
90; J. Philip Stock, 1791-1802 or 03; James Hoffman, 1807-23; Frederick A. 
Scholl, 1823-34; Benj. S. Schneck, 1836-41; John C. Guldin, 1841-42; 
Emanuel V. Gerhart, 1842-43; John R. Kooken, 1843-45; Franklin W. Kre- 
mer, 1845-51; John C. Bucher, 1851-52; John S. Ermentrout, 1852 — ; Sam- 
uel Miller, 1854-56; W. D. C. Rodrock, 1856-59; Aaron Wanner, 1859; 
David Hefelfinger, 1859-60; Wm. R. H. Deatrick, 1860-64; Elijah B. Wil- 
son, 1865-66; Chas. G. Fisher, 1866-68; Moses Kieffer, D. D., 1870-71; 
Samuel L. Beam, 1871-72; Henry I. Comfort, 1872-80; Wm. H. Herbert, 
1880-85; P. A. Long. 1885, and is present incumbent. This is one of the old- 
est Reformed congregations in Franklin County. At first it was a part of the 
Hagerstown charge, then of the Shippeneburg, Chambersburg and Greencastle, 
respectively. Since 1836, it has belonged to the Grindstone Hill charge, the 
congregation giving name to the charge. About 1788, it was under the care 
of a preacher by the name of Cyriacus Spangenber, who proved to be a bad 
man, guilty of a foul crime which resulted in his summary punishment. 

VILLAGES. 

Jackson Hall is about five miles southeast of Chambersburg' and a mile 
from New Franklin. Jacob Snyder erected the first building in the place in 
1812. The first store was conducted by John Kerr, 1827-28. It was named 
after ' ' Old Hickory ' ' and in the early days it was noted as the mustering- 
place of the militia. 

Marion. — A beautiful station on the road from Chambersburg to Green- 
castle. The first building here was put up in 1810. For some years it was 



HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 



577 



called " Independence, " but when a postolfice was established the name was 
changed, and called in honor of Gen. Marion. The first store was owned by 
Maj. Cook, in 1822. The United Brethren have a church in the place. Popu- 
lation 125. When the Cumberland Valley Railroad was completed, a station, 
called "Marion Station", was built about half a mile east of Marion. This is 
quite a flourishing place. 

New Franklin is about four miles southeast of Chambersburg. There are 
19 dwellings in it, and it has a population of 80. A postoffice was opened in 
1883. The place was started by Balthazar Kountz, in 1795, who built the first 
house; the next house was erected by John Himes, Sr. , in 1827. 

New Guilford, better known as "Turkey Foot, " is three miles east of 
New Franklin on the Walnut Bottom road. Population, 50. 

Stoufferstown is one mile east of Chambersburg on the turnpike. The first 
house was built by Patrick Vance, in 1773. In 1792, Daniel Stouffer built 
here the widely known " Stouffer' s Mill, " and through his influence the place 
became a village. Population about 190. 

HAMILTON— 1752. 

This township was named in honor of James Hamilton, governor of the 
province at intervals, 1748-71. It originally embraced nearly all of that part 
of St. Thomas Township lying east of Campbell's Run. Its first settlers 
were largely Scotch-Irish. 



EAELIEST LAND ENTRIES. 

The earliest land entries are as follows: Col. John Armstrong, January 
17, 1737. Neighbors: Robert Patton, James Brotherton. 

Joseph Eaton, March 30, 1750. Neighbors : Joseph Armstrong, James War- 
den, Mathew Patton. 

David Guthrie (in right of Geo. Reynolds), March 25, 1748. Neighbors: 
David Brigham, Isaac Pattison, Thomas Barnett, Joseph Swan, John Irwin. 

David Black, October 4, 1738. Neighbors: Adam Hoops, Benj. Gass, 
James Young, Thomas Morehead. 

Samuel Morehead, August 25, 1738. Neighbor: Thomas Patterson. 

William Plumstead, December 25, 1750. Neighbors: John Barnett, Geo. 
Shields, Widow McCarney, Francis McGinniss. 

Samuel Pollock, September 22, 1743. Neighbors: Cy. Eaton, William 
McCord, John Lowry. A further description says : ' ' Bounded on two sides 
by mountain and Dutchman' s land. ' ' 

Mathew Patton, January 11, 1737. Neighbors: Samuel Jones, Nathaniel 
Newlins. • 

James Arthur (in right of Matthew Arthur), October 15, 1744. Neigh- 
bors; James Allen, Duncan Cameron. 

Arthur Nasmuth and John and William Stephenson, September 26, 1749. 
Neighbor: Richard Benson. 



LIST OF TAXABLES- 



-1786. 



Josiah Allen. 
Thos. Anderson. 
Wra. Archabald. 
Thos. Armstrong. 
Joseph Armstrong. 
Robert Anderson. 
Lodwick Beats. 
Win. Brotherton. 



J as. Brotherton. 
Oliver Brown. 
Orban Bates. 
Win. Bolton. 
John Brown. 
John Buzzard. 
John Bratton. 
Thos. Barnet (heirs). 



Wm. Barnet. 
David Barnet. 
Joseph Barnet. 
James Brown. 
Thos. Barren. 
John Breaker. 
Chas. Barr. 
Richard Benson. 



Benj. Chambers. 
Wm. Chambers. 
Jos. Chambers. 
Arch'd Carson. 
John Chesnut. 
Benj. Corathers. 
James Campble. 
Patrick Campble. 



578 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Robert Cowan. 
Thos. Copeland. 
John Crevin. 
George Carver. 
John Custard. 
Martin Criter. 
Robert Cook. 
Joseph Caskey. 
John Campble. 
James Chambers. 
Robert Dixon. 
Wm. Dixon (heirs). 
Thomas Dougherty. 
John Dixon. 
Wm. Dixon. 
John Daniel. 
John Deeds. 
John Eaton Jr. 
John Eaton (heirs). 
Joseph Eaton Sr. 
Joseph Eatton. 
Dan'l Eckels. 
Adam Evert. 
Francis Ervin. 
Wm. Earry. 
James Elliott (heirs). 
William Fergeson. 
John Frush. 
Henry Foster. < 
James Fergison. 
Sam'l Fergison. 
Mathew Fergison. 
Jacob Frush. 
Dan'l Fleming. 
Abrarn Fastpointer. 
Robert Gray. 
Gilbert Graham. 
Francis Gardner. 
Joseph Grahams. 
Mark Gregory. 



Philip Ashford. 
David Barnet. 
Joseph Barnet. 
Conrad Beats. 
Peter Brakes. 
Henry Buzzard. 
Thomas Chestnut. 
William Coplan. 
James Dougherty. 
John Edwards. 



Felix Hart. 
Nathan Hiland. 
James Huston. 
John Hamilton. 
John Hacket. 
John Hindman. 
James Hindman. 
Alex. Hill. 
James Henry. 
Adam Hill. 
Jacob Holdman. 
Ebenezer Henry. 
Robert Hoops. 
Andrew Holms. 
John Huchison. 
Patrick Jack. 
Samuel Jack. 
John Jack. 
John Jefery. 
William Kelly. 
James Kerr. 
Thomas Knox. 
Joseph Kirkpatrick. 
Wm. Kinnaird. 
Thomas Kinkaid. 
John Kerr. 
John Kincaid. 
Adam Kasner. 
William Kirb3 r . 
Sam'l Ligget. 
Robt. Leper. 
Hugh Leary,' Sr. 
Hugh Leary, Jr. 
Charles Lucans. 
John McGowan. 
Arch'd McCocharan. 
James McFarlin. 
William Moorehead. 
Joseph Moorehead. 
Thomas Moorehead. 



Sam'l McCutcheon. 
Chas. McCormick. 
Alex. McCoy. 
David McClintock. 
Anthony McNutt. 
Christ Miller. 
Alex. Mairs. 
William McBrayer. 
David McBrayer. 
James Moore. 
Samuel Moore. 
Andrew Marshel. 
Alex. McConnal. 
Wm. McConnal. 
John McLean. 
William McCune. 
Mathew McDowell. 
John W. Moore. 
Wm. McClelon. 
Joseph McMurray. 
Joseph McKeyney. 
Geo. Mathews. 
John Meek. 
James Morton. 
Wm. Marrow. 
John Moore. 
Donald McLean. 
Wm. McClure. 
James Mitchell. 
Joseph McClekm. 
Geo. McElroy. 
Alex. McCutchan. 
John McNutt. 
Robert Peoples. 
Robt. Patton. 
Samuel Patton. 
Henry Phillips. 
James Patterson. 
James Paxton. 
William Richardson. 



James Glen. 
William Hustan. 
Alex. Hill. 
Fergus Hill. 

— Graman. 

Benj. Jeffries. 
John Liget. 
Wm. Morehead. 
Daniel McClintock. 
James McKimm. 



FREEMEN. 

David Moore. 
Hugh Murriaritie. 
John Meek. 
David McRoberts. 
Francis McMinnon. 
Rees McThompson. 
Henry Omble. 
John Phillips. 
Henry Phillips. 
Hector Peoples. 



William Rannels. 
Benj. Ramsey. 
Thomas Ramsey. 
David Russel. 
James Russel. 
James Rea. v 
Francis Robinson. 
Thomas .Sherley. 
William Stuart. 
David Sheilds. 
Wm. Swan. 
Joseph Swan. 
Robert Sloan. 
Leonard Stands. 
Robert Sherley. 
William Stewart. * 
Edward Shippey. 
Robert Scott. 
James Thorn. 
William Temple tqn_ 
Joseph Thorn. 
Wm. Thompson. 
George Thompson. 
William Thompson. 
Samuel Thompson. 
John Thompson. 
John Tayler. 
Robert Thompson. 
Thomas Tennent. 
Jeremiah Talbott. 
James Warder. 
William Withey. 
John Willson. 
Elliott Williamson. 
Thomas Willson. 
John W ikison. 
William Withoraw. 
Michael Willans. 
Andrew Walker. 
Conrad Yearman. 



Andrew Paxton. 
John Querin. 
John Ramsey. 
Benj. Ramsey. 
Joseph Russell. 
Wm. Seekets. 
John Thompson. 
Robert Vertue. 
John Walkison. 



VILLAGE. 

Cashtown is on the State road leading from Charnbersburg to Mercers- 
burg. It is a small trading point for the immediately surrounding country. 



FANNETT— 1761. 

The greater part of this township lies in what is known as Path Valley, in 
olden times called ' ' Tuscarora Path. ' ' Originally the township included 
what is now Metal Township. Here, as in other parts of the county, came 
settlers prior to the time of the extinguishment of the Indian title to the 
land. The three valleys — Path, Amberson's and Horse by their beauty 
and fertility attracted immigrants who, with the consent of the Indians, with 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 579 

whom they maintained the most friendly relations for some time, located and 
commenced their great life work. But in a short time, so strong was the stream 
of immigration, the Indians became alarmed for their possessions, and in 1744 
they notified the colonial authorities that they objected to have their lands taken 
bv the whites, especially where they were acting in violation of express stipu- 
lations formerly entered into. The Government called upon the authorities — 
the magistrates of Cumberland County — to expel the intruders. In May, 
1750, Richard Peters, secretary of the governor, attended by Benjamin Cham- 
bers, William Maxwell, William Allison, John Findlay, and other magis- 
trates, went over to Path Valley, where they found the settlers, Abraham 
Slack, James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dunlop, Alex. McCartie, David 
Lewis, Adam McCartie, Felix Doyle, Reynold Alexander, Samuel Patterson, 
John Armstrong, John Potts, Andrew Dunlop, Robert Wilson, Jacob Pyatt, 
Wm. Ramage and others, and brought them before the magistrate's court, tried 
and convicted each, and put them under bonds to remove at once with their fam- 
ilies out of the valley, ' ' taking servants and effects ' ' and to appear in Carlisle 
and answer such charges as might be made against them. Their houses and 
other improvements were burned, by order of the court. When the land was 
purchased of the Indians, October 23, 1758, some of these settlers returned 
and became permanent residents of the valley. 

The township was named after a place in County Donegal, Ireland, a 
promonotory called ' ' *Fannett Point. ' ' This name was suggested by the shape 
of the new township, a long, narrow point. 

Richard and John Coulter purchased a large body of land in the upper end 
of the township in 1756, and Francis Amberson made an improvement in Am- 
berson's Valley in 1763. Then came Barnabas Clark, from whom "Clark's 
Knob ' ' receives its name, and John Ward and Cromwell McVitty. These 
were the early and most prominent settlers of the valley. 

EAELY LAND ENTRIES. 

In the early land entries we find the following names and dates: 

Samuel Bechtel, January 24, 1737. (No neighbors. ) 
v John Blair, June 3, 1762. Neighbors: Thomas Jiteel and R. Alexander. 

Charles Baxter, April 29, 1763. Neighbors: Phil Hutchison, Alexander 
McCormick, John Elder. 

Alexander Blair, June 5, 1762. Neighbors: Wm. Elder, William Wallace, 
Robert Anderson. 

Thomas Blair, June 3, 1762. Neighbors: Thomas Askey, John Mc- 
Michaels, Randall Alexander, William Ramage, David Campbell. 

John Coulter, December 30, 1762. Neighbors: Richard Coulter, James 
How, James Ross. 

Thomas Doyle, November 29, 1737. (Vacant on all sides.) 

Felix Doyle, June 14,1762. Neighbors: John Elder, David Elder, Jr., 
John Parker, James Elder, Robert Little. 

William Elliott, June 17, 1763. Neighbors: James Gibson, Samuel Coul- 
ter, John Elliott, Benjamin Elliott. (This land is between Round Top Moun- 
tain and Tuscarora Creek.) 

David Elder, April 16, 1763. Neighbors: James Irvin, Robert Baker, 
Samuel Gamble, James Moore. 

John Elder, March 13, 1767. Neighbors: Samuel Moore, James Urich, 
Felix Doyle. 

James Elder, April 16, 1763. Neighbors: Felix Doyle, Samuel Baker, 
Hugh Harron, Robert Little. 

*The best authorities, however, give the spelling as " Fanod Head." 



580 



HISTOBY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 



James Long and James Galbraith, June 8, 1762. Neighbors: William 
Campbell, David Elder, Samuel and Mathew Coulter, John Holliday. 

William McClellan, June 3, 1762. Neighbors: Wm. Raruage, Randall 
Alexander, H. J. Moore, David Campbell. 

LIST OF TAXABLES — 1786. 

The taxables in Fannett Township (including what is now Metal Township), 
in 1786, were as follows: 



Joshua Anderson. 
Robert Anderson. 
Handle Alexander. 
James Ardrey. 
Daniel Armstrong. 
Thomas Armstrong. 
Robert Alexander. 
Noah Abraham. 
Joseph Adams. 
James Alexander. 
Robert Armstrong. 
Patrick Alexander. 
Thos. Blair. 
Nath'l Bryans. 
James Bryans. 
George Buckkannon. 
Allen Brown. 
Widow Baxter. 
John Bell. 
Thos. Barr. 
Samuel Baker. 
W. Chambers & Bros. 
Sam'l Coulter. 
John Campbell. 
J. Campbell. 
Wm. Campbell. 
David Campble. 
John M. Campble. 
Andrew Campble. 
George Climer. 
Wm. Carley. 
Jacob Chambers. 

Callender. 

Patrick Davison. 
Daniel Duncan. 
Barnabas Doyle. 
George Delong. 
Felix Doyle. 
Andrew Duglas. 
George Dixon. 
Edw'd Dougherty. 
John Elliott (heirs). • 
John Elder, Jr. 
Robert Elder. 



David Elder, Sr. 
Robert Elder. 
David Elder, Jr. 
Wm. Elder. 
James Elder. 
Sam'l Elder. 
Wm. Elliott. 
Robert Elliott. 
Frances Elliott. 
Arch'd Elliott. 
James Ervine. 
George Ealey. 
-James Fingeiiy. 
James Fairman. 
Alex. Fulton. 
James Fegan. c 
Sam'l French. 
Wm. Gwyn. 
Isaac Giftord. 
James Gibson. 
John Gray. 
Samuel Gamble. 
Wm. Gibbs. 
John Holiday. 
Matthew Henderson. 
Henry Humbrey. 
Henderson Hervey. 
Andrew Hemphill. 
Thos. Hamilton. 
Jas. Hervey. 
James Howe. 
Hen'yHawkenberryJr, 
James Hawkenberry. 
Philip Hutchison. 
Peter Hawkenberry. 
Wm. Hunter. 
Alex. Hopper. 
James Harve}'. 
John Harmony. 
H. Hawkenberry, Sr. 
Henry Hagan. 
Gasper Hawkenberry 
James Hunter. 
James Johnston. 



Thos. Johnston. 
Sam'l Ireland. 
John Jones. 
John Kenedy. 
Wm. Kelly. 
Edward Kelly. 
John Keasey. 
Joseph Kilgore. 
Robt. Kerr. 
Wm. Lauther, Jr. 
James Lauther. 
Robert Little. 
David Long. 
Sam'l Lattimore. 
Patrick McCormick. 
Joseph Moore. 
James Moore, Jr. 
Robt. McGwire. 
Wm. Mclntyre. 
Rich'd Morrow. 
Sam'l Mairs. 
Wm. Moore. 
Andrew Millar. 
Robt. McCormick. 
John McClure. 
Dan'l McMullan. 
Wm. McCibbens. 
Enos McMullan. 
James Moore, Sr. 
Nathaniel McCall. 
Sam'l McCall. 
Robt. McConnell. 
John Mac key. 
Widow Mackey. 
John McClellan. 
James McClatchey. 
James McConnaughey 
David McConnaughey 
Robert McClatchey. ' 
John McCrea. 
Cromwell McCavity. 
Wm. McCain. 
Patrick McGee. y 
Randle McDounald. 



Hugh McCurday. 
Wm. McClellon, Sr. 
Wm. McClellon, Jr. 
John Mullan. 
John MeClane. 
John Noble, Sr. 
John Noble. Jr. 
Joseph Noble. 
Charles Newcom. 
David Neal. 
James Nealy. 
John Nilson. 
Richard Neagle. 
Nathaniel Paul. 
John Pacho. 
Alex. Potts. ^ 
Adam Piper. 
Charles Querrj'. 
James Rea. 
Lodwick Ripple. 
Dennis Reddin. 
Joseph Shearer. 
Barnet Shutler. 
Elijah Sackett. 
Thos. Shields. 
Robert Sample. 
Joseph Sackett. 
John Steel. 
Benj. Say. 
Wm. Taylor. 
John Simmons. 
Thos. Simmons. 
Henrv Varner. 
David Wakefield. 
Benj. Walker. 
Wm. Witherow. 
Sam'l Walker. 
James Walker. 
John Ward. 
William Warnock. 
James Widney. 



FREEMEN. 



James Alexander. 
John Buckhannon. 
George Chambers. 
Sam'l Campble. 
John Duglas. 
John Davison. 
Wm. Darlington. 
Adam Ernholt. 
John Elder. 



Gabriel Glenn. 
Win. Gallaher. 
Jas. Hervey, Jr. 
Wm. Hambleton. 
Wm. Ireland. 
Jeremiah Kilgore. 
Robert Little. 
Alex. Lona:. 



John Mullan. 
James Mails. 
Hu^h McClure. 
James McCurday 
James Moore. 
James ON"ail. 
Wm. Paul. 
John Potts. * 



James Randies. 
Hugh Steel. 
Adam Scott. 
John Witherow. 
James Wallace. 
William Ward. 
Joseph Weaver. 



John McConnaughey. Alex. Potts. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 581 



VILLAGES. 



Concord, situated in the upper end of Fannett Township, was laid out by 
James Widney, and lots offered for sale about 1791. It took its name from 
Concord, Mass. , the scene of the first engagement in the Revolutionary war. 
The tirst settlers in the region were the Widneys, the Erwins, the Kyles, Mc- 
Mullins, Linns, Mcllhenies, Doyles, Hockenberrys and others. The village has 
a public school, and three churches: Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Trot est 
ant and United Presbyterian, and the usual line of business. Population, 1 50. 

Episcopal Methodism was introduced into Path Valley, in or about the 
year 1790, by James Widney, a native of the County Armagh, Ireland, who 
immigrated to the United States soon after the close of the Revolutionary 
war, and settled in the northern part of Path Valley, at what is now known as 
Concord. Mr. Widney' s father was educated in the mother country for the 
ministry of the Established Church, but refused to take orders, and his 
son James espoused the cause of the Methodists in the mother country, and 
threw his lot in with and identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodists. 
Gn arriving at their new home in the Western wilds of the New World, they 
were very destitute of the Word of God. This state of affairs reached the 
ears of Bishop Asbury of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he started out 
to hunt up the few families of Methodists living in the upper end of Path 
Valley. This was the first Methodist preaching ever held in this part of the 
country. After this they were, at great intervals, visited by Revs. Jonathan 
Forest and Nelson Read. In the year 1800 Mr. Widney persuaded Rev. 
Alexander McCaine to make an appointment at Concord for preaching, and, 
this being done and filled, after the sermon McCaine read the general rules of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the same time gave a brief account of 
its ecclesiastical polity and its distinguishing features. At this meeting the 
formation of a society was proposed, and eleven persons present united to- 
gether as a society, and Widney was appointed as their leader. This was, at 
that time, on Huntingdon Circuit, which embraced considerable portions of 
Huntingdon, Franklin, Fulton, Perry and Cumberland Counties. 

The first Methodist Church was built on the land of Mr. Widney, in what 
is now the Methodist cemetery, lying south of Concord, on the road to Doyles- 
burg. The present edifice in the town of Concord was erected on the land of 
Robert Maclay, and was built in the year 1845. The parsonage was built in 
1850, Mr. Maclay giving the land and $100 toward the erection of the church 
and parsonage. In the days of the Maclays, Concord Circuit took in in its 
bounds what is now known as Newport, New Bloomfield, Blain, Thompson- 
town, Port Royal, Mifflin, Lewistown, Shirleysburg, Orbisonia, Burnt Cabins 
and Fort Littleton Circuits. The salary at that time was only a few hundred 
dollars, and now the salaries of the ministers serving the various charges 
that are the outgrowth of the then Concord charge amount, in round figures, 
to $8,000. The most prominent missionary in the Methodist Church to-day, 
• Rev. Robert Samuel Maclay, D. D ., for forty years missionary to China, - 
Japan and Corea, was born in the town of Concord, opposite the parsonage, 
licensed to preach and sent out to preach by the Concord Quarterly Confer- 
ence. There were two other Maclay brothers that were sent out, to preach, by 
the charge, viz. : William James Maclay, who went as missionary to Califor- 
nia, and Charles Maclay, also of California, who perpetuated his name by 
the generous gift of $150,000 and land for the erection and endowment of a 
college. 

The following is a correct list of the ministers serving the charge from the 
year 1819, there being no trace of the appointment of ministers for the period 



582 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

previous to the year 1819: Gideon I^ansing and Jacob Larkin, Bazil Barry 
and Robert Cadden, Robert Cadden and William C. Pool, Thomas McGee and 
Nathan B. Mills and Jacob Sheperd, Thomas McGee and John Bowen, Robert 
Minshall and John A. Gere, Jacob Sheperd and William C. Pool, Jacob 
Sheperd and Jonathan Munroe, John Smith and Oliver Ege, John Smith and 
Jonathan Forest, Jonathan Munroe and Henry Tarring, Edward E. Allen and 
Alem Britton, Thomas Taneyhill and Zacharia Jordan, Jacob McEnally and J. 
Houswort, Wesley Howe and Henry Ferndon and John Hedges, Jesse Stans- 
berry and Joseph S. Morris, George Berkstresser and Joseph McKeehan, 
Joseph S. Lee and Franklin Dyson, David Shoff and Joseph Parker, John M. 
Green, James Brads and John Morehead, Elisha Butler and John N. Ewing, 
A. D. Barlow, George Deems and David Wolf and D. W. F. Crawford, 
George Stevenson and Alexander Maclay, Joseph Spangler and John H. C. 
Dosh and David Shoaff, Robert Beers and Jacob Hartman and Joseph J. Lar- 
gant, Cambridge Graham and John P. Sipes and Matthias Dean, Amos Smith 
and William H. Keith and Job A. Price, Nathan S. Buckingham and Abraham 
S. Creighton and Jeremiah C. Hagey, Frederick E. Crever and William G. 
Ferguson and James T. Wilson, Reuben E.Kelley and John W. Cleaver, Jamea 
M. Clarke and William H. Maxwell and Alexander R. Miller, Joseph R. King 
and Walter R. Whitney, Andrew E. Taylor and William Schreiber and Levi 
G. Heck, Seth A. Creveling and William W. Dunmire, George A. Singer and 
William H. Bowden, Joseph A. Ross and Oliver H. Huston, Edmund White 
and John H. S. Clarke, Andrew W. Decker and James Eberhart and Samugl 
Ham, Charles T. Dunning and John W. Cline, Levi S. Crone and Samuel E. 
Meminger. The present pastors of the charge are John L. Leilich aud 
Fletcher W. Biddle. 

United Presbyterian Church. — Just when this congregation had its origin 
is not shown by the records accessible. In his history of Big Spring Presby- 
tery, Rev J. B. Scouler speaks of Rev. Matthew Lind being installed pastor of 
the united congregations of Greencastle, Chambersburg, West Conococheague 
and the Great Cove in 1783. How much territory was embraced in West 
Conococheague is not revealed, but probably a large extent. Subsequent to 
that date traces of preaching occur. On the 26th of December, 1828, Rev. 
Alexander McCahan was installed pastor of Chambersburg and Concord, giv- 
ing one-third of his time to the latter congregation. In this relation he con- 
tinued till October 6, 1830, when he resigned and removed to another field. 
On the third of August, 1837, Rev. Robert Gracey was installed over the same 
two congregations, but on the 18th of October, 1843, he was released from the 
Concord church, and took charge of a congregation in Gettysburg for half of 
his time till October, 1849, when he relinquished Gettysburg and continued to 
give three-fourths of his time to Chambersburg and one- fourth to Concord till 
October, 1852. At this time he removed to Pittsburgh. Following this date 
Rev. Dargo B. Jones supplied the congregation for a time, his labors ceasing 
April 11, 1860. On the 10th of September, 1861, Rev. Joseph McKee began 
to give it one-fourth of his time, which oversight continued till the spring of 
1864, when he ceased. On the 20th of April, 1865, Rev. John A. McGill was 
installed pastor, and his labors have been signally blessed. 

Spring Run, six miles north of Fannettsburg, on the principal road along 
Path Valley, is a sprightly little village. It does a fair mercantile business, 
and has two churches — Presbyterian and United Brethren. The Presbyterian 
Church was organized in 1767. 

Dry Run. — The earliest settlers in and about this place were James Stark, 
James Ferguson, Thomas Wilson, Daniel Johnson, Davison Filson. 



LETTEEKENNY TOWNSHIP. 583' 

The village was fouuded by Stephen Skinner in 1838. In 1833 James 
Holliday pnt up the first house, and in 1836 James Stark built the second. It 
was named at first ' 'Morrowstown, " but finally called by its present name. The' 
United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1810, James Brown, pastor; 
charter members: James Wilson, David Ferguson, James Little, William 
Eobertson; a stone building erected in 1822. Pastors: Macohon, Gracy. Mc- 
Kee, Jones, Magillj and Rev. Work, present incumbent. The present elders 
are W. H. Robmson, Wm. Harris, Samuel Johns; fifty-five members. 

Upper Presbyterian Church. — For the early history of this organization, 
the reader is referred to the account given under Fannettsburg, of the lower 
congregation. In that connection the statement is made that a permanent 
separation of the two organizations was made in 1851. The following is a list 
of some of the elders who have served this congregation since 1808: James and 
William Alexander, John Elder, John Holliday, Andrew Moitow, David Rid- 
dle, Stephen Skinner, James McCurdy, Jr., James McDougal, John Alexan- 
der, James Stark, Jacob Shearer, Peter Shearer, John AV. Still, William A. 
Mackey, William Herron, James McCurdy and others. The earliest elders 
whose names have been learned were John Holliday, James Ardery, David 
Elder, Samuel Mains and Richard Morrow. For a number of years, this con- 
gregation was ably served by Rev. Wm. A. West, now secretary of the presby- 
tery at Harrisburg. He was succeeded by Rev. S. C. Alexander, an educator 
and preacher of great acceptance, who resigned his charge about the close of 
1886 or early part of 1887 to accept a pastorate in an adjoining county. 

Dry Run Academy. — The building, which was erected in 1874 at a cost 
of |3, 000, is frame, of ample size, and well arranged for school purposes. It 
is owned and controlled by men of different denominations, and is therefore 
nonsectarian. This enterprise is principally due to Rev. S. C. Alexander, 
Dr. J. H. Flickinger, Samuel Holliday, David J. Skinner, W. G. Kirkpatrick 
and John Alexander. The school was opened in April, 1875, by Rev. 
S. C. Alexander, who continued to teach until June, 1876, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Prof. A. A. Richards, the present principal. 

Doylestown was laid out by Philip T. Doyle in 1851. It is at the mouth 
of Burns' Valley on the road from Concord to Dry Run. A large tannery is 
successfully operated in the place. There are two churches, Catholic and 
Methodist Protestant. 

LETTERKENNY— 1762. 

This township was carved' out of the territory of Lurgan, and it is not 
certain whether it was in the year 1761 or 1762. The probabilities are, it was 
formed by the quarter sessions court in the latter part of 1761, as at the March- 
term of the next year it is mentioned in the court proceedings. 

It is nearly in the center of the county, its western boundary line follow- 
ing two ridges of Kittatinny Mountain, including Horse Valley ; its northern 
boundary is the southern line of Lurgan Township, and a part of the southern 
line of Southampton ; east is Greene, and south are Hamilton and St. Thomas 
Townships. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The Indian titles here were not extinguished until 1736, and while it is; 
said a few settlers had located within its bounds, yet we have no records of any 
of them, of course, that go beyond that time. County Surveyor John B; 
Kaufman, a resident of the township, says : ' ' Several surveys were made and" 
warrants issued in 1736, 1744 and 1746, but they were not very numerous. 

31 



584 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

until 1750, though we find abundant evidences, prior to this latter date, that 
settlements had been made years before. When the French and Indian war 
became serious in 1755, and the settlers were burnt out, or massacred, and 
could not remain in safety, many of them abandoned their improvements and 
removed eastward into the older settlements. Immigration was checked, and 
almost totally ceased until about the year 1760 or 1762. Then there was a 
large influx of settlers, and by the time the Revolution broke out, the farming 
lands, both in this valley and in Horse Valley, were largely taken up. I can- 
not find either warrants or surveys in Letterkenny Township prior to 1762. 

' ' From this date the office rights multiply rapidly, especially after the 
cheaper rates of £5 sterling per hundred acres were inaugurated under the 
application system. This system went into effect in 1766. All that was neces- 
sary, as long as this law was in force, was for the settler to make application 
to the land office for so many acres, bounded by certain lands. An order of 
survey was then issued, and the applicant, for a small fee for his application 
and order of survey, could take up a tract not exceeding 400 acres, 
without paying for the land a farthing, except the fees above named, and the 
expenses of surveying. It was expected that the land would be paid for after 
the return of the survey, and a patent then be taken out. This, however, was 
frequently not done, and the purchase money of many tracts has not yet been 
paid to the commonwealth. The land then cost twenty-two and two-tenths cents 
per acre; hence it is not wonderful that as soon as the Indian troubles ceased, 
the lands in Letterkenny were rapidly occupied. As this township is mostly 
slate land, now considered by many as inferior to the limestone and freestone, 
or pine lands of Greene, Southampton, Guilford, Antrim, etc., it may seem 
strange that the first settlers selected the slate lands, which were often quite 
hilly, in preference to others. 

' 'After the battle of Trenton, some of the Hessians captured there found i 
their way to this vicinity, settled here, and became useful citizens, and their i 
descendants are among some of the most respectable people. ' ' 

Maj. James McCalmont, so famous in early times as an Indian fighter, 
was born near Strasburg, in this township. The massacre of some of his; 
closest friends had made him swear eternal vengeance against the red-skins. 
He was so fleet of foot, so familiar with every foot of the county, so sure a a 
shot, his name became a terror to the Indians. 

EARLIEST LAND TITLES. 

Of the earliest land titles we find the following: 

Robert Allison (in right of Andrew Blackburn), February 13, 1753. Neigh- 
bors: James Allison, Robert Rogers, James Gordon, John Boyd, James Boyd. 

Joseph Henderson (in right of Samuel Boyd), February 20, 1754. Neigh- 
bors: Christ Irwin, Robert Boyd, John Kirkpatrick, John Irwin. 

John Boyd, May 24, 1753. Neighbors: D. Jordan, Jeremiah Galvin. 

Thomas Barnet, February 18, 1744. Neighbors: Chas. Stewart, James 
Pancoast, Felt. Spangler, Charles McGennet, James McKeen. 

Samuel Culbertson, October 10, 1753. Neighbors: Joseph Culbertson, 
Richard Peters, Robert Culbertson. 

Robert Gabby, October 16, 1749. Neighbors: John Kirkpatrick, Widow 
Donaldson, John Sisney, John Barnhill. 

James Mitchell, July 10, 1752. Neighbor: David Shields. 

John Maughan, May 9, 1754. Neighbors: John Miller, Joseph Mitcht 
John Rippit, Widow Caldwell, Wm. Mitchell, James McCammin. 

Rev. Richard Peters, June 23, 1749. 



LETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP. 



585 



LIST OF TAXABLES — 1786. 

In the present limits of the township and of Greene Township, the taxables 
in 1786 were as follows: 



Alex. Allison. 
Andrew Allison. 
Robert Allison. 
Hugh Allison. 
Jas. Allison. 
Jas. Anderson. 
Adam Break. 
Christley Brake. 
George Basor. 
Adam Burkholder. 
Peter Basor. 
Rob't Brotherton. 
Wm. Bell, Sr. 
Wm. Bell, Jr. 
Peter Barnhart. 
Adam Burkholder, Jr 
Matthias Booker. 
Jacob Barickstrasser. 
John Barr. 
Matthias Brindley. 
John Beard, Sr. 
John Baker. 
James Boyd. 
Andrew Beard. 
Wm. Beard, Jr. — 
John Beard, Jr. 
John Blair. 
John S. Beatty. 
Thos. Boyd. 
H. Caldwell. 
Michael Crowberger. 
Robert Caldwell. 
James Caldwell. 
John Caldwell. 
Stephen Caldwell. 
John Colsmith. 
John Cramer. 
Alex. Culbertson. 
Adam Castle. 
Sam'l Culbertson. 
Capt. Jos. Culbertson 
Robert Culbertson. 
John Craig. 
Jas. Caldwell, Sr. 
Jas. Cunningham. 
Charles Cummins. 
Jas. Clark. 
Joseph Clark. 
Robt. Cochran. 
Sam'l Cochran. 
Widow Cochran. 

Charles Allison. 
James Allison. 
Robert Brotherton. 
John Butcher. 
John Brown. 
Adam Burkholder. 
Sam'l Culbertson. 
Christian Counts. 
David Cowan. 
Joseph Caldwell. 



Sam'l Culbertson, Sr. Wm. Kithpatrick. 
Jas. Culbertson. John Laffery. 

S. Culbertson (creek). John Lindsay. 
Rev. John Craighead. John Lunders. 



John Culbertson 
John Cessna. 
Wm. Cessna. 
Josias Crawford. 
W. Crawford (heirs) 
Christy Dice. 
John Dunlap. 
Wm. Davis. 
George Eaby. 
Jas. Endslow. 
George Early. 
.Jas. Elliott (heirs). 
James Findley, Esq. 
John Findley. 
John Fergison. 
Jas. Gilleland. 
Jas. Gibson. 
Jeremiah Galvin. 
Henry Gruver. 
John Gant. 
Wm. Gibson. 
Ruben Gilaspy. 
George Grove. 
John Gray. 
Abm. Grove. 
Abm. Grove, Jr. 
Christly Grove. 
George. Handspike 
Philip Homel. 
John Henderson. 
Jas. Henderson. 
Peter Hoover. 
John Hoover. 
Sam'l Henry. 
Ludwick Houser. 
Mike Havlin. 
John Imble. 
Paul Imble. 
Thos. Jackson. 
Robt. Jack (heirs). 
Sam'l Jordan. 
David Jordan. 
John Johnston. 
Philip Keeser. 
Michael Kunole. 
John Kithcart. 
James Kelly. 



Sam'l Lindsay. 
Conrad Loward. 
Robert Long. 
Jas. Lockard. 
Jeremiah Loughery. 
Widow Lutes. 
Jas. McConnel. 
Robert McConnel. 
Jas. Matthews. 
James McCammont. 
Jas. Moor. 
John Machan, Jr. 
John Machan, Sr. 
Robt. Mitchel. 
Jas. Michel (Less). 
Robert Machan. 
John Myers. 
John McCammont. 
Joseph Mitchel. 
Cutlip Maugh. 
*—■' Robert McCammy.- 
^ John McCammy. 
Alex. McKeen. 
Nath. Mitchal. — 
Jesse Mitchel. <?•— 
John Neaves. 
Wm. Nicholson. 
Sam'l Nantier. 
Jacob Neaves. 
John Nilson, Sr. 
John Nillson, Jr. 
Leonard Po winger. 
Jas. Patterson. 
Capt. N. Patterson. 
Thos. Porter. 

Postlethwaite. 

Alex. Robison. 
Wm. Robison. 
John Richey. 
Henrv Rail. 
Wm/Rail. 
Jas. Reed. 
Darby Runy. 
Jacob Ryard.* 
George Radibuch. 
John Robison. 



FREEMEN. 



Thos. Clark. 
John Clark. 
Hugh Fergison. 
John Findley. 
Gabriel Gordon. 
Sam'l Henny. 
Daniel Lavery. 
John Lindsey. 
Thos. Lindsay. 
Balsar Lower. 



Joseph Mitchel. 
James McCammont. 
John McCamey. 
Sam'l Nicholson. 
Thos. Patterson. 
Isaac Parker. 
Thos. Porter. 
George Pacer. 
John Reed. 
Wm. Reed. 



Wm. Ray. 
Sam'l Ray, Sr. 
Christley Raisor. 
Abm. Reasor. 
Sam'l Reed. 
Jas. Stuart. 
George Stinger. 
Fred'k Stump. 
Wm. Sharp, Jr. 
Wm. Sharp (heirs). 
Wintle Schirck. 
Henry Shearer. 
Charles Stuart. 
Fred'k Stake. 
Moses Scott. 
Francis Sanderson. 
Joseph Stevinson. 
Adam Smith. 
Wm. Sharp, Sr. 
Joseph Shirk. 
Matthew Shields. 
Matthew Sharp. 
Robert Shields. 
Hannah Sharp. 
George Snearly. 
Valentine Spangler. 
Jas. Tom. 
Albert Torrence. 
Henry Toops. 
Andrew Taylor. 
Wm. Torrance. 
Hugh Torrance. 
Alex. Thompson. 
David Trooph. 
John Ward. 
Mary Weary (widow). 
Jas. Willson. 
Martin Winger. 
Wm. Wadill. 
Conrad Wolf. 
Andrew Willson. 
H. Wiley. 

Capt. Hugh Wiley. 
Thomas Wallace. 
Joseph Whitmere. 
Jas. Walker. 
William Weir. 
Oliver Wallace. 
Rev. Sam'l Wilson. 
Jacob Yos. 



John Rea. ' 
Andrew Russell. 
Saml Rea. 
M. Scott. 
Wm. Shiphan. 
Wm. Stinzer. 
Albert Torrance. 
Thos. Wear. 
John Ward. 



*Jacob Richard, paternal great-grandfather of the compiler of this work. 



586 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

EARLY SCHOOL TEACHEES. 

John B. Kaufman has kindly furnished the following list of early school 
teachers in the township: Eugene Owens, Benjamin Davis, Daniel Ecker- 
man, Sr. , Capt. Thomas Anderson, Bev. Daniel Eckerman, Jr., "Wm. A. 
Hunter, Capt. Isaac Miller, Montgomery Martin, Henry A. Thomas, Prof. P. 

A. Shoemaker, Prof. Aaron Weidman, John B. Kaufman, John W. DeHaven, 
Hon. W. W. Britton, B. A. Cormany, Capt. E. K. Lehman, Saml. Gelwix, A. 

B. Wingert, Prof. A. G. Huber. Bev. Jno. A. West, Jr., Dr. B. W. Kamsay, 
Bev. D. W. Sollenberger, D. A. Flora, Prof. B. F. Newton, Prof. L. F. 
Creamer, Prof. F. H. Slyder, Emma Minehart, Naomi Minehart, D. D. Swan- 
ger and J. C. Burkholder. 

VILLAGE. 

Strasburg. — The postoffice is called Upper Strasburg. The village is on 
the old State road, near the base of Kittatinny Mountain. It was found- 
ed by Dewalt Keefer in 1789. It was the first instance of the Germans be- 
ing here in sufficient force to begin to lay out towns, and call them after 
names cherished in the fatherland. In the days of stage coaches it became 
quite a stirring little business point, where the old burghers were noted for 
selling supplies at the cheapest market rates, and their thrifty industry always 
had on hand a big supply. 

CHURCH. 

Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church. — This was organized according to best 
accounts in the year 1738, by the presbytery of Donegal. The first house of 
worship was built about the same time. Its name, Bocky Spring, was chosen 
from its location at a large spring of water, which issues from a limestone 
rock. The first pastor is supposed to have been Bev. Thomas Craighead, 
whose charge also embraced Middle Spring and Big Spring congregations in 
the territory now forming Cumberland County. He died in his pulpit while 
engaged in the act of pronouncing the benediction, about the close of the year 
1739. He was succeeded by Bev. John Blair, who was installed December 
27, 1742, giving one-third of his time to the congregation. He was of Irish 
parentage, graduated at the Log College, a classical school established by Bev. 
Wm. Tennent, twenty miles north of Philadelphia, and was an earnest and 
laborious preacher. Owing to the incursions of the Indians, he was compelled 
to resign his pastoral charge on the 28th of December, 1748. From this date 
to 1768, the congregation was without a settled pastor. The same cause 
which banished the last shepherd prevented another from taking his place. 
This whole region was then wild and uncultivated. Some families were mur- 
dered, and others were compelled to flee for safety into the more thickly set- 
tled portions of the country. After the defeat of Gen. Braddock in 1755, high 
carnival was held by the savages in the Cumberland Valley. 

Finally, in the spring of 1767, Bev. John Craighead was called and in- 
stalled its pastor, April 13, 1768, at a salary of £100 per year. He was born 
in 1742; graduated at Princeton in 1763; was an eloquent preacher and a val- 
iant patriot, spoken of in history as the ' ' fighting chaplain, ' ' because he 
led his men as captain in battle and acted as chaplain in camp. His disposi- 
tion was mild, affable and peculiarly winning, which, together with his agree- 
able social qualities, rare conversational powers and fine humor, made him the 
favorite of all who chanced to know him. His sermons were delivered with a 
power and eloquence peculiarly his own. He lived on a farm about half a 
mile from the church. His pastoral relation with Bocky Spring continued till 
April 9, 1799, when it was dissolved. He died on the 20th of the same month 






LETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP. 587 

and year, and his remains were deposited in the adjacent cemetery, the hand- 
some monument which marks the place having been furnished by Mrs. Isabella 
Marshall, the last surviving member of his congregation. 

After a vacancy of just a year, Rev. Francis Herron, born near Shippens- 
burg June 28, 1774, was installed pastor, April 9, 1800. His preaching was 
marked with great power and success. During his pastorate the church at- 
tained the climax of its prosperity and usefulness. His connection with the 
congregation was dissolved on the 3d of April, 1811, to enable him to enter 
upon his charge as pastor of the First Church, of Pittsburgh, which position 
he filled for forty years. 

After the departure of Dr. Herron, the congregation was supplied for a 
period of several years by Rev. John McKnight, who came from New York 
City, buying a farm, on which he lived. He was never regularly installed as 
pastor. In 1815 he was invited to the presidency of Dickinson College, which 
position he accepted. He resigned, returned to his farm and continued to 
preach as opportunity offered till the time of his death, October 21, 1823. The 
next pastor was Rev. John McKnight, son of the preceding, who came April 
9, 1816. He entered upon his work September 24, 1816, and continued until 
January 20, 1836. During his service he lived on a farm half a mile east of 
Chambersburg. He died in Philadelphia July 29, 1857, in his sixty-eighth 
year. 

For a period of four years this congregation, with that of St. Thomas, was 
supplied by Rev. Robert Kennedy, of Welsh Run, and others. 

In May, 1840, Rev. A. K. Nelson was installed pastor. He discharged his 
duties faithfully till ill health compelled his resignation April 10, 1873, since 
which time Rev. S. C. George, * its present pastor, has occupied the honored 
and responsible position. 

The first church edifice stood between the present building and the grave- 
yard, the front facing to the south. It was a rough log building, one story 
and a half high, and built about the time the congregation was organized, or 
before, in the rude style of architecture peculiar to those days. It had one 
row of windows in the lower story, the lights being small and few in number. 
It was entered by two doors which were placed in the eastern and western ends 
of the house. The doors were small and single. They were made of plain 
boards without any panel work. As the size of the congregation increased, an 
addition, formed of a small square building on the south side, was made. A 
few years later, for a similar reason, another addition was built by its side. 
About the time the original building was erected, a small, rough structure 
about fifteen feet square, with wide fireplace and large wooden chimney, was 
also built. It was known as the ' ' Study House. " It is said that it was built 
as a receptacle for the saddles which members used in those days when horse- 
back riding to church was the main reliance of the people scattered over large 
regions of country. This hoxise was replaced in 1794 by the present brick 
structure, 48x60, the contra '-lor being \\ alter Beatty. 

The following is a complete list of the members of Rocky Spring Church 
100 years ago: John Stevenson, Etofoert Brotherton, John Stuart, JohnMahan, 
Sr., John Mahan, Robert Wilson,; Andrew Wilson, William Waddell, Andrew 
Wilson, Isaac Martin, Capt. Alexander Julbertson, John Board, James Endslow, 
Thomas Stockton, Robert Sharp, Robert Shields, Oliver Culbertson, Charles 
Cummins, Joseph Stevenson. Tji ffinas Clark, Thomas McCurdy, Samuel Mc- 
Cord, John Gauth, Thomas Thorn — Davis, Wm. Rosselas, John Bernd, 

♦Since above was in type, we learn that Rev. S. C. George has resigned his pastoral charge with Big 
Spring and St. Thomas Presbyterian congregations. 



v.'^ 



588 HISTOEY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

John Thompson, Moses Barnet, Samuel Rea, Fulton Lindsay, Moses Black- 
burn, Samuel Coheen, Andrew Fealor, John Kerr, Samuel Henry, Alexander 
Culbertson, John Blackburn, William Wallis, Joseph Clark, Joseph Wither- 
spoon, William Fullerton, Joseph Clark, John Rea, Alexander White, John 
McAnulty, William Young, Joseph Swan, Josiah Allen, John McCleen, John 
Hackett, James Hendery, William Swan, Daniel Shield, Oliver Brown, Rich- 
ard Benson, Benjamin Carothers, John Wilkeson, Thomas Thompson, Robert 
Hutchinson, Samuel Thompson, Wm. Archibald, Nathan Hilend, James Mor- 
ton, John Moor, Mathew Gilleland, Robert Peoples, John Thompson, John 
Taylor, Saml. Liggit, David Colwell, John Chestnut, Capt. Mathew Ferguson, 
Wm. Ferguson, Daniel Eckers, John Beard, Saml. Headery, Saml. Rea, Mary 
Kerr, Moses Barrett, John Thompson, Daniel McGregor, Samuel Thompson, 
Andrew Taylor, Moses Blackburn, Martha Allen, Robert Anderson, Margaret 
Denny, Robt. Dixon, Joseph Kerpatrick, John Mahon, Samuel Coheren, David 
English, Henry Duncan, Alexander Moses, Margaret Dixon, Wm. Trotter, 
Saml. Hase, James Ackles, Joseph Cowan, John Wilson, Andrew Beard, Mary 
Jordan, Daniel Jordan, Robert McCamey, Arthur Patterson, James Hender- 
son, Robert Lamberton, Samuel Mitchell, Wm. Bell, Geo. Shields, Wm. Gib- 
son, Geo. Davidson, Wm. Beard, Joseph Mitchell, Robt. Carrick, Archbald 
Grimes, Wm. Huston, William McCalland, Robert Allison, Saml. Jordan, 
John McCamey, James Wilson, John Henderson, James Stevenson, Martha 
Ward, Joseph Natchee, James Walker, Esther Rennex, Charles Harron, Cor- 
nelius Harper, Robert Shields, James Toon, Isaac Parker, Archibald McCloskey, 
Robert Beard, John Chamberlain. 

WASHINGTON— 1779. * 

At the January term, 1779, a petition of citizens of Antrim was presented, 
asking for a division of that township, and the court appointed James Johns- 
ton, Abraham Smith, Humphrey Fullerton, James McLanahan, Elias 
Davison and William Finley, commissioners to examine and report upon the 
propriety of granting the request of the petitioners. Their report was to be 
returned at the April term of the court, of that year. It was then Washington 
Township was erected out of the territory of Antrim, and named in honor of 
him who stood first in the hearts of his countrymen — Gen. Washington. 
Some of the first settlers to come to the county located in what is now Wash- 
ington Township. Some of the early land purchasers were as follows: 

EAKLY LAND TITLES. 

Gustavus Brown, August 22, 1751. (No neighbors.) 

Jacob Beesecker, January 29, 1752. Neighbors: Fredrick Foreman, John 
McLanahan, Henry Thomas, Edward Nichols, Abel Johns, R. Hart, John 
Cochran. 

Joseph Crunkleton and James Thompson (for the children of William 
Brown), October 10, 1750. Neighbors: Christ. Flaker, Samuel McCrea, 
Jacob Holsinger, John Crooks. 

James Dawney, October 31, 1765. Neighbors: William Elms, Martin 
Jacobs. 

John Ferree, June 10, 1762. 

William Hall, May 12, 1763. Neighbors: Wm. Elms, John Hapner. 

James Johnston, May 3, 1750. Neighbors: John Jackson, Stophel Cees, 
James Bones. ( 

♦For Borough of Waynesboro, see page 530. 



W V 8 i 1 1NGT0N TOWNSHIP. 



589 



Moses Liddell, April 3, 1754:. Neighbors: Peter Longenecker, Abraham 
Wassell, John Scott, Henry Hall. 

Michael Legate, July 1, 1748. Neighbors: James Whitehead, Thomas 
McLanahan, Abel John, Roger Hart. 

John Morehead, January 4, 1763. Neighbors: John Wallace, David Stoner, 
John Mack, John Makley. 

John Mack, September 6, 1751. Neighbors: John Morehead, James 
Downey. William Elms. 

John Markley, March 0, 1749. Neighbors: John Crooks, Samuel McCrea, 
Fred. Foreman. 

John and James McLanahan, June 3, 1762. Neighbors: Abel John, John 
Cochran, William Blakeley, James Scott, Andrew Stouffer. 

George Martin, September 6, 1762. Neighbors : Henry Asher, David Heffner. 

Edward Nichols, February 7, 1749. Neighbors: Andrew Stoop, Michael 
Helm, Jacob Mack. 

Henry Cooper, January 19, 1753. Neighbors: Edward Nichols, Henry Teech, 
Jacob Mack. 

Mathias Ringer, February 14, 1749. 

John Stoner, October 24, 1750. Neighbors: Jacob Holtzinger, James Jack, 
Fred. Foreman, William Irwin, John Price. 

David Stoner, May 3, 1763. " 

John Snowberger, May 15, 1745. 

James Whitehead, September 29, 1750. Neighbors: Jacob Beesecker, 
Richard O'Cain. 

John Wallace, October 20, 1750. Neighbors: John Morehead, James 
Coyle, James Jack, John Cochran, Matthias Ringer. 

John Steiner, May 23, 1744. 

An account of many of the prominent first settlers in this part of the county 
may be found in Chapter XXI, this volume. 



LIST OF TAXABLES- 



■1786. 



Washington Township, which then included what is now Quincy Township, 
in 1786 had the following taxables: 



Stophel Adams. 
Peter Baker. 
David Burkit. 
Dewalt Bonbrake. 
William Blackley. 
David Baker. 
James Blackley. 
Daniel Beashover. 
Elizabeth Bermidick. 
Nicholas Beaver. 
Jacob Baker. 
John Baker. 
Philip Boarbaugh. 
Peter Baker, Sr. 
Nicholas Bittinger. 
John Burns. 
Christian Breakner. 
Daniel Clapsaddle. 
John Cochran, Sr. 
John Cochran, Jr. 
Thomas Chambers. 
John Crooks. 
James Crooks. 
Michael C ok. 
George Cook. 



Christian Cofman. 
George Cofman. 
Henry Carroll. 
Jacob Cook. 
Gasper Ceese. 
Isaac Clark 
Robt. Cuningham. 
Casper Cline. 
James Downey. 
Peter Dull. 
Joseph Dull. 
Stophel Dull. 
Henry Dutch. 
David Dutch. 
Henry Dewal 
Elias Davids 
Jacob Donneker. 
Wm. Erwin. 
John Erwin. 
John Emmits. 
Adam Floherc. 
Peter Fox. 
Henry Fore. 
Fredrick Foreman, 
Abm Flora. 



Adam Fredrick. 
Fred'k Foreman, Jr. 
Henry Flood. 
Jacob Fredrick. 
Christ. Foglar. 
And'w Fridley. 
And'w Fridley, Jr. 
John Funk. 
Laurence Fotteral. 
John Gantz. 
John Gaff. 
And'w Gibhard. 
Henry Gibhart. 
dan Grub. 
Albert Heffner. 
Jaco^i Holsinger. 

rge Holsinger. 
John Hambleton. 
I on a Horner, Sr. 
Fred'k Howard. 
lizabeth Helms. 
ohn Horner, Jr. 
Fred'k Horner. 
Sr.Ab'm Horner. 
Gasper Henline. 



Cornelius Henlin. 
Michael Helms. 
Jacob Hess. 
John Horn. 
Elias Horn. 
David Heffner. 
Daniel Helman. 
Sam'l Harshbarger. 
George Helman. 
Jacob Hefner. 
Val. Hefner. 
John Haslet. 
Jacob Hollinger. 
Martin Jacob. 
John Johnston. 
John Leap. 
David Lady. 
Peter Longenecker. 
John Long. 
I> irnet Lickhart. 
Conrad Loyd. 
John McCoy. 
John McCo'lloch. 
James Moorhead. 
Jacob Mack. 



590 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



Wm. McCrea. 
James MoCrea. 
John McClanahan. 
Daniel McCoy. 
Matthew McFarron. 
Henry Millar. 
Conrad Man, Jr. 
Conrad Man, Sr. 
Henry McFarron. 
George Minner. 
Able Mensor. 
Joseph Mener. 
James Moore. 
John Miller. 
John McKissack. 
William Mack. 
Tames McAuulty. 
John Murphy. 
George Mitsor. 
Patrick Money. 
Christian Miller. 
Alex. Mack. 
George Mesabock. 
David Mensor. 
John Miller, Sr. 
John Martspock. 
Martin Merkle. 



■ George Anderson. 
George Beaker. 
John Boggs. 
David Beasor. 
.David Burket. 
Ab'm Burket. 
Antony Beaver. 
William Blackley. 
'Sam'l Burket. 
Wm. Crooks. 
Henry Coon. 
James Crooks. 
Peter Emmit. 



Jacob Netor. 
Peter Nipper. 
Ab'm Nipper. 
Elizabeth Nipper. 
Peter Newcomer. 
Joseph Nicholas. 
Wm. Nicholas. 
Jacob Naugel. 
John Nicholas. 
Fred'k Nicodemus. 
Conrad Nicodemus. 
Jacob Ortenbarger. 
George Okkel. 
Jacob Pechtal. 
Peter Penner. 
Jacob Pissaker. 
Ab'm Pissaker. 
.John Parks. 
Jas. Parks. 
John Price. 
John Potter. 
Simon Potter. 
Adam Prits. 
Daniel Price. 
Robt. Price. 
John Ridlesberger. 
Georare Rock. 



Samuel Royer. 
John Rock. 
Henrv Rock. 
Fred'k Rock. 
Adam Richardson. 
Jacob Reed. 
Fred'k Sholh?. 
Peter Stover. 
David Stouer. 
Abraham Stoner. 
Jacob Shockey 
Valentine Shockey. 
Jacob Swisher. 
Uly Snowbarger. 
Henry Shambennon. 
Solomon Seecrist. 
Andrew Snowbarger. 
Henry Snell. 
Ludwick Stull. 
John Scott. 
Herman Stultz. 
Mary Stoops. 
Simon String. 
Michael Stover. 
Samuel Sill. 
Matthias Summers. 
Peter Swope. 



FREEMEN. 



John Fridley. 
Daniel Heap. 
Jacob Helms. 
Daniel Horner. 
Dennice Joans. 
Philip Knop. 
George Ludwick. 
Henry Lady. 
John Lanchaster. 
James McCoy. 
James McColloch. 
John Menner. 



Isaac Millar. 
John McClanahan.'' 
James McCray. 
Wm. McCoy. 
Peter Nipper. 
John Nicholson. 
Wm. Nicholson. 
David Nipper. 
Peter Nipper. 
Jacob Price. 
David Parks. 
Daniel Royer. 



John Still. 
Wm. Stitt. 
John Seecrist. 
Thos. Stoops. 
John Smith. 
Adam Smith. 
Sam'l Stitt. 
John Sell. 
Wm. Shaver. 
Henry Stoner. 
John Taylor. 
Thomas Wallas. 
John Wallas. 
Jas. Wishard. 
John Wishard. 
Edward Wishard. 
Casper Wagoner. 
Jacob Winterbarger. 
Conrad Warts. 
Caspar Welch. 
John Wickel. 
Jacob Welty. 
James Watson. 
Philip Wagerman. 
Jacob Wagerman. 
Sam'l Willson.~ 
James Willson. 



Durst Snowberger. 
Jacob Stump. 
Jacob Summers. 
David Scott. 
Jas. Stoops. 
Wm. Scott. 
James Stitt. 
Abraham Shockey. 
John Thomas. 
Sam'l Thomas. 
Andrew Will. 
John Wallace 



VILLAGES. 



Miclvale is a station on the Western Maryland Railroad, in the southeast 
part of the county. It was made a station and named in 1880 by president 
J. M. Hood. In 1881 J. Floyd erected his dwelling, and opened a general 
merchandise, grain and coal business. 

Rowzersville was laid out in 1868 by Peter Rouzer; population a few 
hundred; has Methodist Episcopal Church, organized in 1873, and a Dunker 
Church, established in 1873. For list of preachers, see Mont Alto Circuit 
under Quincy Township. 

The Salem (formerly Besore's) Reformed Church dates its establishment 
from 1773. The first services were held in a small log schoolhouse, by Rev. 
Mr. Weymer. The building stood between the present edifice and the grave- 
yard, upon land afterward taken up by ^lenry Miller. In March, 1787, land 
was purchased of Henry Miller, and the building of a log church commenced 
and soon completed. It was in the prhvitive style of such buildings by the 
Germans, with high pulpit, sounding board, etc. The building committee 
was composed of Daniel Bbshaar and Dan'el Ledy. In 1786 Rev. Cyriacus 
Spangenberg became the pastor, filling the position nearly three years. The 
original call to him and a prayer-book prepared by him are now in the pos- 
session of the present pastor and are highly prized by him. After him came 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 591 

Rev. Weymer again, remaining until the close of 1789. For the next suc- 
ceeding years they had only occasional services. Rev. Jonathan Rahauser 
came in November, 1792. He continued in charge until his death, September 
25, 1817. His successor was Rev. Frederick A. Scholl, who continued to 
serve the church until 1831. Rev. George W. Glessner was in charge until 
1840 ; succeeded by Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, who remained till 1845. Then 
for two years the pastor in charge was Rev. Theodore Appel, when Rev. 
Glessner was recalled, and remained until 1851; then Rev. H. W. Super 
until 1862; then Rev. Walter E. Krebs until 1808; Rev. H H. W. Hibsh- 
man, 1869-77. The present pastor, Rev. F. F. Banner, was installed 
December, 1877. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and as this 
is the 100th year since the erection of the first church building, due promi- 
nence will be given to the event. Certain improvements to the present 
church property are contemplated, and will doubtless be made this year. 

MONTGOMERY— 1781. * 

At the October term, 1780, of the court of quarter sessions of Cumberland 
County, was presented a petition asking for the division of Peters Township, 
and the creation of a new township tobe called Montgomery. Thereupon 
James Maxwell, John McClellan, John Work, James Campbell, Adam Holli- 
day and Thomas Campbell were appointed to examine and report on the peti 
tion. They reported at the January term, 1781; report confirmed and the new 
township erected, with boundary lines as they are now. It was named in hon- 
or of Gen. Richard Montgomery, who was killed in the attack upon Quebec, 
December 31, 1775. The earliest settlers came between 1730 and 1735. 

EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

Of the early land entries were the following: 

John Craig, May 24, 1753. Neighbor: Daniel Davis. 

Robert Culbertson, March 31, 1743. Neighbors: William Dinwiddy, 
Thomas Dinwiddy, James Gardner. 

Philip Davis, June 21, 1737. Neighbors: James Harland, John Davyrich. 

William Duffield, March 4, 1767. Neighbors: Samuel McCune, William 
Patton, James Davison, Isaac Darbre. 

Thomas Evans, August 7, 1740. Neighbors: David Alexander, John Davis, 
Aaron Alexander. 

Richard Gabriel, May 13, 1752. (No neighbors. ) 

Martha Henry, October 15, 1744. Neighbor: Alexander Brown. 

Thomas Johnston, November 20, 1753. Neighbors: Jonathan Smith, John 
Black, John Huston, John McMath. 

William Milliken, May 28, 1745. (No neighbors.) 

William Maxwell, March 31, 1748. Neighbors: John McLelland, Robert 
McCoy. 

James Wilkins (in right of James McMahon), February 18, 1744. Neigh- 
bors: Archibald Scott, James Wilt 

Francis Johnston (in right of James Alexander), May 31, 1742. 

Alexander Johnston, March 18, 750. 

Thomas Orbison, October 2, ITT-. Neighbors: Thomas Dougherty, John 
Davie Richard, William Duffield, Thomas Davis. 

Richard Peters sold to William Duffield. (No dates given.) 

Alexander Brown, November 18, 1741. Neighbors: Thomas Sellers, John 

*For Borough of Mercersburg, see page 505. 



592 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



McClellau, W alter Beatty, Alex White^ Wilson Holliday, William Dunwoody, 
Martha Henry. 

LIST OF TAXABLES — 1786. 



The present boundary of Montgomery Township, 
following taxables: 



in 1786, contained tht 



Oliver Anderson. 
George Brown. 
Sarah Brown. 
David Brown. Jr. 
David Brown, Sr. 
Robert Baird. 
Jonathan Burgis. 
Joseph Bogel. 
Abraham Bulrnan. 
Thomas Cellars. 
James Crawford, Sr. 
Mathew Campble. 
George Clark. 
Mathias Crow. 
Henry Cow. 
Jacob Cow. 
John Campbell. 
George Crawford. 
David Collins. 
John Cunningham. 
Andrew Clinesmith. 
James Crawford, Jr. 
George Crist. 
William Dunwoody. 
Capt. Philip Davis. 
William Duffield. 
Philip Davis. 
Wm. Duffield, Sr. 
William Davidson. 
Catharine Davis. 
James Davis. 
Stephen Doyle. 
Andrew Dixon. 
John Davis. 
James Davison. 
James Dougherty. 
Samuel Davis. 
William Duffield, Jr. 
Davis Dea. 
Thomas Edmiston. 
George Elliott. 
Benj. Elliott. 
Johnson Eliot. 
Hugh Foster. 
Andrew Flanigan. 
Charles Foster. 
Andrew Fryberger. 
Balsor Gull. 

John Brown. 
Thos. Claney. 
John Collins. 
John Davis. 
John Darley. 
James Davison. 
Wm. Davis. 
George Eliot. 



V 



Fergus Moorhead. 
Andrew Mease. 
Wm. Meanoch. 
John McFaul. 
James McFarlin. 
Edward Mannon. 
John McCarrol. 
Wm. Marshal. 
Alex Martin. 
Patrick McCollaugh. 
Andrew Morrison. 
Robt. Martin. 
Robt. McKey. 
David Meek. 
Patrick Maxwell. 
James Moore. 
Robert McCavin. 
James Morrow. 



John Guin. 

Jacob Gons. 

John Gillis. 

Sam'l Gilaspy. 

Jacob Good. 

Robert Gordon. 

Peter Good. 

Nath'l Green. 

David Huston. 

David Humphrey 

John Hues. 

Adam Hardman. 

John Hair. 

James Huston. 

Peter Horkey. 

Archibald Irwin. 

Robt. Johnston. 

John Kennedy. 

David Kennedy. 

Thos. Kenedy. 

Samuel Kyle. 

Robert Kyle. 

James Kyle. 

Elisha Lewis 

Adam Long. 

Conrade Long. 

Andrew Long. 

Jacob Lear. 

Robert Lee. 

Catharine Long. 

Wm. Lamond. 

James Lamond. 

Alex Lamond. 

John Lough. 

Wm. Lowry. 

John Lamond. 

Andrew Lewiston. 

Thos. Lucus. 

Hugh Long. 

John Long. 

James Maxwell, Esq. 

Wm. McCoy. 

James McCoy. 

Francis Mears. 

Capt.Jno. McClelland. Frederick Reaver. 

Alex Miller. James Ross. 

Joseph Miller. Jacob Rush. 



James Miller. James Rankin, Jr. 

Samuel McCune. James Rankin, Sr. 

Traxler Means. Wm. Rankin. 

Wm. Morrison. Jeremiah Rankin. 

Rev. Thos. McPherrin.John Rush. 



James Robertson. 
Widow Reed. 
James Roddy. 
Cams Starret. 
John Shannon. 
Samuel Scott. 
Samuel Smith. 
Paul Shearer. 
John Shinifield. 
John Shearer. 
Peter Shearer. 
Robert Smith. 
Wm. Scott. 
John Scott. 
Henry Stall. 
Daniel Stutsman. 
John Smith. 
John Starret. 



Rebecca McCammish. Capt. Wm. Smith 
John McDonald. Joseph Shannon. 

George McCulloua;h. James Scott. ^ 



Samuel Martin. 
Wm. Martin. 
Patrick McNeal. 
John Martin. 
James McClain. 
Wm. McCune. 
George McCallan. 
Wm. Newell. *" 
John Orbison. 
John Parkhill. 
John Posterbaugh. 
George Posterbaugh. 
George Prits. 
Joseph Price. 
Henry Plyly. 
James Ramsey. 
Joseph Rench. 
John Rench. 



FREEMEN, 



David Henderson. 
William Harway. 
James Innis. 
James Irwin. 
James Kelly. 
Benj. Loughead. 
Wm. McDonald. 



James Mays. 
Jimes Maxwell. 
Hugh McKillop. 
Mathew Martin. 
Wa ter Maxwell. 
Peter Prough. 
Heniv Panther. 



ilenry Snider. 
John Stull. 
Widow Shannon. 
Rev. Robert Smith. 
James Stewart. 
Peter Trough. 
Peter Trough, Jr. 
John Ulling. 
George Unger. 
Conrad Unger. 
Joseph Vanleer. 
Jane White. 
Matthew White. 
James Wray. 
Alex Wilson. 
Peter Whitesides 
Owens Williams. 
John Work. 
Daniel Wray. 
John Wray. 
Alex. Wray. 



James Reed. 
James Smyley. 
Samuel Smith. 
Joseph Shannon 
John Ulling. 
Joseph Vanleer. 
Robert Wray. 



VILLAGES. 



Welsh Run is a beautiful little village on the road from Mercersburg tc 
Hagerstown, six miles from the former place. David Davis purchased th« 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 593 

land in 1730. He was a Welshman, and, joined by some countrymen, gave it 
the name it bears. It is, among other things, noted as being where the 
Kennedy Academy is located. 

Interments in Welsh Run Cemetery: Rev. Thomas McPherrin, died 
February 3, 1802, aged fifty-one years. (He was an early pastor at Welsh 
Run). John Work, Sr., son of Col. J. Work, born February 12, 1768, died 
April 14, 1842. George Eaker, died January 10, 1818, aged about seventy-five 
years. (He was a Revolutionary hero, and on his tombstone is the following 
appropriate inscription: ' ' He fought for liberty, and lived to enjoy it" ). Mary 
Eaker, his wife, died March 9, 1832, aged seventy-two years; she was a sister 
of David Kennedy and an aunt of Lazarus Kennedy. 

The " Robert Kennedy Memorial Presbyterian Church, ' ' at Welsh Run, was 
dedicated September 30, 1871. The dedication sermon was preached by 
Reverend Thomas Creigh, D. D. , of Mercersburg. A historical sketch of 
the church and of the Reverend Robert Kennedy, who for many years was 
pastor of this church, was then read. This was one of the first churches 
organized in the Cumberland Valley west of Harrisburg, and there is 
much of historic interest connected with it. The cost of the new building, 
erected on the site of the old one, was paid by E. D. Kennedy. The first 
building was of logs, and was erected probably in 1741, at the first organiza- 
tion of the church, near Mr. Elliott's. This continued to be their place of 
worship till the Indian war, when it was burned by the Indians about 1760. 
According to Rev. R. Kennedy' s testimony, they continued without any house 
of worship some fourteen years, till the Rev. T. McPherrin was called at the close 
of the Indian war in 1774, when another house was erected upon the site of 
ground now owned by the church, and on the same spot where the present ed- 
ifice stands. The ground now held and occupied by the church as graveyard 
and church lot, was originally given to the church by one Robert Smith in 
1774, or about that time. Said Robert Smith, dying in 1787, willed to the 
church three acres of ground. In 1788 Samuel, Oliver and Isaac Smith, sons 
and heirs of Robert Smith, having obtained the patent or deed for the same, 
by virtue of said will, in 1795, deeded it in fee simple to the trustees of this 
church, viz. : John Rhea, Josiah Price and Robert Chambers. The building 
erected upon this ground in 1774, originally log, afterward weather -boarded, 
having undergone various repairs, served its day and three generations, or a 
century of years. It was of the ancient model, with high pulpit, elaborately or- 
namented sounding-board and seats having backs " as high as the shoulders. " 
The early pastors were Revs. James Campbell, Dunlap, McPherrin, Robert 
Kennedy. This brought the work down to 1843, the time of his death. 

Clay Lick was laid out in 1831, by Jacob Negley. It is situated at the 
base of Clay Lick Mountain, from which it receives its name. It has one 
store, the usual shops and a schoolhouse. 

Shimpstown is three miles from Mercersburg on the road to Clay Lick; pop- 
ulation, between thirty and forty. 

Camphill is at the base of Casey's Knob, six miles south of Mercersburg. 
It was founded by William Auld in 1830, and was called Camphill from the 
fact that near it was a camp -meeting ground. 

SOUTHAMPTON— 1783. * 

This township was organized from Lurgan Township territory in the year 
above mentioned. The name indicates that there were Englishmen here among 
the early settlers. 

♦Including Borough of Orrstown. 



594 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



EARLY LAN1J ENTRIES. 

Of the early land entries are the following: 

Rev. John Blair, October 5, 1743. Neighbor: John Finley. 

Robert Chambers, August 2, 1766. Neighbors: Andrew Culbertson, Francis 
Campbell, John Cummins. 

John Cummins, August 11, 1752. Neighbors: Robert Peebles, Arthur 
Clark, "William Coxe, Robert Chambers. 

Oliver Culbertson, January 20, 1767. Neighbors: Martin Smith, John 
Heron, John McCornbe, v Robert Mahon, Jr., Lawrence Stampbanck. 

John Cessna, December 16, 1755. Neighbors: Henry Mayhan, Theophilus 
Cessna, John Donaldson. 

James Culbertson, August 4, 1751. 

Robert Chambers, February 15, 1737. (No neighbors). 

Thomas Edmundson, July 18, 1743. 

Wm. Irwin (in right of Robert Beck), April 27, 1749. 

William Herron, William Young, David Herron, John Watt, James Herron 
and Francis Herron, each made entries December 16, 1735. These lands lay 
on Conodoguinet creek. They are supposed to be the first lands in the Cumber- 
land Valley taken up under the ' ' Blunston License. ' ' The above lands were 
assigned to Benjamin Furley, and have since been occupied by Herrons, Mc-*"*" 
Combs and Irwins. 

Robert Long, October 22, 1746. Neighbor: William Jack. 

Samuel Reynolds, June 13, 1749. Neighbors: James Reynolds, Samuel 
Rippey, John Reynolds, E. Shippen. 

Capt. Robert Peebles (in right of Adam Hoops), August 25, 1753. 
Neighbors: Daniel Duncan, John Johnston, James Culbertson. 



LIST OF TAXABLES 



1786. 



Joseph Arbuckle. 
Samuel Blyth. 
John Blyth. 
Lawrence Brindle. 
John Breckinridge. 
James Breckinridge. 
Samuel Breckinridge 
Andrew Boyd. 
Barnet Barklow. 
Leonard Bough. 
Samuel Brindle. 
Samuel Crawford. 
Conrad Coynard. 
Thomas Cummins. 
Archibald Cambridge 
Samuel Culbertson. 
William Clark. 
Theophilus Cessna. 
Samuel Cox. 
Andrew Craig. 
John Culbertson. 
Peter Dick. 
James Diver. 
James Dun. 
Alex. Donald. 
Peter Dick. 
David Earl. 
William Erwin. 
Joseph Findley. 



George Foust. 
Conrad Fishburn. 
Isaac Grier. 
Thomas Grier. 
Isaac Grier, Sr. 
Thomas Gilkey. 
John Harron. 
James Harron. 
William Harron. 
Thomas Howard. 
Jacob Hoover. 
Philip Hoover. 
Burgit Haius. 
John Hains. 
Jacob Hammond. 
George Johnston. 
Benjamin Johnston. 
Michael Kero. 
Charles Kelley. 
Jacob Justice. 
Christopher Lance. 
John Lere. 
Thomas Lindsay. 
Caspar Lee. 
John McCombs. 
Anthony Mowl. 
John Millar. 
Robert McCanlass. 



William McCune. 
John Means. 
Samuel McCune. 
Samuel Montgomery. 
Thomas Millar. 
MarkMcCord. 
William McCord. 
David McCright. 
Archibald Mahan. 
Martin Mindle. 
Thomas Moor. 
Nicholas Mink. 
Michael Mink. 
Robert Mahon. 
David Nevins. 
Joseph Phillips. 
James Pimbroy. 
Stephen Porter. 
James Pail. 
Robert Peoples. 
Mary Porter (widow) 
Thomas Paxton. 
Thomas Paxton. 
Samuel Rippey. 
William Rippey. 
John Rannells, Esq. 
Widow Ross. 
James Randies. 



William Rippey. 
Wm. Randies (heirs). 

McEntire (heirs). 

Mary Sterret. 
Robert Shannon. 
Peter Shoaf. 
James Shoaf. 
Peter Shoaf, Jr. 
John Stoll. 
Jacob Stumpbaugh. 
William Scott. 
Robert Scott. 
William Strain. 
James Stephens. 
James Smith. 
Peter Stumpbaugh. 
Abraham Shaw. 
Lorrance Stumpaugh. 
Philip Stumpaugh. 
Matthew Scott. 
Elizabeth Tate. 
George Unstedt. 
Thomas Welch. 
William Wallace. 
Jeremiah Ward. 
James Wright. 
John Young. 
William Young. 






SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIT. 595 

FREEMEN. 

Samuel Blyth. Hugh Fais. Lewis Lee. William Scott. 

John Cambridge. John Hoover. George Lee. Moses Scott. 

Peter Coons. William Herron. William Means. Samuel Salsgaver. 

Ludwick Cook. Samuel Howard. William Martin. James Smith. 

William Dougherty. Robert Justice. David McCord. Joseph Stall. 

Samuel Duncan. David Johnston. Isaac Phillips. John Stevens. 

Frederick Fishburn. Moses Kirkpatrick. John Reynolds. 

BOROUGH OF ORRSTOWN. 

Orrstown lies five miles west of Shippensburg, on the old State road. Until 
the building of the railroad it was the scene of many of the merry old stirring 
times of coaching and teaming days. The town was founded by John and 
William Orr, in 1833, and named Southampton, but in 1835 application for a 
postoffice in the place was made and the department demurred to the name as 
there was already a postoffice in the State by that name. The Hon. George 
Chambers was then in Congress, and the matter being referred to him he gave 
it the name of Orrstown. It was incorporated as a borough in 1847; has a 
population of about 400. 

Presbyterian Church. — The Orrstown Presbyterian Church is within the 
geographical limits of Middle Spring Church, of which it is a preaching 
point. During the incumbency of Rev. John Moody, D. D., as pastor at the 
latter place, the Presbyterian and Reformed people of Orrstown united in 
building a house of worship, Messrs: James B. Orr, Hugh Smith and Freder- 
ick Stumbaugh being the building committee. During the ministry of Rev. 
J. N. Hays, Mr. Moody's successor, the Reformed element of the vicinity, 
having been for a long time without a regular pastor, united almost unani- 
mously with the Presbyterians. Mr. Hays was succeeded by Revs. Richard- 
son and Wylie, the latter being the present pastor. 

Lutheran Church. — This church has been organized since 1827, Rev. Nich- 
olas Strohin charge until 1840, Rev. David Smith until 1843, Rev. I. Will- 
iams until 1848, Adam Height until 1850, Rev. C. F. Kunkel until 1854, Rev. 
I. Welfley until 1858, Rev. C. A. Gelwix until 1860, Rev. M. Snyder until 
1866, Rev. E. Dutt until 1869, Rev. Shirtz until 1872, Rev. I. E. Honeycutt 
until 1876, Rev. D. M. Blackwelder until 1877, Rev. I. Kistler until 1884, 
when Rev. G. M. Rhodes, the present pastor, took charge. 

United Brethren. — Orrstown United Brethren Church is the principal church 
in the charge of that name, which includes three other organizations at Stras- 
burg, Center and Mongul, respectively. The church building was erected in 
1856, during the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Hallowell, but a class had been 
formed some years previously by Rev. John Dixon. Jacob Mohler, William 

Orr, Sr. , and Bear constituted the first board of trustees. Revs. J. C. 

Smith, Samuel Enterline, Isaiah Baltzell (the well known music composer), 
James M. Bishop, Solomon Bigham, J. P. Anthony, J. T. Lower, William 
Dixon and H. A. Shearer were successively pastors for a period of twenty-five 
years. The present incumbent is Rev. N. A. Kerecoff; estimated value of 
church property, $2,000; present membership, sixty-two. 

Church of God. — Bethel Church, Church of God (Winebrennerian), is at 
present without a regular pastor, and we are unable to present any statistics. 

VILLAGES. 

Mongul is a hamlet on the Conodoguinet, in the west part of the township. 
Southampton- is a new station on the Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Rail- 
road. It is the second effort to name a town in this township by that name. 



596 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

FRANKLIN— 1784* 






This small township embraced only the town plat of Chambersburg and 
seven tracts of land adjacent thereto, containing about 1,150 acres. The 
borough was erected in 1803. The growth of the borough continued and 
eventually took in all of the territory of Franklin Township. Thus the 
township became extinct. This occurred about 1837 — at least the name of 
the township appears upon the court records up to that date, when all further 
mention of it ceases. The account, therefore, of early settlers of the township 
appears in the history of Chanibersburg, Chapter XIX. 



LIST OF TAXABLES- 



-1786. 



The list of taxables, 1786, in Franklin Township, which then embodied a 
portion of the town of Chambersburg and some other tracts of land adjoin- 
ing, was: 



Joseph Allison. 
George Albert. 
John Alexander. 
Owen Aston. 
Walter Beaty. 
Fred'k Bainor. 
Moses Barnet. 
John Baxter. 
John Brown. 
John Boggs. 
Rob't Boyd. 
John Burns Black. 
Moses Blackburn. 
Hugh Bigham. 
John Clark. 
Philip Crist. 
John Colhoon. 
Patrick Campbell. 
Edw'd Crawford, Esq 
Ruhamah Colhoon. 
George Chambers. 
W. Chambers. 
Benj. Chambers. 
Joseph Chambers. 
Wm. Camion. 
Wm. Cowen. 
John Caldwell. 



Ludwick Crauft. 
Dr. George Clingan. 
James Chambers. 
John Crouse. 
Wm. Davis. 
Alex. Duncan. 
George Dewalt. 
John Dixon. 
Peter Eaby. 
Rev. Christ'r Favour. 
Edward Fitzgarald. 
Thomas Fergison. 
Hugh Gibbs. 
George Grisinger. 
Samuel Galbreath. 
Henry Greenwalt. 
John Jack. 
Christian Kingrey. 
Philip Knopp. 
John Kirkpatrick. 
John Kerr. 
Henry Loutzahiser. 
Michael Lightner. 
Henry Molwich. 
Archibald McAfee. 
Daniel McClintock. 
John Martin. 



John McCockey. 
Wm. Morrow. 
Michael McNulty. 
Sam'l McCleland. 
Thos. Murry. 
Daniel McGregor. 
Thos. McClelon. 
Thos. McKeen. 
John Noel. 
Christian Oyster. 
S. Purvines. 
John Plumer. 
Wm. Richison. 
John Raynolds, Esq 
John Reed. 
Stephen Rigler. 
Archibald Reed. 
Hugh Reed. 
Wm. Stinson. 
Robert Shields. 
Michael Sissler. 
George Shellitoe. 
David Shots. 
Daniel Smith. 
Sam'l Snodgress. 
Jacob Sigler. 
Moses Swan. 






Matthias Sitler. 
Wm. Shannon. 
Thos. Shannon. 
Wm. Smith, 
ich. Snider. 
Benj. Swain. 
John Scott. 
John Shiitts. 
Zachariah Sugars. 
Jacob Shotts. 
Peter Shields. 
George Siglar. 
Dr. Abraham Senseny. 
Alex. Stuart. 
James Stuart. 
Elizabeth Thompson. 
Michael Trout. 
Wm. Thorn. 
Jer. Tolbert (Talbott). 
Conrad Waggoner. 
Christian Wimer. 
Wm. Wallace. 
John Watts. 
James Welch. 
George Wills. 
Conrad Washinborger. 



Fred'k Bettinger. 
Fred'k Benhart. 
Patrick Campble. 
Sam'l Colhoon. 
Thos. Clark. 
James Corrance. 
Michael Carver. 
Jame6 Colgan. 
Edward Cramer. 
John Devabough. 
Andrew Dunlap, Esq 
John Flatcher. 
Rich'd Henderson. 
John Hamel. 



Wm. Hailey. 
George Hood. 
Henry Houfman. 
Wm. Johnston. 
John Johnston. 
Wm. Kenneday. 
Benjamin Kurtz. 
James Lindsay. 
John Mclntyre. 
Hugh McClelon. 
James McClelon. 
Joseph McClelon. 
James McConkey. 
Peter Millar. 



James Morrow. 
Matthew McCowan. 
Martin Moody. 
Peter Miller. 
Fred'k Pleacher. 
James Peoples. 
Wm. Richardson. 
Stephen Rigler. 
James Riddle, Esq. 
Fred'k Reed. 
James Smith. 
Daniel Smith. 
Wm. Smith. 



Dr. Alex. Stuart. 
Dr. Sam'l Smith. 
Robert Snodgress. 
Thomas Stevenson. 
Jacob Santmire. 
Jacob Stillinger. 
Filsom Sadler. 
John Steele- 
Ross Thompson, Esq. 
Sam'l Thompson. 
George Trout. 
Wm. Tennant. 
Philip Trout. 



GREENE— 1788. 

The records of the court creating this township are not accessible. But other 
records show that by that name it held an election in the year above indicated. 

*For Borough of Chambersburg, see page 451. 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 597 

It was named in honor of Gen. Greene. The early settlers were the Arm- 
strongs, Thomsons, Ramages, Stewarts, Culbertsons, Maclays, Hendersons, 
Cresswills, Bittingers, Fergusons, Bairds, Johnsons. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Culbertsorts Row was a settlement, merely of farmers, that became as 
well-known as any place in the county. Joseph and Robert Culbertson. broth- 
ers, took up land here in 1744; Alex. Culbertson, in 1749; Alexander Cul- 
bertson. in 1753; Samuel Culbertson, in 1787. The latter became in early 
times one of the most prominent and influential citizens in the county. He 
had an important command in the Revolutionary war, being connected with 
the "Flying Camp." He died April 17, 1817. 

Col. Samuel Culbertson built a large house on the top of the hill in 1780. 
It overlooked the valley below for miles; the house is still standing. He 
improved a farm of 460 acres on the ' ' old Loudon road, ' ' which was built by 
Col. Burd in 1755, for the purpose of reinforcing Braddock. His neighbor, Capt. 
Robert C. Culbertson, lived just below at the big spring that sends its peren- 
nial stream down through the Row, which has turned many a wheel in its time. 
John Herron lived on "Herron's Branch." Here Francis Herron, now of 
Pittsburgh, was born. Over beyond the branch was Daniel Nevin, grandfather 
of the late Dr. John W. Nevin, who kept the Eagle Hotel and was "mine 
host" for George Washington on his trip here in 1794. Capt. Robert C. 
Culbertson reared a large and respectable family. Just below his mother' s resi- 
dence was the elegant stone mansion of Col. Joseph C. Culbertson, which was 
burned while the family were at church. It is said that Joseph and Samuel 
resembled each other so much that one had to wear his hat half and the other 
full cocked in order to be distinguished by their neighbors. 

EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

The other early land entries in the township were as follows : 

William Breckenridge, September 3, 1765. Neighbors: Samuel Gabby, 
James Henderson's heirs, James Fulton, William Beard, John Wilson, Alex. 
Rennox, Ebenezer Wade. 

James Stewart (in right of Robert Armstrong), November 1, 1748. Neigh- 
bors: D. McCreight, Alexander McConnell, J. Robinson, John Carn, Robert 
Culbertson, James Sharp. 

John Ramage, September 14, 1751. Neighbors: Joseph Shirk, Adam Burk- 
holder, James Stewart, Barnard Lutz. 

John Gibson, June 29, 1750. Neighbors: James Elliott, Richard Vena ble, 
Richard Peters. Hugh McKean. 

William Anderson, May 24, 1753. Neighbors: Joseph Lindsay, Mat. Sharp, 
Wm. Dunlop. Sam'l Rhea, S. Nicholson, John Caruthers, James Sharp, Reu- 
ben Gillespie. 

Baltazer Loar (in right of Laird Burns). Neighbors: Richard Mitchell, 
Richard Venable, Robert Jacks, William Beard, George Crouse. 

James Finley (in right of Alex. Mitchell), February 6, 1755. Neighbors: 
Adam Burkholder, James Finley, James Stewart. 

Richard Venable, February 20, 1754. Neighbors: Josiah Crawford, Robert 
Ury, Robert Scott, Martin Winger, Laird Burns. 

[The taxables in the township in 1786, are given in the list of Letterkenny 
Township. ] 



598 HISTOEY OF FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

EAELY REMINISCENCES. 

The first bridge in the township was built over a creek, a short distance 
from this place, in 1793. The first constable was John Ritchie. Albert Tor- 
rence and Martin Wenzer were the first supervisors in 1778, and Adam Burk- 
holder was overseer of the poor. John Jacobs was keeping a public house in 
Greenvillage in 1806. The oldest house standing in the township is the ' ' old 
Smith house," now occupied by Samuel Gillet. It was built in 1755. It is a 
quaint, old, hewn log, one and a half story, with a porch in front. The first 
schoolhouse was on this farm and near the old Smith house. Here the John-^ 
stons, Griers, Culbertsons^ Crawfords and Smiths attended, during the 
Revolutionary times. It stood until 1810, when the school was moved to 
Greenvillage. Above the village and near the present schoolhouse was' another 
old log school building; this was converted into a dwelling in 1810. Here the 
Immells, the Lutzes, Hetichs and Myerses attended. 

John Johnston settled in 1791 on the old colonial road near Greenvillage. 
He was a man widely respected and prominent in the affairs of the county. 
Thomas Grier, another man of note, was his neighbor. John Ferguson lived 
above Scotland, on the creek; John Finley, on the Loudon road; Thomas 
Beard, near Cheesetown. 

GKEENVILLAGES. 

This place was founded in 1793, by Samuel Nicholson. The first set- 
tlement in the township was made by Robert Armstrong and others. Arm- 
strong purchased of the proprietaries, November 2, 1718, the property now the 
Clark, Immell and Wallace farm. He sold to Isaiah Ramage in 1771; he to 
Joseph McCoy; he to James Stewart and he to Reuben Gillespie, and finally a 
portion of it was bought by Samuel Nicholson, who afterward laid out the 
town. The first house in the place was built by Jonathan Hirst. This house 
stood at the corner of Scott and Pine road until 1811. The old McNally 
tavern was built by Peter Kehl. Mat. Oyster put up the old house now owned 
by Robert Culbertson. John Canen, John McClintock and John Jacobs all 
purchased property in the 'village. 

Mathew Duncan bought land of Jonathan Hirst and settled in the village 
in 1801. John Jacobs bought the tavern of George Yeats in 1802. John 
Carver built the old John Nave house, on the corner of the Diamond, in 1796. 
The old Hetich Mill was built by P. Immell. Archibald Thomson built the 
Scotland Mill. 

The Mennonites in the colonial days attended church in the upper room of 
the old Shirk house, lately torn down; sometimes they had services at Rev. 
Daniel Lehman's, in the house now occupied by Mrs. David Hurst. Their 
preachers were Revs. Daniel Lehman, Jr., John Rohrer and Martin Auger. 
The old meeting-house was built near the site of their present one in 1804. 

The Methodist Episcopal Society in Greenvillage built their first log church 
in 1827. The chief supporters were James Magaw, Wesley Howe and Thomas 
Cookson. Among the congregation is now remembered James Magaw and 
wife, Rev. Wesley Howe, Clurranna Clayton, Isaac Hull, Benjamin Farver, 
Susan Harris, Mary Early, William Baker, John Keneagy, Henry Kunis, 
Joseph Sells, Jeremiah Foltz, George Glass, Robert Mahan, Jacob Sells, Jr. , 
Joseph Sells, Sara Ann Sells, Peter Sells, John Eagle, Jacob Eagle, Jacob 
Immell, Ann Immell. These were mostly attendants, with their wives 
and children. Of them are now living: Jane Mahan, Hannah Glass, John 
Ditzlear, Mrs. John Lindsay and J. E. Magaw. The latter was the first 
sexton, but was called ' ' the boy who makes fires and snuffs the candles. ' ' In 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 599 

a recent letter he says that he remembers ministers who had chai'ge of this 
church as follows: Revs. Jacob R. Shepherd, Thomas McGee, John Bowen, 
John C. Lyon, John O. Poisal, Thomas Monroe, Jacob Doup, Joseph Spriggs. 

The present brick church building was erected in 1873; is 35x55 feet. 
Rev. S. A. Creveling is the present pastor. 

W. C. T. U. was organized September 24, 1879. The first officers were Mrs. 
Fanny B. Reilly, president; Mrs. Evaline Hawk, vice-president; Misses Lydia 
Maclay and Mary Kendall, recording secretaries; Miss Emma McClure, treas- 
urer; Miss Edith Zimbro, corresponding secretary. The only change in the offi- 
cers is Miss M. E. Wallace, who is now corresponding secretary. 

SCOTLAND. 

Scotland is on the Conococheague Creek, five miles northeast of Chambers- 
burg and a short distance south of Scotland Station on the railroad. It has 
two churches — United Brethren and Covenanters — a grist-mill, saw-mill and 
planing-mill and a population between 200 and 300. 

The place was first settled by the Thomsons and Torrences. An old sickle 
factory was in operation there many years ago, which stood between grist and 
saw-mills. The Scotch Covenanters in early days built the old stone meeting- 
house. 

Alexander Thomson came from Scotland in 1772 and purchased the place 
now the property of S. Garver. The Thomsons were a large family. Mr. 
Garver says, when he came to the place in 1832, there were but few families in 
the region. The grist-mill and saw-mill were then owned by David Snively, 
who afterward sold to Fredrick Roemer, who was miller and merchant there 
many years; he was followed by J. Sleighter and others. The blacksmith 
shop was run by Jacob Bittinger; then Mr. Snoke was the village blacksmith; 
he was followed by Robert Mahan. The other houses than those above, were 
a small log house where H. Bitner now lives, one on the opposite corner from 
P. Rows, a small house at the church, one where Mrs. Mcllroy now lives and 
one occupied by Andrew Thomson. Robert Criswell owned the Oyler 
farm; it then embraced the Stewart farm. At that time the place was known 
as ' ' Locust Grove Mills. ' ' 

The Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland has existed as 
a regularly constituted organization since August 17, 1791, when " a number 
of persons wishing to adhere to Reformation attainments did constitute them- 
selves into a social capacity and entered into the following resolutions. 1. It 
was resolved that two societies for prayer and Christian conference be erected, 
to meet at Buch convenient times and places as each society shall from time to 
time agree upon, and that a general meeting be held in this place on the third 
Wednesday in October next. ' ' It was decided that members should be received 
upon presentation of certificates from societies with which they had formerly 
been connected, or of a " character ' ' from reputable neighbors. This was not, 
however, the beginning of history with the Covenanters. Although the great 
mass of the Irish who settled west of the Susquehanna between 1730 and 1750 
had been reared in connection with the synod of Ulster, there were to be found, 
in numerous but isolated localities, families whose religious preferences by 
birth and education were with the Covenanters, and who could not, therefore, 
affiliate with the Presbyterianism around them. They met together upon the 
Sabbath in each other's houses for social worship, applying to their unfortu- 
nate circumstances the scriptural promise regarding " two or three." Their 
patience and constancy in thus maintaining a distinctive existence without an 
ordained minister were finally rewarded by the arrival of Rev. John Cuthbertson, 

32 



' 600 HISTOEY OF FEANKLIN COUNTY. 

who landed at New Castle, Del., August 5, 1751. He immediately began the 
exploration of a missionary field to which there were no bounds, nor was there 
any opposition. For more than a score of years he traveled over a circuit 
embracing the whole of southeastern Pennsylvania and adjacent portions of 
neighboring States. The ecclesiastical union of 1782 obliterated the distinction 
between Presbyterian and Covenanter, where both were represented by strong 
and well organized bodies; but the isolated societies of the latter in the Cum- 
berland Valley did not thus easily permit their denominational characteristics 
to be absorbed and modified by the fusion thus planned and executed. They 
regarded the covenant of their ancestors as still binding, and clung tenaciously 
to the faith and practice of the original followers of Cameron and Cargill. In 
that short period of comparative quiet which followed the close of the French 
and Indian war, the tide of immigration brought many of their faith to the re- 
gion west of the Susquehanna, and among others one who was destined to 
wield a wide influence in their councils, and contribute more to their subse- 
quent history than any other individual of his generation. This man was Al- 
exander Thomson. Sailing with his family from Greenock, Scotland, in July, 
1771, he arrived at Boston, September 10 following. A Scotch colony was 
being planned at this time for Caledonia County, Vt. , while numerous others of 
that nationality were settling in the Carolinas. He considered the incipient 
-settlements of the valley of Kittatinny the most inviting locality, and removed 
thither in 1773, purchasing 500 acres of land, embracing the site of the village 
of Scotland. He was an active and prominent supporter of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, and his house at once became the religious center of a 
wide area of country. Here, in September, 1795, a general meeting was held 
at which measures were taken to render the organization of four years previous 
more effective. The following persons, representing the different societies, were 
present and participated in the deliberations : William Galbraith, John White, 
John Renfrew, Williarn Guthrie, John Walker, John Steel, James Shireman, 
Alexander Thomson, William Coder, Robert Davidson, Anthony Burns, 
Thomas Duncan, John Guthrie, Thomas Castor, William McCrea, William 

:3peer, John B and David B . The most important action taken was 

the recognition of eight individual societies, known, from their respective 
locations, as follows: Greene and Southampton, Guilford, Greencastle, Mer- 
cersburg, Strasburg, Waynesburg, Hamilton and Newton. West Pennsboro, 
Big Spring, Shippensburg and Roxboro were added to this number before the 
close of the century. 

A person acquainted with the location of these places can readily conceive 
of the wide geographical limits of the present society. The sacrament was ad- 
ministered regularly three or four times a year, on which occasions those who 
wished to commune could do so only upon the presentation of a " token " to one 
of the ruling elders. Days of fasting and humiliation, as well as of thanksgiv- 
ing, were regularly and rigorously observed. It is hardly necessary to state 
that the Covenanter Church of to-day has receded from this position in regard 
to fast days as held in 1792. And yet, at this time, there is frequent mention 
of the dissatisfaction among them with the constitution of the United States. 
Members of the church were not permitted to hold office, either civil or military, 
as this was regarded as sanctioning a government which sanctioned slavery, 
and did not require, as a qualification for office, religious convictions and pro- 
fessions. But they were stanch patriots, and furnished many brave soldiers to 
the various wars since the French and Indian troubles; many of them, however, 
were true to their church as well as their country, and shouldered the musket 
without taking the oath of allegiance. Their own society was democratic in 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 601 

the extreme; when officers were elected or measures considered involving a 
division of sentiment, the votes of the younger members were taken first, that 
they might not be influenced by the example of older and influential persons. 
To such an extent was this carried that the youth were sometimes blind- 
folded in order to be sure they were not unduly influenced. Their delibera- 
tions were characterized by a dignity and decorum indicative of a high order of 
intelligence. Their discipline was rigorous and exclusive. Kobert Lusk was 
ordained and installed as pastor of the ' ' Conococheague congregation ' ' in 1816, 
preaching " one-fourth of his time in Newville and Walnut Bottom; one- fourth 
in Shippensburg; one-fourth in Greene Township, and the remaining fourth in 
the Lurgan and Waynesburg society; and days for other places to be taken out 
of the whole as occasion may serve. ' ' Rev. Samuel W. Crawford succeeded 
him in 1821, Thomas Hammy in 1812, and Joshua Kennedy in 1815; since the 
resignation of the latter, in 1860, there has been no regular pastor, and the 
membership may be numbered among two or three families in the vicinity of 
Scotland and Fayetteville. The church buildings at these places were erected 
in 1825 and 1810, respectively. There was also a place of worship at Green- 
wood, erected in 1829. The meetings at Scotland were held in a tent for many 
years. Prior to Mr. Lusk's pastorate, there were a number of supplies — 
Revs. James Reid (1788-89), David Scott, James R. Wilson, William L. Rob- 
erts, J. McLeod Wilson and Moses Roney. 

The Scotland United Brethren Church was first organized about the year 
1870, when the Rev. Wm. Lackey, who had served as pastor on the Rocky 
Spring charge, began a protracted meeting in the Scotland schoolhouse. At 
this meeting quite a large number made a profession of faith, many of whom 
connected themselves with this branch of the Christian Church at that time. 
Rev. Geo. Beatty followed Rev. Lackey as pastor in 1873, and served this con- 
gregation for two years, during which time the congregation was enlarging, 
and it was found necessary to construct a church, which was built and dedicated 
in November, 1871, Bishop David Edwards officiating. The church building 
is of brick, 33x55 feet, with a seating capacity of 350, costing $3,500. 

The following ministers served this congregation at the different periods : 
Revs. Geo. Beatty, 1873-75; Jacob S. Wertz, 1875-76; Wm. A. Dixon, 1876- 
78; D. R. Burkholder, 1878-82; D. W. Sollenberger, 1882-83; B. G. Huber, 
1883-81; H. A. Schlichter, 1881-85; Wm. A. Wagner, 1885-87. The fol- 
lowing named persons and their families were among the principal members at 
its organization: A. P. Oyler, Jos. Keller, J. Wesley Dunmire, Daniel Shoe- 
maker, George Smee, Isaac Worthington and Barbara Schlichter. The mem- 
bership (1887) numbers about ninety-nine communicants. 

FAYETTEVILLE. 

In early times Edward Crawford owned a large tract of land just south of 
where the village of Fayetteville stands. In 1768 the people petitioned the court 
for a road from James Campbell's, near Loudon, through Chambersburg to 
Black's Gap. Edward Crawford, Josiah Cook, George Brown, William Mc- 
Brier, Wm. Holliday and Nathaniel McDowell were appointed viewers, who 
reported at the January term, 1772, in favor of the road. Its general route 
was nearly the same as the present turnpike. Samuel Beightal bought of the 
Penns the property now the "Renfrew Mill" estate. In 1810 David Eby 
built several dwellings, the Merchand Mill and the saw-mill, and the place was 
then called "Milton's Mills." In 1821 a schoolhouse was built. In 1826, 
John and Benjamin Darby bought the entire property from the Chambersburg 
Bank. Shortly after, the' Darbys laid off the town into lots — all lots fronting 



602 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 



on the turnpike, and they put up some additional houses. The ' ' arcade ' ' was 
built by John Darby, Jacob Koontz and Miss Whitmore. 

About this time application was made for a postoffice in the place. Objec- 
tion was made to the name in the postoffice department and it was changed 
to Fayetteville, in honor of Gen. LaFayette. 

(Findlayville, situated originally about half a mile from Fayetteville, but 
now incorporated into it, was laid out by Col. John Findlay, in 1830. It is 
all now Fayetteville). The town has a population of about 700, five churches — 
Presbyterian (the old brick church), Methodist, Reformed, Baptist, United 
Brethren, Covenanter and Lutheran — five general stores, three grocery stores, 
two grist-mills and a large saw-mill. 

Fayetteville Academy. — Bev. Joshua Kennedy, pastor of the Beformec 
Presbyterian Church opened a select school for both sexes, in a log school- 
house, in the spring of 1852, assisted by Prof. W. Witherow, a teacher of 
known merit. The school met with such success that, on the 1st of Septem- 
ber the same year, he opened a fall term in a new building which had been 
erected for that purpose. It was then named the " Fayetteville Academy anc 
Seminary." At the close of the first year the female department was suspended 
for a time, until a large and commodious building was built on the same 
ground by a company of stockholders. This school was conducted success- 
fully until 1860, when Mr. Kennedy left and the school was discontinued. The 
building was sold and is now a private residence. 

Churches. — About the center of Fayetteville stands a brick building, ap- 
parently thirty-five or forty feet square, fronting toward the turnpike, and 
enclosed within an area of sod of spontaneous and uncultivated growth. The 
style of architecture is severely plain, and plainly indicates the subordination 
of the beautiful to the useful. Two doors in front indicate that the usage of 
the worshiper is not favorable to promiscuous seating. There are in reality f oui 
doors, two at each entrance, with quaint, old-fashioned, transverse paneling. 
The dignified appearance of the front is increased by the height of the brick 
wall, which reaches to the apex of the roof with step-like graduation on either 
side. Three locust trees on the area between the church and public road, 
reveal as yet but little evidence of the ravages of time, and bid fair to outlast 
the simple structure beneath the shade of their spreading branches. The 
religious associations of a large proportion of the church -going element of 
the surrounding community are intimately connected with this humble edifice. 
Sometime in the decade preceding the middle of this century, before Fayette- 
ville had been ushered into existence, and when the population at the foot of 
South Mountain, on the main road from Chambersburg to Gettysburg, enjoyed 
neither church nor school privileges, a public-spirited citizen of honored 
memory set apart a tract of land embracing about one acre, and placed it at 
the disposal of the community for religious and educational purposes. His 
views were liberal and even cosmopolitan; it was provided that no individual 
denomination should ever own it exclusively, and that no evangelical minister 
should be debarred from the use of any building erected thereon, the prefer- 
ence in every case, however, being with those denominational organizations 
which should assist in its erection. These were the Presbyterian, Beformed 
and Methodist Episcopal. The first church building was a schoolhouse, which 
assertion may appear paradoxical, but is nevertheless true, and vice versa. 
It was situated in the lower end of the lot, near the old saw-mill. Here, 
among others whose names are lost to history, the Bev. E. V. Gearhart, D. D. 
(now president of Franklin and Marshall College), began his honorable career 
as a preacher. He collected the scattered membership of the Beformed Church, 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 603 

formed an organization, and exerted a wide influence, not circumscribed by 
denominational prejudices or affiliations. He was succeeded, though not im- 
mediately perhaps, by Rev. Franklin Kramer, under whose administration the 
Reformed Church reached the zenith of its prosperity. His successors, among 

others, include the following named clergymen: Miller, William J. C. 

Rodrock, W. R. H. Deatrich, Wilson, Dr. D. Y. Heisler, H. I. Comfort, 

Cyrus Cort, W. H. Hubbard, Ermentrout, Charles G. Fisher, 

Keifer and P. Allison Long, the present incumbent of the pastoral functions. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church antedates the erection of the present union 
house of worship. It forms part of Greenvillage Circuit, of which Rev. S. A. 
Creveling is preacher in charge. The present membership is about 100. Of 
the Presbyterian pastors none are more widely and favorably known than Rev. 
James F. Kennedy, D. D. Mr. Kennedy preached here in 1847-48, being 
then a licentiate of the presbytery of Carlisle. He resigned in 1848 to accept 
a call to Berwick, Penn. He returned to Chambersburg in 1851, and sup- 
plied this church in connection with his duties as principal of Chambers- 
burg Academy, and continued to preach at intervals during his subsequent con- 
nection with that institution. Although deprived of his sight for many years, 
he has not relinquished the labors thus begun. Robert Black, Benjamin 
Black and Perry Boggs constitute the present session. 

St. Paul's Evangelical English Lutheran Church was organized in the 
primitive schoolhouse above alluded to. The erection of a church building was 
at once agitated, and although the pastor resigned before it was finished, 
Messrs. Peter Baker, Jacob Reichard, Joseph Stall, George Colby and others 
pushed the work to completion, and called Rev. Kunkel to be their pas- 
tor. He accepted. Revs. Williams, Focht, Wittichen, Sill, McHenry, Mil- 
ler, Shertz and Lentz have successively been pastors, the last named clergy- 
man having entered upon his duties March 1, 1887. A second church build- 
ing was erected in 1882, at a cost of $3, 500. It is a brick structure, of ample 
dimensions, with tower and bell. The membership is 100. 

The United Brethren Church building is situated upon the principal street of 
the village. It is a substantial frame structure, erected within comparatively 
recent years. The present pastor is Rev. Quigley, who resides in Funks- 
town. Yankey's camp-meeting, famous in its day for miles around, was con- 
ducted under the auspices of this denomination. 

There is also a Baptist Church building, but only a few remains of a once 
large membership. 

The Covenanter Church at this place forms part of an organization which 
centered at Scotland, and of which an extended account appears in connection 
with that place. 

Societies. — Flourishing societies are seldom found in other than concentrated 
communities, but Fayetteville is a remarkable exception to this general rule. 
The fraternities represented here are the K. of P. and G. A. R. The meet- 
ings of both are held in a building erected about twenty years since for use as a 
public hall. The revenue from this source proving inadequate, it was leased 
for a term of years by the K. of P. local organization, and sublet to the G. A. 
R. The lodge room is commodious and handsomely furnished. 

Caledonia Lodge, No. 235, K. of P., was instituted February 11, 1870, 
with fourteen members, of whom but two, John M. Baxter and Andrew Heint- 
zelman, are yet connected with it. The present membership is 106, and the 
treasurer has in his hands at this time a reserve fund of $3,000. This is the 
most prosperous K. of P. organization in this section of the State. 

Stevens Post, No. 317, G. A. E., was organized April 3, 1883, with the 



604 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

following members: Milton Crawford, # D. B. Greenewalt, John H. Crawford, 
J. B. White, Samuel Mowers, John Lego, Allison F. Kohler, D. E. Stoner, 
W. N. Horner, Joseph Corel, D. B. Dunkinson, John H. Kohler, Robert Mc- 
Laughlin, Adam Newman, George W. Harmon, Abram Bitter, George W. 
Henderson, Joseph Say lor, John D. Boggs, J. D. Vanlear, Robert L. Myers, 
H. L. Hepfer, John Stoner and H. S. Myers. The present membership 
is sixty. The post has been especially active in providing for the wants 
of indigent comrades and their families. At the present time (March, 1887) 
a fair is in progress with good prospects of a large contingent fund being real- 
ized. 

black's gap. 

Black' s Gap is the proper name of what was sometimes called ' ' Green- 
wood." It is on the old Chambersburg and Gettysburg turnpike. Its 
name properly tells what it is — a gap or crossing in the mountain range. It 
is at the entrance of the South Mountain Crossing. Black's Gap road was 
laid out in 1750. Black's Gap tavern was a noted place in the last century. 
Robert Black settled there at an early day. The first improvement in the vil- 
lage was made in 1844, by Conrad Brown. 

SMOKETOWN. 

This is a small hamlet two and a half miles south of Scotland, containing 
only a few houses. 

METAL— 1795. 

The east boundary line of this township is Kittatinny Mountain and 
the west boundary Tuscarora Mountain. Its territory was taken from the 
south end of Fannett township. Its general topography is mountainous, but 
the narrow valley running its entire length has some excellent soil. Its great 
wealth lies in the minerals it contains. It was to express this in a manner 
that the name "Metal" was given it. The early settlers were Scotch-Irish, 
and were strong in the Calvinistic faith. 

EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

Among the earliest land purchasers are the following: 

George Brown, June 7, 1763. 

Allen Brown, August 12, 1765. Neighbors: Rowland Harris, Benjamin 
Chambers, Noah Abraham. [Surveyor 1 s note, " Barren Mountains."] 

John Blair, August 20, 1765. Owned adjoining: John Clark, Robert Wil- 
son, Alex. Lowry, John Elliott, William Allison, Col. Benj. Chambers. 

James Broth erton, August 26, 1766. 

John Clark, April 29, 1767. Adjoining: Francis Elliott. 

David Brown, March 19, 1767. Neighbors: Allen Brown, John Potts, 
John Lukens. 

Alexander Lowry, February 3, 1755. Neighbors: John Blair's heirs, 
John Sands, John Elliott. 

Rowland Harris, June 5, 1762. Neighbors: Andrew Thompson, Ben- 
jamin Chambers. 

James Harvey, February 3, 1768. Neighbors: Philip Maguire, Joseph 
Speer. 

Francis McConnell, September 15, 1766. Neighbors: James Elliott, 
Alexander McConnell. 

John McConnell, September 15, 1766. Neighbors: Francis Elliott, 
Francis McConnell, Alexander McConnell. 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 605. 

Alexander McConnell, September 15, 1766. 

Edward Bipple, September, 1767. Neighbor: Noah Abraham. 

William Wilson, March 7, 1763. Neighbors: John Potts, Jas. Moon 

William Maclay, May 6, 1768. 

John McDowell, May 12, 1768. 

Samuel, James and Robert Walker, sons of Alexander Walker, April 29, 
1763. Neighbors: William Mclntyre, Alex. McConnell, Noah Abraham, . Johr?. 
Clark. 

Robert Watson, June 15, 1767. 

John Watson, June 15, 1767. 

PROMINENT FIRST SETTLERS. 

The prominent first settlers were Capt. Noah Abraham, Alexander Walker; . 
William Mclntire, Archibald Elliott, Francis McConnell, Joseph Noble, Thos. 
Clark, Patrick Davidson, James and William Harvey, Hugh McCurdy, James 
McCurdy, Allen Brown, James Mackey, John Witherow, Robert McGuire, 
John Clark, Richard Childerstone. It is known that the above settled here prior 
to 1777, and between that time and the end of the century came John Patter- 
son, who built a mill; JohnMcAllen, who built a flouring-rnill inFannettsburg; 
Robert McMullin, John Flickinger, John Barclay, James Reynolds, Edward 
Dunn, James Carmer, Samuel Laird, Dr. McKeehen and others. 

[The taxables in the township in 1786 are given in the list of Fannett 
Township.] 

FIRST JUSTICES OF PEACE. 

The first now known to have been justice of the peace was William Mac- 
lay. He was acting in 1804; elected to the State Legislature in 1807, and 
afterward a member of Congress; was at one time associate judge of the county. 
Archibald McCune was justice of the peace for many years. His old records 
indicate that he was a good officer. James McCurdy and Richard Childerstone 
also served as justices. 

VILLAGES. 

Richmond (Richmond Furnace Postoffi.ee) is at the termination of the South ei n 
Pennsylvania Railroad and Iron Company's Railway, four miles north of. Lou- 
don. It was formerly called ' ' Mount Pleasant Furnace, ' ' but is now called 
"Richmond," after Richmond L. Jones, who was president of Iron Works 
Company when the railroad was built. In addition to the iron works there 
is a large warehouse and store. The place has a population of about fifty. 

Fannettsburg was laid out in 1792 by Wm. Mclntire, a land owner of the 
district. He advertised in a Chambersburg paper, dated September 28, 1792, 
as follows: 

A New Town. — Notice is hereby given that the subscriber, living in the Path Val- 
ley, Franklin County, proposes about one hundred lots of ground for sale, to be laid out 
in one street, along the State rond from Conococheague Creek to within a few perches of 
the cross-road in said valley. The first day of November next, at th house of Wm. Brew- 
ster, storekeeper, is the time and place appointed for the sale of lots aforesaid. 

The lots had a frontage of six perches each and were to extend ten perches 
back. The front lots brought £6, the back ones £3. The town soon grew up, 
and a store, kept by William Brewster, and a distillery where the genuine 
1 ' old rye ' ' was made, were soon built. The distillery soon became an import- 
ant feature, and the famous " Whisky Insurrection " found many supporters 
here. 

The first settler was the ''storekeeper, " William Brewster; then William 



606 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Maclay, Patrick Collins, John Kyle, John McAllen, John Witherow, Sr., A. 
S. McCune, Geo. McCulloch, George McKee, James Sweeny. 

At a later date came John Witherow, carpenter, and for some time a jus- 
tice of the peace, and then a member of the State General Assembly; David 
Kyle, innkeeper and mail contractor; James Walker, tanner; John Campbell, 
cabinet-maker and wheelwright, which business his son James carried on many 
years; William Boggs, hatter; Edward Connell, blacksmith ; Samuel Land, tai- 
lor; John Noble, pump-maker; Edward Thompson, weaver; Robert Ramsey, 
saddler; William Maclay, innkeeper; William Anderson, tanner; Thomas 
Campbell, hatter; James and William Brewster, merchants; David Fletcher 
and William Dunkle, wagon-makers. 

The old time merchants were William Brewster, Patrick Collins, Chambers 
Anderson, Joseph and John Flickinger, and Pyne & Smiley, Kyle, Brewster & 
Co. , Harris & Ramsey and J. R. Brewster. 

The- early physicians were Alexander McKeehan, John Grier, John Widney, 
Dr. Ely. James Montgomery. More recent ones were Drs. Campbell, Alex- 
ander and Zook. 

Of the early innkeepers are now remembered John Kegerries, John Kyle, 
John Potts, Chambers McKibben, John McAllen, William Anderson, William 
Geddes, and, for a long time, the widow of Jacob Kegerries. 

Befoi'e the town was laid out, a school was kept a mile and a half north. 
The first teacher, supposed, was James Peoples, always known as ' ' Master 
Peoples," then "Master" Sturgis; afterward, Thomas Snodgrass, Leander 
Karr, Robert Karr, John Lusk. John Brewster, William A. Mackay. These 
all kept the old style subscription schools. Select schools were taught by 
Miss Rosanna Widney, Mrs. Eliza Dunn, Miss McKeehan, Rev. L. C. Wil- 
liams and Rev. D. C. Rodneck. 

The town has not grown much in the past few years. The present popu- 
lation is about 300. It has three churches, Reformed, Presbyterian and 
Methodist. . The Presbyterians have a new building which they completed in 
1885. Prior to this they had always attended their church which was built about 
one mile north of the village. There are two dry goods stores, a steam tan- 
nery, and other shops and establishments suitable to the trade of the sur- 
rounding country. 

CHURCHES. 

The Reformed Church was organized in 1844 by Rev. Jacob B. Shade; 
Henry Winenan, Sr., and Geo. Umbrell, Sr., were elected elders; George 
Farling," deacon. Among the first members were John and Mary A. Kegerries, 
Barbara Flickinger, Rehanna Philips, Martha Philips, Jacob Kegerries, 
Mathew Umbrell, Elizabeth Wood, Melchor Conrad, Catharine Welker, Henry 
Walker, Abram Rosenberry, T. Barkley, John Steward, Eve Miller. Rev. 
Aaron Warner was the pastor, succeeded by Rev. D. T. Heisler, then Rev. 
Jacob Keller; then the present pastor, Rev. Jacob Hassler, came in charge. 

Lower Path Valley Presbyterian Church. — On the 23d of April, 1766, a 
deputation from Path Valley met the presbytery of Donegal in its session at 
Middle Spring, Cumberland County , to secure a preaching supply. In response 
Rev. Robert Cooper, of Middle Spring, was appointed to preach at Path Valley 
at will. This he did during the summer and reported results to presbytery at its 
October session. In August, 1766, Rev. George Dufneld also visited the region, 
and preached to large congregations. This period, August, 1766, dates the 
beginning of this congregation. After periodical supplies for nine years, a 
regular pastor, Rev. Samuel Dougall, was chosen in October, 1775, for Upper 
Tuscorora and Path Valley. A site for church and burial ground, two acres 



WARREN TOWNSHIP. G07 

in all, was donated by Alexander Walker in 1769. (On Christmas day of that 
year the first burial on these grounds occurred, that of Mr. Francis McConnell. ) 
After some difficulty in locating the house of worship, the presbytery, through 
one of its committeemen, Alexander Craighead, notified the contesting parties 
of the purpose to arbitrate; but each faction continued to build its house. 

The Lower Path Valley congregation in the spring of 1770 erected a log 
structure twenty-four feet square and covered with clapboards. This building, 
after an elapse of about twenty-four years, was replaced by a larger one. In 
April, 1774, the presbytery decided that all the Presbyterians of the valley 
should constitute one congregation with two places of worship under the same 
pastoral care, to be equally divided. This union continued until 1851, when 
a permanent division into Upper and Lower Path Valley was authorized. 

Rev. Samuel Dougall, the first pastor, continued at his post with an annual 
salary of " One hundred pounds and the quantity of one hundred bushels of 
wheat," from the 11th of October, 1775, to the time of his death, October 4, 
1790. 

On the 9th of April, 1794, Rev. David Denny was installed, and continued 
six years, when he was called to take charge of the Falling Spring congrega- 
tion, Chambersburg. 

After a vacancy of nearly three years, in October, 1802, a call was extended 
to Rev. Amos A. McGinley, of Adams County. He was installed on the third 
Sunday of June, 1803; during his long and successful pastorate, which ter- 
minated in April, 1851, he solemnized 697 marriages, netting $3,303.25. Dur- 
ing this period the ruling elders were David Walker, Wm. Maclay, Paul Ged- 
des, John Campbell, James Walker, Joseph Brown, Alex. Walker, George 
Elliott, Win. Elliott, James Campbell, James Cree, Sr., James Cree, Jr., Wm. ' 
Campbell and Daniel Brown. 

After McGinley' s removal, the two departments of the congregation be- 
came separate congregations, and Lower Path, in connection With Burnt Cab- 
ins, employed Rev. L. W. Williams, in October, 1851, and continued him un- 
til April, 1855. Rev. Watson Russell was a supply from July, 1855, till 
March, 1857. From November, 1857, Rev. J. Smith Gordon has occupied 
the position of supply and pastor, and is still engaged in efficient service. 

The present members of the sessions are Barnabas W'ilhelm, Jacob Wil- 
helm, John Parks, James M. Hill, Wm. R. Noble, Wm. S. Harris, John H. 
Walker, Amos Devor and James B. Seibert. The present membership is about 
160. The third edifice, a frame 48x52, was built in 1832. 

Methodist Church. — The Methodist Church in Fannettsburg was built, 
in 1840, on a lot donated for that purpose by John Noble, Sr., to whom 
the enterprise was largely indebted for its success. It is a plain weatherboard 
building, and cost originally about $600. Three years ago it was repaired and 
improved and is now quite a neat and comfortable place of worship. The 
church was organized several years before the erection of their church build- 
ing, and the congregation worshiped in the schoolhouse until then. Among 
their early ministers were Revs. Parker, Butler, Dyson, Deems, Creveling, 
King, Stevens and others. The membership of the church has never been 
large, and now numbers forty to fifty. Its present pastor is Rev. Wilhelm. 

WARREN— 1798. 

Warren is in the southwest corner of the county, and the smallest in size and 
population. Before the Mason & Dixon line was established, the southern 
part of it was supposed to belong to Lord Baltimore — or to be in Maryland. 



608 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The Marylanders could more readily follow up Cove Creek, and possess them- 
selves of the lands adapted to agriculture, than could the people from Antrim 
cross Little Cove Mountain and reach the same place. 

This township, at one time, was in the county of Bedford. March 
29, 1798, an act of the Assembly of Pennsylvania annexed it to Franklin 
County, and made it a part of Montgomery Township. The total destruction 
of the court-house and records make it uncertain when it was made a separate 
municipality and called Warren. It is found on some old record papers that 
describes it by that name as early as January 3, 1799, and, therefore, it is 
put down as certainly having undergone both the change from Bedford to this 
county, and also from Montgomery to a separate township, as now known. It 
was named in honor of Gen. Warren, who was killed at the battle of Bunker 
Hill, in June, 1776. For years it was known as the "Little Cove district" 
from the mountain that is its east boundary. There is no town in it. 

EARLIEST LAND ENTRIES. 

The earliest land entries to be found in it were in 1755. This may be ac- 
counted for by the fact of the heated contention that was about that time pro- 
gressing between the proprietaries as to the division line. There is no doubt 
but there were settlers — most probably " squatters ' ' — who sought the disputed 
boundaries in order to escape paying tribute to either province, sometime be- 
fore the records show land entries being made. 

A list of the earliest land entries is as follows : 

Enoch Williams, March 18, 1755. Neighbors: William Harrod and James 
Balla. 

David Brown, September 28, 1767. Neighbors: Widow Evans,- Joseph 
Moore, Leonard Bevans, Daniel Anderson. (This land was on the State line.) 

Lewis Davis, December 1, 1766. Neighbors: William Smith, Malcolm 
McFall, Evan Shilley. 

David Huston, April 4, 1763. Neighbors: John Andrew, Thomas Hus- 
ton. 

John Martin, February 10, 1768. 

Hugh Martin, June 15, 1767. 

James McClellan, February 7, 1767. Neighbor: Jacob Alexander. 

Samuel Owen, March 23, 1767. Neighbor: Enoch Williams. 

Evan Phillips, October 15, 1767. Neighbors: Enoch Williams, Beneiah 
Dunn. 

William Smith, April 4, 1763 ("barrens and hills on all sides"). 

Bees Shelby, June 2, 1759. Neighbors: Thomas Johns, Philip Davis. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

It is supposed the first settlers, Evan Phillips and Beneiah Dunn, came 
about 1761. The following is full of interest, as about the oldest document 
extant that refers to the early settlers of what is now Warren Township. The 
amount of tax opposite each name is omitted, otherwise it is verbatim: 

"A Roade tax Lade on By Benj. Williams and AVilliam Alexander for 
the year 1791:* 

John Anderson. Leonard Bevens. Wm. Huston. , Peter Humbert. 

Arthur Margrats, Frederick Coon. Henry Davis. Thomas Lucas.* 

Daniel Anderson. Henry Chapman. John Evans. George McCollough,* 

James Balla. John Chapman. Barnett Ford. Joshua Philips.* 

Adam Beam,. Christopher Coffman, Leonard Graham. Michael Smyers. 

♦August 29. 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 609 

Christopher Study. Michael Steele. George Donally. John Forney. 

Christopher Swank. Enoch Williams.* John Mearyard. William Russell. 

George Steele. John Irvin, Abraham Martin. George Free. 

Bedford County, ss. 

We the subscribers, two of the justices for the county aforesaid, hath examined and 
approved the within dublecat given under our hands this 30 day of August, 1791. 

William Patterson, 
churches. 

Metlwdist Episcopal Church in Little Cove. — The first traveling minister of 
the Methodist-Episcopal Church in "Little Cove" was Rev. George Askins. 
He preached his first sermon in Ford's barn (now on the farm on which the 
Warren Iron Works stand, and owned by Mrs. Eliz. Ferry,) in 1814. His class 
was organized in July, 1816, by Rev. Lawrence, missionary. Preaching oc- 
curred at the house of Joshua Philips, and at schoolhouses, till 1859, when the 
present brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,400; list of ministers: 
George Askins, N. B. Mills, Robert Wilson, Thos. Larkins, George Brown, 
Lawrence Everhart, Hamilton Jefferson, Frederick Stick, Caleb Reynolds, 
James Painter, Wm. Monroe, James H. Hansen, John S. Gibbons, Robert Wil- 
son, John O. fPoysal, Robert Minshall, James Sanks, Wm. Butter, David Sharer, 
Christopher Parkison, Basil Barry, Jesse Stansberry, Nathaniel Cunningham, 
Wm. B. Edwards, Daniel Hartman, John Stine, Jonathan Clary, Wm. Hage. 
John M. Jones, P. D. Lipscomb, Samuel Rozel, Wm. Harding, Wm. T. D. 
Clemm, Maryberry Sohm, John Lanahan, Peter McAnally, Andrew Jamison, 
Wesley Howe, Teal Chanselor, W. T. Mercer, John M. Green, B. F. Brooks, 
John Thrush, James Watts, Wm. A. McKee, Thomas H. Busey, Abraham 
Sahm, Elisha Butter, Noah Schlosser, Alex. Shaw, Geo. Stevenson, Wm. C. 
Steele, Amos Smith, Joseph J. Largent, David Castleman, John S. Winsor, 
Christopher Parkerson, Wm. T. Williams, Wm. Earnshaw (who built the 
church), John Shoff, J. H. McCord, Leonard M. Gardner, R. C. Haslep, John 
E. Amos, L. D. Herron, J. W. Smith. J. Montgomery, J. F. Ockerman, R. 
Mallelien, James B. Cuddy, C. O. Cook, C. H. Savage, J. W. Howard, M. F. 
B. Rice, Durbin G. Miller, Geo. W. Heyde, A. J. Gill, I. St. Clair Neale, T. 
M. West, D. B. Winstead, E. E. Anderson, E. C. Young, J. L. Welsh, John 
Edwards, H. C. Smith, W. W. Van Arsdale, J. H. Logie, Watson Case, W. 
R. Gwinn, Edward Watson, C. L. Kennard, E. Buhrman, H. W. Jones. 

ST. THOMAS— 1818. 

This is a rich and important township in the very heart of the county, and 
one of the latest formed, yet this very fact causes the exact date of its forma- 
tion to be in the greatest doubt. The county records giving an account of its 
organization having all been destroyed in the burning of Chambersburg in 
1864, we fix upon the date above from the best' recollection of old citizens. 
The territory was taken from Peters and Hamilton Townships. The township 
received its name in honor of Thomas Campbell, the founder of Campbells- 
town (St. Thomas). Emigrants had arrived within its borders before the land 
titles of the Indians were extinguished. 

EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

The early land entries were as follows: 

Joseph Armstrong, August 26, 1751. Neighbors: Patrick Knox, Robert 
Elliott, Johnston Elliott, Mathew Patton, Isaac Patterson. 
Thomas Armstrong, August 4, 1738. (No one adjoining). 
Robert Clugadge, May 24, 1743. (No neighbors). 



610 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Michael Campbell, February 15, .1749. Neighbors: John Holliday, Will- 
iam Campbell, James Campbell, James McFarland, John Crane. 

Archibald Campbell, October 8, 1768. 

William Campbell, February 15, 1749. Neighbor: James Campbell. 

James Campbell, April 15, 1743. Neighbors: George Galloway, Michael 
Campbell, William Campbell. 

George Cumming, March 3, 1744. Neighbor: John McConnell. 

Thomas Espy, February 26, 1750. Neighbors: James McBride, Eobert 
Clagadge. 

John Holliday, December 14, 1742. Neighbors: Sam. Holliday, Samuel 
Jack, James Holliday, William Campbell, Michael Campbell, Samuel Mc- 
Clintock, Robert Richey. 

William Holliday, September 7, 1753. Neighbors: John McClellan, Will- - ; 
iam Beatty, Thomas Dunwoody, John McCulloh. 

James Hamilton, October 27, 1748. Neighbors: Richard Peters, Jamea 
McElhany, Archibald Campbell, Peter Kingrey, John Irvin. 

Robert Hamilton, March 20, 1750. Neighbors: James Morton, Daniel 
Eckels, Hugh Bones, James Henry, James Ferguson, John McLean. 

John Potter, 1751, and Harry Johnston, 1750. Neighbors: William Mc- 
Clellan, Samuel Templeton, John Fenton, James Scott, John McCoy, William 
Holliday, James Antrican. 

William Rankin, May 8, 1751. 

Richard Sewell. March 10, 1749. 

James Barton, January 22, 1753. 

Alexander Walker, January 20, 1753. Neighbors: Richard Benson, An 
drew Bratton, William Bard, John McLean. 

(The list of taxables for St. Thomas Township, in 1786, is embodied in i 
those of Hamilton and Peters Townships.) 

VILLAGES. 

St. Thomas, the principal village, is located about eight miles west of Cham- 
bersburg. The first settlers in this neighborhood came as early as 1737. The > 
village was laid out by Thomas Campbell in 1790, and for many years it was J 
known as " Campbellstown. " This name was attached to it almost exclu- • ', 
sively for about sixty years. Even when the official name was given it, it : 
still followed after the idea of being in honor of Thomas Campbell, and so they ' 
merely added the expressive " St. " to his given name, and thus it became St. 
Thomas. 

Col. John Armstrong, John Campbell and John Dixon were the first set- 
tlers in this neighborhood. Col. Armstrong settled on the farm now occupied I 
by Samuel Walker and owned by Mrs. Samuel Rhea, about three miles north of 
the village of St. Thomas. 

John Campbell made his improvement on what is now the farm of Fred- ■ 
ricks Gelwicks' heirs, near the head of Campbell's Run, one mile west of the 
village. John Dixon settled where William D. Dixon now lives, at the head 
of Dixon Run, one mile north of the village. Mr. William D. Dixon informs us 
he thinks that John Campbell was the first to settle in the township and make ij 
a permanent improvement; that he was followed next by John Dixon. There i 
was the strong bond between these f aniilies— they were of the ' ' Argyles "of 
Scotland, and it seems wherever the Campbells went, there you would also 
find the Dixons. Mr. Dixon also informs us the name ' ' St. Thomas ' ' was 
the suggestion of William Archibald, whose descendants now live on the old 
farm one mile east of the village. The only controlling forces were the Argyle 
clan. 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 611 

St. Thomas or " Campbellstown " Presbyterian Church was organized in 
1813, to accommodate members and others who had been accustomed to attend 
either at Mercersburg or Rocky Spring. The first pastor, Rev. Dr. Elliott, then 
minister of the congregation at Mercersburg, preached but six Sundays in the 
year. Rev. Dr. McKnight, of Rocky Spring, preached here one half his time. 
He became pastor on the 9th of April, 1816, at $450 salary for the two con- 
gregations. He was installed September 25, 1816. From that date to the 
present, this congregation has been under the charge of the preacher serving 
Rocky Spring. Dr. McKnight continued his labors faithfully until he resigned, 
January 20, 1836, having served nearly twenty years. For a time after this 
resignation, Rev. Robert Kennedy, of Welsh Run, supplied the people. In 
May, 1840, Rev. A. K. Nelson took charge of the congregation. After an 
efficient pastorate of thirty-three years, he resigned April 10, 1873, when the 
present pastor, Rev. S. C. George, began his labors. 

Their church building was erected about the time of the organization 
of the church; repaired several times, and walls rebuilt. These repairs were 
at the expense solely of David Wilson. The ruling elders have been David "Wil- 
son and William Gillan, who were connected with Rocky Spring, John Wise, 
Thomas Gillan, Capt. W. E. McDowell, John M. Shields, Michael Keyser, 
Samuel H. Gillan. 

Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The date of the organization of this body 
can not now be ascertained. The first pastor was Rev. John Frederick Moel- 
ler, who served for twenty years; his connection ceasing in 1829. During his 
pastorate the first church was erected. It was built in jointure with the German 
Reformed congregation and the Lutherans and Presbyterians. The building 
was completed in 1829. The three congregations worshiped there until 1853, 
when the Lutherans bought out the Reformed. The Lutherans and Presby- 
terians built a new church in 1854. The pastor was Rev. David H. Focht. 
This is still standing and is owned by the two congregations. 

The pastors of the Lutheran congregation were Rev. J. F. Mceller, to 1830; 
Rev. John Ruthrauff, to 1833; Rev. Reuben Weiser, to 1835; Rev. Samuel 
Ruthrauff, to 1836; Rev. Peter Sahm, to 1840; Rev. John N. Hoffman, six 
months; Rev. David Smith, to 1845; Rev. William Kopp, to 1847; Rev. Adam 
Height, to 1850; Rev. Peter Paul Lane, to 1853; Rev. David H. Focht, to 
1855; Rev. George Sill, to 1859; Rev. Solomon McHenry, to 1866; Rev. J. 
Keller Miller, to 1869; Rev. A. C. Felker, to 1871; Rev. A. H. Sherts, to 
1884. Rev. Jas. A. Hartman is the present pastor. 

Williamson was laid out in 1870 by Samuel Z. Hawbecker. He built the 
principal buildings in the place. It is on the Southern Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, five miles from Marion; has about sixty inhabitants. 

Edenville is at the foot of Parnell's Knob, northwest of St. Thomas. 

QUINCY— 1838. 

Possibly this township was created in the latter part of 1837, but as there 
are no records left to verify this, we adopt the safer plan and conclude it was 
ordered by the court in the early part of 1838. The territory was taken from 
Washington Township and the reader will find there a tolerably full account of 
many of the early settlers. The population from the earliest was a mixed one. 
In this respect it had some advantages over any other new settlement in the 
county, embracing both Germans and Scotch-Irish, producing a race of good 
and brave men and fair women — blessed mothers in Israel whose descendants 
to-day by their useful lives are paying just tribute to infinite goodness. 



612 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

The township is noted for its wealth in ores and rich agricultural lands. 
In this respect it is not excelled in the Cumberland Valley. It was named in 
honor of President John Quincy Adams. 

Frederick Fisher settled in the township in 1737; George Wertz in 1745; 
Adam Small the same year; John Snowberger came 1750; John McCleary in 
176S. It is said his descendants occupied the place, where he settled, 102 years. 
Among others of the first settlers were Christopher Dull, Abraham Knepper, 
Adam Small, George Royer, John and George Cook, Samuel Toms, John 
Heefner. 

EARLY LAND ENTRIES. 

Of the early land entries we note the following: 

George Adam Cook, September 7, 1753. Neighbors: John Smith, Wm. An- 
derson. 

George Cook, March 28, 1743. Neighbors: Jacob Frosh, John Smith, F. 
Oury. 

William Patrick, August 24, 1743. Neighbors: John Smith, James John- 
ston. 

* James Jack, September 28, 1750. Neighbors: F. Foreman, James Johnston, 
David McCoy. 

y Jacob Wertz, October 1, 1754. Neighbors: Ludwig Stull, Robert Irwin, 
Jacob Hess, Matthew Hopkins, John Stoops, Wm. Erwin, Andrew Garry, John 
Armstrong, Andrew Friedly, James Jack. 

Thomas Stoops, October 5, 1762. Neighbors: James McLean, William 
Fenly, James Johnston, Daniel McCoy. 

Ulrich Snowberger, May J 8, 1763. Neighbors: John Home, Henry Rhodes. 

Lewis Stull, June 5, 1755. Neighbors: Jacob Wertz, Stophel Doll, John 
Armstrong (warrant of this date was issued to George Stover). 

Ludwig Stull, October 9, 1766. Neighbors: Adam Beetinger, Conrad 
Rhenar. 

Adam Small, October 15, 1762. Neighbors: Daniel Cook, David Hineman, 
Samuel Cunningham (this tract "was surveyed to Philip Stump). 

TRANSCRIPTIONS FROM OLD TOMBSTONES. 

In the old Quincy graveyard are the following: Barbara, wife of Simon 
Lidy, died January 6, 1845, aged ninety-one years. 

John Funk, born March 6, 1792, died December 13, 1858. 

Samuel Lowe, born June 25, 1772 died January 24, 1853. 

Barbara Lane, died January 11, 1831, aged 73 years. 

Christian Piper, born May 11, 1764, died February 2, 1842; Magdalena, 
his wife, born March 4, 1774, died October 28, 1856. 

Peter Beaver, died February 10, 1829, aged sixty years; Susanah, con- 
sort, born June 29, 1777, died March 2, 1856. 

Mary Stull, born October 10, 1795, died May 28', 1868. 

Jacob Stull, died September, 1854, aged eighty-two years. 

George Wertz died November 27, 1798, aged fifty-three years. He came 
with his father and three brothers — John, George and Conrad — in 1747; he was 
then two years old when his father settled on the place, now the property and 
residence of his grandson, H. E. Wertz. The Wertzes occupied the present 
site of Quincy; the Skills lived north a short distance, and the Fishers south. 
A block-house was erected on the Fisher farm. 

Frederick Fisher (son of the original Fisher), born December 27, 1747, 
died July 27, 1810; Susanah Fisher, born December 15, 1747, died November 
9, 1817. Henry Cordil, born February 24, 1767, died July 24, 1842; Mary 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 013 



Jordil (daughter of George Wertz) born March 17, 1779, died May 20, 1832. 
Samuel Sheiry, born February 0, 1782, died March 14, 1848; Catharine Bar- 
bara (his wife), born August 0, 1775, died August 12, 1843. Henry Rock, born 
March 28, 1793, died October 20, 1859. John Beaver, died June 17, 1855, 
aged seventy- one years. Peter Harbaugh, born June 20, 1781, died February 
20, 1854; Alexander Harbaugh, born June 13, 1793, died February 10, 1804. 
Jacob Smith, Sr. , born March 18, 1708, died May 5, 1845. Susanah (wife of 
Lewis Emerick), born January 3, 1757, died May 18, 1848. David Wertz, Sr. , 
born November 12, 1789, died September 17, 1800; Elizabeth (wife of David 
Wertz), born September 15, 1793, died July 19, 1848. Jacob Medour, died 
May 20, 1803, aged eighty-one years; Barbara (wife of Jacob Medour), died 
October 20, 1864, aged fifty-three years. John Smith, born October 25, 1782, 
died September 23, 1851; Anna Mary (wife of John Smith"), born February 
13, 1781, died February 20, 1800. Adam Besore, died April 25, 1838, aged 
sixty-eight years; Mary Besore, born March 10, 1775, died December 21, 1820. 
Jonathan Walter, died November 9, 1814, aged thirty-eight years. 

(The list of taxables, for 1780, in Quincy Township is embodied in that of 
Washington Township.) 

VILLAGES. 

Altodale (Mont Alto P. O.). — The first settler in this vicinity was John 
Funk, in 1817; he built the first house in the village, which is situated on the 
east bank of the west branch of Little Antietam Creek, about five miles 
south of Fayetteville ; has a thriving population. There are two general 
stores, three churches, a school building of two rooms, etc. The place was 
originally known as ' ' Funkstown. ' ' 

Mont Alto Circuit, Methodist Episcopal Church embraces the following 
congregations: Altodale, with a brick structure, 33x01, built in 1874; Mont Alto, 
a frame structure, 25x50. built in 1809; Blue Rock Chapel, brick, 35x45, bruit 
in 1870; Rowzersville (Pikesville), frame, 25x45, built in 1871. The mem- 
bership of the charge, not including probationers, who have been numerous 
during the close of the year 1880, is 108. Of the foregoing, Altodale is the 
strongest congregation. The following is the list of pastors who have had the 
charge: Rev. J. W. Feight, Rev. Jonathan Guldin, Rev. J. R. Shipe, Rev. 
Corbin Wilson, Rev. A. R. Bender, Rev. G. M. Hoke, Rev. J. R. Dunkerly, 
Rev. J. M. Runyan and Rev. J. W. Forrest, present incumbent. 

Quincy is about four- miles north of Waynesboro, on the Fayetteville road. 
The Quincy (formerly Fisher's) Reformed congregation, was one of the early 
church organizations formed here. The exact date of its original organiza- 
tion is not known, but it was before the close of the last century. In 1808 a 
joint meeting of the Reformed and Lutherans was held for the purpose of 
their usual annual settlement. The representative of the Reformed side, was 
John Heffner. The minutes of that meeting form one of the oldest records 
now obtainable. In 1810 John Walter was elder, and George Ly dinger was 
deacon. During the intervening years, 1818 to 1831, Rev. F. A. Scholl 
preached frequently at this church. Rev. Jonathan Rahauser officiated at in- 
tervals as early as 1792; from* 1830 to 1840, Rev. George W. Glessner served 
it, and after him for several years Rev. J. Rebough was in charge. In 1845 
it was part of the Grindstone Hill charge under Rev. F. W. Kremer. In 
1847 it was transferred to the present AVaynesboro charge, and has since been 
served by Revs. Glessner, Krebs, Hibshman, and the present pastor, Rev. F. 
F. Bahner. January 24, 1801, the Lutheran and Reformed people disposed 
of the Union Church, retaining only the graveyard as the common property of 



614 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

the two congregations. The present building was dedicated October 12, 1861. 
The church is once more in a prosperous and promising condition. 

More than fifty years ago John Zimmerman was the school teacher in 
Quincy. He taught in both English and German. Another teacher was 
Leander Brown. Mathew Dobbin taught school in various parts of the 
county. He was justice of the peace, and one of the original abolitionists. 
He was the original proprietor of the Gettysburg Cemetery, and the writer 
presumes was a close relative of the famous Rev. Alexander Dobbin, whose 
ancient stone residence and classical school building is still standing in Gettys- 
burg, one of the oldest buildings in the place. Mathew died in 1856, at the 
house of David Wertz, in Quincy, at an advanced age. 

The United Brethren Church of Quincy was organized in 1850. The chief 
promoters were Philip Spidle, Isaac Eiker and Polly Martin. Their church 
house was built in 1861, at a cost of $1,200; present membership numbers 
thirty -five. The preachers in their order were Revs. H. A. Sleichter, J. C. 
Wentz, J. Wicky, Rev. Altman, Anthony Grim, Rev. Wallace, J. H. Young, 
A. H. Shanks, J. Burkholder. 

Snoiv Hill is simply a thickly settled neighborhood. This name was 
attached to the locality by the land office. The land, 130| acres, was pur- 
chased by Catharine Snowberger, April 20, 1763. The patent to the same was 
secured by Andrew Snowberger, nephew of Catharine. He was the proprietor 
until a short time before his death in 1825, when he sold it to five trustees, the 
founders of Snow Hill Society. In 1795 Peter Lehman came to the place. 
In 1800 arrangements were made to found an institution modeled after 
Ephratah, in Lancaster County. This action was had by Peter Lehman and 
others. About the year 1800 four women, all Snowbergers, agreed to do the 
work of the house as long as they lived. People ignorant of the facts in the 
case called it the "Nunnery," and from this fact some supposed and said it 
was a Catholic institution. This was very distasteful to Peter Lehman, who 
wished it to be known simply as an "Institution." The false name, however, 
stuck the closest, and to this day it is more generally known by its nickname. 
The real idea, probably, of the institution would have been conveyed to the mind 
by the rather long name of ' ' The Seventh Day Baptist Society, of Snow Hill. ' ' 

The successive preachers in the place were Rev. Peter Lehman from 1795 
to 1823, followed in their order by Rev. Andrew Fahnestock, Jacob M. Mc- 
Pherrin, John Riddesbarger, John Walsh. 

The church edifice was erected in 1829; cost $1,500; a stone building. The 
Institution buildings were put up at different times from 1814 to 1843. The 
mill was built in 1807, and has been in use ever since. Shops and other 
buildings were put up as called for by the demand upon the Institution. 

Tomstown was settled and founded by John Toms, about 1820. It is situ- 
ated about a mile southeast of Quincy at the foot of South Mountain. It 
has a population of 200. Quite a Mormon settlement existed, at one time, in 
its neighborhood, but most of the "saints" moved to Utah. 

Five Forks (formerly Mount Hope) is a small postoffice village on the Cham- 
bersburg and Waynesboro road, four miles northwest of Waynesboro; has a 
grist-mill, store, blacksmith shop and a population of about eighty. 



PART III. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 






Biographical Sketches, 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 

JAMES ADAMS, engineer, Chanibersburg, was born in Adams County, 
Penn. , October 10, 1810; a son of Ignatius and Mary (Hoffman) Adams. He 
was reared on a farm until eighteen years of age, and received such an 
education as was generally given to farmers' sons. He then commenced an 
apprenticeship at the cooper's trade, which he completed at Chambersburg, to 
which place he came in the spring of 1829, and remained with his employer, 
Eobert Stewart, as journeyman for some years; then, in 1835, he engaged in 
the same business for himself, and in this he was occupied until 1841 or 1842, 
when he entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, first as striker 
in the blacksmith department, and was soon advanced to the position of fire- 
man on a locomotive. He served as fireman two years, when he was promoted 
to the responsible position of engineer, (this was the day of strap-rail track, 
and open cab on the engine), and in such capacity served until February, 1882. 
In April, that year, he commenced working in the Cumberland Valley Railroad 
shops, where he is still employed. Our subject married April 23, 1835, 
Martha Stewart, daughter of Robert Stewart, a former resident of Chambers- 
burg, where she was born in March, 1817. To this marriage were born six 
children, three of whom are living: James R. , a resident of Chambersburg; 
Martha J. , wife of Dr. John E. Kline, a physician, of Chambersburg, and 
Mary E., who resides with her father. The family belong to the Catholic 
Church. Mr. Adams is said to be the oldest engineer on the Cumberland Val- 
ley Railroad now living. In politics he is a Democrat. 

JAMES R. ADAMS, baggage-master, Chambersburg, was born in Cham- 
bersburg, this county, February 15, 1845, son of James and Martha (Stewart) 
Adams, and was educated in the schools of his native town. In July, 1864, 
he entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company and acted 
as brakesman and baggage-master until 1873; then was conductor of a mixed 
train two or three years, and after that till 1882 was conductor of passenger 
trains. In December, 1882, he was appointed baggage-master at Chambers 
burg. He also fills the position of special conductor. The subject of this 
sketch was united in marriage, in 1879, with Sophia M., daughter of Adam 
Christ, a well-known citizen of Chambersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are 
members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Adams has never desired a 
political position. He is a Democrat. 

PROF. M. R. ALEXANDER, Chambersburg, was born in Lewistown, 
Mifflin County, Penn., January 14, 1846, eldest son of James H. and Eliza- 
beth (Rothrock) Alexander. He was reared on a farm and received the rudi- 
ments of an education in the neighboring schools, and in a preparatory school. 
In 1872 he entered Lafayette College, and was graduated from that institution 
four years later, being a member of the class of 1876. While in college he 

33 



618 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

fitted himself for the profession of teaching. For seven years from 1876, he 
was assistant principal of the ' ' Hill ' ' school at Pottstown, Penn. In August, 
1883, he came to Chambersburg and took charge of the Chambersbui'g Acade- 
my, and has since conducted the same with ability. In 1880 Prof. Alexander 
was married to Margaret Hutchison, and they are the parents of two sons. 
Prof, and Mrs. Alexander are identified with Falling Spring Presbyterian 
Church. 

J. C. ANDERSON, builder and contractor, Chambersburg, was born in 
Waynesboro, Penn., September 28, 1838, eldest son of Joseph and Amelia 
(Taylor) Anderson, the former of whom was a tailor by trade. The father of 
our subject was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1811, was a son of John 
Anderson, a weaver by trade, who came from Ireland in the early days and 
settled in this county. Joseph Anderson reared to maturity a family of nine 
children, of whom eight are living— three daughters and five sons — and died in 
1883. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native borough 
and when sixteen commenced an apprenticeship (of four years) at the cabinet- 
maker's trade with Jacob Henning, of Chambersburg, Penn. He then 
worked as journeyman for some years. About 1862 he took charge of the 
sash and blind factory of William A. Hazlit there, and this he conducted for 
some seven years, thence went to Greencastle, Penn. , and took charge of J. 
B. Crowell & Co's sash and blind factory there for eight years. He returned 
to Chambersburg about 1877, but one year later again became a resident of 
Waynesboro, Penn., where he remained f©r three years. He returned to 
Chambersburg, Penn., about 1881, and began building and contracting, which 
business he has since followed. He is a successful builder, employing at times 
as many as twenty-five hands. Mr. Anderson was married, in 1858, to Sarah 
R., daughter of David Lippy, a former resident of Chambersburg. Mr. and 
Mrs. Anderson have one daughter, Mollie J. , now the wife of John J. Cor- 
bett, of Waynesboro, Penn. The family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Anderson is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

ROBERT McFARLAND BARD was born near Mercersburg, Franklin 
Co., Penn., December 12, 1809, the son of Capt. Thomas Bard, who com- 
manded a volunteer company enlisted in that vicinity, and marched them to 
the defense of Baltimore against the threatened attack of the British, in 1814. 
During his early life his parents removed to Washington County, Md. He at- 
tended the academy at Hagerstown as late as 1829, and in 1830 began the 
study of law in Chambersburg, Franklin County, in the office of Hon. George 
Chambers, and was admitted to practice January 14, 1834. He rose rapidly 
as a lawyer and as a public man, acquiring, by his ability and integrity, the 
confidence and admiration of the people. In 1842 he was associated in the 
law with James X. McLanahan, which partnership was dissolved in 1844. In 
1850 he was nominated for Congress on the Whig ticket, but at that time his 
health had failed, and he was no longer able to attend to the duties of his pro- 
fession. He had attained a commanding position at the bar of his native 
county, and reputation throughout the State as a lawyer of great ability. Had 
he lived, he might have reached the highest honors of the State and Nation. 
His death occurred on the 28th of January, 1851, at the early age of forty- 
one. His frank and generous nature, his open, kind, unassuming and affable 
manners, had drawn around him a large circle of warm hearted and admiring 
friends, and his death was the cause of grief and sadness in many a heart be- 
sides those of his immediate family. Mr. Bard possessed fine literary tastes, 
and in his leisure moments produced a number of poems that were received by 
the public as rare gems. He anticipated the day when he could feel justified 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 619 

in devoting his whole time to literary pursuits. An article in the Philadelphia 
Press, entitled, "The Chambersburg Bar of Thirty Years Ago," says of him: 
"Robert M. Bard was a peculiarly gifted man intellectually. He had a pro- 
found knowledge of the law, was ardently devoted to his profession, managed 
every case entrusted to him with masterly skill and force, and would, had not 
death removed him in the meridian of his years, have been one of the country' s 
grandest jurists. " Mr. Bard in early youth was studiously inclined, and de- 
voted much of his leisure time to the acquisition of useful knowledge, and 
formed then the habits of study and reflection that were the foundation of his 
subsequent usefulness and eminence. His views of the profession of the law were 
exalted; he pursued it with unvarying devotion. He regarded the law as a 
science in the truest and highest sense of the term, demanding, for the attain- 
ment of distinction in its practice, a more varied and comprehensive equip- 
ment than is required for the successful prosecution of any other profession. 
He sought, by careful analysis and study of the leading cases in the various 
departments of the law, to comprehend fully, and to make his own, the under- 
lying principles and reasons on which the decision of them was founded. The 
knowledge of these principles furnished the weapons on which he relied, and 
to which, vigorously and skillfully used, he was indebted for' many a victory 
in subsequent legal combats in which he was a contestant in the arena of the 
bar. His mind was active, vigorous and logical; his addresses to the court 
and jury were cogent, eloquent and free from all redundancy; he saw clearly 
the strong points of his case, and pressed those points lucidly and earnestly 
upon his auditors, and judiciously refrained from dwelling at length upon 
points of minor importance. Although ever studious to be correct in his opin- 
ions, he was a man of strong convictions; and when he gave a legal opinion to 
a client on a difficult point of law, he gave it with confidence, and it was re- 
ceived by his client with confidence, assured that it was the result of a care- 
ful consideration of the matter by one fully competent to determine it. As 
early as 1843 he had, by his natural and acquired endowments, achieved an 
enviable eminence in his profession. Mr. Bard was conspicuous as an influ- 
ential and consistent advocate of the cause of temperance, at a time when that 
cause had comparatively few friends, and when its advocacy was regarded so 
differently from now, and rather as an evidence of fanaticism than as a wise, 
philanthropic, statesmanlike concern for the happiness and prosperity of the 
community. 

JOHN A. BENEDICT, clerk of the courts of Franklin County, was born 
in Peters Township, Franklin County, Penn. , January 18, 1855, the youngest 
son of Jacob and Mary M. (Kiefer) Benedict. He was educated in the public 
schools of Peters Township, and was a pupil in the normal school at Shippens- 
burg for two terms. He then taught school for nine winter terms, during which 
time he also engaged in farming on the home place in the summers. In the 
fall of 1881 Mr. Benedict was elected clerk of the courts of Franklin County 
for a term of three years. He married, in March, 1876, Sarah E. , daughter 
of M. H. Keyser, a former resident of St. Thomas Township, this county. 
The parents are members of the Church. In politics Mr. Benedict is a mem- 
ber of the Republican party. 

GEORGE BIETSCH, manufacturer of cigars and dealer in cigars, 
tobaccos, etc., Chambersburg, was born at Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, 
August 30, 1843, the youngest child of Frederick and Elizabeth (Eckstein) 
Bietsch. He received a plain education in the schools of his native town. In 
1861 he, in company with his parents, came to America and direct to Cham- 
bersburg. In the same year George commenced an apprenticeship with 



620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

George Bruner at the trade of cigar making, and was next in the employ, as 
clerk and journeyman, of Moses Greenawald, and continued with these gentle- 
men, respectively, until 1863. In that year he taught a German public school 
at Chambersburg one session. Following the destruction of Chambersburg, he 
filled a similar position at Pittsburgh for some four years. In the fall of 1868 he 
returned to Chambersburg, and commenced the manufacture of cigars and the 
tobacco trade, in his present location at No. 79 South Main Street, where he 
is doing a fair business, usually employing from six to eight hands. In 1865 
Mr. Bietsch married Elizabeth Pressler, and to them have been born eleven chil- 
dren, nine of whom are living, five daughters — Eva, Katie, Lottie, Gertie and 
Alice — and four sons — Emil, George, Charles and Thomas. Mr. Bietsch is 
organist of the Episcopal Church, a position he has held for the past ten years. 
His family attend the same church. Mr. Bietsch has been a member of the 
Masonic fraternity since 1870, and master of George Washington Lodge, No. 
113, for the past two years. 

JAMES L. BLACK, merchant and borough treasurer, Chambersburg, was 
born in Adams County, Penn. , December 8, 1808, eldest son of James and Jane 
(Lindsay) Black. He grew up on a farm and in about 1820 went to live with his 
uncle in Guilford Township, this county. At the age of sixteen he began serv- 
ing an apprenticeship of five years at the trade of tanner and currier. After 
finishing his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in Manchester, Va. , 
one year; then returned to Chambersburg and began clerking in the store of 
George S. Eyster. About the year 1836, he, in company with his cousin, 
John V. Lindsay, purchased the business from Mr. Eyster, and carried it on 
for some years, when Mr. Black purchased the interest of his partner, and has 
since conducted the concern. During the fire in 1864, he suffered greatly, 
losing his building and much of his stock. His books were saved, he having 
buried them in the garden. He rebuilt on the same site in 1865-66. In 1836 
Mr. Black was married to Mary B. , daughter of George K. Harper, one of the 
early editors and newspaper men of Chambersburg. To this marriage were 
born eight children, six of whom are living — three daughters and three sons — 
and are residents of Chambersburg, except one, Rev. J. Harper Black, now 
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clearfield, Penn. Mrs. 
Black died April 6, 1885. Our subject served as an associate judge of this 
county for a period of five years, having been elected at the same time as 
Judge Kimmell. He has been a member of the town council one term, and 
for six years has served as borough treasurer. Mr. Black has been identified 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century. Asa citizen 
he is highly esteemed and respected, and is one of the pioneer business men of 
the county. 

EMANUEL JAMES BONBRAKE, attorney at law, Chambersburg. —The 
generic name is an old one in Franklin County. Its origin is uncertain and its 
original form is not positively ascertained. Whether German, Dutch, Swiss or 
French is not known, even by those who bear it. The name is dissyllabic, and each 
syllable has taken a most unwarrantable license in a wild canter over the gamut 
of change both in sound and in letter. The first syllable is found in docu- 
ments and papers as Bon, Bone, Bohn, Boin, Bine and Bound, while the sec- 
ond, not to be outdone, has disported in various shapes as Bright, Brecht, 
Brake, Break, Breck and Brick, one paper of the year 1789 having the 
name as Boundbrick. It is a good example of the eccentricity and variation 
of a name in America. The most prevalent belief holds that the name is 
Swiss-German or Franco-German, but there is a singular plausibility and force 
in a less prevalent opinion that the name is Dutch; that it originated in Hoi- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. G21 

land or the Low Countries as Brecht, with the common prefix Van or Von, 
making Vonbrecht, from which the transition to Bonbrecht would be easy 
and natural. But if the origin is uncertain, its long existence in this county- 
is certain. The first ancestor came between 1745 and 1765. Lands were tak- 
en up at the Grindstone Hill nearly midway between Chambersburg and 
Waynesboro, some of which were laid out on warrant to Daniel Binebreck in 
1762, and remained in the family until 1868, a period of more than a century. 
There is a dim tradition that his ancestor left his native land under a cloud, 
because of resetting, or giving food and shelter to some one under ban of the 
law. He is reputed to have tarried a while in Philadelphia County, but soon 
located in this county, then a part of Cumberland. From the Grindstone Hill 
the descendants spread to Scotland, Waynesboro and other parts of the county; 
to Somerset, Westmoreland and other counties in the State; and later to the 
States of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and Cali- 
fornia. The race was prolific in number and tall in stature. Many of the 
families had each a dozen or more members; one is said to have furnished 
seven sons to the American Army in the war of 1812, and now, in one family 
in Ohio, all the sons average over six feet in height. Some of the earlier ones 
were stone-cutters, of which there remains evidence in the tombstones of the 
well filled old graveyard at Grindstone Hill Church. But farming has been 
the general occupation of the race, though some have reached the highest 
rank as merchants, a few became lawyers, a dozen or more are now ministers 
of the Gospel or professors in colleges, a larger number are physicians and 
surgeons, one family having four or five in the latter profession. Very few 
have seen fit to tread the path of politics, and, although active and decided in 
political opinion and feeling, it is claimed for them that in this, their native 
county, for almost a century and a half, not one of the name has announced 
himself as a candidate for office, or become a tax upon the public. 

The special subject of this sketch was born in 1832 on the banks of Antie- 
tam Creek, two miles east of Waynesboro, and he never had legal residence 
out of the county. His father was John, a teacher, surveyor and farmer, born 
in 1796 and died in 1866. His grandfather, Conrad (born in 1768, died in 
1844), about the beginning of this century bought lands along the Antietam 
Creek, which still belong to his descendants. His mother was Susanna Weyant 
(born in 1796, died in 1836) a daughter of John Weyant. 

Conrad, the grandfather, left seven children, viz. : Jacob, John, Henry, 
Daniel, Nancy, Susan and Catharine. John left five children, viz. : Nicholas, 
John W., Ernanuel J., Juliann, wife of James H. Gordon, and Maria, wife of 
David B. Bussell, all residents of the county, except John W., who has lived 
near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, since 1865. 

The early education of our subject was gained in the free or public schools, 
the system of which was inaugurated in Pennsylvania in his boyhood. In 
1849 he was examined by the school board of his native township (Washing- 
ton) and assigned as teacher of the Mt. Vernon School. In the spring of 1850, 
with the funds obtained from the winter's teaching, he began the higher 
course of study and entered the preparatory department of Marshall College 
at Mercersburg, then under the presidency of the celebrated Rev. Dr. John W. 
Nevin. For several years thereafter he oscillated between teaching in winter 
and attending college in summer, always keeping in the same class notwith- 
standing those absences. He went with the college to Lancaster, Penn. , in 1853, 
when it was consolidated there with Franklin College, and in 1855 he gradu- 
ated with honor, taking the valedictory oration, which in this college, unlike 
most other institutions, is awarded not to the student who has scored the high- 



622 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

est average in recitation but to the best writer and speaker, if of respectable 
grade in recitations. In all public performances at college he had been sig- 
nally successful and popular, some of his orations being remembered and spoken 
of to this day after a lapse of over thirty years; but in his valedictory he re- 
proached, perhaps improperly, the trustees and authorities of the college for 
certain matters, and in doing so furnished an unfortunate example, which af- 
terward was still more unfortunately and improperly followed. There was no 
doubt of his honesty and courage in making this arraignment, and just as little 
as to there being cause for it, but its propriety under the circumstances was 
quite another thing. The like had never been known in the history of the col- 
lege, and its suddenness, point and novelty gave great offense. Taken in con- 
nection with some later v episode in his career, this shows such an indifference 
to public opinion and careless disregard of consequences that can not be recon- 
ciled with his usual prudence and judgment, and may have interfered with use- 
fulness and promotion, and impaired the estimate of a character so earnest and 
otherwise estimable. He received no further or higher degrees or honors from 
the college. After graduating he taught an academy for boys and young men 
in Camden, in the State of Delaware, until 1856, when he was called to take 
charge of the academy in Mercersburg, the same that once had been the pre- 
paratory department of Marshall College. Relinquishing finally the role of 
teacher in 1857, he finished the reading of law in the offices of Cessna & Shan- 
non, in Bedford, Penn. , where, in May, 1858, he was admitted as an attorney at 
law. A trip of nearly a year through the Western country followed, then he 
located in ChambersbUrg in 1859, and soon after formed a partnership with 
Capt. George Eyster, who afterward, for seventeen years, held the office of 
United States treasurer in Philadelphia. From the beginning he was more 
than ordinarily successful, but a rigid application to business and study and 
close confinement to office for the purpose, as he states it, of laying a broad 
and sure foundation for the future, brought on in about two years such a seri- 
ous breaking down of health that left him little hope of recovery. Conse- 
quently ambition was laid aside and thenceforth his business as a lawyer was 
mainly confined to the less public, yet more weighty and important line of a 
practitioner in the orphans' court, and as a general office counselor. In these 
departments his success and standing are deservedly high. Advice, profes- 
sional or otherwise, from him has led to few mistakes and disappointments, and 
his sagacity and practical wisdom, in ordinary business or in new enterprises, 
are so generally acknowledged that the community looks with much confidence 
upon any project that enlists his support. Able and candid in negotiation, yet 
there is always left an impression of force in reserve. In devotion to friends 
and in public spirit he has few equals. To him, perhaps, more than to any 
other one man is Chambersburg indebted for the last and only successful agri- 
cultural fair company, for the Wolf & Hamaker Mill Works and for the Tay- 
lor Manufacturing Company. All projects favoring the improvement of town 
or county, whether in building, agriculture, horticulture, new or superior stock, 
have received his hearty good wishes and active aid. At this time he is likely 
the only man in the county who has thoroughbred Guernsey cattle, and per- 
haps the only one who owns a specimen of imported neat cattle. 

In politics having come from old Whig stock he is a steadfast Republican, 
but without noise or demonstration, rather avoiding office than seeking 
it. He has never held elective office, except such as burgess or school director, 
in which he considered it his duty as a citizen to serve. Having struggled for 
his own education, he, of course, is a decided advocate of it, and seems more 
especially interested in the higher education as found in some of the less pre- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 623 

* 
tentious colleges, the ruling idea of which is to thoroughly develop, strengthen 
and train the intellectual faculties rather than to load the memory; to be well 
on in building the vessel before putting in the cargo. For years he has been 
the treasurer and one of the most active and earnest members of the board of 
regents of Mercersburg College. His demoninational connections are those 
of his forefathers, he is a member of the Reformed Church. In 1861 he was 
married to Eliza Belle Oakes, of his native town, and they have three children 
living: Jessie, Lillian and Norman Leroy. 

O. C. BOWERS, attorney at law, Chambersburg, was born in Antrim 
Township, Franklin County, Penn., October 11, 1843, a son of Samuel and 
Catherine (Wolfe) Bowers, and was educated in the public schools of St. 
Thomas Township, whither his parents had removed in 1848. Here our subject 
also worked at farming and attended school until he was eighteen years of age 
when he commenced teaching. In the summer of 1865 he attended the State 
Normal School at Millersville, and still continued teaching. For some three 
years he attended Mercersburg College until the close of the school year in 
June, 1869. In September of that year he commenced teaching and studied 
under Dr. Shumaker, in Chambersburg Academy, which he continued for four 
years. During those years he pursued the study of the classics and also read 
law until June, 1873. In November of that year he was admitted to the bar 
and immediately commenced the practice of his profession. In August, 1874, 
he was nominated by the Democratic party for district attorney and was elected 
the following fall; served the term of three years, and in the fall of 1877 was 
re-elected to the same position, which he filled with ability during his term. 
Several important criminal cases were tried during his terms, including two 
capital cases, followed by convictions and executions. Mr. Bowers married 
December 21, 1875, Ellen G., daughter of Jacob Heyser, and by her has a 
family of three sons: Robert Hood, Wayne Heyser and William G. Mrs. 
Bowers is a member of the Reformed Church, Mr. Bowers of the Lutheran. 
The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred on him by Mercersburg 
College June 25, 1878. 

E. BRALLIER, M. D. , Chambersburg, was born at Belsano, near Ebens- 
burg, Cambria Co., Penn., March 20, 1841, his father of French descent, 
a farmer, and his mother of German. With them he spent the early part of 
his life, attending school and working on the farm. After receiving a liberal 
education he began teaching school in 1858, which occupation he followed 
until 1862, the last being the Cherry Tree Academy, of which he was princi- 
pal. Closing his school he enlisted in the army September 7, 1862. Shortly 
after going out he was promoted corporal, and held that position until May 2, 
1863, when, while on the battle-field of Chancellorsville, he was promoted to 
second sergeant, which rank he held for some time, being then promoted to first 
sergeant, serving as such until near the close of the war, when he received 
the commission of captain. At the organization of the company, he was chosen 
company clerk, and occupied that position until the dissolution of the com- 
pany at Harrisburg, June 1, 1865. During the war he was eng-iged in seven- 
teen 'battles and several skirmishes, being the first man to mount the enemy's 
works at Hatcher's Run, February 5, 1865; was also present at the surrender 
of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant, at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. A few weeks 
after returning from the army, in 1865, he was nominated for and duly elected 
to the office of county auditor in Cambria County for a term of three years, 
from October of that year. Finding that the duties of the office interfered 
with the prosecution of his studies, after serving for one year, he resigned. 
He first commenced the study of medicine in 1860, but never regularly entered 



624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the office of any physician until his return from the army, in June, 1865, when 
he registered and studied with the late R. S. Bunn, M. D., of Ebensburg, 
Penn. In October, 1866, he matriculated in both Jefferson Medical College 
and the Lying-in Charity, of Philadelphia, receiving his diploma from each 
of the above institutions in March, 1868; that of the Lying-in Charity March 
5, 1868, and March 7, 1868, the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Jeffer- 
son Medical College. He is also a life member of the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege Alumni Association. In about two weeks after graduation he located to 
practice his profession in Cherry Tree, Indiana Co., Penn., where he 
remained eDgaged in general practice, but giving particular attention to gyne- 
cology and pediatric medicine with .success, until April, 1880, when he re- 
moved to Chambersburg, his present home. July 7, 1868, Dr. Brallier mar- 
ried Lucy M. , daughter of the late John and Mary Kinports, of Cherry Tree 
Borough. In 1870 he became a member of the Indiana County Medical Soci- 
ety, and in 1876 was made a permanent member of the State Medical Society 
of Pennsylvania, and of the American Medical Association representing Indi- 
ana County, in the former once and in the latter twice. He has filled several 
offices in the Indiana County Medical Society, being its president for 1879. 
In 1881 he associated himself with the Franklin County Medical Society, of 
which organization he is now a member. He has always taken a very active 
part in education, contributing to schools and forming plans to facilitate teach- 
ing in the local schools, serving as director of the Cherry Tree Male and 
Female College, and one of its faculty during its existence, and for six years 
one of the directors of the public schools of Cherry Tree, being secretary of 
the board for four years. He was one of the organizers of the Cherry Tree 
Scientific Lecture Club, lecturing on anatomy and physiology. In February, 
1882, he was elected a director of the Chambersburg public schools, of which 
board he is still a member. In January, 1882, he leceived from the commis- 
sioners of Franklin County, Penn. , appointment of physician to the county 
jail, and served in that capacity for a term of three years. Dr. and Mrs. 
Brallier are the parents of eight children (five of whom are living — two 
daughters and three sons): Stanley A. E., Anna May, Lulu Veronica, John 
Kinports, Emma Jane, Amanda Maggie, son, James Porter. In politics the 
Doctor is a Democrat. He and his family attend the Central Presbyterian 
Church of Chambersburg, Penn. 

WILLIAM H. BRICKER, furniture dealer, Chambersburg, was born in 
Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Penn., September 1, 1850, eldest son of 
James and Elizabeth (Sierer) Bricker. In 1851 he was brought by his parents 
to Huntingdon County, where he attended the public schools until the age of 
fourteen years. He then commenced clerking in a general store, in which he 
remained two years, then attended the normal school at Millersville, Penn., 
for some two years, graduating from that institution in 1869. He then became 
assistant principal of an academy in Trenton, N. J., for two years; then read 
law and also taught school again in Huntingdon County for part of one year. 
During that year, 1872, his father died suddenly, which changed his plans; 
so, abandoning the study of law May 18, 1873, he came to Chambersburg and 
entered into partnership with H. Sierer in the furniture manufacturing busi- 
ness, under the firm name of H. Sierer & Co., which has since continued. 
Mr. Bricker married, December 11, 1873, Laura V., daughter of Rev. Frank- 
lin Dyson, and by her had seven children, five of whom are living. The 
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bricker never 
aspired to public position; politically he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM BYERS, mail carrier, Chambersburg, was born in Antrim 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 625 

Township, this county, September 4, 1840, a son of John and Rachel (Miller) 
Byers, former of whom was born in Fayetteville, this county, December 11, 
1811, son of Castle Byers, a farmer, who kept tavern at Fayetteville for many 
years. John Byers, a farmer by occupation, lived near Funkstown until 1854, 
when he removed to Adams County, Penn. , and there died March 9, 1861. 
He reared to maturity a family of seven children, of whom six are living, five 
sons and one daughter. His widow, who was born September 24, 1821, in 
York County, Penn. , resides in Chambersburg, vigorous in mind and body. 
Our subject was educated in the public schools and brought up on a farm at 
home until he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry. He was with the regiment at Petersburg, Sailor' s Creek, 
and at the surrender of Gen. Lee, serving until the close of the war. He was 
mustered out at Harrisburg in July, 1865. Returning to civil life he carried 
the mail and ran a stage from Chambersburg to Gettysburg for twelve years. 
He is now engaged in carrying the mail from the depot to the postoffice in 
Chambersburg, in addition to doing an omnibus business. Mr. Byers married, 
in 1874, Kate Newman, and by her has one son and four daughters: Rosa V. , 
born in South Mountain, Adams Co., Penn., March 14, 1876; Mary E., born 
in Chambersburg, this county, August 27, 1878; Nellie K. , born in Fort Lou- 
doun, this county, February 24, 1880; Howard N., born in Chambersburg, this 
county, January 17, 1883, and Beulah, also born in Chambersburg, February 
13, 1885. Mr. Byers is a member of the G. A. R. 

GEORGE CHAMBERS.* Benjamin Chambers, the father of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was the son of Col. Benjamin Chambers by his second 
wife (nee Jane Williams, daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman) whom he 
married in 1748. He was born in 1755. When a youth of but twenty 
years, he enlisted in the company of his brother, Capt. James Chambers, and 
marched with it to Boston. Soon after he joined the army he was commis- 
sioned a captain, and in that rank fought at the battles of Long Island, Bran- 
dywine and Germantown, with credit and gallantry. During the retreat of 
the army from Long Island, the Pennsylvania troops were assigned to the dis- 
tinguished but hazardous honor of covering the movement. While assisting 
in this delicate and perilous maneuver, Capt. Chambers had the great good 
fortune to arrest the attention of Gen. Washington, win his commendation, 
and receive from him, as a signal token of his approbation, a handsome pair of 
silver mounted pistols, which have always been treasured as a precious heir- 
loom in the family, having recently been bequeathed to Benjamin Chambers 
Bryan, a great-grandson of the original donee. But the diseases of camp and 
the rigors of military life compelled Capt. Chambers to retire from the army, 
just at what period of the struggle is not definitely known. Although no 
longer engaged in regular military service, his skill and experience and great 
personal courage made him the captain and leader in many expeditions against 
the Indians, whose savage and bloody forays upon the settlements of Bedford 
and Huntingdon Counties were constantly creating great consternation and 
alarm. At the conclusion of the treaty of peace with England he became ex- 
tensively engaged in the manufacture of iron, and was the first to make iron 
castings in the county. Influenced by the same enlightened liberality which 
characterized his father, he donated, in the year 1796, two lots of ground in 
Chambersburg as a site for an academy. A charter was procured in 1797, and 
shortly afterward a suitable building was erected, and a select school organized 
and opened under the tuition of James Ross, whose Latin grammar for many 

* From " Memoir of George Chambers," by J. McDowell Sharpe, and read by him before the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, February 17, 1873. 



626 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years maintained its distinguished position, without a rival, in the colleges and 
seminaries of our land. Capt. Chambers left upon record, among the last 
business acts of his life, his solemn testimony to the importance and value of 
education, by earnestly enjoining upon his executors, in his will, that they 
should have all his minor children liberally educated. This betokened a zeal 
for learning that was certainly very rare in that day. He died in 1813, crowned 
with the esteem, respect, and love of the community, for whose welfare and 
prosperity he had taxed his best energies, and to whose development he had de- 
voted the labor of a life-time. 

George Chambers, his oldest son, was born in Chambersburg, February 24, 
A. D. 1786. It was not unlikely that such a father would put George to his . 
books while very young. This seems to have been so. He must have been 
taught to read and write, and have acquired the other rudiments of a common 
English education, at a very early age; for when he was but ten he began the 
study of Latin and Greek in the classical school of James Ross. He subse- 
quently entered the Chambersburg Academy and became a pupil of Rev. David 
Denny, an eloquent, learned and much revered Presbyterian clergyman. He 
was ambitious and studious, and had made such progress in the ancient lan- 
guages and mathematics that in October, 1802, he was able to pass from the 
academy into the junior class at Princeton College. He graduated from that 
institution in 1804, with high . honor, in a class of forty-five, among whom 
were Thomas Hartley Crawford, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Joseph R. Inger- 
soll, Samuel L. Southard and others, who rose to distinguished eminence at 
the bar, in the pulpit, and in the councils of the Nation. He chose the law as 
his profession, and entered upon its study with William M. Brown, Esq. , in 
Chambersburg. Having spent a year with him, he became a student in the 
office of Judge Duncan, in Carlisle, then in the zenith of his great fame. 
Having passed through the customary curriculum, he was admitted to the bar 
and sworn as a counselor in the courts of Cumberland County, in the year 
1807. Shortly afterward he returned to Chambersburg and commenced the 
practice of his profession. When he entered the arena, he found the bar 
crowded with eminent and learned lawyers. Duncan, Tod, Riddle and the 
elder Watts practiced there and monopolized the business. With such profes- 
sional athletes, already crowned with the laurels of the profession, and clad in 
armor that had been tempered and polished by the lucubrations of more than 
twenty years, it seemed a hard, indeed an almost impossible task for a young 
and inexperienced man to compete. Mr. Chambers, however, courted notori- 
ety by no adventitious aids. Indeed, he thought so little of all the usual 
methods of inviting public attention, that it is related of him that he dispensed 
with "the shingle," that ornament of the office -shutter which the newly- 
fledged lawyer is so apt to regard as an indispensable beacon to guide the foot- 
steps of his anxious clients. Nor did he advertise his professional preten- 
sions in either card or newspaper. He was quite content to recognize in the 
law a jealous mistress, who would be satisfied with nothing less than the un- 
divided homage of heart and mind. His professional career was not distin- 
guished by rapid success at first. Like almost all who have attained the high- 
est honors at the bar, his novitiate was severe. He found the first steps of his 
journey toward eminence beset with difficulties and full of discouragements. 

After weary years of waiting, success came at last — as it must always 
come to true merit. When it did come — and, perhaps, it came as soon 
as it was deserved — he was prepared to meet its imperious demands. Mr. 
Chambers had a mind most admirably adapted to the law. It was acute, log- 
ical and comprehensive, of quick perception, with strong powers of discrim- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 627 

illation, and possessed a rare ability to grasp and hold the true points of a case. 
Added to these natural abilities was the discipline of a thorough education, 
supplemented by a varied fund of knowledge acquired by extensive reading, 
which ranged far beyond the confines of the literature of his profession. Be- 
sides all this, he possessed, in a most eminent degree, that crowning ornament 
of all mental stature, good common sense — without which the most shining 
talents avail but little. It is not surprising therefore, that when the oppor- 
tune time came that was to give him the ear of the court, that he should at- 
tract attention. From this time his success was assured, and his progress to 
the head of the bar steady and unvarying. This ascendancy he easily main- 
tained during his entire subsequent professional life. Not only was he the ac- 
knowledged chief of his own bar, but also the recognized peer of the first 
lawyers of the State. From 1816 to 1851, when he retired from active prac- 
tice, his business was immense and very lucrative. He was retained in every 
case of importance in his own county, and tried many cases in adjoining coun- 
ties. He was well read in all the branches of the law, but he especially excelled 
in the land law of Pennsylvania. He had completely mastered it, and could walk 
with sure and unfaltering step through all its intricate paths. His preparation 
was laborious and thorough. He trusted nothing to chance, and had no faith in 
lucky accidents, which constitute the sheet-anchor of hope to the sluggard. He 
identified himself with his client, and made his cause his own, when it was just. 
He sought for truth by the application of the severest tests of logic, and spared no 
pains in the vindication of the rights of his clients. He was always listened to 
with attention and respect by the court, and whenever he was overruled it was 
with a respectful dissent. The writer of this tribute came to the bar after Mr. 
Chambers had retired from it, and can not, therefore, speak of him, as an ad- 
vocate, from personal knowledge. But tradition, to whose generous care 
the reputation of even the greatest lawyers has too uniformly been commit- 
ted, has fixed his standard high. His diction was pure and elegant; his state- 
ment of facts lucid; his reasoning, stripped of all false and vulgar ornament, 
was severe and logical ; his manner earnest and impressive, and, when inspired 
by some great occasion, his speech could rise upon steady pinions into the 
higher realms of oratory. His influence with juries is said to have been im- 
mense. This arose in part, doubtless, from their unbounded confidence in his 
sincerity and integrity; for he was one of those old-fashioned professional gen- 
tlemen who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the obligation of the profes- 
sional ethics which teach that a lawyer must gain his client' s cause at all hazards 
and by any means. While he was distinguished for unfaltering devotion to his 
client, and an ardent zeal in the protection of his interest, he was not less loyal 
to truth and justice. When he had given all his learning and his best efforts 
to the preparation and presentation of his client' s case, he felt that he had 
done his whole duty. He would as soon have thought of violating the Deca- 
logue as of achieving victory by artifice and sinister means. His professional 
word was as sacred as his oath, and he would have esteemed its intentional 
breach as a personal dishonor. He despised professional charlatanism in all 
its forms, and had he come in contact with its modern representative, it would 
have been his abhorrence. 

Washington College, Pennsylvania, manifested its appreciation of his legal 
learning and personal worth by conferring upon him the degree of LL. D. in 
the year 1861. This honor, entirely unsolicited and unexpected by him, was a 
spontaneous mark of distinction, as creditable to the distinguished literary in- 
stitution that bestowed it as it was well earned by him who received it. Mr. 
Chambers having determined, in early manhood to devote himself with an un- 



628 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

divided fidelity to the study and practice of the law, and to rely upon that 
profession as the chief architect of his fortune and his fame, very seldom 
could be enticed to embark upon the turbulent sea of politics. His tastes and 
habits of thought ran in a different channel. Office- seeking and office-holding 
were uncongenial pursuits. The coarse vulgarity and bitter wranglings of the 
' ' hustings ' ' shocked his sensitive nature. Indeed, no one could be less of a 
politician, in the popular acceptation of the term. He was as much superior 
to the tricks of the political intriguer as truth is superior to falsehood. His na- 
tive dignity of character, robust integrity, and self-respect, united to an un- 
bounded contempt for meanness, lifted him so high above the atmosphere of the 
demagogue, that he knew absolutely nothing of its undercurrents of knavery 
and corruption. 

But in 1832, at the earnest solicitation of his party, he became a candi- 
date for Congress in the district composed of the counties of Adams and Frank- 
lin, and was elected by a majority of about 800. He served through the 
Twenty-third Congress, the first session of which, commonly called the 
"Panic Session, " commenced on the 2d of December, 1833. The most con- 
spicuous and distinguished men of the Nation were members, and the Congress 
itself the most eventful and exciting that had convened since the adoption of 
the Constitution. Mr. Chambers was again a candidate and elected to the 
Twenty-fourth Congress by a greatly increased majority, and at its termina- 
tion peremptorily declined a re-election. During his congressional career he 
maintained a high and respectable position among his compeers. He was not 
a frequent speaker, but his speeches, carefully prepared, closely confined to 
the question under discussion, and full of information, always commanded the 
attention of the House. He served on the committee on the expenditures in 
the department of war, on the committee on naval affairs, on the committee 
on private land claims, and on the committee on rules and orders in the House. 
To the discharge of these public duties he gave the same industry, care and 
ability which always characterized the management of his affairs in private 
life. He was a conscientious public servant, zealous for the interests of his 
immediate constituents, and careful about the welfare and honor of the Nation. 

In 1836 Mr. Chambers was elected a delegate from Franklin County to the 
convention to revise and amend the constitution of Pennsylvania. This body 
c©nvened in Harrisburg on the 2d day of May, 1837, and its membership was 
largely composed of the foremost lawyers and best intellects of the State. 
Mr. Chambers was appointed a member of the committee, to which was referred 
the fifth article of the constitution, relative to the judiciary — by all odds 
the most important question before the convention. The controversy over this 
article was bitter and protracted between the advocates of a tenure during 
good behavior and the advocates of a short tenure for the judges. Mr. Cham- 
bers opposed any change in this respect of the old constitution, and through- 
out the various phases of the angry discussion stood firmly by his convictions. 

On the 12th of April, 1851, Gov. Johnston commissioned Mr. Cham- 
bers as a justice of the supreme court, to fill the vacancy caused by the death 
of Judge Burnside. He sat upon the bench from this time until the first Mon- 
day of the following December, when, under the amended constitution, the 
new judges received their commissions. He was nominated by the Whig State 
convention in 1851 for this office, but was defeated along with his colleagues 
on the same ticket, having received, however, from the voters of his native 
county, and of the adjoining counties, a very complimentary endorsement. 
During the time Mr. Chambers was a member of the supreme court, he pre- 
pared and delivered quite a number of opinions, written in a perspicuous and 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. G29 

agreeable style, and exhibiting his usual exhaustive research and extensive 
legal knowledge. Some of these opinions are interesting to the professional 
reader, and can be found in the fourth volume of Harris' State reports. The 
most notable among them are the cases of Baxby vs. Linah, in which the effect 
of a judgment of a court of a sister State in the tribunals of this State is elab- 
orately discussed; Louden vs. Blythe, involving the question of the conclusive- 
ness of a magistrate's certificate of the acknowledgment by femes covert of 
deeds and mortgages, and Wilt against Snyder, in which the doctrine of nego- 
tiable paper is learnedly examined. Mr. Chambers never occupied any other 
public official stations; but in private life he held many places of trust and re- 
sponsibility, giving to the faithful discharge of the duties they imposed upon 
him his best services, and to all enterprises for the advancement of the public 
good, and the promotion of education and morality, liberally of his substance.' 

In 1814 he was elected a manager of the Chambersburg Turnpike Road 
Company, and afterward its president, which positions he filled for half a cen- 
tury. In the same year he was actively employed in organizing and establish- 
ing the Franklin County Bible Society, was elected one of its officers, and 
served as such for many years. He was always a stedfast and consistent 
friend of the cause of temperance. By precept, by example, and by strong 
and eloquent advocacy of its principles, he strove to correct public sentiment 
on this subject, and to arouse it to a proper appreciation of the horrors of in- 
temperance. He assisted in the organization of a number of societies through- 
out the county, to which he gave freely such pecuniary aid as they required, 
and before which he was a frequent speaker. The seed which he thus so dili- 
gently planted, ripened into a rich harvest of blessed results, the influence of 
which remains until this day. 

In 1815 Mr. Chambers was elected a trustee of the Chambersburg Acad- 
emy, and afterward president of the board,, resigning the trust after a tenure of 
forty-five years, because of the increasing infirmities of age. In the same year 
he was chosen one of the trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Chambers- 
burg, and in due time became president of the board, from which he retired in 
July, 1864. He was also for many years a director of the Bank of Chambers- 
burg, in 1836 was chosen its president, and annually re-elected until pressing 
business engagements compelled him to decline re-election. The mention of 
these unostentatious but useful and responsible employments is not improper 
here, for it serves to illustrate how Mr. Chambers was esteemed in the com- 
munity where he passed his entire life. 

At the time of his death he was the largest land owner in Franklin County. 
He had a passion for agriculture, studied it as a science, and gave much of his 
leisure to the direction of its practical operations. His knowledge of soils, 
and of the fertilizers best adapted to them, was extensive and accurate. His 
familiarity with the boundaries of his farms, and the varieties of timber trees 
growing upon them, and exactly upon what part of the land they could be 
found, was so remarkable as to astonish his tenants frequently, and to put 
them at fault. He was not churlish in imparting all his knowledge about agri- 
cultural affairs to his neighbors, and he was ever ready at his own expense to 
lead the van in every experiment or enterprise which gave a reasonable promise 
of increasing the knowledge or lightening the labors of the farmer. For the 
purpose of exciting a generous emulation among the farmers, and facilitating 
their opportunities for gaining increased knowledge of their business — although 
at quite an advanced age — he expended much time and labor in organizing 
and putting into successful operation the first agricultural society of Franklin 
County, which he served as president for one year. 



630 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mr. Chambers was proud of his native State, and a devout worshiper of the 
race whose blood flowed in his veins. These sentiments were deepened and 
strengthened by a diligent study of provincial history and an extensive personal 
acquaintance with the illustrious men whose lives adorned the first years of the 
commonwealth. The knowledge which he thus acquired brought to him the sting 
of disappointment, for his sense of justice was wounded by the almost con- 
temptuous historical treatment of the claims and deeds of that race which, more 
than all others, had helped to lay the broad foundations of State prosperity, to 
build churches and school houses, and to advance everywhere the sacred stand- 
ard of religious liberty, which had loved freedom and hated the king, and 
had carried with it into every quarter the blessings of civilization, and the hal- 
lowed influences of the gospel. The spirit of his ancestry called him to the 
vindication of their race, and he determined — although the sand of his time- 
glass was running low — to round off and crown the industry of a long life by 
a labor of love. 

During the brief periods of leisure, which the almost constant demands of 
his business only occasionally afforded him, he prepared and had published, in 
1856, a volume, which with characteristic modesty, he entitled, "A Tribute to 
the Principles, Virtues, Habits and Public Usefulness of the Irish and Scotch 
Early Settlers of Pennsylvania, " by a Descendant. This production discloses 
such a thorough knowledge of the subject, and withal breathes so great a filial 
reverence for those whose merits it commemorates, that it will doubtless long 
be read with increasing interest by their descendants. 

Mr. Chambers was an ardent friend of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, and impressed with the importance of the noble work, for the sake of 
truth, which it is now performing. The value of his efforts for the elucida- 
tion of the early history of the province and State, and his moral worth, were 
generously recognized by the society in his selection to be one of its vice-presi- 
dents, which honorable office he held at the time of his decease. By the re- 
quest of the society, Mr. Chambers undertook the preparation of an extended 
history of a considerable portion of the State of Pennsylvania, including the 
Cumberland Valley. It was also intended to embrace a compilation and 
analysis of the various laws and usages governing the acquisition of titles to land 
in the State, to be supplemented by an annotation of the changes caused there- 
in by statutory law, and the decisions of the courts from time to time. The 
manuscript of this work, which had cost much research and labor, was fin- 
ished and ready for the press on the 30th of July, 1864, when the rebels, under 
Gen. McCausland, made their cruel foray into Chambersburg, to give the 
doomed town over to its baptism of fire. It perished in the conflagration of 
that fearful day — which still haunts, and ever will, the memory of those who 
witnessed it, like the hideous spectre of a dream. Along with that manuscript 
perished also a biographical sketch, which was almost ready for publication, 
of Dr. John McDowell, a native of Franklin County, distinguished for his 
learning, usefulness, and devoted piety. 

Mr. Chambers lost heavily in property by the burning of Chambersburg. 
The large stone dwelling-house built by his father in 1787, the house which 
he had himself erected in 1812, and in which he had lived with his family 
since 1813, together with four other houses, were totally destroyed. But this 
pecuniary loss caused him, comparatively, but little regret. His private 
papers, an extensive correspondence, valuable manuscripts, hallowed relics of 
the loved and lost ones, many cherished mementoes of friendship, his books so 
familiar and so prized from constant study and use, the old-fashioned stately 
furniture, and the precious heirlooms that had come down to him from his an- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. G31 

cestry, all shared the same common ruin. Such things are incapable of mone- 
tary valuation, and their loss was irreparable. In one half hour the red hand 
of fire had ruthlessly severed all the links that bound him to his former life, 
and thenceforth he walked to the verge of his time isolated and disassociated 
from the past. This calamity he keenly felt, although he nerved himself 
against its depressing influences with his characteristic cheerfulness and forti- 
tude. 

To this cause, also, must be attributed the great lack of present materials 
for a proper biographical sketch of Mr. Chambers and the difficulties and dis- 
couragements which the writer of this tribute has encountered in its prepara- 
tion. Mr. Chambers was deeply moved by the news of the bombardment of 
Fort Sumter. When he heard the startling intelligence, although in infirm 
health, it seemed to stir a fever in his blood. He urged the callino- of the 
citizens of Chambersburg together immediately, to take proper measures for 
assisting in the defense of the Government. He presided at the meeting 
and made a touching and eloquent speech, which was responded to on the spot 
by the enlistment of a full company for the three months' service. A few years 
before, he had presented a flag to a military company called in his honor the 
Chambers Infantry. This organization formed the nucleus of the company 
now enlisted for the stern duties of war, and was among the first in the State 
to report for service at the headquarters at Harrisburg. From that hour 
until the last Confederate soldier laid down his arms, Mr. Chambers stood 
steadfastly by the Union. The darkest hours of the war found him always 
the same unflinching supporter of the Government, the same staunch patriot, 
the same irreconcilable opponent of all compromise with treason, and the same 
defiant and implacable foe of traitors. 

On March 6, 3810, Mr. Chambers married Alice A, Lyon, of Carlisle, 
daughter of William Lyon, Esq., prothonotary and clerk of the courts of 
Cumberland County — a lady whose rare virtues and accomplishments cheered 
and solaced thirty-eight years of his life. Two sons and two daughters, the 
fruits of this marriage, still survive, and are residents of Chambersburg. * Mr. 
Chambers was of medium stature, of slender frame and delicate constitution. 
He was indebted for the physical strength which enabled him to sustain for 
so many years the burden of excessive professional labor, solely to his ab- 
stemious life, regular habits, and almost daily exercise upon horseback. His 
classical training was excellent, and his knowledge of the Roman authors 
quite extensive. He was a well-read man, and familiar with the best literature 
of his own and past times — an acquaintance which he sedulously cultivated 
until a late period of his life. His library was large and well selected, and 
open at all times to the deserving, however humble might be their station. 
Mr. Chambers cared for none of the arts of popularity. He was not one ' ' to 
split the ears of the groundlings. ' ' He had no ambition at all for this. His 
bearing was dignified and his manners reserved. With the world he doubtless 
was accredited a cold and proud man; but to those who were admitted to the 
privileges of an intimate acquaintance, he was a sociable, kind, courteous, and 
affable gentleman, and a genial and captivating companion. Having acquired 
a varied fund of knowledge from books, as well as from a close and intelligent 
observation of men, his conversation was exceedingly entertaining and instruct- 
ive. His memory, going back into the last century, had garnered up many 
interesting reminiscences of the events of that age, and personal recollections of 
its illustrious men; and when in the unrestrained freedom of social intercourse 

* The two sons, Benjamin and William are yet living, the first a retired attorney, the second president of 
the National Bank of Chambersburg. The daughters are both dead.— [Editorial note, 1887.] 



632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

he opened its treasures, they furnished, indeed, a rare intellectual entertain- 
ment to his charmed auditors. But so great was the elevation of his character 
and the purity of his nature, so intense his self-respect, that I venture to assert 
that never at any time, under the temptations of the most unreserved conver- 
sation, did he utter a word or sentiment that might not with perfect propriety 
have been repeated in the most refined society. He was a sincere and steadfast 
friend, a kind neighbor and a good and useful citizen. His advice to all who 
sought it — and they were many, in every walk of life — proved him to be a will- 
ing, judicious and sympathizing counselor. In the management of his pri- 
vate affairs he was scrupulously honest and punctual. He required all that 
was his own, and paid to the uttermost farthing that which was another's. He 
scorned alike the pusillanimity which would defraud one's self, and the mean- 
ness which would rob another. But withal he was a generous man. His house 
was the abode of a most liberal hospitality. His benevolence was large and 
catholic, manifesting itself in frequent and liberal contributions for the ad- 
vancement of education and religion. He was kind to the poor and deserving 
and more than one child of poverty received a good education at his expense. 
But he did not publish his charities on the streets, nor give his alms before 
men. He reverently obeyed in this respect the Scriptural injunction, ' 'Let not 
thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." 

It would be improper for us, by dwelling longer on his domestic virtues, 
to invade the sanctity of his home, where they grew into such eminent devel- 
opment. We know that he was a good husband, a devoted father, and an ex- 
emplar to his household worthy of the closest imitation. Mr. Chambers was 
a devout man from his youth, and a sincere and unfaltering believer in the 
cardinal doctrines of the Christian religion. From childhood he was carefully 
trained in the tenets of the " Westminister Confession and the Shorter Cate- 
chism.'' He drank in a reverence for the Sabbath-day with his mother's milk, 
which so engrafted itself into his being that no earthly inducement could 
tempt him to profane it. In 1842 he made a public profession of his faith, and 
was received into the communion of the Presbyterian Church at Chambers- 
burg. Thenceforth religion grew from a mere sentiment, or a cold intellect- 
ual belief, into the guiding principle of his life. It influenced his conduct 
toward others and governed his own heart. It kept him untainted from the 
world in prosperity, and solaced him in adversity. And when the twilight of 
his last days began to descend upon him, his pathway was illuminated by the 
light of the gospel, and he walked down to the dark river with a firm step, 
unclouded by doubts or fears, and with the eye of faith steadily fixed upon the 
Star of Bethlehem. He died March 25, 1866, in his eighty-first year, be- 
queathing to his children the heritage of an unspotted name, to posterity an 
enduring reputation, earned by a life full of good and virtuous deeds, and to 
the aspiring and ambitious youth an example worthy of the highest emulation. 

DANIEL COLESTOCK, contractor and builder, was born in Littlestown, 
Adams Co., Penn., September 30, 1834, a son of John and Harriet (Little) 
Colestock. He received an ordinary common school education in his native 
town'and was in attendance one term at Littlestown Academy. He early learned 
the trade of his father, that of carpenter and cabinet-maker, and for a period 
of two years worked as journeyman in various places, among which was Wash- 
ington, D. C, where he, for some months in 1862, was engaged in the treas- 
ury department. In 1867 or 1868 he commenced as a contractor, and soon 
after went to Pittsburgh, where he erected some important buildings; then 
returned to Littlestown, where he resumed his business as a builder and con- 
tractor, being associated for a time with his brother, John H, and afterward 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 633 

■with George Smith until 1874, when, just after the tire which occurred at 
Chambersburg, he worked as a journeyman for three years at that place, 
whither he located in the spring of 1876 as a contractor and builder, and where 
he has since remained. He has here carried on an extensive business, erect- 
ing many fine structures — among them the insane asylum. In 1883 Mr. Cole- 
stock was married to a daughter of Barnett Bickly, a former resident of Cham- 
bersburg, and to this union have been born two daughters and two sons. The 
parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. 
Colestock is Republican. 

REV. W. C. CREMER, pastor of Zion's Reformed Church, was born in 
Lancaster County, Penn. , January 1, 1836, youngest son of Charles and 
Elizabeth (Albert) Cremer. His early life until he was eighteen years of age 
was passed on a farm, where he received, in the neighboring schools, the rudi- 
ments of an education. He then returned to the preparatory department of 
Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster (previous to this he had received 
literary instruction from his pastor, Rev. D. Y. Hysler). He completed the 
course at Franklin and Marshall College, and was graduated from the institu- 
tion in 1861. Immediately after his graduation he went to the Theological 
Seminary at Mercersburg, where he completed a course of study in theology in 
1863. He was then called to take charge of the Reformed Church at Sunbury 
Penn., where he was licensed and ordained May, 1863, and remained as pastor of 
the church five years. His next appointment was at Westminster, Carroll Co., 
Md. . where he remained until coming to Chambersburg in 1876. In August, 
1863, Mr. Cremer was married to Miss C. M., daughter of Jacob Gruel, of 
Lancaster City, Penn. , and to them were born six children, five of whom — one 
daughter and four sons — are living. 

EDMUND CULBERTSON, M. D., (deceased) was born in Chambersburg, 
Franklin Co., Penn., January 12, 1812; the eldest son of Dr. Samuel 
D. Culbertson, who was born in Culbertson's Row, this county, but in 
early life removed to Chambersburg, where, in 1808, he commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine. The father of Edmund desired that the latter should enter 
the profession in which he had been so successful and, in accordance with this 
wish our subject attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and was 
graduated therefrom in the spring of 1836. He never considered himself 
adapted to the profession, and had no special enthusiasm for its theories or 
practice, although he was a careful and close student during his school term. 
He however determined to make his best efforts to succeed and, shortly after 
he obtained his degree, located at Jackson, Miss. There he did not remain 
more than a year until he concluded to return to a more northerly State, and 
located at Springfield, 111. , where he spent two years. At the close of that 
period he returned to Chambersburg. The elder Dr. Culbertson, although 
eminently successful in his profession, had partially abandoned it in later years 
to engage in another occupation, and in 1836 he wholly gave up his practice 
for the purpose of embarking in the manufacture of straw paper and boards, 
an industry he carried on for many years, Mr. G. A. Shryock,. who first 
introduced this material as a staple article and manufactured it by machinery, 
being his partner in the outset. In 1843 Edmund entered into partnership 
with his father, continuing in this business until 1856. For a time, after re- 
tiring from the manufacture of paper, Dr. Culbertson was associated with Col. 
D. 0. Gehr and Mr. William L. Chambers in the grain and commission bus- 
iness, and when this partnership ended he did not again enter into business. 
In January, 1873, he was chosen president of the national bank of Chambers- 
burg, a position he filled to the satisfaction of its stockholders for a period of 

34 



634: BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

ten years. At the time of his death he was a trustee of Falling Spring 
Church, of which he was a consistent member and a constant attendant; a 
trustee of Chambersburg Academy, being active in its rebuilding; presi- 
dent of the Franklin County Agricultural Association, and one of the most ac- 
tive directors of the Taylor Manufacturing Company, as well as one of its 
largest stockholders. He was also closely identified with the success of other 
local enterprises and improvements. In 1844: he married Ellen H. , daughter 
of the late Hon. James J. Kennedy. The surviving fruits of this union are two 
sons and two daughters: Emma C, now Mrs. Chauncey Ives; Samuel D. , 
Nancy P., now Mrs. D. H. Wingerd, and James K. Dr. Culbertson, in 1845, 
connected himself with Columbus Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F., of Chambers- 
burg, and continued one of its most active members iintil his death, which 
occurred March 4, 1883. 

GEORGE DENTON, undertaker, Chambersburg, was born in Flushing, 
Long Island, N. Y., November 21, 1854, the youngest son of John L. and A. 
V. (Spader) Denton. Until ten years of age he was in attendance at the com- 
mon schools of his neighborhood, when he took a four years' course at Union 
Hall Academy, Jamaica, Long Island, and subsequently a four years' course at 
Freehold Institute, Freehold, Monmouth Co., N. T. He was reared on a 
farm, and during vacations he assisted in the pursuits incident to farm life. 
TVhen young he was engaged for a year and a half as clerk in his native town. 
In 1874 he identified himself with the firm of Hallett & Co. of Flushing, in 
the furniture and undertaking business, and in 1876 became a partner in the 
same firm, which partnership continued until June 21, 1884, when he disposed 
of his interest in the business. In October, 1885, he came to Chambersburg. 
and purchased the undertaking business of J. Coover, which was established 
by the latter gentleman in 1865. The establishment is the most extensive of 
its kind in Chambersburg, and perhaps in the Cumberland Valley, and is 
fully equipped throughout. In 1877 Mr. Denton was married to Frances A. 
Hallett, and to them have been born two sons, and one daughter: Vm. V., 
born August 16, 1878; Clarence H. , born August 30, 1880, and Mabel H. , 
born November 13, 1882. Our subject is a member of the Episcopal Church, 
also of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in February, 1880. 

JOHN DOEBLER, saloon-keeper, Chambersburg, was born in Chambers- 
burg, this county, January 25, 1825; eldest son of Louis and Agnes (Nitter- 
house) Doebler. Louis Doebler was a native of Lebanon County, Penn. , 
born about 1794. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 from that county, and 
came to Franklin County, Penn., about 1815. He engaged in the manufac- 
ture of sickles for a number of years but afterward became an employe in a 
paper-mill, where he continued until his death, February 14, 1846. He 
raised to maturity a family of five children, of whom one daughter and two 
sons survive. John Doebler was educated in the public schools of Chambers- 
burg. In 1842 he commenced an apprenticeship to the coach-maker's trade, 
which lasted four years, then worked as journeyman for various firms until 
1858, when he engaged in saloon-keeping till the breaking out of the Rebellion. 
He responded to the first call in 1861 (was first lieutenant of a militia com- 
pany at the time) and was appointed captain of Company B, Second Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served three months. He then raised 
Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry and with it took part in all the engagements up to the battle of 
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, when he was disabled and was an inmate 
of Seminary Hospital, at Georgetown, for some months. He returned home, 
after regaining his strength, in 1863. He was elected dhector of the poor for 



BOEOUGH OF CHAMBERSBUKG. 635 

a term of three years, and while tilling that office (in 1865) was elected sher- 
iff of the county for a term of three years. In 1871 Mr. Doebler became a 
partner of P. H. Peiffer in the coach-making business, and continued a member 
of the tirm of Doebler & Peiffer a little over three years; then embarked in the 
restaurant Imsiness in his present location on North Second Street, and here 
has a siiccessful trade. Our subject was married in 1851, to Adeline Susan, 
daughter of Daniel Hull, a former well known resident of Chambersburg, 
Penn. They are the parents of one son, Daniel L. , a machinist by trade, 
employed by the Cumberland Valley Kailroad Company. Mrs. Doebler is a 
member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Doebler is a Mason and a member of 
the I. O. O. F. and of the G. A. R. He served as a member of the town coun- 
cil from the North Ward in 1864 and 1865, and was burgess of the borough 
for three continuous years, commencing in 1868. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. 

BENJAMIN F. DUKE, blacksmith, Chambersburg, was born in Greene 
Township, Franklin County, Penn., August 12, 1835, eldest son of Jacob and 
Mary (Kunkel) Duke. Jacob Duke, who was born in Cumberland County, 
Penn., in 1801, came to Franklin County about 1830; he was a miller by trade 
and carried on a mill in Culbertson's Row for many years; he removed to 
Chambersburg in 1852 and here died in 1879. He reared to maturity a family 
of seven children, of whom four are living, one daughter and three sons. 
Benjamin F. Duke was educated in the public schools of Greenvillage. He 
was reared on a farm, working for others till seventeen years old. In the fall 
of 1852 he commenced an apprenticeship of three yearswith Abraham Metz. 
at the trade of a blacksmith, and with him subsequently worked as journeyman 
till April, 1864, when he commenced business on his own account on the corner 
of Water and Washington Streets, just opposite his present location. He met 
with a loss in July of the same year in the burning of his shop and tools, but 
he immediately resumed business, and in 1880 removed to his present location 
on the southwest corner of Water and Washington Streets, where he has con- 
tinued a successful and prosperous blacksmith. Mr. Duke was married in 
1857, to Margaret, daughter of Adam Bolles, a former resident of Chambers- 
biu-g, this county. To him and his wife have been born thirteen children, 
of whom ten survive, three daughters and seven sons. Mrs. Duke is a member 
of Zion's Reformed Church. Mr. Duke has been a member of the I. O. 0. F. 
since 1866. 

AUGUSTUS DUNCAN, Chambersburg, was born in Franklin Township, 
Adams County, Penn., March 8, 1829, son of A. S. E. and Mary (Mark) Duncan. 
He was educated in the public schools and the preparatory department of Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, then at Mercersburg, Penn. Prior to completing his 
education he had learned the carpenter's trade. Our subject was married in 
1853 to Florence Rowan. The same year he moved to Guilford Township, 
this county, where he took charge of the Duncan Mills, at Falling Springs, 
which he conducted until 1860, doing an extensive merchant-milling business. 
In 1860 he came to Chambersburg, and in 1867 he published the Valley Spirit, 
in connection with J. M. Cooper and W. S. Stenger, later under the firm name 
of Duncan & Stenger, and remained in this enterprise until 1876, since when 
he has led rather a retired life, caring for his farms in Guilford Township, and 
in attending to his duties as one of the commissioners of the fisheries of Penn- 
sylvania, to which position he was appointed by Gov. Pattison in 1884. Mr. 
Duncan served as a member of the town council, from the Second Ward, in 
1882-83. He is a director of the Chambersburg National Bank, and also of 
the Chambersburg Gas Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were born three 



'636 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

children, two of whom died in infancy, .and one, a daughter, at the age of fif- 
teen. Mrs. Duncan departed this life in 1860. Our subject is a disciple of 
the noted Izaak Walton, and a substantial and esteemed citizen. In politics 
he is a Democrat. 

DANIEL EBERSOLE, coal and lumber dealer, Chambersburg, was born 
in Guilford Township, Franklin County, Penn. , April 11, 1841, son of Christian 
and Mary (Brubacker) Ebersole. His early life was passed on a farm where 
he received an ordinary common-school education. On the death of his father 
in 1865, he took charge of the home, and in 1867 was married to Carrie E., 
daughter of Jacob Bixler, formerly a resident of Greene Township. He en- 
gaged in lime -burning on the home place for the Adams County trade, deliver- 
ing the product by teams, and doing an extensive business until 1878. From 
the fall of the latter year until the fall of 1881 he acted as agent for C. Altman 
& Co. , of Canton, Ohio, dealing in agricultural implements. In the fall of 
1881 he became a member of the firm of Finney & Ebersole, dealers in coal, 
lumber and agricultural implements, which partnership continued until January, 
1885. when it was dissolved, Mr. Ebersole remaining in his present location 
on West Market Street, where he has since dealt in coal, lumber and farming 
implements, retaining the agency for Altman & Co. He carries a large stock 
in his line and is doing an extensive business. To Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole 
have been born three sons and four daughters, all living: Harry B. , Emma 
K. , Nannie V. , Daniel C. , Mary A. , Edgar S. and Carrie M. Mr. Ebersole 
still resides on the home farm in Guilford Township, located two miles and a 
half from Chambersburg. The farm comprises 104 acres, and is the place on 
which his father located in about 1840. In politics he is a Republican. 

ERNST ECKHARDT, boot and shoe dealer, Chambersburg, was born in 
Kamenz, Saxony, Germany, January 21, 1833, third born of Johannes and 
Catharine (Snyder) Eckhardt. Our subject was educated in the schools of 
Kamenz, and when but fourteen years of age commenced an apprenticeship of 
three and three-quarters years at shoe-making. He then worked as journeyman 
in various cities of his native land until immigrating to America in 1857. He 
•came direct to Chambersburg, this county, and worked as journeyman here 
for three years. During this time he was married, July 18, 1858, to Justina 
Sophia Bauer, who was born in Germany April 9, 1834. In 1861 he purchased 
the site of his home, corner of Market and Federal Streets, and erected a portion 
of his present residence. He commenced the shoemaking business on his own 
account, which he continued until enlisting in Company D, Two Hundred and 
Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He participated with that 
regiment in the battles of Hatcher's Run and Gravely Run, and was present at 
the surrender of Gen. Lee. He served until the close of the war and was 
mustered out at Harrisburg, Penn. , in June, 1865. He then returned to civil 
life and resumed his business which he has since conducted successfully. In 
1866 our subject visited his mother (since deceased) in Germany. He com- 
pleted his present residence and shop in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Eckhardt have 
had eight children, of whom six are living: Katie C. , Sophia C. and Mary E., 
all residents of Philadelphia, Penn. ; and Charles H. , Martha H. and Eliza A. , 
at home. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. 

REV. JOHN EDGAR, Ph. D., now (1887) and for the last four years 
president of Wilson Female College at Chambersburg, is the son of James 
Edgar, a Scotchman, who, with his wife, followed the profession of teaching 
before removing to this country in 1849. The subject of this sketch passed his 
youth in the city of Philadelphia; went through its system of public schools, 
and graduated with credit in June, 1860, from its public high school, an in- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 631 

stitution having collegiate standing, and presided over during most of Mr. 
Edgar' s course by Dr. John S. Hart, a graduate of Princeton, and afterward 
professor of rhetoric in Princeton. Mr Edgar, after graduating, taught for five 
years; first for two years near Dover, Del., and then gave up that posi- 
tion for one in Delaware County of his own State, and nearer his parents' home. 
While in this position, and holding it only- for a few months, he was, though 
not yet of age, elected principal of the Twenty-fourth School in Philadelphia, 
and held it for nearly three years, until he determined to go to the Theological 
Seminary at Andover, Mass., in the fall of 1865, to prepare for entrance into 
the Presbyterian ministry. After graduating from Andover in the fall of 1868, 
he was licensed by the former Philadelphia Fourth Presbytery then sitting in 
old Pine Street Church of that city, the church in which Mr. Edgar had been 
brought up, mainly under the long pastorate of Rev. Thomas H. Brainerd, 
D. D. , and where Mr. Edgar's parents belonged as members. His ordina- 
tion the following spring was the act of the old Donegal Presbytery, now the- 
Westminster, Mr Edgar having accepted the charges of the Mount Joy and 
old Donegal Churches in Lancaster County, Penn. Shortly after leaving his- 
first charge he was married, in 1870, to Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Thomas 
M. Boggs, a former pastor of the old Donegal Church, and founder of the 
Mount Joy and Marietta Churches, a tablet in the vestibule of the latter church 
bearing testimony to the worth and labor of the founder, whose brother was 
also a pastor in the adjoining Paxton and Deny Churches, both brothers being 
thus prominent in the religious history of the central portion of the State, and 
holding in their lifetime these two old and historic churches of Donegal and 
Deny. After marriage Mr. Edgar accepted the charge of the Presbyterian 
church at New Bloomfield, Penn. , about twenty-five miles west of Harrisburg,. 
and was pastor there for thirteen years, and until he resigned to take the 
presidency of Wilson College. This course had been suggested to him some 
years before, and was then pressed upon him by many of his fellow presbyters 
who knew his early training in educational work, and also that he had not lost 
his love for such work nor his connection with it, for while pastor at New 
Bloomfield he had been induced to reorganize its declining academy, and had 
for many years, with the assistance of good helpers, made it a successful work. 
His feelings at the time that Wilson was first suggested to him, that he might 
seem as one who had put his hands to the plow and turned back, have been 
overruled by a gracious Providence, for, in the few years of Mr. Edgar's work 
at Wilson, many of his pupils have each year sought church connection, and 
indeed, the proviso of Wilson's charter, that its president shall always be a 
minister, was inserted by those who recognized, as does Mr. Edgar now, that 
a college is a parish in itself, and such has been the aim of Wilson's manage- 
ment, and the success has been not simply in mental and material progress, 
but in spiritual also. 

COL. JAMES G. ELDER (deceased) was born in Bridgeport, Franklin 
Co., Penn., February 22, 1822. He was brought up on a farm and re- 
ceived ouly an ordinary common-school education. Early in life he learned 
the trade of whip-maker, and conducted that business in St. Thomas, this, 
county, for many years, then, in company with Col. Dunlop Dixon (Sixth Penn- 
sylvania Reserves), embarked in mercantile business in the same village, which 
they carried on for a period of years. As soon as the Rebellion broke out, Mr. 
Elder, with the military company of which he was captain, offered his services 
for three months, and was captain of Company B, Second Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment. At the expiration of the three months he re -enlisted as colonel of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded 



638 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in the hip at the battle of Fredericksburg, in the spring of 1862, and 
was present during the burning of the town that year by the rebels. Col. 
Elder served the people of Franklin County one term as treasurer, after the 
expiration of which he became a partner in the Franklin County Bank, with 
which he was connected several years. He then occupied himself attending to 
a farm, just outside the borough limits, which he managed until his death, 
which occurred October 16, 1882. "February 17, 1815, Col. Elder was married 
to Mary E. , daughter of John and Catherine Brindle, and born in Erie County, 
Penn. , February 1, 1827. To this union nine children have been born, of 
whom six— four sons and two daughters — are living. Col. Elder was a member 
of the Px-esbyterian Church, and an influential and highly esteemed citizen. 
In politics he was a Republican. His widow is a resident of Chambersburg. 

CHARLES EVANS, contractor and builder, Chambersburg, was born in 
Hamilton Township, Franklin County, Penn., October 29, 1813, son of Edward 
and Mary (Nitterhouse) Evans. Edward Evans was also a native of Hamilton 
Township and his ancestors were among the pioneers of the county. He reared 
to maturity a family of nine children, of whom but three (sons) survive. He died 
about nine years ago at the ripe age of ninety years. Charles Evans improved 
such educational advantages as the schools of the district afforded, and ac- 
quired a fair English training. Until fifteen years of age he resided on a 
farm, when he commenced an apprenticeship of six years at the trade of car- 
penter and joiner with his uncle, Philip Nitterhouse, of Chambersburg, and 
in 1837 went into partnership with him. The firm of Nitterhouse & Evans 
built the court-house at Chambersburg, which was destroyed in 1861 by the 
rebels. The partnership continued until the death of Mr. Nitterhouse in about 
1817, when the business w r as continued for a number of years by Mr. Evans, 
who then engaged in farming in Greene and Hamilton Townships, at which he 
was occupied until the spring of 1861, when he returned to Chambersburg, 
where he has since resided. He then at once resumed the business of con- 
tracting and building, and has planned and erected a number of the substantial 
structures in Chambersburg and surrounding country. His son, C. E. Evans, 
has been a partner with him for the past five years, the firm being C. & C. E. 
Evans, carrying on an extensive business, employing from six to ten hands, 
and in connsction with the business they conduct a planing-mill. About 1838 
Mr. Evans was married to Margaret, daughter of Michael Minnich, an early 
settler of Chambersburg, and to this union were born sixteen children, of whom 
seven are living — three daughters and four sons. The mother died in May, 
1878, a life-long m3mber of the German Reformed Church. Our subject is 
one of the old and highly esteemed residents of Chambersburg. 

GEORGE EYSTER, son of George S. Eyster, a merchant of Chambers- 
burg, was born in that town in February, 1832, and died suddenly in Philadel- 
phia, December 29, 1886. After having obtained a common-school education 
he entered Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, graduating from there 
about the year 1 850. On the 12th of April, 1851, he was admitted to the 
Franklin County bar, and in October, 1860, was elected district attorney of 
Franklin County. In October, 1851, he became partner and editor of the 
Transcript, the Know-nothing organ, which in December. 1855, was consoli- 
dated with the Repository. He continued a member of the new firm for sev- 
eral years. Early in the beginning of the war Mr. Eyster was appointed pro- 
vost-marshal for the Southern Pennsylvania District, comprising Fulton, Frank- 
lin, Bedford and Somerset Counties. This position he occupied until the office 
was abolished, and at its discontinuance he took up his practice of law in 
Chambersburg. In 1868 he was appointed by Gen. Grant to the office of 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 639 

assistant treasurer of the United States at Philadelphia and remained in that 
capacity until last June, when he was succeeded by S. Davis Page, the pres- 
ent incumbent. Mr. Eyster again took up the practice of his profession in 
Philadelphia, but on account of ill-health could do very little in that line. As 
a lawyer he displayed many strong qualities. While assistant treasurer he 
was very popular among the business community and performed his duties with 
much satisfaction to the department at Washington. 

WILLIAM C. FINNEY, dealer in coal and lumber, Chambersburg, was 
born in St. Thomas Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , July 14, 1835, eldest 
son of William C. and Margaret (Spahr) Finney. When our subject was an 
infant his father died and he became an inmate of the family of William Brat- 
ten of St. Thomas Township, He was reared a farmer, and his opportunities 
for obtaining an education were confined to the common schools of his neiarh- 
borhood. At the age of eighteen years he commenced learning the carpenter 
and joiner trade, and after finishing his apprenticeship worked for others until 
1866, when he commenced business in connection with a Mr. McCoy, under 
the firm title of McCoy & Finney, contractors and builders. Subsequently he 
carried on the business himself, and in the spring of 1877 the firm of Lortz 
& Finney, dealers in lumber and coal, was formed. Since then the firm 
changed several times and our subject is now alone conducting the business, 
which is in a flourishing condition. In 1857 Mr. Finney was married to 
Louisa Hoover, and to them have been born three children, two now living: 
William Edgar, a citizen of Chambersburg, and David Howard, now assisting 
his father in the business. The family attend Zion's Reformed Church. In 
politics our subject is a Democrat. 

REV. JOHN FOHL, United Brethren minister, Chambersburg, was born 
in Antrim Township, Franklin Co., Penn., June 7, 1815, a son of John and 
Susannah (Gilbert) Fohl, who came to Antrim Township from Adams County, 
Penn., in 1809. Our subject grew up amid agricultural pursuits, attending, 
during the winter seasons, the country schools, until 1832. May 10 he was 
converted to God, and joined the United Brethren Church, and later in the 
same year attended the Gettysburg school. December 2, 1835, he entered 
the itinerancy of the United Brethren Church as a minister, and March 1, 1836, 
was assigned to Clearfield Circuit, which embraced the territory of five 
counties, a circumference of 250 miles through the forests and over the 
mountains, his salary being $80. He next traveled Washington Circuit, 
which embraced a portion of five counties, and on which he remained one year. 
He received, for the labors of his second year, $34. Frequently he had neither 
road nor path, but was governed by blazed trees through the dense forest, 
wherein were bears, panthers and wild cats, also deer in abundance. He traveled 
many miles in that dreary country, weeping and praying as he went for support- 
ing grace. He was appointed to the Chanibersburg Circuit in the year 1838-39. 
In the church of the United Brethren in Chambersburg, November 8, 1838, a 
great revival occurred, which was continued day and night for five weeks, during 
which about eighty-five souls were converted and added to the church. March 
7, 1839, Mr. Fohl was married to Mary Radebaugh, one of the converts of 
said revival. After marriage he became a settled pastor of the church at 
Chambersburg, which was then constituted a station, and served the charge 
one year. In 1840 he was elected presiding elder and traveled the district for 
three years following, after which he was appointed to Shiremanstown station, 
and served the people there three years. His next appointment was to the 
Littlestown Circuit, Adams County, Penn., which he traveled two years, then 
was sent to York Spring Mission, thence to Lancaster Circuit, which he trav- 



640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

eled for two years. In the spring of 1853 he moved to Indiana, and was a 
resident of that State fifteen years, d\iring which period he was city mission- 
rary in Cincinnati for one year; while in Indiana was engaged as agent for the 
American Bible Society and American Sunday School Union. In the fall of 1867 
he returned to Penn. , and after laboring in various places, again traveled the 
York Spring Circuit one year, thence to Mont Alto one year; thence one year 
to Mercersburg Circuit; in 1871 he was stationed at Mount Joy, in Lancaster 
County, and since that time has been without a charge, but has labored as a 
home missionary in different counties and without compensation. To the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fohl , eleven children were born (nine still living) — 
five daughters and six sons. 

M. A. FOLTZ, Chambersburg, is the seventh son of Christian and Han- 
nah Foltz, and was born in Letterkenny Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , 
July 2, 1837. He had no educational advantages other than those afforded by 
the common schools until sent to Wilkes Barre, Penn. , where he obtained a 
brief academic course. He returned home in 1854 and after working for one 
year on the farm entered the office of the Transcript, Chambersburg, in April, 
1855. That paper merged into the Repository in December of the same year, 
in which office Mr. Foltz completed his trade in 1858. He was appointed 
foreman of that office three months before he was free, and continued as such 
until April, 1859, when he purchased a half interest in the Times with P. D. 
Frey. In the presidential campaign of 1860 the establishment was sold to 
Messrs. Sellers & Kennedy, his services being retained in the capacity of 
foreman. In 1861 he was tendered the foremanship and superintendency of 
the Messenger office, a position he accepted and held until the burning of 
Chambersburg. While in this establishment he was pressed into the service 
of the Confederacy for the printing at Lee's headquarters during the invasion 
antedating the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. A year later he was one of the 
citizens arrested as hostages for the money demand made upon Chambersburg 
prior to its burning. In the fall and winter of 1864-65 he was pressman in 
the Repository office. In the spring of 1865 he formed a second partnership 
with P. D. Frey, this time engaging in the hat and shoe business. He retired 
from that occupation a year later, however, and returning to his old employ- 
ment, embarking in the job printing business in May, 1866, in connection 
with which he published a monthly advertising sheet, entitled The Country 
Merchant. In July, 1869, he started the Public Opinion, of which he is still 
editor and proprietor. From this it will be seen that he has been identified for 
over a quarter of a century with the newspaper business of Chambersburg. 
His success has been carved with his own hands, for when he entered Cham- 
bersburg in 1855, he had nothing to depend on but what he might earn. The 
enterprise which he established for himself eleven years later has grown into a 
flourishing one, and was a success from the start. Its views are widely copied 
and it is influential wherever it circulates. The business and material inter- 
ests of Franklin County have always found a warm and zealous advocate in M. 
A. Foltz, through the medium of his paper. It was for the Opinion to take 
the initiative in all the recent local railroad enterprises, the erection of the 
water works in Chambersburg, the reorganization of the Franklin County 
Agricultural Society, and many other important matters. Of more recent date 
was its advocacy of the transfer of the Taylor works and Wolf & Hamaker's 
establishment to Chambersburg. Mr. Foltz has sought to make his journal a 
distinctively county paper, and, whilst Republican in politics, he has never 
hesitated to assert his independence when the public welfare seemed to demand 
it. He has never held office, though he frequently has represented his party in 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 641 

the county, district, and State conventions, and his paper has done good serv- 
ice for the county organization. He married, November 6, I860, Charlotte 
S., second daughter of Samuel and Susan Etter, and granddaughter of God- 
frey Greenawalt, a union that was blessed with five children: Helen M. (who 
died in infancy), William E. , Emma M. , Herbert C. and Edward G. 

WILLIAM FORBES, blacksmith, Chambersburg, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., May 13, 1814, son of Joseph and Anna 
(Perry) Forbes. Joseph Forbes, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America 
about the commencement of the present century, and built a house in St. 
Thomas Township, this county, in which he kept hotel for many years. (He 
was a weaver by trade, which he carried on, as well as that of butcher, and 
during the war of 1812-14 he butchered for the army.) He reared to maturity 
seven children, of whom three survive — one daughter and two sons — and died 
October 19, 1824 ; his widow died October 17, 1832. Our subject was educated 
in the public schools. He was thrown on his own resources at the age of twelve, 
and worked for others till his twentieth year, when, in December, 1834, he 
commenced an apprenticeship of three years at blacksmithing. He then 
worked as journeyman in various places until his marriage, November 11, 
1841, with Margaret Sanderson, a native of Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., 
Penn. , born December 18, 1823. Of the seven children born to this union 
five are now living — three daughters and two sons. After marriage Mr. Forbes 
resided in Cumberland County, Penn., some eighteen years, and engaged in 
blacksmithing. In 1859 he came to Funkstown, Franklin County, remaining 
there till the fall of 1862, when he came to Chambersburg and opened the 
blacksmith shop he still owns, and which he conducted until 1885. He is a 
successful business man. Mrs. Forbes died December 19, 1884. Mr. Forbes 
(as was also his wife) is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Chvuch. 

JOSEPH N. FORBES, dealer in marble and granite, Chambersburg, was 
born in Mifflin Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., December 29, 1845, son 
of William and Margaret (Sanderson) Forbes. He attended the schools of his 
neighborhood, and in the fall of 1861 his parents removed to Chambersburg, 
where for several years he received the benefits of the public schools. In 
May, 1864, he commenced serving an apprenticeship of three years as marble- 
cutter with John A. Grove. Subsequently he acquired a further knowledge 
of the trade in Pittsburgh, where he worked four years. In 1872 Mr. Forbes 
commenced for himself at Blairsville, Indiana Co. , Penn. , and there carried 
on the business four years, and then for eighteen months at Shippensburg. 
June 14, 1877, he was married to Lydia Altman, a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. A recently published article thus alludes to our subject, 
and the establishment of which he is at the head : ' ' Eight years ago the yard 
we refer to was founded by Forbes & Earhart, who continued in partnership 
for four years, when Mr. Earhart was succeeded by John Manning. One year 
afterward Mr. Manning retired, since which time Mr. Forbes has conducted the 
business alone, at the corner of North Main and King Streets, where a build- 
ing 32x32 feet is occupied, the ground used being 33x70 feet. Six hands are 
employed in the busy season, and work is shipped to all parts of the valley 
and surrounding counties, a $1,000 Scotch granite monument being now fin- 
ished for the Greencastle Cemetery. The stock of finished work kept on hand 
by Mr. Forbes is unequaled, and all work is finished in the highest style of the 
sculptor's art, as this gentleman is a workman of twenty years' experience, 
and personally superintends all work. His prices for monuments, enclosure, 
statuary tablets, etc. , are the very lowest consistent with first-class work. He 
is an honorable business man and upright citizen, and we know that in the 



642 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

future, as in the past, he will continue to produce the best work in this sec- 
tion." 

GEORGE FOREMAN, merchant, Charnbersburg, was born in Waynes- 
boro, Franklin County, February 14, 1819, son of Frederick and Sarah (Bur- 
ger) Foreman. He grew up amid agricultural pursuits, and received instruc- 
tion in the common schools of Quincy Township, and in 1847 attended school 
in Waynesboro, Geo. S. Foulk, teacher, where he completed his education. 
He then taught school for some time, and during the summers was engaged 
in farming, teaming, etc. In 1852 he removed to Harrisonburg, Va., and there 
went into the notion business for one year, when he returned to Quincy, Frank- 
lin County, and entered mercantile business, which he pursued for several 
years. In the fall of 1859 he became a resident of Charnbersburg, having 
been appointed clerk of the board of county commissioners, a position he 
filled continuously until April, 1870. In June, 1872, he was appointed United 
States storekeeper in the internal revenue service, the duties of which office 
he performed until July, 1885. In March, 1885, he purchased the grocery on 
the corner of Queen and Third Streets, which now claims his attention. Mr. 
Foreman was married, in 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Davis, a 
laborer and well-known resident of Quincy Township, and to the rnarriage 
have been born ten children: Edward W., Gerrett D. (deceased), George W., 
Anderson, Charles (deceased), Rachel (deceased), Florence May, Susan E., 
Henrietta J., Edith (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Foreman and part of the family 
are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican. 
The father of our subject, Frederick Foreman, was born in 1787, in Washing- 
ton Township, Franklin County, where about that year his father, also named 
Frederick, was a pioneer. Frederick Foreman, the second, had a family of 
seven children, one daughter and three sons of whom survive. The father died 
in 1823. The mother of this subject was born in Virginia in 1792, her parents 
being natives and pioneers of this county. 

ALEXANDER FRITZ (deceased) was born in Warren Township, Frank- 
lin Co., Penn. , February 20, 1819, eldest child of Frederick and Margaret 
(Bevens) Fritz. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and received such 
education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded. At the age of twenty- 
two years he left the farm and went to Ohio, remained there about a year and a 
half, returned to Mercersburg, and for the next two-and-a-half years was here 
employed in stage-driving from Mercersburg to Greencastle. He located in 
Charnbersburg in 1849, where he continued in the same occupation, driving a 
stage from Charnbersburg to Gettysburg, and subsequently drove to and from 
other points in this vicinity. In 1852 he was appointed agent at Charnbers- 
burg of the various stage routes, which position he held for four years, and dur- 
ing that time, in 1853, married in Charnbersburg, Barbara, daughter of David 
Bachtel, a former well-known resident of Hamilton Township, this county. 
About 1855 or 1856, he was appointed baggage master from Harrisburg to 
Hagerstown, and later from Harrisburg to Martinsburg, W. Va. , and served in 
that capacity until Feburary, 1882, when declining health compelled him to relin- 
quish the position, and from that year Mr. Fritz led a retired life. He died 
September 16, 1886, a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. Fritz 
was a self-made man, and a good citizen. He built a handsome residence on 
the site of his home that was destroyed by fire in 1864. the fruits of industry 
and economy. Mrs. Fritz is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. 

W. RUSH GILLAN, attorney at law, Charnbersburg, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , April 3, 1850, the youngest son of John and Mar- 
garet (Walter) Gillan. He removed with his parents to St. Thomas Township, 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 043 

this county, where he attended school, alternately with farming pursuits, until 
the age of seventeen. He then taught school for one season, and in 18G8 the 
family removed to Letterkenny Township, this county, where our subject at- 
tended an advanced school for three months. He then taught in various places, 
including the graded school in St. Thomas, for two winters, and conducted a 
private school in the same place during the summer. In the fall of 1871 he 
entered Mercersburg College, which he attended one session, and then engaged 
in clerking for some months. In August, 1872, he came to Cbambersburg and 
engaged in the grocery trade until 1875. That year he was elected clerk of 
the courts for three years, during which period he w r as also engaged in reading 
law in the office of Hon. W. S. Stenger and James A. McKnight; admitted to 
the bar September 1, 1879, and immediately commenced practice, which he 
has since continued with success. In 1874, Mr. Gillan was school director, 
and in 1879-80, was clerk of the town council. From 18S2 to 1885 he was at- 
torney to the board of county commissioners, and is at present school director 
from the Third Ward. Mr. Gillan married in February, 1874, Lucy M. , 
daughter of Joseph Winger, of Clay Lick, this county, and by her has one son 
and three daughters: Arthur, Mabel, Ruth and Abigail. The parents are 
members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Gillan is a member of the board of 
regents of Mercersburg College. In politics he is a Democrat. 

THOMAS R. GILLAND, attorney at law, Cbambersburg, was born in An- 
trim Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , December 25, 1810, eldest son of Thomas 
and Susan (Conrod) Gilland. He was reared on his father's farm in Antrim 
Township, in the schools of which he received a fair English education, which 
enabled him to teach school successfully for fifteen winter sessions In August, 
1802, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was placed in the Eighteenth Army 
Corps, and during his term of service he participated in the various skirmishes 
and engagements of the command. He was discharged, and mustered out of 
the service at Cbambersburg, in the fall of 1863. The following year he 
passed in the State of Indiana, returning to the home place in the fall of 1865, 
and for the next fourteen years was engaged in farming, teaching, and reading 
law in the office of Stenger & McKnight. In September, 1879, he was admitted 
to the bar, and commenced the practice of his profession at Cbambersburg, in 
connection with which he served as clerk of the county commissioners, during 
the years 1882-83-84, since which time he has devoted his attention wholly 
to law, and is at present attorney for the town council. In 1868 Mr. Gilland 
was married to Miss A. R., daughter of William Vanderau, of Chamber sburg, 
and to this union one son, Edgar R. , was born, April 3, 1870. Mr. Gilland 
has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years, and a member of the G. 
A. R. since the organization of P. B. Housum Post, No. 309, of which he is at 
present commander, also aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief of the Na- 
tional department of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Democrat. He and 
family are members of the German Reformed Church. 

B. FRANK GILMORE, youngest son of William Gilmore (deceased), was 
born in Chambersburg, September 13, 1843, and attended the public schools un- 
til 1860. He was married in 1869 to Miss Laura E. Black, of Newville, Penn., 
and they have one child, Harry M. Gilmore, living. Our subject learned tel- 
egraphing in 1861, and in May of that year took a position in the Atlantic & 
Ohio office at Chambersburg, in which position he remained until August, 
1864. During this period, as is well known, Chambersburg was an important 
military station, and the duties of the office were not only arduous, but at times 
of vast importance to the authorities at Harrisburg and Washington. Mr. Gil- 



644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

more has in his possession the key to the cipher used in transmitting dispatches 
between these points, and as there were but four in the department, it is likely 
that this is the only one in existence. During Lee's invasion in 1863, in com- 
pany with T. C. Wilson, a Neiv York Herald reporter, and three linemen, Mr. 
Gilmore traveled down the Cumberland Valley on a hand-car in front of Jen- 
kins' cavalry, the advance of Lee' s army. The authorities at Harrisburg were 
thus kept advised every little while of the situation, which was telegraphed 
them fi'om fence corners, way stations, etc. Col. A. K. McClure, now the editor 
of the Philadelphia Times, but during the war a resident of Chambersburg, 
and an important member of Gov. Curtin's military staff, and who was also a 
close friend of President Lincoln, has this to say in regard to Mr. Gilmore' s 
services during these trying and exciting times: " I had almost constant op- 
portunity to know the fidelity and efficiency of Mr. B. F. Gilmore in and 
about Chambersburg during the war, and it is only due to him to say that his 
services were of inestimable value to the community and to the State and Na- 
tional Governments. He was constant, night and day, when his labors were 
needed, and always most efficient and trustworthy. He is one of the few whose 
services were not rewarded justly, and they should not be forgotten." 
(Signed, A. K. McClure. ) This paper is endorsed as follows : "It affords me 
great pleasure to fully verify and endorse all Col. McClure says in this letter 
of B. F. Gilmore." Signed, A. G. Curtin. In August, 1864, Mr. Gilmore 
joined the United States Military Telegraph Corps, and was stationed at More- 
head City, N. C. Owing to the prevalence of the yellow fever in this depart- 
ment — three operators out of six having died within ten days — the offices were 
closed, and he returned to his old position at Chambersburg. After the war he 
was employed by the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, and remained in 
their employ until 1881, with the exception of three years, in which he was em- 
ployed at telegraphing, working at Kane, Oil City, Titusville and Pittsburgh, 
Penn. , and Wheeling, W. Va. Since 1881 Mr. Gilmore has been manager of 
the Western Union Telegraph office, and ticket agent of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad at their city office in Chambersburg. 

PAUL GOERNER, teacher of music, Chambersburg, was born in Wei- 
mar, Saxony, August 6, 1856, the second son of Charles and Ida Goerner. He 
was educated in the schools of Weimar until ten years of age, and in his fif- 
teenth year entered the gymnasium in Zurich, Switzerland. Returning to 
Weimar he decided upon adopting the profession of music. He had received 
instruction in that art from an early age, and, in 1871, attended the Orchestral 
School of Music at Weimar, under Prof. Sassen, who for three years was a 
friend and colleague of A.bbe Liszt. Our subject then studied in the Conser- 
vatory of Music at Leipsic one year, under Prof. Mueller. Mr. Goerner 
emigrated to America and lqpated in Columbus, Ohio, where he was engaged 
in teaching music until 1880. He then returned to Europe on a visit in the 
latter part of 1883, and, once more coming to America, located in Chambers- 
burg, in March, 1884, and here he has since devoted his attention to teaching 
pianoforte and vocal music. He is pronounced a successful and proficient 
teacher. He makes the systematic fingering, touch and expression a special 
feature. 

N. PEARSE GROVE, painter, Chambersburg, was born at this place, 
July 21, 1840, eldest son of Alexander and Mary (Pearse) Grove, the former of 
whom was born in Chambersburg in 1809, his father, William Grove, a 
prominent man in his day, and a wagon-maker by trade, having located in 
this place in an early day. Alexander Grove conducted the same business 
successfully during his active life. He reared to maturity a family of seven 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 045 

children— three daughters and four sons. He was a member of the town 
council at various times; died in 1857. His widow still survives him. Our 
subject was educated in the public schools, and learned the trade of house 
painter when eighteen years of age, then embarked in business on his own ac- 
count in 1861, in which he has since continued, employing usually about 
eight hands. Mr. Grove was married in 1868, to Margaret, daughter of Sam- 
uel Seibert, a former prominent citizen of Chambersburg. Six children were 
bora to this union, four living — two sons and two daughters. Mr. Grove 
served as a member of the council for two terms, first in 1880 and again in 
1885-86. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Grove is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. 

MISS MARY ANN GROVE, Chambersburg, was born in Franklin County, 
Penn. , youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth (Palmer) Grove. John 
Grove, also a native of Pennsylvania, born January 9, 1776, came to this 
county early in life and here learned his trade (wagon-making), which he fol- 
lowed in Latterkeany Township some years, where he also engaged in farm- 
ing for many years. He subsequently purchased a farm in Hamilton Township, 
this county, where he spent the balance of his days. He reared to maturity 
a family of six children of whom but two now survive: George W., a resi- 
dent of Illinois, and Mary Ann. John Grove never aspired topiiblic position. 
He was a member of the Lutheran Church, an esteemed, substantial citizen 
and successful business man. He died February 28, 1863, his wife having 
preceded him June 10, 1858. Our subject was educated in the schools of 
Chambersburg, and is a lady of intelligence and of much historical informa- 
tion, occupying a central and commodious residence on South Main Street, 
Chambersburg, Penn. She has been a member of the Lutheran Church for 
many years. 

JOHN HARMONY (deceased) was born in Guilford Township, Franklin 
Co., Penn., in 1801 (his father, Peter, having been an early settler of that 
county) and spent the most of his days as a farmer on the home place in Guil- 
ford Township. He reared to manhood and womanhood eleven children, six of 
whom are living — four sons and two daughters. His death occurred at Cham- 
bersburg, in February, 1880. 

Daniel Harmony, foreman of the furniture factory of H. Sierer & Co., 
Chambersburg, was born in Guilford Township, Franklin Co., Penn., Sep- 
tember 12, 1831, eldest son of John and Martha (Palmer) Harmony. Until 
sixteen years of age he resided on his father's farm and received a fair com- 
mon-school education. He then went to Chambersburg, and learned cabinet- 
making iinder the instruction of George Florey & Son, which trade he fol- 
lowed for several years, when he returned to Guilford Township, and 
engaged in farming on the home place for eight years. In May, 1861, he 
returned to Chambersburg, where he has since resided and been engaged in 
cabinet-making, having been in the employ of Henry Sierer for the past 
twenty years, during nearly all of which period he has been foreman of the 
furniture factory of H. Sierer & Co. Mr. Harmony was married to Mary, 
daughter of William Miles, a former resident of Chambersburg, and to them 
were born eight children, of whom four sons and three daughters are living. 
The family is identified with the Lutheran Church. Mr. Harmony has been a 
member of the I. O. O. F. for many years, also of the American Mechanics. 
He represented the Fourth Ward in the town council two continuous terms of 
two years each. 

REV. A. STEWART HART MAN, pastor of the first Lutheran Church, 
Chambersburg. About midway between the villages of Cashtown and Mum- 



646 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

masburg, in Franklin Township, Adarng Co., Penn. , where the road crosses 
Marsh Creek, stands a mill which, for nearly two generations, has been known 
as " Hartman' s Mill." Opposite it is a dwelling-house, and here on the 19th 
of December, 1845, Rev. A. Stewart Hartman was born. Shortly afterward, 
in the spring of 1847, his parents removed to " Auch-laday," a farm in Mount- 
joy Township, about seven miles southeast of Gettysburg and four miles west 
of Littlestown. Here on the farm, and in the midst of a plain rural commu- 
nity, and possessed of very meager educational and church privileges, Mr. Hart- 
man passed the years of his early life. The nearest church was three and 
one-half miles distant, and services were observed in English only once in four 
weeks. The district school which he attended was open only from three to 
four months each year. While Prof. A. Sheely, the present superintendent of 
schools of Adams County, was the teacher of the school, during the winter of 
1858-59, an impulse was given him in the pursuit of an education. A year 
later, at the earnest solicitation of Prof. F. B. Wolf, his parents were induced 
to gratify his desire for an education, and send him to the academy conducted 
by that gentleman in Littlestown. In April, 1860, he entered the academy, 
but regular attendance was prevented by the claims upon his time on the farm 
during the busy seasons of the year. While attending the academy he boarded 
at home and generally walked to and from school, a distance of eight miles 
daily. In this academy at Littlestown Mr. Hartman continued until the spring 
of 1868. when, the principal having entered the army, the school was closed. 
Amid the thrilling scenes of that summer and autumD, the rebel invasion and 
the battle of Gettysburg, the matter of an education was lost sight of in the 
all-absorbing one of the war. But no sooner had the excitement subsided than 
his cherished project, that of obtaining an education and of entering the minis- 
try, was again uppermost in his thoughts, and in November of the same year 
he entered Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and was graduated therefrom 
in August, 1868. The following September he entered the theological semi- 
nary of the evangelical synod of the Lutheran Church, where he prosecuted 
his studies one year. During the vacation following he supplied, with much ac- 
ceptance, the pulpit of the Lutheran Church at Greencastle, Franklin County. 
At the expiration of his vacation he entered Union Seminary in New York City, 
where he was graduated May 5, 1871. Before his graduation, in October, 
1870, the synod of New York licensed Mr. Hartman to preach the gospel, and 
one month later he was unanimously elected to the pastorate of the church 
at Ghent, N. Y. The first six months he was with his congregation only on 
the Sabbath, going from New York on Saturday evening and returning on 
Monday morning. At Ghent Rev. Hartman' s ministry was an exceedingly 
pleasant and successful one. His first congregation, his whole energy was 
bent on the serving of it in a manner satisfactory to himself and beneficial to 
his members. But his pastorate here was of short length, for dissensions hav- 
ing arisen in St. Matthew's Church of Brooklyn, and the president of the 
synod, the venerable Dr. Pohlman believing that these could best be healed 
by Mr. Hartman, he was prevailed upon to sacrifice his own comforts and in- 
clination and go in the path which duty opened for him. Accepting the call 
from this charge he exerted himself in the pacification of the disagreeing par- 
ties. In this he was highly successful, reconciling the distractive elements 
and promoting the welfare of the church. At the end of two years he accepted 
the call to Chambersburg, impelled thereto by the prospect of a larger field of 
usefulness. His ministry here extends over a period of almost twelve years, and 
has been abundant in good works. His earnest endeavors, in the prosecution of 
his clerical labors, have won for his church a pleasing addition of members and the 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 647 

confidence of all his people. Fearless in the denunciation of what appears to 
him wrong, he has unfalteringly waged a bitter warfare against such. A clear 
thinker, a forcible writer and an impressivo speaker, his productions are always 
of acknowledged merit and stamped with the impress of a master mind. A 
man of energy, no obstacles have been sufficient to balk him in the pursuance 
of his ends. The expenses of his college and theological courses were defrayed 
largely by his own labor. While a junior in college he devoted more than 
half of the year to teaching in Taneytown, Md. , and in the Gettysburg 
Normal School, of which he was for a time assistant principal. During his 
course in the Union Seminary he occupied chairs in the faculties of different 
schools. In the young ladies' school at West New Brighton, presided over by 
Mrs. A. H. Leenowen, the distinguished authoress, and at one time the Eng 
lish governess at the Siamese court, he had charge of the mathematical and 
classical department. He also held the same position, at the same time, in the 
academy for young ladies near Fort Hamilton, Long Island, of which Miss 
Ritchie was principal. Afterward, while pastor of S!\ Matthew's Church, he 
resumed the latter position. One source of Rev. Hartman's success and popu- 
larity in the ministry is the interest he takes in the children of a church and 
the excellent results which meet his labors with them. When sixteen years 
old he became a teacher in the Sunday-school, and at nineteen was elected 
superintendent. During a period of twenty years the Sunday-school room has 
been one of his battle grounds for Christianity. In this time he has served 
continuously as a teacher and officer. While attending Union Seminary he was 
Sunday-school missionary of St. James' Lutheran Church, and as such gath- 
ered together and organized a mission Sunday-school on Chrystie Street, in the 
midst of a degraded and crowded tenement district. The salutary influence 
for a long time exerted by this school more than met the fondest hopes of its 
founder. Rev. Hartman is an earnest advocate of the time honored custom in 
the Lutheran Church of catechisation, and diligently employs it in his church 
work. During five or six months of the year his classes -aggregate nearly a 
hundred young men and women who are thus indoctrinated in the teachings of 
the church. He is loyal to the spirit and practice of historical Lutheranism, 
and adheres closely to what he considers the best features of his church in the 
past. Faithfully carrying out the doctrines of the general synod, Rev. Hart- 
man has, by most energetic work, given to his church here (always occupying 
a prominent place in the community and in the counsels of the church at large), 
the distinction of being the largest single congregation in the Cumberland Val- 
ley. The present membership numbers more than 500, its numerical strength 
at present being greater than ever before in its history. But while thus busily 
engaged with the spiritual affairs of his immediate charge, and adding con- 
tinually to his list of communicants, Rev. Hartman has also found time to 
devote to the work of the church at large, and has also held many positions in 
the various synods and boards connected with the educational and missionary 
work of the church. For three years he occupied the position of president of 
the West Pennsylvania Synod. Thrice he was selected as one of the represent- 
atives of his synod to the conventions of the general synod — at the one held at 
Wooster, Ohio, in 1879, and again in the convention which met at Springfield, 
Ohio, in 1883, and to the next convention at Omaha, Neb. At Spring- 
field he was elected a member of the board of home missions, although resid- 
ing nearly a hundred miles from the seat of the board in Baltimore. For sev- 
eral years he has been a trustee of the Orphans' Home at Loysville, Perry 
County, and is the secretary of the board. Rev. Hartman also served as a 
director in the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, located at Gettys- 
burg. 



648 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 






VAN T. HAULMAN was born m the village of St. Thomas, Franklin 
Co., Penn., January 22, 1850, the omly son of David B. and Mary (Reed) 
Haulnian. He was educated in the public schools and at Dickinson Seminary, 
Williamsport, Penn. , which institution he attended two years. He then taught 
school for one year. In 1870 he came to Chambersburg, where for some years 
he eno-ao-ed in clerking. For one year (1872) he was a member of the firm of 
James B. Gillan & Co. , from which he retired and again engaged in clerking 
for Kindline & Gillan, continuing with them until May, 1878. He then became 
the nominee of the Republican party for clerk of the courts of Franklin County, 
and was elected in the fall of the same year for a term of three years ; was again 
elected in 1881 and served three years more. He then led a retired life one 
year. In February, 1886, he was elected justice of the peace for a term of five 
years. Mr. Haulman married, January 12, 1874, Louisa V., daughter of 
John Miller, a former resident of Chambersburg, and by her has one daughter, 
Gertrude M. , born April 15, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Haulman are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of Chambersburg Lodge, 
No. 175, I. O. O. F., and K. of P. He has been a member of the Repub- 
lican State Committee, also secretary and treasurer of the Franklin Electric 
Company. 

PETER HEEFNER, passenger agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany,- Chambersburg, was born in Quincy Township, Franklin County, Penn. , 
March 16. 1823, son of John W. and E. (Mann) Heefner. John Heefner, his 
grandfather, was a pioneer of Quincy Township, the original settler, where 
Funkstown now stands; he was a large landholder, and built a mill and distil- 
lery in an 'early day. He came to America with his parents when nine years 
of age, and his death occurred in 1826 or 1827. John W. resided on a por- 
tion of the home place the greater part of his life. He reared to maturity four 
children, two of whom are living— Peter and Levi, the latter a resident of 
Guilford Township. JohnW. Heefner died about 1854 or 1855. Peter Heef- 
ner was brought up on a farm until he was twenty years old, receiving a fair 
education in the neighboring schools. About 1843 he went into the butcher- 
ing business in Funkstown, and about two years later purchased the mercantile 
business in the same place, from George Lowry, which he conducted for three 
or four years, and then kept hotel there one year. In 1850, or thereabouts, he 
came to Chambersburg and conducted the ' ' Golden Lamb ' ' Hotel for one year, 
when he returned to Funkstown, took up the butchering business again, which 
he carried on for some years, and then he engaged in manufacturing lucifer 
matches, removing the establishment to Chambersburg, in 1859, where he con- 
tinued the business in a successful manner until the fall of 1862, when he was 
drafted into the army. He served oat his term in the One Hundred and Fifty- 
eighth Pennsylvania* Volunteer Infantry. On his return to civil life, ill health 
compelled him to retire for some time, when he engaged in clerking. Sub- 
sequently he embarked in the grocery trade, in which he did a successful bus- 
iness for ten years. About 1876 he opened a railroad agency, with which he 
has since been identified, representing western railroads, among which is the 
"Union Pacific. He is agent at this place for the Pennsylvania Company. Mr. 
Heefner was first married December 18, 1844, to Margaret Donnelly, to which 
marriage were born six children, two of whom are living; his wife died in 
1856, and in 1859 he married Lydia Ann Hollenberger, by whom he has one 
son — Harry Edgar, born March 17, 1863, now residing with his parents. Our 
subject, for a period under the Polk administration, served as postmaster of 
Funkstown; was reappointed to the office but declined further service. 

F. A. HENNINGER, manufacturer of cigars, Chambersburg, was born in 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 64:9 

that place January 18, 1846, eldest son of Frederick and Ethel inda (Eyster) 
Henninger. He obtained an ordinary common- school education in the public 
schools of his native town, and during vacation gained a knowledge of the 
trade of cigar-making, at which, for a period, he worked for others. In 1868 
he commenced for himself the manufacturing of cigars, continuing the same 
for a time; then disposed of his establishment, selling to Robert Smiley. For 
nine months Mr. Henninger was a resident of Connecticut; then returned to 
Chambersburg, and entered the employ of George Bietsch, with whom he re- 
mained for a short period, when he was again absent from Chambersburg, a 
resident of Camden, N. J. , and of Philadelphia, Penn. In 1884 he returned 
to Chambersburg, where he established his present business, in the carrying on 
of which he employs four hands, and is conducting a satisfactory trade. Janu- 
ary 24, 1869, Mr. Henninger was married to Virginia Palmer, and to them 
have been born three children, two of whom are living: Frederick Keefer and 
Blanche. Our subject was elected to the town council in 1880 for a term of 
two years, and was again elected to the same position in 1886. 

DANIEL HERMAN, dealer in coal and lumber. Chambersburg, was born 
in Guilford Township, Franklin Co., Penn., November 29, 1835. son of 
Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Yankey) Herman. He received a fair education in 
the common schools of his vicinity, attending at Fayetteville; also at the 
academies in Mount Pleasant and at Chambersburg. He grew up on a farm, 
and was occupied in agricultural pursuits and teaching school during winters 
and occasional summer sessions. In 1859 he was married to Charlotte S., 
daughter of William M. Reed, a well known resident of Chambersburg. He 
conducted and lived on a farm in Guilford Township for twelve years, and in 
the spring of 1873 located in Chambersburg and became a partner in the firm 
of Gilbert, Eckel & Herman, in the carrying on of a machine shop and foun- 
dry. With them he remained three years, when he became the sole proprietor, 
and added to the same a lumber yard, continuing the business one year, from 
which he retired in the spring of 1877. In the following fall he located in Kan- 
sas, where for nearly four years he was engaged in the hardware business, and 
dealt in agricultural implements. He returned to Chambersburg in 1881, and 
for more than two years was in the employ of Finney & Ebersole, as book- 
keeper and manager of one of their yards. In the fall of 1885, Mr. Herman 
commenced the coal and lumber business on the corner of Washington and 
Third Streets, the same being'a fine location, and the business is flourishing. 
Mr. and Mrs. Herman are the parents of one daughter, Clara A. All are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is an enterprising and 
public-spirited citizen. 

W. H. HOLBY, merchant, Chambersburg, is a native of Guilford Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., born March 15, 1843; a son of Henry and Catherine 
(Faust) Holby, the former of whom was born in the same county, August 
30, 1813, and was a gunsmith and farmer by trade and occupation. Henry 
Holby reared a family of six children — three sons and three daughters. His 
death occurred August 30, 1883. Our subject was educated in the public 
schools of Hamilton Township, and there worked on a farm until nineteen 
years of age, when, in 1863, he came to Chambersburg, and served an appren- 
ticeship of two years and nine months with David Croft, at the trade of coach- 
smith. After completing his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in 
various places for some eight years, and in the spring of 1867, commenced 
for himself the business of coachsmithing in Newville, Cumberland County, 
where he carried on the business for two years, and in the spring of 1869 
returned to Chambersburg. Here, in 1870, he engaged as clerk in the grocery 

35 



■'650 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

house of Feterhoof & Garber, with which firm he remained until March, 1876, 
when he became proprietor of one of ftie stores carried on by the firm, and 
since that time has continued in the same trade, removing to his present loca- 
tion, in February, 1886. He is now doing an extensive business in grocer- 
ies and crockery ware. November 11, 1866, Mr. Holby married Catherine, 
daughter of Philip Lemaster, a former resident of Guilford Township, this 
county. They are the parents of five children, two living — Annie May and 
Harvey P. Mr. and Mrs. Holby are members of the United Brethren Church. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

JACOB HOKE, merchant and author, Chambersburg, was born in 
McConnellsburg, Penn. , March 17, 1825, a son of Henry and Sarah (Eyster) 
Hoke. He was educated in the village schools until twelve years of age, and 
then clerked in a country store until May, 1841. In that year he came to 
Chambersburg and engaged as a clerk in various mercantile establishments 
until August, 18-48, when he commenced business on the northeast corner of 
the "Diamond" under firm name of Oaks & Hoke. This partnership contin- 
ued until 1850, when the firm became Hoke & Kirkpatrick, continuing in business 
for about two years; then through the death of Mr. Kirkpatrick the firm became 
J. & J. W. Hoke for two years ; then J. Hoke & Co. until 1880. The firm is now 
Hoke & Appenzeller. Mr. Hoke' s cash capital when he came to Chambers- 
burg was five cents, but by strict economy and close attention to business he 
accumulated a few hundred dollars to commence business in a small way. He 
is now at the head of the most extensive dry goods business in Chambersburg, 
although nominally leading a retired life. After coming to Chambersburg he 
commenced buying books and pursuing a course of study in the intervals of 
business and at night, and his knowledge of the English language was thus 
enlarged. His school advantages were limited, but he has acquired a general 
knowledge of literature, theology, etc. In 1841, the year he came to Cham- 
bersburg, he united with the United Brethren Church in which he has since 
continued. Although actively engaged in business during these years he has 
written three religious works of a standard character, published by the United 
Brethren Publishing Company of Dayton, Ohio, which have had a very large 
circulation. Being a resident of Chambersburg during the rebellion, he kept 
a memorandum of dates and events, and being a close observer he wrote a 
series of forty-two articles, averaging three-and-a-half columns each for a local 
paper, in which the history of the war in and about Chambersburg and the 
southern border of the State appeared. These articles were subsequently 
republished in book form which have met with a favorable reception, and are 
considered the most reliable matter published as regards history, dates, etc. 
He has now in press a work entitled ' ' The Great Invasion, or Gen. Lee in 
Pennsylvania." During the war he was active in aiding the wounded and 
unfortunate, both in the Union and Southern Armies. Mr. Hoke for a time 
delivered lectures for the benefit of schools, colleges and benevolent institu- 
tions upon the invasion and battle of Gettysburg, but ill health compelled 
him to abandon that work, and led to the writing of the work now in press. 
Mr. Hoke never aspired to public position. He has been president and 
treasurer of the Franklin County Bible Society, and filled numerous positions 
in church and benevolent association. He married, in 1850, Margaretta 
McClellan, who died in 1875, and he then married, in 1880, Mrs. Annie M. 
Hutton. He is, politically, a Republican. 

W. R. HOUSER, grocer, Chambersburg, was born in that place May 9, 
1857, a son of Michael W. and Sarah (Fisher) Houser. He received instruc- 
tion in the common branches in the public schools, and in the academy of 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 051 

Chambersburg, and when but fifteen years of age became employed as a clerk. 
Four years later he began an apprenticeship at the trade of coach-maker, and 
after completing his apprenticeship worked as a journeyman until commencing 
the coal and lumber business with W. C. Finney in 1880, and continued in it 
until 1882. In the latter year he established the house of Houser & Burkhart, 
dealers in groceries, but disposed of his interest in 1883, when he formed the 
firm of W. R. Houser & Co. , dealers in staple and fancy groceries, which is 
doing a large business. Mr. Houser, in 1878, was married to Miss Mary, 
daughter of Christian Burkhart, a well-known business man of Chambersbnrg. 
Mr. and Mrs. Houser are the parents of one daughter and one son. They are 
members of the Zion's Reformed Church. Mr. Houser is identified with the 
I. O. O. F. , the K. of P. and the S. of V. 

REV. B. G. HUBER, clergyman and editor, Chambersburg, was born in 
Letterkenny Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , December 8, 1846, second son of 
Christian and Catherine (Grove) Huber. His early life wa,s passed on a farm 
in his native township, where he remained until the death of his mother in 
1801, and worked at farming until February, 1865, when he enlisted in the 
One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until 
the war was over, being discharged in July, 1865, at Harrisburg. He returned 
to civil life and for three terms taught school, during which time he attended 
the normal school at Millersville for one summer term. In 1868 he attended 
a conference of the United Brethren Church at York, and was there assigned 
as junior preacher to Greencastle charge, where he remained one year. He 
then served a charge in Perry County, two years. He was then sent to Shoop's 
Station, in Cumberland County, where he preached two years, and then came 
to Chambersburg, and was pastor of the United Brethren Church in 1873-74. 
He subsequently served one year as pastor of a church in Baltimore. Md. , 
during which time he became publishing agent for the monthly periodical, 
"Highway of Holiness" of which periodical he afterward became editor, 
published in various places where he had charges until 1880, when it was 
permanently established at Chambersburg, and which in the spring of 18S6 
was changed to newspaper form, Mr. Huber becoming sole proprietor. This 
paper is extensively circulated among the United Brethren in Christ. Our 
subject, at present, in addition to his publishing and editorial work, has charge 
of three appointments in the vicinity of Chambersburg. In the spring of 1870 
he was married to Naomi J. Cormany, and to them have been born seven chil- 
dren (of whom six are living— four sons and two daughters) : Seba Cormany, 
Harry Iverson, Rilla Bell, Amos Castle (deceased), Ora Edwards, Lester Hoke 
and Bertha Grace. Mr. Huber comes from a family noted for producing min- 
isters. His grandfather was a preacher, and so were fourteen of his nearest 
relatives and uncles and cousins. In politics he was a Republican, but now a 
Prohibitionist. 

JOHN HUBER of B., treasurer of Chambersburg Woolen Mills, Cham- 
bersburg, was born in Letterkenny Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , August 23, 
1809, second son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Risser) Huber. He was reared 
on the farm originally settled by Abraham Risser, and received such meager 
school privileges as the townships of that time afforded. In 1833 he married 
Mary Heilman, and after that event they resided in Lebanon County, Penn. 
Returning to Letterkenny Township he purchased the home place from his 
father, and continued to reside on and conduct the same until coming to Cham- 
bersburg in 1868, where he has since resided. The home place he has dis- 
posed of to his son, Heilman S. Huber. Mr. Huber was appointed treasurer 
of Chambersburg Woolen Mills in 1883, a position he still holds; is also a di- 



652 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

rector in the Taylor Manufacturing Company. He is one of the solid men of the 
city. To Mr. and Mrs. Huber six children have been born, three of whom are 
living: Eliza, now the wife of William Keefer, of Letterkenny Township, 
this county ; Heilman S. , also of Letterkenny Township ; Mary Emma, wife of 
John McFerren, of Chambersburg. The parents are members of the United 
Brethren Church. 

JOHN HUBER, retired, Chambersburg, was born in Letterkenny Township, 
this county, March 5, 1811; eldest child of Abraham and Hannah (Besor) Huber ; 
was educated in such schools as then existed in Letterkenny Township, and 
reared to farming pursuits on the home place. In 1840 he married Mary 
Rhodes, and the same year removed to Chambersburg, where, in company with 
his brother, he engaged in the hardware business. Thus he continued success- 
fully for many years, and for a time the firm was known as Huber & Tolbert, 
and later, Mr. Huber conducted the business alone, until retiring from the 
same in 1881 or 1882. In 1871 he was elected president of the Chambersburg 
Woolen Company, a position he still fills. He was elected assessor of Letter- 
kenny Township in early life and in about 1853 was elected county commissioner. 
In 1857 he was elected associate judge of Franklin County for a term of five 
years. The Judge has been twice married, and to his first marriage were born 
six children (four now living — two daughters and two sons): A. A., B. F., S. 
A., Clara, Mary E. and Ida. The first Mrs. Huber died in 1871, and Mr. Huber 
married, in 1875, Elizabeth Spreacher, who died in August, 1882. 

ABRAM S. HULL, master mechanic of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
Chambersburg, was born in Strasburg, Lancaster Co. , Penn. , March 26, 1826, 
son of Daniel and Susan (Markley) Hull. His father, one of the oldest loco- 
motive engineers in the country, was born in Strasburg, Lancaster County, 
October 16, 1798. In early life he, Daniel Hull, learned the carpenter's 
trade. In 1834 he commenced work on a railroad by accepting the position of 
fireman on one of the first locomotives of the old State road from Philadelphia 
to Columbia, and in the following year was given charge of an engine. In 
1838 he left the State road and went to the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
where he remained twelve years, for seven of those years having charge of the 
shops at Chambersburg. After a short service on the Erie Road, he went to 
the Pennsylvania Railroad, and in 1854 accepted a position with Norris & 
Bros. , locomotive builders, serving there and with the Lancaster Locomotive 
Works for several years. He finally returned to the Cumberland Valley Road 
where he was again given charge of an engine, and continued to run it until 
1867, when he met with his first accident, receiving serious injuries. After 
this time he was employed in the company's shops. During his long experi- 
ence in running and setting up locomotives, Mr. Hull suggested many improve- 
ments, most of which have been adopted. He died at his residence in Cham- 
bersburg, Penn., March 3, 1886, at the age of eighty-eight years. Our sub- 
ject, at the age of eighteen years, began the trade of machinist in the shops of 
the Cumberland Valley Railroad, at Chambersburg, to which place he had 
come in 1838. He worked at his trade in different places until 1852, when he 
returned to Chambersburg and entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley 
Railroad Company, and in 1857 was appointed master mechanic for that com- 
pany, a position which he has since held. December 25, 1850, he was married 
to Eveline S. Gibbs, and to them have been born two sons (both citizens of 
Chambersburg): Charles S., assistant master mechanic and draftsman in his 
father' s office, and George S. , a physician, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere 
in this volume. 

CHARLES E. S. HULL, Chambersburg, was born in Parkesburg, Penn., 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 653 

April 12, 1852, the eldest son of Abram S. and Eveline (Gibbs) Hull. With 
his parents he came to Charnbersburg in the fall of 1852. • He was educated 
in the public schools and in the Charnbersburg Academy, in the class of 1869. 
That year he commenced, with his father, an apprenticeship at the trade of 
machinist and mechanical draftsman. He has continued in the employ of 
the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, as assistant to his father, who is 
master mechanic of that road. He is also draftsman, manager of the motive 
power department of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company. Mr. Hull 
married, in 1876, Lillie Budd, daughter of Dr. T. L. Budd, and they are the 
parents of two sons and two daughters: Thomas Lane, Paul Sanford, Evalyn 
Sabina and Lora Budd. Mr. and Mrs. Hull are members of the Lutheran 
Church. He is a P. G. of Columbus Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F. April, 
1880, he was elected secretary of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Mutual Aid 
Association, and retains this position up to date. February 19, 1884, he was 
elected a member of the town council and during his term of two years filled 
the position of water commissioner. In June, 1886, he was elected to till a 
vacancy on the school board for one year. In politics Mr. Hull is a Repub- 
lican. 

GEORGE S. HULL, M. D. , Charnbersburg, was born in the city of which 
he is now a resident, December 26, 1853, youngest son of Abram S. and Eve- 
line S. (Gibbs) Hull. He attended the public schools of his native town, and 
subsequently graduated from Charnbersburg Academy. In 1870 he began the 
study of pharmacy under C. H. Cressler, and two years later he entered the 
College of Pharmacy at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1874, 
having spent, in the meantime, a period in the drug store of John Wyeth & 
Bro. Returning to Charnbersburg he entered the office of Dr. S. G. Lane, 
and while with him attended a course of lectures at the University of Penn- 
sylvania, from which institution he graduated in 1876. In that year he was 
elected resident physician a*nd surgeon in the hospital of the University of 
Pennsylvania, and at the same time was chosen for a similar position in the 
Philadelphia hospital. He passed the year 1876 in the former hospital and 
the following year served in the latter. In 1878 he returned to Charnbers- 
burg, and there commenced the practice of Iris profession, which he has since 
pursued with much success. The Doctor was elected coroner of Franklin 
County in 1882, and re-elected in 1885. He became a member of the faculty 
of Charnbersburg Academy in 1884, lecturing upon physics and chemistry; 
also was added to the faculty of Wilson College as lecturer upon physics, 
chemistry and physiology, in 1885. In 1880 Dr. Hull was married to Mar- 
garet Barnett, of Philadelphia, and to this union one son, Howard Lane, and 
one daughter, Ida Barnett, have been born. In politics the Doctor is a 
Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

E. N. HUTTON, dealer in boots and shoes, Charnbersburg, was born in 
that city November 2, 1847, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Heckerman) Hutton, 
the former of whom commenced the boot and shoe trade in Charnbersburg in 
1833, the house being one of the oldest in the city. Our subject was educated in 
the public schools and academy at Charnbersburg, and in 1866 commenced 
clerking in his father's store, in which capacity he served until the death of 
his father in 1876, when he became proprietor of the establishment, and has 
since conducted the business, carrying a good assortment of boots and shoes, 
probably the largest stock of any retail house in the valley, south of Harris - 
burg. In 1872 Mr. Hutton was married to Miss Alim V. , daughter of A. J. 
White, a well known citizen of Charnbersburg. Our subject and wife are the 
parents of one daughter and one son — A. White and.Elva White. Mrs. Hutton 



654 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hutton is a member of the Masonic 
order. 

CHAUNCEY IVES, chief engineer of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
Chambersburg, was born in Lansingburg. N. Y. , September 10, 18-41, the 
eldest son of Chauncey P. and Charlotte B. (Stewart) Ives. He attended an 
academy at Lansingburg, one at Bridgeport (Penn.), and also at a similar 
institution in Ballston Spa, N. Y. Later he entered Renssalaer Polytechnic 
Institute, Troy, N. Y., remaining until the outbreak of the rebellion. In 
1861 he volunteered in the Third Michigan Cavalry; was at the siege of Corinth, 
Grant's movements in the rear of Vicksburg, but ill health compelled him to 
resign. He entered the employment of the Mahanoy & Broad Mountain Rail- 
road Company in March, 1883, as rodman, during which service he was sent to 
make surveys on the defense of Philadelphia. He was connected with the 
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad company, as assistant engineer, on its various 
branches for sis years. In 1869 he was made chief engineer of the Southern 
Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1872 he went to Michigan, where he was engaged 
in the lumber business until 1877. He then returned to Chambersburg and en- 
gaged in making surveys of the Mont Alto Railroad extension to Waynesboro; 
was chief engineer of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad during 1878-79. He 
then went to Jefferson City, Mo., connected with the Missouri Central Rail- 
road, and returned to Chambersburg in 1880. In 1881 he became perma- 
nently connected with the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, as chief en- 
gineer. Mr. Ives married in 1872, Emma, daughter of Dr. Edmund Culbert- 
son, and to them were born two daughters and one son: Ellen C, Charlotte B. 
and Chauncey P. Mr. Ives is a member of the American Society of Civil 
Engineers; he is a F. & A. M. Politically, a Republican. 

B. F. JOHNS, plasterer, Chambersburg, was born in Cumberland County, 
Penn., June 1, 1839, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Carson) Johns. He was 
educated in the public schools of Cumberland County and Southampton Town- 
ship, this county, whither the family had removed in 1849, and was brought 
up on a farm until he was twenty years old. He then commenced an appren- 
ticeship at the plastering trade, and while learning it, the war of the rebellion 
having broken out, he enlisted in 'September, 1861, in Company I, Forty-ninth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in seventeen battles from 
the siege of Yorktown to the battle of Sailor's Creek, three days before the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee. He served until the close of the war, and was discharged 
at Harrisburg in 1865. Mr. Johns served four years, having re-enlisted as a 
veteran in 1864. Returning to civil life he became a resident of Chambers- 
burg, where he worked as journeyman for a year and a half; then was a resi- 
dent of Pittsburgh and Somerset County until 1877, when he returned to Cham- 
bersburg. Here he has since remained, engaged in the plastering business. 
He employs several hands, and besides his work in Chambersburg, carries on a 
trade in Waynesboro and other parts of the county. Mr. Johns married, Au- 
gust 15, 1868, Mary, daughter of John Glessner. Mr. Johns was elected 
from the Third Ward to the town council, in February, 1886, for a term 
of two years. In politics he is a Republican. The family attend services in 
the United Brethren Church. When in the army Mr. Johns united with the 
Union Church, and after the war, with the Methodist Episcopal Church, with 
which body he remained until he moved to Pittsburgh; there he united with 
the Presbyterians, but afterward formed fellowship with the Methodist Protestant 
Church, with which he remained until he removed to Somerset County; then 
united with the Evangelical Church until his return to Chambersburg, when he 
enrolled himself as a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Johns oc- 
cupies a handsome residence on Second Street, which he built in 1883. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBEBSBUBG. 655 

REV. JOSEPH KA.ELIN, Chambersburg, Vas born in Einsiedeln, Switzer- 
land. Juno 14. 1836, and was educated at the public schools, and in a monas- 
tery Eor two years. About 1856 he came to America, and located for about one 
year in Indiana. Subsequently he attended St. Vincent's College in West- 
moreland County, Penn., where he completed his classical course. He then 
went to Philadelphia, where he studied philosophy and theology at St. Charles 
Borromeo Seminary, and was ordained priest February 27, 1863. He served 
as assistant priest at Allentown, Penn., for three years. He then spent some 
years in Renovo, Penn., and in 1876 came to Chambersburg, where he has 
since remained as assistant priest. 

JOHN" B. KAUFMAN, county surveyor, Upper Strasburg, eldest son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Baechtel) Kaufman, was born January 1, 1827, in Letter- 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn. He was reared a farmer on his father's 
farm, receiving the benefits of the common schools of his neighborhood, and 
being a close student and close observer, he acquired a fair English education and 
became a practical surveyor. He remained at home until his marriage, in 18 L9, 
with Susannah Ebersole. From that time he was occupied in teaching and sur- 
veying till 1856, since which time he has made surveying and engineering his 
business. In 1856 he was elected county surveyor, and held the office two terms, 
or six years, being succeeded by Emanuel Kuhn, upon whose resignation, in 
April, 1871, Mr. Kaufman was appointed to fill the vacancy for the unexpired 
term. He was elected for the succeeding full term in the fall of 1871, serving 
three years. In the fall of 1877 he was again elected to the office, and has 
held the position to the present time (December, 1886), discharging the duties 
with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the people, he having been 
elected for the seventh term, November 2, 1886, receiving the largest majority he 
ever obtained. The Chambersburg Repository, of April 27, 1886, says: ''Hon. 
J. Simpson Africa, secretary of internal affairs, says our county surveyor. Mr, 
John B. Kaufman, stands at *the head of his profession in this State." As 
Mr. Africa is himself one of the best surveyors and engineers in Pennsylvania, 
and a Democrat, while Mr. Kaufman is a Republican, the compliment is much 
appreciated by the latter. In politics, as has been said, Mr. Kaufman is a 
Republican, having started out and remained a Whig till that party disbanded. 
Hence he has always been an earnest protectionist. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman 
are both members of the Mennonite Church, as were their ancestors, the Kauf- 
mans and Ebersoles, who came to Pennsylvania at an early day to enjoy in the 
then wilds of Lancaster and (now) Lebanon Counties the right to worship in 
their simple way, a right which was denied to them in the land of William 
Tell (for the ancestors of Mr. Kaufman, viz. : the Kaufmans, Bechtels and 
Schnebeles, were natives of Switzerland). To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Kaufman were born seven children, six of whom are living — five daughters and 
one son. 

FRANKLIN KEAGY, architect and builder, Chambersburg, was born in 
Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., September 30, 1837, a son of 
Rudolph and Sarah (Swetizer) Keagy. John Keagy, the great-great-grand- 
father of Franklin, came to this country in 1715, from Switzerland, and settled 
in Pequea Valley, Lancaster County, Penn. ; his descendants are found in nearly 
every State in the Union and in Canada. The education of our subject was such 
as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded, save one term at the- 
Chambersburg Academy, which he attended while learning his trade. His youth 
was passed in assisting in his father's mill until he was about sixteen years of 
age, when he began serving an apprenticeship as millwright, an occupation he 
followed for two years after completing his apprenticeship. From that time 



656 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

until 1865 he was employed at tlie sash and blind factory of Sheler & Clark, 
located at Chambersburg. In the lattei>year he was appointed superintendent 
of their works, which position he held until 1875, when he commenced busi- 
ness for himself as architect and builder, in which he has since continued. He 
has erected a number of handsome and substantial public buildings in Chambers- 
burg and vicinity. In 1860 Mr. Keagy married Anna Eliza, daughter of Samuel 
Funk, a former citizen of Chambersburg, and to this union were born six chil- 
dren: Sarah, Mollie, Samuel S., Athelia, Katie and Bertha. Sarah died 
August 9, 1862; Bertha died October 10, 1884, at eight years of age. Those 
now living are at home, with the exception of Mollie, who is the wife of C. C. 
Patterson, of Hamilton Township. Mrs. Keagy and daughters are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, and from 
boyhood a stanch Abolitionist. 

THOMAS B. KENNEDY, president of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
Chambersburg, was born August 1, 1827, in Warren County, N. J., son of 
Judge James Kennedy. In 1839 he removed to Chambersburg, and received 
his education at Lafayette College; studied law, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1848. In the following year he took the overland route to California, and 
there remained until 1851, when he returned to Chambersburg, where he has 
since continued to reside, engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. 
Since 1873 Mr. Kennedy has been president of the Cumberland Valley Rail- 
road. In 1856 he was married to Arianna S. , daughter of John Stuart Rid- 
dle, of Meadville. Penn. 

HIRAM C. KEYSER, agent for the Adams Express Company, Chambers- 
burg, was born in Antrim Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 9, 1823, 
youngest son of Benjamin and Anna Maria (Hoffman) Keyser. Benjamin was 
a native of Berks County, Penn., and about the year 1810 came with his father, 
John Keyser, to Franklin County, the family settling in Antrim Township, on 
the farm now owned by Dr. George R. Kauffman, where Benjamin resided 
until 1834; then came to Chambersburg, where his death occurred in 1856. 
As early as 1824 he was elected county commissioner and as such served three 
years. He had also been justice of the peace by appointment in Antrim 
Township for many years, and, after coming to Chambersburg, was elected to 
the same office. He reared to maturity a family of eight children, seven of 
whom are living; — three sons and four daughters. Hiram C. obtained a lim- 
ited education in the common schools and at the Chambersburg Academy, but, 
by study and application, in later years he became a fair scholar. Early in 
life he clerked in several stores in Chambersburg; then was similarly engaged 
in the postoffice as clerk under Col. John Findlay, with whom he remained for 
one year and a half. Following his service in the postoffice he clerked in dif- 
ferent stores for a number of years; then engaged for a time in a drug store 
in Bedford, Penn. ; th<m he went to Dr. Peter Schoenberger' s furnace, in Blair 
County, where he clerked for three years; then returned to Franklin County, 
and was engaged in school teaching for a period of five years. In 1854 he 
was admitted to the bar, and in 1857 was elected prothonotary of Franklin 
County, which position he held for a term of three years. From 1862 until 1867 
he was associated with B. Y. Hampsher in the publication of the Valley Spirit, 
and lost all during the destruction of the town in 1864. In January, 1858, 
Mr. Keyser was married to Elizabeth, daughter of "William McGrath subse- 
quently sheriff of the county. Of the children born to this marriage two 
daughters and two sons are living. Mr. Keyser served as transcribing clerk in 
the State Legislature for one session, and in the same position in the Senate one 
session and a half; was several years clerk to the county commissioners of 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBEB8BUBG. 657 

Franklin County. In September, 1878, he was appointed, at Chambersburg, 
agent for the Adams Express Company, a position he now holds. Mr. Keyser 
and family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 

F. M. KIMMELL, attorney at law, Chambersburg, was born in Berlin, 
Somerset Co., Penn., September 4, 1816, second son of Jacob and Mar- 
garet (Schools) Kimmell. February 4, 1836, he commenced the study of law 
in the office of Jeremiah S. Black, in Somerset, Penn., during which time 
he acted as clerk for his father, who was register and recorder of the county 
up to March, 1839, when he was admitted to the bar. He continued to prac- 
tice law successfully until the fall of 1850, when he was elected president judge 
of the Sixteenth Judicial District, composed of Somerset, Bedford, Fulton and 
Franklin. At the end of the ten years' term, he removed to Chambersburg, 
where he resumed practice, and has continued to the present. 

JOHN KINGr. The annals of Franklin County's prominent men would be 
conspicuously incomplete, were the deeds and sterling worth of the subject of our 
sketch omitted. John King, an epitome of whose eventful life follows, was born 
in the neighborhood of Morgantown, Va., in 1776. His parents were members 
of the Episcopal Church, and he, too, was confirmed in that communion be- 
fore leaving home to enter upon the severe conflicts of life. This occurred at a 
comparatively early age. His first employment away from the paternal roof 
was that of a clerk for an iron firm at Antietam, Md. Thence he went to 
Mount Pleasant, Penn. , where he was associated with a firm in the same busi- 
ness, first as a manager and afterward as a regular partner. In this busi- 
ness, his industry, economy and integrity enabled him to acquire a large estate. 
He was also a merchant, but for so short a time and that only for the pur- 
pose of enabling a friend to become thoroughly started in the business, that 
there exists little necessity for even referring to it. Mr. King was married to 
Mary S. Maclay, daughter of Hon. William Maclay of New Fannettsburg, this 
county. From this union, which was consummated about the year 1816, 
sprang four children. His eldest daughter, Sarah, now deceased, was the 
wife of J. Ellis Bonham, a talented member of the Carlisle bar, whose untimely 
death was deeply mourned. His fourth, Emma, still resides in Chambersburg, 
the honored relict of the lamented and talented J. McDowell Sharpe, whose trib- 
ute is found in another part of this volume. The second, unmarried, resides 
with Mrs. Sharpe. The third, Louisa, died at the age of sixteen. His death oc- 
curred July 8, 1835, at the age of fifty-nine. His estimable widow survived him 
a number of years. After Mr. King came to Chambersburg, he was a business 
man of sterling merit. For many years he was president of the Chambers- 
burg bank, whose interests he guarded zealously. Self-made, he discharged 
efficiently and conscientiously every duty assigned to him in life. Identified 
with the various business, literary, religious and charitable enterprises of 
Chambersburg, his adopted town, he bestowed his energies and sympathies 
freely upon every good word and work. A devoted member of Falling Spring 
Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder, he gave liberally 
his means, efforts, prayers and sympathies for its advancement. He had 
the confidence of the business community, the respect of his neighbors, and the 
esteem of all. 

LEMUEL KING, coach manufacturer, Chambersburg, was born in Antrim 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., November 11, 1836, son of John and Jane 
(Holbert) King. John King was a native of Maryland, but early in this cen- 
tury came to Antrim Township and followed school teaching as a profession. 
He reared nine children to manhood and womanhood, seven of whom are liv- 



658 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ing — four sons and three daughters. He took an active part in the militia in 
early times. His death occurred in 1853. Our subject remained on the farm 
until seventeen years of age, where he received such schooling as was gener- 
ally given to farmers' sons in that day. At seventeen he commenced an 
apprenticeship at the trade of coach-making, and after finishing it he worked 
in various places for others until 1865, when he commenced business for him- 
self in Fulton County, Penn. In August, 1866, he removed to Chambersburg, 
engaged in business, and has since continued the same at this point, the firm 
at first being styled " Newman, Fry & Co. ' ' Subsequently Mr. Fry died and the 
title of the firm became ' ' Newman & King. ' ' Later this firm sold to Rice & De 
Haven, and still later Mr. King purchased the interest of De Haven, and con- 
tinued with Mr. Rice till purchasing the interest of the latter in 1880, since 
which time he has conducted the business alone, and has been engaged in the 
manufacture of pleasure and light carriages. The establishment is located on 
North Second Street, west side of Falling Spring, where an extensive busi- 
ness is carried on, and where are at work about ten hands. In 1860 Mr. King 
was married at Fulton, to Susan J. Seabrooks, whose death occurred in 1863. 
In 1867 he was married to Mi's. Rosana Forney, daughter of F. A. Sarman. 
To this last marriage have been born two children, one of whom, David A. , 
born March 11, 1869, survives. Mr. King and family are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is identified with Columbus Lodge, No. 
75, I. O. O. F. 

THE LANES. — Among the early settlers of Franklin County was Sam- 
uel Lane. His^ ancestors, John, Abraham, Nicholas and Richard Lehn (as 
the patronymic was originally), all unmarried, came to America from Hol- 
land in 1680. Abraham. Nicholas and Richard settled in Lancaster County. 
John, the direct ancestor of Samuel, made his home near Berlin, Adams Co. , 
Penn. He had two sons, John and Peter. He died in 1751, at the ripe age 
of ninety-nine years, and in the fall possession of his mental faculties. His 
son, John, took up his abode near Pipe Creek, Md. Peter remained on the 
paternal acres, and married a Miss Irwin, an Irish maiden, in Philadelphia, 
and begat three daughters and five sons (one of whom was Samuel), and died 
at Berlin in 1787. John removed to Berlin, Somerset Co., Penn., and was 
the patriarch of a numerous family, who were held in much esteem for their 
integrity and ability. Samuel Lane came into Franklin County in the last 
decade of the eighteenth century. He was a millwright by occupation, and 
erected mills in Quincy Township. Messrs. Daniel and Samuel Hughes, of 
Hagerstown, Md. , owned a large tract of land on South Mountain, which was 
rich in iron ore. Upon this land they determined to erect a furnace, and 
chose Mr. Lane as their agent to carry their design into execution. Under his 
superintendence the Mont Alto Iron Works and the Mansion House adjoining 
were built, in the year 1808. For many years he lived in the house, and 
superintended the large operations of the furnace. After retiring from the 
charge of the iron works he settled on his farm in the close vicinity, and spent 
the residue of his life in conducting his mills, and in agricultural pursuits. 
He died in January/1853, in the eighty-second year of his age. Mr. Lane was 
a man of much intellectual force, one who kept up with the times, as the times 
went in his circumscribed sphere, taking a lively interest in politics, as a Fed- 
eralist, and, subsequently, as a fervent Whig, whose ideal of a man and states- 
man was Henry Clay. His religious creed was Lutheran. He married Anna 
Barbara, a daughter of Nicholas Bittinger, a wealthy land owner, who was 
signalized in the Revolution as an ardent Whig, and who was captured by the 
British at Fort Washington in November, 1776. Samuel and Anna Barbara 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 659 

Lane bad five children — three daughters: Mary, Juliana and Elizabeth — and 
one son — Nicholas Bittinger. Mary married James Gettys, a native of Adams 
County, Penn. , who was engaged in business in Waynesboro, but subsequently 
moved to Georgetown, D. C. , became a magistrate of that place, and de- 
voted much time to advancing the interests of Masonry and Odd Fellowship, 
of which latter order he was one of the pioneers in this country; he died 
childless. Juliana became the wife of William Hayman, a native of Chester 
County, Penn., who was largely engaged in business in Georgetown, D. C, 
and was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens for his uprightness and 
generosity, and for his amiable and affectionate nature; they left behind 
them seven children: Mary Elizabeth, Anna B. , Julia, Adelaide G. and Kate 
Wayne, and two sons: William and Samuel Lane. Mr. Hayman was a patron 
of learning, and his children received thorough educations. William Hay- 
man, Jr., is living on his grandfather's farm, near Mont Alto, and enjoys the 
good will and respect of all who know him, as a man of spotless character and 
large attainments. Samuel L. Hayman, a bright, enthusiastic youth, fell in 
the Wilderness in the ranks of the Confederacy. Elizabeth, the youngest 
daughter of Samuel Lane, lived and died on the paternal estate, in January, 
1880, aged eighty years. 

Nicholas Bittinger Lane was born August 15, 1802, in a log house near 
Funkstown, the temporary residence of his parents while his father was super- 
intending the erection of the Mansion House at the iron works, into which the 
family subsequently moved. He was educated with as much care, and as 
thoroughly as was possible, in the schools of the neighborhood and in the vil- 
lage of Waynesboro. An apt and diligent scholar, he imbibed a taste for 
learning which marked him through his life. John Flanigan, Esq. , a noted 
man in the county, and one of the most popular and influential members of the 
Democratic party, taught him the science and art of surveying. In the spring 
of 1818 the young surveyor went to Chambersburg, and entered the office of 
Dr. Samuel D. Culbertson, as a medical student. Dr. Culbertson stood 
deservedly in the front rank of the practitioners of medicine in the State, and 
was a man of commanding influence, both socially and professionally, in this 
section of the Cumberland Valley. Mr. Lane engaged most assiduously in 
the study of his chosen profession, and remained under the tuition of his 
eminent master until his graduation at the University of Pennsylvania in the 
spring of 1822, before he had completed his twentieth year. The faculty of the 
University complimented his thesis, the title of which was ' ' An Account of an 
Epidemic which prevailed in Franklin County, Penn., in 1821," by causing its 
publication in the American Medical Recorder, of Philadelphia, a periodical of 
the highest character, edited by an association of the most distinguished medi- 
cal gentlemen of the day. After receiving instructions in dentistry, from a 
prominent dentist in Philadelphia, the young physician began the practice of 
medicine in Chambersburg. In 1824 he formed a partnership with Dr. Alex- 
ander T. Dean, one of the most accomplished physicians of the State, and one 
of the most acceptable contributors to the medical journals of Philadelphia, 
then the center of medical education and culture in the country. Dr. Dean 
removing to Harrisburg, Dr. Lane became a member of the firm of Lane, Bain 
& Culbertson. This triple association was, however, of short duration, being 
dissolved by the return of Dr. Bain to Baltimore and the final abandonment by 
Dr. Culbertson of the profession, which he had so conspicuously adorned. 
With the exception of a residence of a very few months in Pittsburgh, whence 
he removed in 1841, Dr. Lane continued the practice of medicine in Chambers- 
burg until he was stricken, in 1852, with the fatal malady of which he died 



660 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

on the 15th of April, 1853. Throughout his life he was a sedulous student, 
and was fully abreast the foremost in the files of his profession in acquirement. 
In general literature he was more than ordinarily accomplished. A fluent and 
easy conversationalist, he wrote with force, ease and elegance. As a practi- 
tioner he was careful, but resolute. He knew what to do, and did it accur- 
ately and with skill. He loved his profession and did it honor, and, in return, 
was himself honored and beloved by his large and respectable clientage. In 
person he was strikingly handsome; in his manners, he was dignified and 
modest, and his nature was mild, trusting and affectionate. He took a lively 
interest in the affairs of his community, and in National and State politics. 
His religious convictions were embodied in the Augsburg Confession, and his 
political faith, like that of his father, was represented by Henry Clay. In 
1824 he married Eliza Hetich, daughter of Thomas Hetich, a prominent citi- 
zen of Chambersburg, and his wife, formerly Catharine Rudisill, a member of 
a large and influential family of York, Penn. The Hetich family was a noted 
one in Franklin County, several of its members having filled important local 
offices in the county, and was distinguished for its intense patriotism. Mrs. 
Lane was a woman ' ' nobly planned. ' ' Intellectually and spiritually, she was 
cultured and refined, and combined the rare association of firmness and affec- 
tion. She died at Pittsburgh, Penn. , on the 23d of April, 1873. 

Dr. N. B. Lane left behind him three daughters and foui sons, namely: 
Catharine A., the wife of Dr. James Hamilton, a physician of remarkable abil- 
ity; Sarah Hetich and Maria Elizabeth, of whom the last named died at Pitts 
burgh, mourned by a large and loving acquaintance, July 7, 1880; William C. ; 
Samuel G. ; Thomas H. ; and Augustus H. In his early boyhood Thomas H. 
went to the city of Pittsburgh, and remained there permanently. He entered 
the hardware store of Whitmore & Wolff as a clerk, and has remained with the 
firm in its various changes, and is now business manager of the large establish- 
ment of Wolff, Lane & Co. . the leading hardware house in the Smoky City. 
Thomas H. Lane is a man, in very truth, sans pew et sans reproche, and has, 
in the fullest measure, the esteem and unbounded confidence of all who know 
him. He is active in all good works, is generous almost to a fault, and is an 
honored and influential member of the General Council of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church. Augustus H. Lane was taken in his youth by his brother 
Thomas to Pittsburgh, and has been engaged for many years in the hardware 
business in that city. He is a man of extensive reading, and a writer singularly 
felicitous, but never publishes. 

William Culbertson Lane, M. D., is the eldest son of Dr. N. B. Lane 
(see Dr. Wm. C. Lane). He has won especial distinction as local his- 
torian of his native county. His historic work has the rare merit of absolute 
verity. A singularly modest gentleman, Dr. Lane possesses a fund of knowl- 
edge rarely attained. He is a writer of wonderful facility, rapidity and accu- 
racy, and is a conversationalist of exquisite ease, fluency and magnetism. 
Thoroughly educated in his profession, well read in the classics, and in modern 
history and literature, absolutely honest and painfully scrupulous, loving and 
trusting, as if guile and villainy were phantasies of the ' ' Inferno, ' ' he only 
knows not his own worth. 

Dr. Samuel G. Lane, second son of Dr. N. B. Lane, was born on the 
"Diamond," in Chambersburg, August 26, 1826. Like his brother Will- 
iam, he received his education at the public schools of his native place, and at 
the Chambersburg Academy, under the tuition of William Van Lear Davis, 
Esq. , at that time, perhaps, the most accomplished private teacher in Penn- 
sylvania. At the end of his pupilage, he began the study of medicine with his 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 661 

father, and remained under his training until his graduation at the University 
of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1849, at which time he submitted, as his 
inaugural thesis, an "Essay on the Causes which Influence the Period of 
Human Life. ' ' After a brief association with his uncle, Dr. Andrew Hetich 
(a brother of his mother), in Bucyrus, Ohio, he opened an office in Pittsburgh, 
Penn. He did not long remain in that city, being summoned to the bedside of 
his dying father. After the death of his father, in April, 1853, he was per- 
suaded by the friends of his father to remain in Chambersburg. In 1854 he 
associated himself in the practice of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. 
James Hamilton, who was then located at Chambersburg, and who is remem- 
bered to this day with admiration for his remarkable professional skill and fine 
social qualities. Dr. Lane is still in the active practice of his profession, in 
association with a former pupil and friend, Dr. Charles F. Palmer. A few 
weeks after the battle of Bull Run he was appointed, by Gov. Curtin, surgeon, 
with the rank of major, and assigned to the celebrated Fifth Regiment of Penn- 
sylvania Reserves. He served in the field with the Reserve Corps until near the 
close of their term of enlistment, when he accepted the once rejected promo- 
tion of Surgeon of the board of enrollment of the Sixteenth District of Penn- 
sylvania. After a few months' service in this position he resigned, and was 
appointed by Gov. Curtin Assistant Surgeon- general of Pennsylvania, in which 
position he remained until after the war. In the burning of Chambersburg by 
the rebels, in July, 1864, all his property was swept away. He is at present a 
member of the board of Pension Examiners. In 1860 he married Miss Emily 
B. McLenegan, daughter of Elijah and Mary McLenegan, of Lancaster, Penn., 
who fell asleep November 14, 1885. Dr. S. G. Lane was an hereditary Whig, 
and is a Republican by selection, and, ' ' as all his fathers were, " is a positive 
and uncompromising Liitheran. So far as we can learn, none of the Lanes 
was ever goaded by the auri sacra fames, and they have lived with content in 
moderate circumstances. Dr. James Hamilton and Catharine A. (Lane) have 
two sons: James A., at present on the editorial staff of the Franklin Repository, 
a youth of good education, and a bright and forcible writer, and Samuel Lane, 
an employe of the firm of Wolff, Lane & Co. , Pittsburgh, Penn. 

ROBERT C. LEHMANN, Chambersburg, eldest child of Henry and 
Augusta (Schebler) Lehmann, was born in Peitz, Prussia, July 2, 1855, and 
received an ordinary education in the public schools of Peitz. In 1869 he immi- 
grated to America in care of an aunt, and came direct to Chambersburg, where 
he entered the employ of the Chambersburg Woolen Company to learn the 
trade of a weaver, and. was in course of time promoted to the position of fore- 
man of the mill. Mr. Lehmann married, February 19, 1880, Sophia, daughter 
of John Klippert, Jr. , of Chambersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann are the 
parents of three sons; Charjes H., Robert J. and William F. The parents 
are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Lehman is a Republican, 
but has never aspired to public office. He resides in the comfortable home on 
West Market Street, which he bought in 1883. 

DAVID M. LEISHER, blacksmith, Chambersburg, was born in Hopewell 
Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., August 12, 1808, eldest son of John 
and Barbara (Minnich) Leisher; the former of whom was a weaver by trade, 
and also owned a small farm. Our subject worked at both branches of busi- 
ness until his nineteenth year, having but limited educational advantages, but 
improved such as were offered. At that age he commenced an apprenticeship 
of three years at the blacksmith trade in Carlisle, Penn. After acquiring a 
knowledge of that trade he worked as journeyman in Shippensburg for a few 
months, and, in the fall of 1830, came to Chambersburg, and here followed his 



662 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

trade, working for John Burkholder for four years. In 1834 he went into 
partnership with Mr. Burkholder, whi(fh partnership was continued three years 
and a half. For eleven years following he was in partnership with Thomas J. 
Early in the same business, until about 1869, and since then has carried on black- 
smithing himself, the location being formerly on Water Street, but since 1861 
on Franklin Street. In 1834 our subject was married to Anna Mary, daughter 
of John Burkholder, and born in Guilford Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , 
in 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Laisher ten children were born, seven of whom 
are living — two daughters and five sons. Two died in infancy. The fifth son, 
William B. , was a member of Company D, Two Hundred and Tenth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle of Gravely Run, 
March 31, 1865, and died five days later at City Point, Va. Those living 
are Rev. George W., a minister of the Lutheran Church in Juniata County; 
David F. , a messenger for the Chambersburg National Bank, and who was a sol- 
dier in the late war, wounded at Fredericksburg; John H. , who at an early age 
learned the trade of his father, at which he worked until September 14, 1862, 
when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylva- 
nia Volunteers; he was discharged for disability and, in 1864, re-enlisted, this 
time in the Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and 
participated in numerous engagements, including Five Forks and Gravely 
Run, serving until the close of the war, when he was discharged at Arlington 
Heights, Va. , May 30, 1865; Annie M. , unmarried, who still resides with her 
parents; Rebecca B. , married to Wm. A. Allen, a farmer; Barton A., who is a 
gang boss in a railroad shop; Daniel McC, who learned blacksmithing in his 
father's shop, but now follows slating. David M., the subject proper of this 
sketch, was elected county commissioner in 1856, and held the office for three 
years; he also represented the North Ward in the town council before the war. 
He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. , since 1842. The family is identi- 
fied with the First Lutheran Church of Chambersburg. 

WILLIAM H. LIPPY, builder and contractor, Chambersburg, was born 
in Chambersburg, this county, October 23, 1838, son of David and Lydia 
(Cummins) Lippy. His early education was acquired in the public schools, 
and at twelve years of age he commenced working with his father at the 
mason' s trade, and subsequently learning it continued working for his father 
till 1862, when he embarked in business on his own account, and has since 
been engaged in building and contracting for stone and brick work, and he 
has erected many fine edifices, including the Presbyterian Church, all the 
masonry (including the engine and boiler) of the Taylor works, Dr. Merk- 
lein's residence, Wolf & Hamaker's foundry, etc. He has done a successful 
and extensive business. Mr. Lippy was married, in 1862, to Caroline Smith. 
To this union have been born five children, of whom four are living — one 
daughter and three sons. The family are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Mr. Lippy is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a 
Republican. He occupies a handsome residence on Broad Street, built by 
himself in 1872. He is a self-made man, and a substantial, esteemed citizen. 
He has ever been interested in the development of Chambersburg, and has 
aided much in inducing manufacturers to locate here. Mr. Lippy is also an 
active worker in the temperance cause, but has never aspired to public office. 

GEORGE LUDWIG, retired weaver, Chambersburg, was born in Hesse 
Darmstadt, Lichtenberg, Germany, January 10, 1811, son of George Henry 
and Margaret (Eisenbach) Ludwig. At the age of fifteen years he began 
learning the trade of cooper and brewer, on the completion of which he was 
occupied till 1832 in the wine vaults as cooper and distiller. In 1832 he immi- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 663 

grated to America, and in the fall of the same year went to Trenton, N. J. , 
where he worked as brewer until the following spring. He then went to Car- 
lisle, Penn. , where he worked in a distillery for five months. In August, 
1833, he came to Chambersburg and entered the employ of David Washa- 
baugh. as brewer, with whom he remained some six or seven years. In April, 
1840, he rented a brewery on South Main Street, which he carried on for six years. 
He then purchased a property opposite the same, converting it into a brewery, 
which he successfully operated until 1846. Subsequently, in 1855, he purchased 
the property where his brewery is now located. Here he carried on the brew- 
ery business until burned out in 1864. He immediately rebuilt and resumed 
brewing, at which he was engaged with great success until retiring from busi- 
ness in the fall of 1881. In 1834 Mr. Ludwig was married to Mary Shane, 
and to them were born fourteen children, of whom but six survive — one daugh- 
ter and five sons. Mrs. Ludwig died December 5, 1882; she was a member 
of the Reformed Church for many years. Mr. Ludwig is identified with the 
Lutheran Church, and is a member of the Masonic order. He is a self-made 
man, and one of the substantial citizens of Franklin County. 

GEORGE W. LUDWIG, jeweler, Chambersburg, was born in that place 
April 29, 1856, eldest son of John S. and Sophia Ludwig. He received in- 
struction in the public schools of his native place, until he was fifteen years old, 
when he learned the jeweler's trade, which was completed in Cumberland, 
Md. , Wheeling, W. Va. and Philadelphia. He then returned to Cham- 
bersburg, and in April, 1879, opened the business which he is still con- 
ducting. He began in a small way under the firm name of G. W. Ludwig & 
Co., under which title it continued until November 29, 1881, since which pe- 
riod Mr. Ludwig has carried an extensive line of watches, clocks, jewelry and 
silverware, and now has the leading house of the kind in Chambersburg. 
On March 15, 1882, our subject was married to Miss Emma J. Brengle, and 
they are the parents of one son, Carleton, born November 6, 1885. In poli- 
tics our subject is a Republican. 

ORMOND N. LULL, retired engineer and superintendent of the Cumber- 
land Valley Railroad, Chambersburg, was born in Sharon, Windsor Co., j><^ 
Vt. , July 25, 1816, youngest son of Samuel and Clarissa (Slate) Lull. He 
was reared on a farm, working a part of his time in a grist and saw- mill until 
seventeen years of age. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, 
and for a time went to a select school, in Tolland County, Conn. , and in that 
county, when seventeen, began learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner. 
After completing his apprenticeship he carried on the business in the same 
county, and was there married to Abigail P. Sumner. To Mr. and Mrs. Lull 
were born three children, two of whom died in infancy, the one living being the 
widow of W. B. Gilmore and the mother of one son and one daughter, all 
residing with our subject. In 1844 Mr. Lull removed to Norwich, Conn., and 
there remained until 1849, when he came to Chambersburg. Here he entered 
the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, taking charge of the mechani- 
cal department. Later he became a locomotive engineer, and as such served 
two or .three years. In 1856 he was appointed superintendent of the road, a 
position he filled for eighteen years. The company under his administration, 
from being a worthless broken-down corporation, became a first-class paying 
concern. From 1873 until 1882 he occupied the position of chief engineer 
and superintendent of motive power. Since 1882 he has led a retired life and 
now occupies an elegant place with commodious grounds situated on North 
Main Street. He is a member of the Baptist Church, with which he has been 
identified for many years. Mr. Lull is a genial, pleasant gentleman and an 
esteemed citizen. 



664 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

LEVI J. McCORMICK, retired railroad conductor, was born at Oxford, 
Chester Co., Penn. , May 18, 1812, «, son of Jesse and Elizabeth Taylor 
McCormick. He received a limited education, and early began the trade of 
his father, that of hatter. "When seventeen he commenced driving a stage, 
which he continued one year, and then returned to his father and completed 
his trade, alternating with occasional stage driving between West Chester and 
Philadelphia; subsequently he drove from Oxford to Doe Run, and was 
also engaged in driving horse-cars from Lancaster to Gap. December 31, 
1839, he came to Chambersburg, and engaged in driving a stage between 
Chambersburg and McConnellsburg for D. O. Grehr, and later drove horse- 
cars for the same party from Chambersburg to Hagerstown; then entered the 
Chambersburg office as agent, and as such remained about two years. In 
October, 1851, he was appointed baggageman on the Cumberland Valley Rail- 
road, which position he filled for four years, and about 1855 was appointed 
conductor on the same road, continuing as such until retiring in 1883, the oldest 
conductor of that railroad in the Cumberland Valley. For the first ten years 
he ran between Harrisburg and Chambersburg, and during the last twelve 
years between Harrisburg and Hagerstown, returning daily. January 12, 
1835, Mr. McCormick was married to Louisa Shetley, born in York County, 
Penn., May 25, 1816, and they are the parents of six children, four of whom 
are living — one daughter and three sons : Alexander, a resident of Harrisburg ; 
William D. , at home; Levi J., Jr., a printer by trade, residing at Harrisburg; 
and Mary J. , at home. Mr. McCormick and family are members of the 
Lutheran Church. Our subject never desired public office. He is an esteemed 
citizen, occupying a handsome house, which he built in 1883. 

HON.- THOMAS GRUBB McCULLOH— No name is remembered with 
warmer admiration by the people of Franklin County, than that of our subject, 
whose fame as the great lawyer was the pride of his community. He was 
born in Oreencastle, on the 20th day of April, 1785. His grandfather, 
George McCulloh, born about 1710, at Killibegs, in the County Donegal, 
Ireland, came to the American colonies in 1728, settled in Lancaster County, 
and died in Little Britain, in that county, in 1806 or 1807. His father, 
Robert, was the eldest son of George, and was born in 1750. On the maternal 
side, he was a descendant of Thomas Grubb, whose father was one of the earli- 
est emigrants from England to this country, coming over with William Penn. 
Thomas Grubb settled in Lancaster County, and his oldest daughter, Prudence, 
was united in marriage with Robert McCulloh, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, in 1778. About this time Robert McCulloh removed to Franklin 
County, where all his children were born. Thomas G. McCulloh was educat- 
ed in Greencastle, under the tuition of Mr. Borland, who afterward became a 
very prominent professor in a literary institution in the State of New York. 
He studied law in Chambersburg, under Andrew Dunlop, one of the most dis- 
tinguished lawyers of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1804 or 
1805, and was married on the 1st of September, 1808, to Margaret Purviance. 
He practiced law in Chambersburg about forty-three years, during part of 
which period he attended the courts of Bedford County, and was frequently 
called upon to try causes in other parts of the State, going as far as Pittsburgh 
even, being retained as counsel in important land suits, in which class of cases 
he had great celebrity. The reports of the supreme court of Pennsylvania 
furnish ample evidence of his immense practice, and bear convincing proof of 
his renown as a lawyer. In 1821 he was ejected to Congress, and during his 
service there his wife died suddenly, February 26, 1821. For five or six terms, 
he represented his county in the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 665 

and was mainly instrumental, with his colleague, James Dunlop, Esq. , son of 
his preceptor, Andrew Dunlop, in having the Cumberland Valley Railroad ex- 
tended to Chambersburg. He was the first president of this road, but 
resigned a few years before his death. At the time of his decease, he was 
president of the Bank of Chambersburg. Thomas G. McCulloh was not only 
prominent as a lawyer, but was a man of varied information, capable of discus- 
sing almost any subject brought before him. He was w T ell versed in agri- 
cultural pursuits, and very attentive to the improvement of his farms, of 
which he had, at times, two or three. A man of public spirit and enterprise, 
he was always willing to lend a helping hand to all public improvements in his 
county or town. To the day of his death, he was a close student, reading 
works upon all subjects, particularly those of a legal character. He had a 
large, well-selected library, miscellaneous and professional, and was constantly 
adding to its volume. When the first drum beat for volunteers to repel the 
British invasion of Baltimore, he stepped from his office into the ranks of the 
recruiting party, and marched with the company to the threatened city. 
When the regiment was formed he was appointed its quartermaster. He took 
charge of the Franklin Repository and edited it while its celebrated editor, 
Geo. K. Harper, was absent with the army on the northern frontiers. He 
died at Chambersburg, September 10, 1848. Mr. McCulloh w T as always 
popular with the members of the bar, not only on account of his unusual legal 
attainments, but for his professional courtesy, which was especially extended 
to its junior members. As a public speaker he was not fluent, but was clear 
and logical, and his manner of speaking was of a conversational character, 
carrying great weight with juries. He wrote with skill and force. It is tra- 
ditional that he was singularly independent of the stereotyped formulas of 
legal documents, and that his brief papers were remarkably pointed and un- 
assailable. Judge Jerry Black said of him: "He could say more and say it 
better in ten minutes than any man I ever saw." He has left behind him the 
reputation of being one of the ablest jurists of his day. His manners were ex- 
ceedingly plain and popular, and he was always a favorite of his fellow citizens. 
A. H. McCULLOH, general ticket agent Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
Chambersburg, was born in the city of which he is still a resident, April 23, 
1816, son of Thomas G. , and Margaret (Purviance) McCulloh. He received a 
rudimentary education in the schools of his time in Chambersburg, attended a 
military academy at Germantown, Penn. , and afterward passed a year and a 
half at Yale College where he completed his studies. In 1834-35-36 he studied 
medicine, and attended one course of lectures. He then went West, but re- 
turned in a short time, and in 1840 studied law, and was admitted to the bar 
the year following. After his admission to the bar he spent some time in Indi- 
ana, and then returned to Chambersburg, where he practised law three or four 
years. In 1851 he entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad as 
conductor; then served as clerk in the superintendent's office, as assistant audi- 
tor, and as general ticket agent, respectively, which latter position he held till 
August 4, 1886, when he resigned on account of ill health. In 1837 Mr. Mc- 
Culloh was married to Elizabeth Brown, and to them have been born six chil- 
dren, of whom three daughters are living. Mrs. McCulloh died August 10, 
1884. Mr. McCulloh was clerk for four years for the county commissioners, 
and served as burgess of Chambersburg for one year. He has been a Mason for 
many years, and is identified with other societies. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. He organized the first Know-nothing society in Franklin County, May 
11, 1854, and was the first district deputy of the organization. He and his 
family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. 

36 



666 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

EDMUND G. McGOVRAN, M. D. , (deceased) was born in Martinsburg, Va., 
May 1, 1797, only son of Philip and Nancy (Farrelly) McGovran. He read 
medicine with Dr. Boseley, of Frederick, Md. , and obtained a diploma from a 
Philadelphia school of medicine. At the age of twenty-one he commenced 
to practice his profession in Loudon, Franklin Co., Penn. , where he re- 
mained some time, but afterward removed to Mercersburg, Penn., where he 
had a successful and extensive practice. There, in 1825, he married Matilda 
Martin. Their children are Dr. William M. and Annie E., who reside in 
Chambersburg. The Doctor practiced in Mercersburg until removing to Me- 
chanicsburg, Cumberland Co. , Penn. , where failing health compelled him to 
abandon laborious practice. Subsequently he removed to Fairmont, Va. , and 
there, and in other points in that State, practiced his profession. About 1865 
he came to Chambersburg, Penn., and died here September 16, 1869. His 
widow survived him till October 3, 1879. The Doctor was a member of the 
Masonic order for many years. He was a zealous physician, an industrious 
worker and charitable in his disposition. In politics he was a Democrat. 

A. C. McGRATH, superintendent of the gas and water works, Chambersburg, 
was born in Philadelphia. January 10, 1835, a son of John and Annie (Allan) 
McGrath. When a boy he attended the public schools of his native city, and in 
1849 commenced an apprenticeship at the trade of plumber and gas-fitter. 
About 1853, he entered the employ of Abraham Myers, and assisted in the 
erection of the gas works at Norristown, Penn. , and in building similar works in 
other parts of the State. In 1856 he came to Chambersburg with Abraham 
Myers for the purpose of erecting gas works in this city. After their comple- 
tion in 1857, he was elected superintendent of the Chambersburg Gas- works, 
and held the office until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Twenty-sixtk Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and with the 
regiment participated in all the battles down to that of Fredericksburg, when 
he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned to civil life and 
resumed his former position, superintendent of the gasworks of Chambersburg. 
During the inarch! of Lee's army through Franklin County, Mr. McGrath was 
taken prisoner, with eight others, as a citizen prisoner on July 7, 1863, and 
was held until the latter part of March, 1865, confined in Libby prison, Castle 
Thunder and at Salisbury, N. C. On being released he again resumed his 
former position in the gas works, which he still fills. In 1882 he was elected 
superintendent of the Chambersburg Water- works, a position he still retains. 
Mr. McGrath once represented his ward in the city council. He has been a 
member of the Masonic order many years and secretary of his lodge for twenty 
years past. In politics he is a Republican. In 1857 he was married to Susan 
R., daughter of John Hutchison, a former resident of Chambersburg, which 
union has been blessed with two children: Frank R. and Susan M. The fam- 
ily attend the services of the Episcopal Church. 

JAMES A. McKNIGHT. attorney at law, Chambersburg, was born in 
Washington Township, Indiana Co., Penn., June 3, 1849, the eldest son 
of William C. and Louisa H. (Davison) McKnight. In 1852 he removed with 
his parents to Antrim Township, this county, where he was a pupil at the pub- 
lic schools until 1866. He then entered Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana 
County, and there remained until June, 1867. In September of the same 
year he entered La Fayette College, from which institution he graduated in 
June, 1871. He had commenced reading law with his present partner, Hon. 
W. S. Stenger, one year prior to his graduation and was admitted to the bar 
in June, 1872. He practiced alone in Chambersburg until October, 1874, 
when he formed a partnership with Hon. W. S. Stenger, which still continues. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 667 

Mr. McKnight was married in November, 1875, to Louisa B. Lindsay, a 
daughter of Hugh D. Lindsay, and by her has two daughters living: Mary L. 
and Elizabeth B. The parents are members of the Central Presbyterian 
Church, of the Sabbath-school of whicb Mr. McKnight has been superintend- 
ent since 1871. Mr. McKnight was elected trustee of La Fayette College in 
1876, a position he yet fills. He is now attorney for the county commission- 
ers, also for the Western Maryland Railroad and South Pennsylvania Railroad. 
Politically he is a Republican. 

GEORGE H. MERKLEIN, late of Chambersburg, was born June 27, 
1816. He was the son of George Henry Merklein, an early and prominent 
citizen of Franklin County. His father, like himself, was a printer by trade 
and, like himself, his father possessed literary abilities of no mean order, being 
engaged for some time in translating from the German for the Franklin Re- 
publican, then owned and published by John Hershberger. This engage- 
ment was from 1810 until 1812 or thereabouts. George Henry Merklein, Jr., 
the hero of this sketch, received a fair education in the schools of his native 
town. He was afterward received as an apprentice in the office of the Whig 
then published by Joseph Pritts. Here it was that he learned his trade, sub- 
sequently becoming foreman of the office. In 1840, in connection with S. D. 
Brown, he published a small campaign paper which bore the title of The Tilt- 
Hammer and which supported the fortunes of Harrison and Tyler in the ex- 
citing presidental contest which waged that year. With P. D. Frey he after- 
ward started the Semi-Weekly Dispatch which, under the firm name of G. H. 
Merklein & Co., was continued until June, 1863, when it was merged with the 
Repository. Prior to this, namely, in 1857, he had become one of the proprie- 
tors of the Repository, remaining as such until the establishment of the Dispatch 
in 1861. In 1854 he was elected register and recorder by the Know-Nothing 
or American party, his term lasting until December 1, 1857. He was married 
in January, 1843, to Miss Margaret A. Nave, daughter of a well-known citizen 
of the county. Five children blessed this union, two of them still surviving, 
viz. : Dr. Chas. H. Merklein, now practicing medicine in Philadelphia, and Mrs. 
Mary C. Wood, wife of Geo. H. Wood, of Chambersburg. His son, Dr. 
Merklein, graduated in pharmacy in 1868, and in medicine at Pennsylvania 
University, Philadelphia, in 1869. Mr. Merklein, the subject of this sketch, 
was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, a Republican of the 
sternest type, a charter member of No. 75, I. O. O. F., Penna., and a man 
of many sterling qualities. He was a writer of marked ability and a citizen 
who had the respect of everybody. He died October 14, 1863, widely 
mourned. His widow, Mrs. M. A. Merklein, still survives him. 

F. C. MERKLEIN, late of Chambersburg, was born in 1806 in Chambers- 
burg, Penn. , and was educated at Chambersburg Academy. He was a man of 
more than ordinary ability. He was a brother of G. H. Merklein, who served as 
register and recorder of Franklin County in the years 1854, 1856 and 1857. He 
was at one time editor of Franklin Repository, also published a monthly called 
Gazetteer, in 1883, and afterward a weekly paper called The Village Mercury. In 
1847 he established at Miffiintown, Juniata County, the Sentinel, which still 
exists. He was a popular writer, critical, erudite and polished. He left 
the impress of his genius on the journalistic and literary circles of the State 
of almost half a century ago. His knowledge in literature, morals, science 
and the arts was large and extended. No man in southern Pennsylvania, in his 
day, had a stronger hold on the people. He died in September, 1885, at the 
advanced age of eighty-one years. 

WILLIAM H. MICHAELS, night watchman for the Cumberland Valley 



668 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Railroad Company, Chambersburg, was born in Chambersburg, this county, 
March 7, 1841, second son of Christian amd Harriett (Reed) Michaels. He was 
educated in the public schools, and when seventeen commenced an apprenticeship 
at the trade of stone cutter, and then worked as journeyman for one year. 
In 1861, owing to failing eye-sight, he gave up his trade and entered the em- 
ploy of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, filling the position of night 
watchman until September, 1864, when he enlisted in Company D, Two 
Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving 
under Capt. McKnight. He participated in the engagements on the Weldon 
Railroad and Hatcher's Run, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. 
He served till the close of the war and was mustered out at Washington, D. C, 
in June, 1865. Returning to civil life he resumed his former position of 
night watchman for the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company which he still fills, 
having charge of the numerous shops, buildings etc, of the company. Our 
subject was married, in 1861, to Catharine, daughter of Isaac Thompson, of 
Williamsport, Md. , and to this union were born six children : John W. (the 
eldest) died at the age of twenty-one in 1882; Charles W. ; Harry T. ; Eddie, 
died in infancy; Delia G. ; Minnie F. Mr. Michaels and family are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1877 Mr. Michaels was elected a member 
of the school board, and filled this position for three years; he also represented the 
First Ward in the town council during 1882-83. He owns and occupies a hand- 
some residence on North Main Street, Chambersburg, which he built in 1883. 
Mr. Michaels' sons, Charles W. , and Harry T. , are also employes of the Cum- 
berland Valley Railroad Company. 

GEORGE L. MILES, cigar box manufacturer, was born in Chambersburg, 
July 9, 1834, a son of William and Mary (Duscher) Miles. The father having 
died when the son was about twelve years old, the latter received but little 
schooling, and that in the schools of Chambersburg, and was thus early in life 
thrown upon his own resources. He was employed some two years assisting 
Dr. Kennedy in farm work, when he entered the employ of John Riesner, a 
baker and confectioner, with whom he remained some seven years. In March, 

1852, he was married to Mary E. Crider, who was born in Carlisle, Penn., 
September 21, 1833. After marriage in 1852, Mr. Miles entered the employ 
of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, as fireman on a locomotive, but 
which pursuit, on account of failing health, he was obliged to abandon after a 
service of two years. He then went into business for himself, and successfully 
carried on a bakery and restaurant until the first call for volunteers in April, 
1861, when he disposed of his business, and with the militia company, of which 
he had been first lieutenant (then Company B, Second Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry), went to the war for three months, and after serving 
out the time of enlistment, re-enlisted, as captain of Company G, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty- Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months. He 
was at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and at the expiration of his term of 
service he raised company C for the Twenty-first Cavalry, a six months regi- 
ment. In 1863 Captain. Miles returned to civil life, and embarked in the 
grocery trade, which he conducted some two or three years, and again entered 
the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, with which he re- 
mained one year, and since that time, until some four years ago, has been in the 
employ of the various hotels of Chambersburg. He then led a retired life until 
January, 1885, when he commenced the manufacture of cigar boxes. Mrs. Miles 
died August 19, 1883, the mother of one daughter, Mary E., born April 13, 

1853, who became the wife of Edward Kauffman, and died May 10, 1882. 
Captain Miles is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBEBSBURG. 669 

the K. of P. and American Mechanics. He represented the First Ward 
in the conncil for four years in succession, commencing in 1877. He has 
always interested himself in militia matters, and up to one year ago he com- 
manded a company of National Guards of Pennsylvania. 

J. B. MILLER, tin and copper smith, Chambersburg, was born in that city 
May 23, 1819, youngest son of Frederick and Eve (Schriver) Miller. Freder- 
ick Miller, born in Lancaster County, Penn. , about 1776, came to Franklin 
County about the commencement of the present century. A tin and copper 
smith by trade, he commenced business in Chambersburg in 1806, which he 
carried on until his retirement in 1850. He reared to maturity a family of 
seven children, two of whom survive, J. B. , and Mrs. Julia Ann Strickler, of 
Dayton, Ohio. Frederick Miller once served as county commissioner. His 
death occurred in 1858. Our subject was educated at the public schools of 
Chambersburg, and early in life learned the trade of tin and copper smith, un- 
der the instruction of his father, and followed the trade, working as journey- 
man until 1850, when he became his father's successor. In 1880 he removed 
his business to his present location on the Diamond, where he has an extensive 
trade in the house furnishing line. This is the oldest business house in con- 
tinuous trade in Chambersburg. In 1855 Mr. Miller married Mary C. , daugh- 
ter of Matthew Simpson, a former citizen of Chambersburg, and they became 
the parents of six children, now living, all sons. Mrs. Miller is a member of 
Zion's Reformed Church, and Mr. Miller is a supporter of all Christian objects. 
He represented the First Ward in the town council in 1875. 

ANDREW J. MILLER (deceased) was born in Chambersburg, this county, 
June 12, 1823, a son of Andrew and Margaret (Denning) Miller. He was 
educated in the public schools and the academy of Chambersburg, entered 
the drug store of his uncle, Lewis Denning, early in life, and there remained 
until the death of his uncle in 1849. He then undertook the charge of the store, 
and conducted the same as proprietor successfully until his death, which oc- 
curred August 29, 18S5. Mr. Miller first married, in 1869, Ellen Senseny, and 
to this union were born two children, one of whom is now living, Katie S., 
Mrs. Miller died June 10, 1871, and our subject then married, August 24, 
1875, Mattie, daughter of George Barnitz, of Chambersburg, and by her had 
one daughter, Mabel Denig, born August 11, 1879. Mr. Miller was a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church ; politically he was a Republican. 

HENRY MINNICH (deceased) was a native of Fulton County, Penn. He 
grew up on a farm, and received such educational advantages as the neighbor- 
hood schools afforded. After leaving home he engaged in stage driving for Daniel 
Gehr, of Chambersburg, from Chambersburg to McConnellsburg; then was 
employed with the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, in which he contin- 
ued until his sudden death by accident, December 16, 1860. May 15, 1848, 
he was married to Mary A. Mullennix, a native of Cumberland County, Md. , 
born April 30,1829, a daughter of Bartholemew andLucretia (Lynch) Mullen- 
nix, and to them five children were born (three now living) : William Francis, 
Sarah E., Bartholemew, Samuel and Basil H. William Francis was employed 
at the Clark & Shepler saw-mill until the time of his death, December 6, 1865; 
Bartholemew, the third child, an engineer of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
was killed in a collision at Mont Alto Junction, August 29, 1882; Samuel, the 
fourth child, a machinist by trade, in the employ of the Cumberland Valley 
Railroad, married and is away from home; Sarah E. and Basil H. are residing 
with their mother. Mrs. Minnich and daughter are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

SAMUEL MONATH, contractor and builder. Chambersburg. was born at 



670 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

that place September 1, 1848, son of John and Anna Catherine Monath. He 
obtained a fair education in the public* schools of Chambersburg, and in the 
spring of 1864 he enlisted in the Twenty-first Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
and participated in the battle of Five Forks, at front of Petersburg, and at the 
retreat of Gen. Lee, and was present at the latter' s surrender at Appomattox 
Court House, Va. , April 9, 1865. He served until the close of the war, 
and was discharged at Harrisburg, Penn., in the fall of 1865. Returning to 
civil life, he came to Chambersburg and served an apprenticeship at the trade 
of carpenter and builder with Shepler & Myers, with whom he continued to 
work until commencing business for himself in about 1874. Since then he has 
been extensively engaged in contracting and building, and is now doing the 
most extensive business, probably, in that line in the county. He has erected 
several of the finest buildings in the borough. He employs, during the season, 
from ten to fifteen carpenters. October 4, 1868, Mr. Monath was married to 
Eliza Smith, and they are the parents of two sons: John W. and Walter S. 
The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Monath has been a 
member of the I. O. O. F. for eighteen years; also of the encampment. About 
six years ago he was elected to the office of councilman, serving a term of two 
years, and at the present time is one of the school directors of the borough. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

JOHN MONTGOMERY, M. D., Chambersburg, grandson of James Mont- 
gomery, who emigrated from the North of Ireland in 1798, and son of James 
Montgomery, of Chambersburg, was born in West Chester, Chester Co. , Penn. , 
December 29, 1835. He was academically educated at Lititz Academy, and 
after studying medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduated 
from that institution in March, 1858. He located himself in Chambersburg, 
where he pursued a general practice, and where he subsequently, after 1864, 
entered into partnership with Dr. John Curtis Richards, in whose office he had 
been a student, and with whom he continued in practice eight years. The 
Doctor is a member of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and was its 
vice-president in 1874; he was also president of the Medical Society of Franklin 
County, and its recording secretary in 1877. In 1862 he married C. A., 
daughter of Peter Brough, Esq., of, Chambersburg. Dr. and Mrs. Mont- 
gomery are members of the church. 

PETER NICKLAS, dealer in furniture and carpets, Chambersburg, was 
born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 19, 1839, eldest son of Peter and 
Margaret Nicklas. His father died in Germany in 1848, and the same year 
he, with his mother, immigrated to America, coming direct to Chambersburg. 
Here Peter acquired a knowledge of English in the public schools, and early 
in life learned, under the instruction of his uncle, George Nicklas, carpet and 
coverlet weaving, remaining with him until of age. His uncle died in Febru- 
ary, 1860, and in April of the same year Peter succeeded to the business, 
which he conducted until the fall of 1865, when he, with his brother Adam, 
formed the firm of P. Nicklas & Bro. , who, in connection with carpet 
weaving, carried on a general stock of carpets. In 1880 the present firm of 
P. Nicklas, Bro. & Co. was formed. About the year 1882 the firm again en- 
larged their business by adding thereto a general and extensive stock of furni- 
ture and paper hangings. The establishment is a substantial one, and is 
doing a large and safe business. Mr. Nicklas was married, February 15, 
1861, to a daughter of Christian Henneberger, a former resident of Cham- 
bersburg, and to this union were born ten children, eight of whom are living — 
three daughters and five sons. The family is identified with the United Breth- 
ren in Christ Church. In politics Mr. Nicklas is a Prohibitionist. 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBER SBUBG. 071 

WILLIAM ORR. Among those driven from their homes in Scotland by relig- 
ions intolerance, in the seventeenth century, were the grandparents of a Presby- 
terian gentleman named John Orr. Like so many of their co-religionists, they 
sought and nmnd a refuge in the hospitable province of Lister, in the North of 
Ireland. With the person named, we are only now concerned because of his 
son Thomas. Quite early in life Thomas was wafted by the tide of emigra- 
tion to the shores of America, and settled near Bucklestown, now Darkesville, 
in the State of Virginia. Not satisfied with the prospects of enlarging his 
small competency in that locality, and full of the energy and buoyancy of 
youth, he determined to remove to Pennsylvania, toward which State many 
thousands of his countrymen were flocking. The modes of traveling in those 
days, through a comparative wilderness, were very primitive. The traveler 
either walked or rode on horseback. Thomas chose the latter mode. His ar- 
rangements were soon made, and his small stock of goods was packed in his 
ample saddlebags, and his long journey toward his new home then began. 
His progress was necessarily slow and wearisome, but he at length arrived in 
Lancaster County, Penn,, where he determined to remain. But this intention 
was soon changed, and he retraced his steps and journeyed westward until he 
reached Franklin County. Here he ultimately chose as his home a tract of 
land in that locality known as " Culbertson's Row," in Southampton Town- 
ship, Franklin Co. , Penn. Settled in his new home, he married Martha, a 
daughter of Samuel Breckenridge, an old and prominent citizen of the neigh- 
borhood. He remained in this vicinity until his death, in 1814, having pre- 
viously purchased the farm upon which his son William' s earlier years were 
spent. Capt. Thomas Orr, by which title he was usually distinguished, was 
the father of five children — three sons, John, William and James B. , and two 
daughters, Margaret and Martha. His son William, who was born on April 
20, 1802, was twelve years old at the period of his father's death. At this 
immature age he was sent to Virginia, near Darkesville, to live with a grand- 
uncle. His residence here was, however, short, as he remained only two years 
with this relative, and then returned to his maternal home. During a portion 
of the next six years he attended the neighboring school, and diligently ap- 
plied himself to his books. A boy of his active intelligence could not help 
soon acquiring all the rudiments of an education that the district pedagogue 
was capable of imparting. When he attained his eighteenth year, in 1820, 
he began an apprenticeship in the tannery of the late James Finley, of Cham- 
bersburg. His apprenticeship finished and his trade fully mastered, he 
started for New Market, Va. , at which town he had the promise of work. 
With his meager effects in a bundle, carried on his shoulder, he traversed, on 
foot, the long distance intervening between his home and his destination. 
He did not stay long in New Market. Presuming that Washington presented 
a more inviting field for a journeyman tanner, he started for the Nation' s cap- 
ital. He walked from New Market to Fredericksburg, and traveled thence by 
stage to the mouth of Cedar Creek. One of his fellow passengers was no 
less a personage than Gen. Andrew Jackson, who had not yet acquired the ex- 
tensive fame and popularity which he afterward secured, liis wonderful de- 
cision of character and impressive conversation made a deep and permanent 
impression upon the mind of the young itinerant tanner. 

At the mouth of Cedar Creek, William saw a steamboat for the first time, 
which greatly excited his curiosity, and upon which he took passage for Wash- 
ington. Disappointed in his expectations of finding lucrative employment in 
Washington, he then started for home, which, after a wearisome journey, he 
finally reached. If this episode in his life failed to add anything to his 



672 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

material wealth, the experience which he so dearly bought, and his knowledge 
of the world, and especially the development of his own resources, amply 
repaid him for all he had suffered and lost. In 1830 his actual business life 
may be said to have begun. In that year, associated with his brother John, 
he rented the tannery in Orrstown, and moved there, forming a partnership 
under the firm name of J. & W. Orr. In the following year the firm bought 
the tannery and the farm connected with it, containing over 100 acres 
of land, which then embraced the ground upon which Orrstown was subse- 
quently built. But their business operations were by no means confined to 
the manufacture and sale of leather, but included transactions of various 
kinds, which the necessities of those who were building a new town demanded; 
and thus they ranked, in a few years, among the most extensive dealers and 
merchants in Southern Pennsylvania. In 1836 the firm was enlarged by the 
admission of James B. Orr, their youngest brother. The name of the firm 
was then changed to J. Orr & Bros., and the new partnership continued for 
sixteen years. This business association was a remarkable one. The ties of 
brotherhood bound the three brothers together like chains of triple steel. The 
utmost harmony always prevailed among them. No dissensions ever arose ; but 
they wore always kind, generous and forbearing, it being the chief desire of 
each to promote the comfort and contentment of the others. For many years 
they were thus delightfully associated; and, although James had withdrawn from 
the partnership some time previously, the business association between the two 
older brothers was continued until 1870, a period of forty years, when it was 
only dissolved by the death of John Orr. 

The town which bears their name was laid out by John and William Orr, 
in the year 1833, and grew with remarkable rapidity into one of the prettiest 
and busiest towns in Franklin County. This success of the new town was 
almost solely attributable to the liberality with which its projectors dealt with 
those who purchased lots and erected buildings. A handsome town now fitly 
commemorates that liberality. It was the wish of the founders that their vil- 
lage should be called "Southampton;" and, in their application for a post- 
office, that name was given to the locality. For some reason the postoffice 
department disapproved the name, and then Hon. George Chambers, then 
in Congress, suggested the name of ' ' Orrstown, ' ' which was at once adopted 
by the Postmaster-general. Orrstown was incorporated as a borough in 1847, 
and William Orr was chosen its first burgess. About this date the " Orrstown 
Savings Fund" was established, of which William Orr was one of the found- 
ers. This institution continued in successful operation for a period of eleven 
years. Later he was largely instrumental in organizing a Masonic lodge in 
the town, known as ' ' Orrstown Lodge, ' ' which was the second of its kind 
organized in the county, and of which institution he was long a trusted officer. 
He was a 1 so one of the originators of the project for the erection of the " Town 
Hall," which was built in 1869, and of which he was one of the largest stock- 
holders. 

In 1839 William Orr was married to Mary A. Gish. daughter of David 
Gish, who was a prominent farmer and miller of Southampton Township. 
This event was the beginning of a happy domestic life which embraced almost 
half a century. 

Mr. Orr was always a close student of public affairs, and was thoroughly 
informed as to the politics of the country, as he had lived contemporaneously 
with the great political parties of the time, both in their origin and subsequent 
existence. He was a warm personal friend of James Buchanan, and supported 
him for the presidency with zealous efficiency. This regard was gratefitlly 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBEKSBURG. 073 

acknowledged and reciprocated by Mr. Buchanan, and during the public life 
of that eminent statesman the three Orr brothers received many evidences of 
his confidence and esteem. Mr. Orr, it may be inferred, was always a most 
pronounced and unwavering advocate and supporter of the Democratic party, 
and contributed most liberally of his time and means to its success. A native 
and sturdy independence rendered him naturally averse to holding office of 
profit. He was unwilling that any one should deem him his debtor for political 
support. In his own township, it is true, he accepted offices of trust, and 
most faithfully and acceptably filled them. But then the township, not Mr. 
Orr, was the recipient of a political favor. As long as his health permitted he 
attended and worked at the polls assiduously and ardently, his sole object 
being the success of the representatives of the principles he deemed most 
worthy of triumph. 

Physically, Mr. Orr was tall, well-formed, with an elastic step and grace- 
ful presence. His manner was cordial and winning, and those who met him, 
even casually, did not fail to esteem him ever afterward. In his later years 
his quiet dignity, and gentle deportment and kindly interest excited in all who 
knew him a strong sentiment of affectionate regard. He was a wise counselor 
and considerate friend, and those who desired his aid in the multifarious 
troubles of life were never disappointed in consulting him. He was among 
the most generous of men, and consequently his impulsive benevolence was 
often bestowed upon unworthy recipients. This never disturbed his equanim- 
ity, because he always preferred to help an intriguing knave rather than to 
run the risk of repelling a proper and worthy applicant for his sympathy and 
aid. He was a close observer of men and an acute judge of human nature; 
although he was quick to detect its weaknesses, foibles and deceptions, he 
was singularly free from censoriousness, and never commented unjustly or 
even harshly upon the misbehavior of those whose conduct he could only dis- 
approve. This wonderful liberality was almost unexampled. His disposi- 
tion was calm and most equable. He fully understood the true philosophy 
of life, and put the best construction on the motives of his fellows that 
the circumstances would admit, and never grieved over events which he 
could not remedy or avert. His presence seemed to infuse good feeling 
and comfort to all around him, and warmed info sympathetic fellowship 
all who came within its gentle and calming influence. He was subject 
to no variable moods, and his friends knew [to-day exactly how they would 
find him to-morrow. He was a most interesting conversationalist, and his 
large stock of ideas, derived from reading and a wide experience in the affairs 
of the world, made him a most delightful companion. He had a fine sense of 
humor, and his wit was most keen, but gentle. He always looked at the best 
side of human nature, and when he commented at all upon the conduct of 
rascals, it was always done without bitterness, and with good-natured and 
pleasant sarcasm. He preferred to laugh at the trickery and peccadilloes of 
his fellows rather than punish them. Yet the bold and reckless violator of the 
law found in him a stern and determined foe. Heaven most highly favors any 
community in which it places for half a century such a man as William Orr. 
His influence and example are beyond all human estimation. 

It is needless to say that Mr. Orr was a most affectionate husband and 
father. His greatest and most constant desire seemed always to be to promote 
the comfort and welfare of his devoted family. He was fond of books and an 
admirer of the earlier classic poetry. Of poetic writers Burns was his favorite, 
and he had committed to memory the greater part of the poems of that erratic 
genius, with apt quotations from which he was accustomed to point his con- 



674 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

versation. Only a fortnight before bis death, while one of his daughters was 
reading one of these poems to him, a slight error which she chanced to make 
was quickly detected and corrected. Through his long life Mr. Orr adhered 
to Presbyterianism, the faith of his fathers, and was a constant worshiper in 
the church of his denomination until the infirmities of advancing years 
deprived him of that privilege. His life was singularly pure and blameless, 
and in it were fully exemplified all the Christian virtues and graces. As old 
age stole over him with all its physical weaknesses, his mental and moral 
nature seemed correspondingly to expand and soften, until he seemed almost 
the venerable impersonation of charity and love. For several years before his 
death Mr. Orr had withdrawn from business and spent his whole time with his 
family and friends. He felt that the end of his long life^was approaching, and 
he calmly awaited its end. On Monday morning, January 31, 1881, he passed 
away quietly and peacefully, leaving his family and friends, in his spotless 
character, a legacy beyond all price. 

JOHN G. ORR was born at Willow Grove Mills, Southampton Township, 
near Orrstown, in 1839, and during that year his parents made their homes in 
Orrstown, where he resided until 1865. He received his education in the pub- 
lic schools of that place, and his business habits and training from his father 
on the farm, where his earlier years were passed. In 1857 he obtained a posi- 
tion as general clerk in one of the stores of the village, and in that occupa- 
tion he continued until 1865, when he removed to Carlisle, Cumberland County, 
to accept the position of teller in the First National Bank of Carlisle, which he 
filled until J 873; during a portion of that time he was one of its board of direct- 
ors; in 1874 he returned to his early home, and in April of the following year 
engaged in merchandising at that place until 1879, when, under the firm name 
of John G. & D. A. Orr, he became one of the editors and proprietors of 
Valley Spirit and removed to Chambersburg. For several years Mr. Orr was 
a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church at Middle Spring, and has twice 
represented the presbytery of Carlisle in the General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian Church. In September, 1885, he was chosen as ruling elder in Fall- 
ing Spring Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg. He is one of the founders 
of the children's aid society of Franklin County, of which association he is 
a director and its recording secretary, and by his active and earnest support 
has added greatly to its success. On the one side his ancestry are the Scotch- 
Irish emigrants who first settled Culbertson's Row, and on the other the 
Germans who early immigrated to Lancaster County. "Whatever success he 
has had in life, Mr. Orr attributes it to the example and training of his par- 
ents. 

D. A. ORR, one of the editors and owners of the daily and weekly Valley 
Spirit, published at Chambersburg, Penn. , was born at Orrstown, this county, 
a town founded by his father and brothers, whose name it bears, and was 
educated at the schools of that borough. He attended a high school at upper 
Strasbiug for one term and later underwent private instruction. Having an 
early taste for newspaper writing, before he was eighteen years of age he 
became the associate editor of the Sentinel, a Democratic newspaper then pub- 
lished at Shippensburg, and subsequently removed to Carlisle. From Ship- 
pensburg he went, after a somewhat protracted trip through the Western States 
and Territories, to Pittsburgh, where he resided and was engaged in active 
business until January, 1879; in that month he purchased the Democratic 
Chronicle at Shippensburg, which paper he sold six months later, and, in October 
of the same year, together with his brother, purchased and took charge of 
Valley Spirit. Although he has always taken an active interest in politics, Mr. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 675 

Orr has never been a candidate for any public office of profit, and says he 
"never will be." He is engaged in a number of private enterprises. In 1884 
be was appointed by Gov. Pattison one of the trustees of the Pennsylvania 
State Lunatic Asylum at Harrisburg. He was a delegate from the Eighteenth 
Congressional District to the National Convention in 1884, which nominated 
Grover Cleveland for the presidency. He is a member of the executive com- 
mittee and treasurer of the Revenue Reform Press Association of Pennsylvania. 

GEORGE PALMER, grocer, Chambersburg, was born in Antrim Town- 
ship, this county, January 21, 1832; the eldest child of Samuel and Jane 
(Small) Palmer, the former of whom was also a native of Franklin County, 
Penn., born in 1805. George Palmer, our subject's grandfather, came to 
Franklin County from Berks County, Penn., before the commencement of the 
century; he was a successful farmer, and died in about 1862. His eldest son, 
Samuel, also a farmer in early life, settled in Hamilton Township, this county, 
where he spent his days. He reared to maturity a family of four daughters 
and two sons, all of whom are now living; he died April 1, 1849. George 
Palmer, our subject, was educated in the public schools, but in later years im- 
proved himself by study and application to his books. He was reared on the 
home farm in Hamilton Township, where he remained until 1854, when, with 
his mother, he came to Chambersburg, this county. Here he engaged as clerk 
in a hardware store kept by Samuel Myers, and continued with that house 
(under various firm names) for a period of thirteen years. In 1868 he returned 
to Hamilton Township, this county, where he purchased one or more small farms, 
engaged also in brick making, and lived there for ten years. In 1878 he re- 
turned to Chambersburg and clerked for a time. In January, 1880, Mr. Palmer 
commenced the grocery trade in his present location, corner Second and Wash- 
ington Streets, which he has since continued with much success and promise. 
Our subject was married in 1857 to Mary Gordon, who bore him ten children, 
four of whom are now living, one son and three daughters. Mrs. Mary Palmer 
died January 1, 1880. Mr. Palmer was again married in November, 1880, this 
time to Martha Wingert. To this union were born two children, one daughter 
and one son. Mr. Palmer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and Mrs. 
Palmer of the River Brethren Church. Our subject is an active and influential 
member of the I. O. O. F., which he joined in 1855. He was elected a member 
of the town council from the South Ward in |1865, his term expiring in 1868. 
While a resident of Hamilton Township, this county, he was much interested in 
public education, and was secretary of the school board a part of the time while 
residing there. 

P. H. PEIFFER, coachmaker, Chambersburg, was born at that place, 
December 5, 1836, son of Philip and Madeline (Kobler) Peiffer. His educa- 
tional advantages were meager, having followed butchering from the age of 
thirteen years, and when sixteen years old commenced his trade, that of coach- 
smith, with his father and Speakman Hicks, in the year 1852. Young Peiffer 
worked as a journeyman one year in York, Penn., and upon the death of his 
father, Philip, in 1860, the son, in connection with his mother and Mr. Hicks, 
continued the business of the old firm for two years, when Mr. Hicks retired 
and the firm became Peiffer & Foltz. This partnership lasted until the 
establishment was burned by the rebels in 1864. Mr. Peiffer rebuilt on the 
same site (corner of South Market and Second Streets), the site of the old jail, 
and now the home of Judge D. Watson Rowe and Chauncey Ives. Our subject 
disposed of that property and located just north of the same, on North Second 
Street, where he is conducting a flourishing business. For the past six years 
he has carried on the business himself, employing twelve or fifteen hands. 



676 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

May 1, 1865, he was married to Katie Savage, and they were the parents of 
one daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1896 and died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. 
Peiffer are members of the First Lutheran Church. Our subject is a member 
of the Masonic order, I. O. O. F. and K. of P. ; in politics he is a Democrat. 
In the spring of 1886 he was elected a member of the town council from 
the Second Ward of Chambersburg. 

JOHN F. PEIFFER, Chambersburg, son of Philip and Magdalena 
(Kobler) Peiffer, was born in Chambersburg, this county, December 21, 1840. 
He was educated in the public schools of his native place, and when sixteen 
years old commenced clerking in the store of C. Peiffer, where he remained 
about one year; also worked, upon his father's farm until the spring of 1861, 
when he enlisted in Company D. Second Pennsylvania Volunteer. Infantry; 
served three months and then re-enlisted, this time in the Eleventh Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Cavalry, and with that regiment was taken prisoner in the 
vicinity of Blackwater River. He was an inmate of Castle Thunder and Libby 
Prison for some two weeks, and was then paroled; served out that term of 
enlistment, and in 1864 re-enlisted as a veteran. He was present at the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee, serving all through the war, and with his regiment was 
mustered out at Philadelphia, in August, 1865. Returning to civil life he 
worked in the coach factory of his brother, P. H. Peiffer, some two years. 
While a resident of Philadelphia, he was employed as a street car conductor 
for about four years, but failing health and gradual loss of eyesight compelled 
him to abandon active business. He then resided in West Virginia for a 
period of seven or eight years, returning to Chambersburg in 1878. In 1873 
he totally lost his sight, since which time he has engaged in no active business. 
He married, March 12, 1867, Annie M. Etchberger, daughter of George P. 
Etchberger, a former well known resident of Chambersburg. Mr. and Mrs. 
Peiffer are the parents of two children: an infant (deceased), and Lizzie, born 
June 24, 1871. Mr. Peiffer is a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1879 
he entered the institution for the blind in Philadelphia, where he learned the 
trade of broom-making during his one year there. He then worked one year 
for William McKnight, and afterward opened a little broom manufacturing 
establishment of his own, from which he retired after six months. 

GEORGE F. PLATT, dental surgeon, Chambersburg, was born in Mil- 
ford, Conn., April 10, 1835, a son of Newton and Anna (Clark) Piatt, both 
descendants of the original settlers of the town in 1639. He was educated in 
the public schools, including the high school at Milford, and was reared to 
farming. He also taught school at home until the age of nineteen, and then 
engaged in clerking in Salisbury and New Haven, Conn., some four years. In 
1858 he commenced the study of dentistry in New Haven, Conn., and in the 
fall of 1858 attended the medical department of Yale College. In 1859 he 
attended the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, graduating from that 
institution in the spring of 1860. That same spring he came to Chambersburg 
and commenced the practice of his profession, interrupted, however, by his 
enlistment in 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry. After six months our subject was promoted to first lieutenant and 
for the last month of his service was acting adjutant. He participated in all 
the battles of the regiment from Fredericksburg toChancellorsville; served his 
term of enlistment, and with his regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg, 
May 20, 1863. He returned to the practice of his profession in Chambers- 
burg, which he has since continued with marked success. Dr. Piatt married, 
in 1863, Miss Mary Montague, of South Hadley, Mass., daughter of Obed and 
Mary (Newell) Montague, and by her has three sons and one daughter: Edwin 



BOEOUGH OF CHAMBERSBUBG. 677 

Montague, George Fisk, Clarence Newton and Mary Newell. The family are 
members of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an 
elder since December, 1861, and superintendent of the Sunday-school since 
1868. The Doctor was school director from the Fourth Ward from 1877 to 
1881. He was vice-president of the Odontography Society of Pennsylvania 
for one year, from May 6, 1867; president of the Franklin Library Association 
from March, 1879, until now (1887); a director of the Citizens' Building Asso- 
ciation from September, 1874, to August, 1880; a trustee of Chambersburg 
Academy from 1880 until now; senior vice-commander of Housum Post, G. A. 
E. , for 1886, and elected commander for 1887. Politically he is a Republican. 

HIRAM J. PLOUGH, attorney at law, Chambersburg, was born in Letter- 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., September 11, 1855, only son of 
Peter and Mary (Johns) Plough. He with his parents removed to Orrstown, 
Franklin County, in 1860, where he received instruction in the public schools 
until about 1870; then for two terms attended a select school at Upper Stras- 
burg; then, in the fall of 1872, he entered the State normal school at Millers- 
ville, where he remained for a period; then pursued a course of study at the 
then new State normal school, Shippensburg, from which institution he was 
graduated in 1874. The following winter he taught and took charge of the 
graded school in Orrstown. He entered the university located at Syracuse, N. 
Y., but his father's failing health called him home in 1876; he also entered 
LaFayette College, but by reason of the illness of his father he was compelled 
to abandon a collegiate education. In the spring of 1877 he began the study 
of law in the office of Kennedy & Stewart, with whom he read two years, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1879. He at once commenced the practice of his 
profession, which he has since continued with success. In 1882 Mr. Plough 
was married to Mary B., daughter of Judge F. M. Kimmell, and to them were 
born the following named children: Francis K., born November 19, 1882, and 
Pauline Thankful, born November 25, 1886. Mrs. Plough is a member of the 
Episcopal Church, and Mr. Plough is an attendant and vestryman of the 
same church. He was elected to the office of district attorney, at the election 
November 2, 1886. 

ALBERT NEVIN POMEROY, editor of the daily and weekly Franklin 
Repository, Chambersburg, Penn. , was born in the city of Philadelphia, May 
27, 1859. At an early age he removed with his parents to Pomeroy, Chester 
Co. , Penn. , a station on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, forty-two 
miles west of Philadelphia. Here he received an education in the common 
schools and at the Parkesburg (Penn.) Academy. In 1874, his father, Maj. 
John M. Pomeroy, removed to Chambersburg, Penn. , where he had purchased 
the Franklin Repository. The subject of this sketch pursued his studies at 
Chambersburg Academy until the spring of 1876, when, at the age of seven- 
teen, he abandoned his studies at the academy to take charge of the Adams 
Express office in Chambersburg, his father having been appointed agent. 
This position he filled until 1878, when he entered the Repository office as re- 
porter. In 1878 he was made local editor. In May, 1883, he and his brother, 
John H. Pomeroy, were taken into partnership with their father, and the firm 
was known as John M. Pomeroy & Sons. In December, 1884, John H. 
Pomeroy and A. Nevin Pomeroy purchased the interest of their father, and have 
since conducted the business under firm name Pomeroy Bros. Under 
their direction the daily Repository was permanently established in January, 
1884, and it, with the weekly (nearly a hundred years old) is enjoying a large 
patronage. Our subject married, May 26, 1885, Miss E. Belle McLellan, 
youngest daughter of the late William McLellan, Esq. , of Chambersburg. Mr. 



678 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and Mrs. Pomeroy attend the services of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

SAMUEL A. RADEBAUGH was one of the earliest settlers of Franklin 
County, a merchant by occupation. He married Catharine Croft, and raised 
to maturity three children: John, Mary and Samuel. He died April 22, 1817, 
in his fiftieth year; his widow, Catharine, died December 10, 1845, in hei 
ninety- second year. John Radebaugh, his son, succeeded his father in the 
mercantile business; was also a farmer, kept and owned the " Indian Queen" 
Hotel for a number of years, afterward moved to his Washington Street resi- 
dence and continued farming until his death. He was for many years a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church; in politics he was a Democrat. He was mar- 
ried to Margret Bonebrake, by whom was born one son, Samuel, the young 
mother dying soon after. In due time Mr. Radebaugh (in 1819) married 
Catharine Myers, by whom were born nine children, five of whom were raised 
to maturity, viz. : Mary, John, Catharine, Anna and Bernard. He was born 
in 1790, and died in 1848, in his fifty-eighth year; his widow died in 1875. 
Mary Radebaugh (daughter of Samuel R., Sr.) was married to Charles Hutz, 
of Chambersburg, who was a prominent member of the Lutheran Church for 
many years; by occupation a merchant. Samuel Radebaugh was married to 
Caroline Tritle, but had no issue. By proper financiering he accumulated con- 
siderable wealth, which afforded ample means, yet he was never engaged in 
any active business. Politically he was a Whig. He was born October 13, 
1794, died February 17, 1862. The Radebaughs emigrated from Germany 
to Pennsylvania, and located in Lancaster County ; of this family Samuel A. 
and Jacob came to Chambersburg. Jacob soon after moved to Bedford, Penn., 
Samuel remaining in Chambersburg, and all the Radebaughs who were citizens 
of Franklin County were descendants of his. 

WILLIAM M. REED, retired farmer, Chambersburg, was born in Guil- 
ford Township, Franklin Co., Penn., May 10, 1812, son of Michael and 
Catherine (Keyser) Reed. Michael Reed was a native of Berks County, Penn., 
born 1780, and about 1804 he came to Franklin County, locating first on a 
farm in Antrim Township, and, about 1806, settling on land in Guilford Town- 
ship, on which he passed his life. He reared to maturity a family of eleven 
children, six of whom are living — five sons and one daughter — and died in 1852. 
William M. Reed was brought up on a farm, receiving an ordinary common- 
school education, remaining at home until twenty-six years of age. In 1837 
he was married to Mary, daughter of Solomon Miller, an early settler and resi- 
dent of Guilford Township, and soon after that event he located on the home 
place of his father-in-law and conducted the farm for six years. About 1845 
he purchased what was then known as the "Adam Gift farm," in Guilford 
Township, a place of 100 acres with fine improvements, which he still owns and 
upon which he resided until about 1867, when he removed to Fayetteville. 
Here he lived some ten years, engaged in conducting another small farm which 
he then owned. In the spring of 1877 Mr. Reed became a resident of 
Chambersburg, where he has since lived a retired life, occupying a handsome 
and commodious residence on Queen Street. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born 
three children, two of whom are living: Charlotte S. , now the wife of Daniel 
Herman, of Chambersburg, and A. E. , wife of George Feterhoff, of Chambers- 
burg. Our subject is a member of the United Brethren Church. He never 
aspired to public office, yet has served the people of Guilford Township in the 
capacity of treasurer and as school director. He is one of the substantial 
citizens of Franklin County. 

ELIHU D. REID (deceased) was born in Adams County, Penn. , January 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 679 

D, 1807. His education was acquired in the common schools, and when quite 
young be entered a store as clerk, but embarked in the dry goods business for 
himself at Shippensburg, Penn., early in life. About 1830 he came to Cham- 
bersburg, this county, and formed the dry goods firm of McCly & Reid, which 
partnership existed two years; then Mr. Reid conducted the business alone 
until about 1868, and had a successful and extensive trade. He then went to 
California and resided in Sacramento for three years During the late war of 
the Rebellion our subject enlisted, in 1861, and was elected captain of the com- 
missary department of the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves. He 
served three years and participated in the battles in which his regiment took 
part. Returning to civil life he engaged in the grocery trade, in which he 
continued up to within a few years of his death, which took place January 9, 
1880. Mr. Reid married, in 1834, Elizabeth A., daughter of Dr. S. D. Cul- 
bertson, and of six children born to this union two are living: Helen M. , wife 
of Hon. W. S. Stenger, and Annie, wife of Dr. B. Bowman. In politics our 
subject was a Republican. 

GEORGE W. RICE, finisher, Chambersburg, was born in Antrim Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., April 10, 1821, and is a son of John and Rebecca 
(Crow) Rice. He received his education at such schools as the neighborhood 
afforded, and in 1832, his father having purchased a farm, our subject worked 
on it for three years. In 1835 he commenced a three years' apprenticeship at 
the trade of manufacturing woolens at Bridgeport, this county, and in May, 
1838, returned to Chambersburg, where he worked at his trade in a woolen- 
mill in the vicinity. During 1841-42 he was a resident of Virginia, where he 
also worked at his trade ; returned again to Chambersburg, where he worked at 
his former place until the spring of 1845. In 1846 he commenced railroading, 
running individual freight cars to Philadelphia and Baltimore, until 1861 ; then 
entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company as freight con- 
ductor, which he continued until 1866; then engaged in the saloon business, car- 
rying on the same successfully until 1875. In 1876 he entered the employ of 
the Chambersburg Woolen Company as a finisher, his present occupation. Mr. 
Rice married in February, 1844, Eliza McKee, who has borne him one son 
and one daughter, viz. : Samuel J. , born May 19, 1850, a weaver by trade and 
now employed by the Chambersburg Woolen Company, and Mary J. , residing 
with her parents. 

SAMUEL ROSENBERGER, tanner, Chambersburg, was born in Shen- 
andoah County, Virginia, February 4, 1839, a son of Henry and Lydia (Funk- 
houser) Rosenberger. He was brought up on a farm and received the school- 
ing generally given to farmers' boys. He remained at home until the retreat 
of Gen. Banks down the Shenandoah Valley, when on account of his union 
sentiments he was obliged to flee North, having previously been drafted into 
the rebel army from which he deserted, and after traveling through the moun- 
tains a day, that night the house where he stayed was surrounded by twelve 
rebel cavalrymen, and he came very near being captured by them. Through 
a friend of his, however, he made his escape from there, and traveling the 
next day and night through the mountains he reached home, where he found 
his parents, and "on the 13th day of April, 1862, he voluntarily subscribed to 
and took the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, and 
as a legal citizen is entitled to the protection of his person and property. By 
order of Charles Caudy, Col. 66th Reg. O. V. I. , Provost Marshal, Provost 
Office, Strasburg, Va." In May, 1862, he came to Franklin County, Penn., 
where he was occiapied in farming. February 5, 1863, he was married to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Myers, and the same year he moved to Carroll 



680 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, Ind. , where he engaged in farming. He remained in Indiana five 
years, and there owned a farm, but failing health compelled him to leave that 
State. He for a time resided in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Penn. , 
where he was in partnership with D. F. Stager, conducting a tannery. Sub- 
sequently he purchased his partner' s interest in the tannery, which he carried 
on by himself until coming to Chambersburg in April, 1884. He then pur- 
chased the Jacob Shafer property on North Second Street, and converted it 
into a tannery, which he has since conducted. He deals in hides, leather and 
shoe findings, and is doing a successful business. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger 
were the parents of two daughters: Margaret Anna, who died in February, 1882, 
in her eighteenth year, and Lydia C. , born April 18, 1868, now residing with 
her parents. All are members of the Brethren in Christ, commonly called the 
River Brethren. In politics Mr. Eosenberger is a Republican. 

PETER ROSMAN, Chambersburg, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Ger- 
many, January 20, 1841, and is the eldest child of Henry and Elizabeth (Myer) 
Rosman. He attended the schools of his native country but a short time, 
when he emigrated, in 1851, with his parents to America, coming direct to 
Franklin County, and locating in Greene Township, where he worked on a 
farm for some five years, in the meantime attending school for two winters. 
He then began an apprenticeship at the trade of wagon-making, in Chambers- 
burg, at which he continued until he enlisted in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania 
Cavalry. He served out his term and in 1865 re-enlisted, this time in the 
Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated with that regiment in all its 
battles. His horse was shot from under him twice; he was slightly wounded 
near Petersburg, and was taken prisoner two days before the surrender of Gen. 
Lee, after which event he was released; returned to his regiment and served 
until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Lynchburg, Va. On his 
return to Chambersburg he resumed his former occupation of wagon-making 
with John Brahn, with whom he continued until 1869, when he entered the 
employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, with whom he has since 
continued (employed in the car shops). Mr. Rosman married, April 23, 1868, 
Barbara Hehl, born December 3, 1841, daughter of Emanuel Hehl, a former 
resident of Chambersburg, and to this union three children have been born: 
William, born February 23, 1871; George W., born February 27, 1875, and 
Daniel, born September 26, 1885. Mrs. Rosman is a member of the United 
Brethren Church. Mr. Rosman is a prosperous citizen and occupies the hand- 
some residence which he built in 1876. 

DAVID WATSON ROWE, lawyer and soldier, was born November 12, 1836, 
in Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn. His father, John Rowe, was surveyor- 
general of the State, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Prather, was a granddaughter of James Watson, a soldier of the Revolution- 
ary war, colonel of the second battalion of Lancaster County, by commission, 
dated July 1, 1777. On both sides his people were early settlers in the vicin- 
ity of Greencastle. Three brothers, Prather, from England, Episcopalians, 
and one at least a clergyman, settled at Rockville, Md. The name spread into 
Virginia and Pennsylvania. Henry Prather came and took up his abode two 
miles south of Greencastle, long before the foundation of the town. The 
Watson family came to Greencastle about the close of the Revolutionary war, 
and Col. Watson was the first postmaster there; they were Presbyterians, as 
were the Wises, who go back to that McKinnie who was killed by the Indians 
at Hollywell paper-mill, in 1756. Mary AVise married John Rowe, an Irish 
Orangeman of County Westmeath, who came here in 1804. The subject of 
this sketch, prepared in the public and classical schools of his native town, was 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 6'8l" 

sent, when still under fifteen years of age to Marshall College, Mercersbra-g, a 
quiet, beautifully situated mountain town, with Mount Parnell. a lofty leader of 
the Kittanning Hills on the one hand, and on the other Casey's Knob, "whose 
sunbright summit mingles with the sky, ' ' between them the Tuscarora range, 
an ideal place for study and the cultivation of the humanities. Leaving col 
lege he entered upon the study of law with William McLellan, Esq. , of Cham- 
bersburg, and on the 15th of August, 1857, was admitted to the bar ;'on com- 
ing of age he began the practice of his profession. He had been thus peace- 
fully, and with a fair clientage, engaged for three years, when the war of the 
Rebellion broke out. As he stood one Sunday in a group on the public square 
of Chambersburg, he heard the news and seemed to hear the guns of Sum- 
ter. He responded to the first call for troops, hurried to Greencastle and 
encouraged enlistment; joined Company C, Second Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and on the 18th of April, 1861, left for the 
front. A week later he was made sergeant-major of the regiment, and a few 
weeks afterward was commissioned first lieutenant of Company C. His regiment 
formed part of Gen. Patterson's column operating against Johnston in the 
valley of Virginia. In July, 1801, at the expiration of his term of service, 
he returned to Greencastle and remained there, rather awaiting events, than 
practicing law. When the disasters on the peninsula rendered necessary, in 
July, 1802, an urgent call for volunteers, he began to recruit a company at 
Greencastle; the full quota of 101 men was filled by the 5th of August; on. 
the evening of that day he was married to Miss Annie Fletcher, and next 
morning started to Harrisburg with his company, composed for the most part 
of the young men of Antrim Township, the very flower and pride of the com- 
munity. His company was attached, as Company K, to the One Hundred and 
Twenty- Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, of which he was 
commissioned lieut. -colonel, being twenty-five years old. This regiment 
was part of Tyler's brigade of Humphrey's division, Fifth Army Corps; he 
was never absent from his regiment a day, but was with it in all its marches, 
reconnoissances and battles. While the second battle of Bull Run was in prog- 
ress, his regiment was lying at Cloud's Mill, near Alexandria, and Lieut. -Col. 
Rowe was ordered to proceed with six companies and a section of artillery 
to Bull Run Ridge and hold it, but it was destroyed before his command was 
able to start. At Antietam, Humphrey's division was in service with the rest 
of Porter's corps. At Fredericksburg, in the series of charges on Marye's 
Heights, Humphrey's division, which made the last charge, covered itself with 
honor. Gen. Hooker declares that ' ' no campaign in the world ever saw a 
more gallant advance than Humphrey's men made there." Col. Elder of the 
One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth, received a serious wound (fracture of the 
thigh), was carried from the field, and Lieut. -Col. Rowe assumed command of 
the regiment, which he retained thenceforth, until the regiment was mustered 
out of service. Gen. Tyler, in his report, speaks in praise of his efforts and 
officer-like conduct on this bloody field. He led his regiment into action at 
Chancellorsville on Sunday, May 3, 1803; of his conduct here, Gen. Tyler 
says: "Col. Rowe exhibited the true characteristics of a soldier, brave, cool; 
and determined, and his spirit was infused into every officer and soldier of his: 
command." His regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg on the 20th of 
May, 1803; he resumed the practice of law, and on March 18, 1808, at the- 
age of thirty-one, was appointed by Gov. Geary, additional law judge of the 
Sixteenth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Franklin, Fulton, 
Bedford and Somerset, of which Hon. A. King was president judge, and at 
the ensuing general election was chosen to fill the office for the term of ten 

37 



682 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years. In 1874, upon the division of the district, pursuant to the provisions of the 
new constitution, he became president judge of the Thirty-Ninth Judicial Dis- 
trict, composed of the county of Franklin, to which the county of Fulton was 
attached. In 1878 he was re-elected for another term of ten years, but in 
1883 Fulton County was detached from this district, leaving Judge Howe 
with Franklin only. Politically he is a Eepublican, having cast his first presi- 
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln; he has not sought political preferment. To 
aid the erection of a soldiers' monument he wrote and published a sketch of 
the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He 
also laid before the constitutional convention a draft of a constitution. In 
1876, at the Centennial celebration at Chambersburg, Judge Rowe delivered 
the oration. 

JUDGE HENRY RUBY, retired editor and merchant, of Chambersburg, 
was born in Stoystown, Somerset Co. , Penn. , April 8, 1804, eldest son of 
Casper and Sarah (Peisel) Ruby. He attended the schools of that day and was 
thrown upon his own resources at an early age. He came to Chambersburg 
in 1814, and at once commenced an apprenticeship with F. W. Schophflin, his 
uncle, who then published a German paper. His printing office, the Judge 
thinks, was the best school for acquiring knowledge he ever attended. He 
worked as journeyman for about one year, and in 1824 or 1825 took charge 
of the office. Upon the death of his uncle, soon after the latter part of 
L825, he became proprietor of and conducted the office and paper for about 
four years. In 1831 he started the Franklin Telegraph, out of which grew 
the Valley Spirit, of to-day. Mr. Ruby continued as editor and publisher of 
the Telegraph some four years, when he became superintendent of the German 
Reformed Messenger printing establishment, and as such remained until the 
fall of 1839 (some two years). He was then appointed by Gov. Porter regis- 
ter and recorder of Franklin County, and was elected to the same office at 
the first election held after the ratification of the new constitution. In 1847 
he received the appointment as associate judge, which office he held for a time, 
and then resigned. In 1851 he removed to Orrstown, where he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, and in 1853 was appointed postmaster of the place. In 
1856 he removed to Shippensburg, where for twenty-one years he was engaged 
in the grain and forwarding business, which was extensively and profitably 
carried on. In 1874 he returned to Chambersburg, where he has since led a 
retired life. Judge Ruby was married in 1826 to Rebecca, daughter of Dr. 
Abraham Senseney, one of the pioneer physicians of Chambersburg. To our 
subject and wife were born two daughters and two sons, the second of whom, 
C. B. Ruby, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, died in 1881. The 
eldest child, Anna Mary, is the wife of J. M. Wolf kill, of Chambersburg; the 
third child, Elouisa (widow of R. J. Lawton), resides in Shippensburg. The 
youngest, Henry R. , is an employe in the Cumberland Valley Railroad shops. 
Mrs. Ruby died October 7, 1885. Judge Ruby has been a member of the 
German Reformed Church since about 1840, and of the Masonic order since 
1825. He is an esteemed citizen; in politics a Democrat. 

REV. J. G. SCHAFF'S SONS, publishers of the People's Register (daily and 
weekly), Chambersburg, is a firm composed of Motte L. and B. Harris Schaff. 
Motte L. was born in Adams County, Penn., April 28, 1865, and removed to 
Greencastle with his parents in 1868 and to Chambersburg in 1869. He was 
educated in the public schools and afterward entered the office of his father in 
1878, where he learned the trade of printer. He was foreman of the office 
until the death of his father, which occurred September 21, 1881. Since then, 
in connection with his brother, B. Harris, and sister, Thesta B., he has con- 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBEKSBUKG. 683 

ducted the papers with much success. April 1, 1885, Miss Schaff retired from 
the duties of the office. The career of B. Harris is similar to that of his 
brother. He was educated like him and also entered his father's office at an 
early age and learned the trade of printer. Neither of the brothers are mar- 
ried and both reside with their mother. The family are not members of any 
church but hold the Life views, as taught in the Old and New Testaments, 
believing there is Life only in Christ. Persons holding these views are com- 
monly called ' ' Life Believers. ' ' 

J. G. SCHEIBLE, ice dealer, Chambersburg, was born in Philadelphia, 
Penn., April 14, 1813, eldest child of John Martin and Catharine (Geyer) 
Scheible. John M. Scheible, born about 1776, was a native of Germany, and 
emigrating to America soon after the commencement of the century, came 
with his wife and two children to Chambersburg in 1816, where he engaged 
in butchering till stricken down with paralysis in 1821, which terminated his 
life in 1847. He reared to maturity a family of three children, of whom J. 
G. is the sole survivor. Our subject received a fair education in the public 
schools, and, when fourteen years of age, commenced an apprenticeship which 
lasted seven years, at the trade of tailor in Philadelphia. He then returned to 
Chambersburg, and in 1834 embarked in mercantile business, which he con- 
ducted for some five years. In 1840 he took up tailoring and conducted a 
clothing establishment until 1862, when he earned on farming in St. Thomas 
Township, this county, for two years. In 1865 he went to Indiana, where he 
purchased a farm and lived seven years. He returned to Chambersburg, Penn. , 
in 1872, purchased a brickyard and conducted the same successfully, doing 
an extensive business, for seven years. In 1879 he commenced the ice indus- 
try which he still continues; has been very successful and puts up about 1,500 
tons of ice a year. Mr. Scheible was married, May 1, 1833, to Eliza C. Good- 
win, born in Trenton, N. J., May 20, 1817. To this union were born thirteen 
children, eight of whom are living — four sons and four daughters. They are 
members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Scheible has been a member of the 
Masonic order for thirty years, and of the I. O. O. F. for thirty-five years. In 
politics he is a Democrat. He was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. 
Porter some forty years ago, and served then four years. While a resident of 
Indiana he filled the same position Cor four years. Early in life he was cap- 
tain of a militia company. 

JACOB T. SCHLICHTER, retired farmer, Chambersburg, was born in 
Franklin County, Penn., April 20, 1813, only son of Thomas and Susan 
(Thrush) Schlichter. Thomas Schlichter was also a native of Franklin County, 
his father, Duval Schlichter, being a pioneer of same. Thomas Schlichter 
reared a family of two children : Jacob T. and Rebecca ; the latter, the wife 
of Peter C. Holler, died in Kansas in 1885. Thomas Schlichter was a tailor by 
trade and carried on that business in Upper Strasburg for many years. His 
death occurred many years ago. Jacob T. was educated in the public schools, 
and learned the tailor's trade under his father and worked at it until eighteen 
years of age, when he commenced an apprenticeship to the trade of miller. 
About 1835 he rented the Felty Mill at Upper Strasburg, and conducted it 
for three years; then conducted the Bigler Mill, located in the same town, 
one year. After carrying on the miller' s business for four years he purchased 
a farm in Lurgan Township, upon which he lived for eleven years ; then went 
to St. Thomas Township, where he worked in a tannery one year, and for one 
year farmed in the same township. From this locality he removed to Letter - 
kenny Township, where he engaged in farming, renting a farm on which he 
lived two years; later he purchased the same farm (which he now owns) com- 



684 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

prising 150 acres of good land. Here he resided until coming to Chambers- 
burg in the spring of 1885. April 9, 1834, he was married to Mary Mowers, 
and to this union were born five children, three of whom survive: Rev. Hiram 
A., a minister of the United Brethren Church, residing in Chambersburg ; 
Simon T. residing in Kansas, and George W. a resident of St. Thomas Town- 
ship. Mrs. Schlichter died March 8, 1882, and May 3, 1883, Mr. Schlichter 
married Mary, daughter of John Byers, a former resident of Fayetteville. 
Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church; his wife of the United 
Brethren Church. He has held various township offices and discharged their 
duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. In addition to his farm, which is 
well improved, Mr. Schlichter owns valuable property on West King Street, in 
Chambersburg, on which he resides. 

REV. HIRAM A. SCHLICHTER, a United Brethren minister, was born in 
Letterkenny Township, near Upper Strasburg, Franklin Co. , Penn. , Decem- 
ber 18, 1838. He is the eldest son of Jacob T. and Mary (Mower) Schlichter. 
In early life his opportunities for obtaining a thorough education were some- 
what limited, being required to work a good part of the time on the farm. He 
attended the common schools of Letterkenny; then took a course at the acad- 
emy at Spring Run, Path Valley. In the fall of 1857 he was licensed to ex- 
hort at a quarterly conference held at Crider' s Church, Franklin County, Rev. 
J. Erb presiding elder. In the fall of 1859 he was licensed to preach, at a 
quarterly conference held at Young' s Church, Cumberland County, Penn. In 
Jamiary, 1861, he was received into the annual conference, at a session held in 
Chambersburg. He entered the active ministry in 1859, and served various 
charges in Franklin, Cumberland, Perry, Adams and York Counties, Penn. 
and in Baltimore City, Md. At an annual conference held in the city of Har- 
risburg in February, 1886, he was chosen one of the presiding elders, and ap- 
pointed to the Chambers District. His ministry has been quite successful. 
In August, 1862, he volunteered as a member of Company H, One Hundred 
and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (nine months) and was at 
once chosen second lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fredericks- 
burg and Chancellorsville, served out his term of enlistment, and was mustered 
out of service at Harrisburg. November 14, 1862, he was married to Miss 
Barbara E. Strock, and to them were born six children: Wm. Otterbein, Ja- 
cob A., Edith Romaine, Sedonia Estelle, Vara Zenobia and Norman C. In 
politics Mr. Schlichter has always been a Republican. 

DR. ABRAHAM H. SENSENY comes from a stock of noted physicians. 
His grandfather, Abraham Senseny, came to Chambersburg from New Holland, 
Lancaster County, in 1781, and practiced in the former place until his death, 
February, 1844, at the age of eighty-three years. For a period of two years- 
he was the only physician in the place. He was highly esteemed in the com- 
munity for his ability and exemplary character. He was a member of the sect 
of Baptists called Mennonites, who are descended from the pure Waldenses, 
and, according to the learned writer, Rev. J. J. Dermont, chaplain to the King 
of the Netherlands, ' ' may be considered the only Christian society which has 
stood since the Apostles, and as a society which has preserved pure the doctrine& 
of the Gospel through all the ages. ' ' They maintain that practical piety is the 
essence of pure religion. Dr. Abraham Senseny' s wife was a daughter of 
Frederick Huber, of Paltz, Germany, who volunteered his services to his 
adopted country in the war of the Revolution, and died in a hospital at Phila- 
delphia. His wife, who visited him on his death bed, took the same fever 
which carried off her husband, and died also. Dr. Abraham Senseny' s educa- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 685 

tion was principally in German and Latin, having studied medicine with his 
uncle in Philadelphia, who was graduated in the old country, which was the 
mode of admission to the fraternity of physicians at that early day, about 125 
years ago. Jeremiah Senseny, son of Abraham, commenced practice in 1809, 
and continued until his death in 1863, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 
He enjoyed a fine reputation and did a larger business than any of his cotem- 
poraries. He married Catherine, daughter of Abraham Huber, of Bridgeport, 
this county, proprietor of all the land in the vicinity of the place. Dr. J. 
Senseny was a volunteer in the war of 1812, and was made surgeon-in-chief at 
Meadville, Penn., but was obliged to resign on account of ill health. He 
returned home, and in 1814 re-enlisted and went to Baltimore in the company 
of Capt. Finley. Dr. Abraham H. Senseny (son of Dr. Jeremiah), of whom 
we now write, was graduated in medicine at Jefferson College in 1835, and 
began the active practice of his profession in the same year. He inherited an 
extensive business, which his splendid abilities increased and retained until 
his death, July 17, 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years. We have no doubt 
that he had a larger and more varied experience than any physician who ever 
practiced in his neighborhood. For forty-eight years he labored, almost with- 
out relaxation, practicing all the branches of his profession, adding luster to 
the family name, which for more than 100 years was renowned in Franklin 
County. Every community has its ' ' men of mark. ' ' For causes connected with 
their character, conduct and circumstances, they fill a place in public view and 
stand high in public estimation. Dr. Senseny was such a one. From the 
public prints at the time of his death we gather testimonials as to his worth as 
a citizen, a man of integrity, and to his unquestioned moral qualities, and by 
his strict observance of professional ethics he won the respect of all his pro- 
fessional brethren. He earned his rank as a surgeon and an unrivaled gen- 
eral practitioner by his severe habits of study and great fondness for general 
reading. His inherited judgment in the diagnosis of disease was very re- 
markable. The peculiar characteristics of Dr. Senseny were quickness of per- 
ception, promptness of action and unwearying energy. With intuition he per- 
ceived the nature of a -case and with great rapidity brought his resources to 
bear upon it. " Dr. Senseny had much in his character which was strong and 
positive. He was a man of deep convictions. He abhorred pretense, if any man 
did. He did nothing by halves or in any way of indirection. He had a large, 
warm heart. He was forceful and brave and earnest. " During the season of 
epidemic cholera in Chambersburg, in 1852, Dr. Senseny had the most trying 
experiences. His endurance and persevering attention to patients was most 
wonderful, many of whom could never pay him a dollar, and others, who pro- 
bably paid him such a pittance as no man of intelligent medical attainments 
could tolerate, without the sense of the supreme need of his services and with- 
out a portion of the grand instinct which prompted the utterance, " Love thy 
neighbor as thyself." He was known often during these trying months, Au- 
gust and September, 1852, to return home after working with prostrate and 
worthy working-men till a late hour of the night, exhausted and spiritless, 
with hardly more strength than to call out as he threw himself on his bed, 
' ' give me some laudanum and lavender, this is killing me. ' ' Emphatically he 
lived for the good of others, and " it is not in great deeds of philanthrophy 
that the only blessing is found;" in his little deeds of kindness repeated every 
day he found his true happiness. Other reward he hoped for elsewhere. His 
last thoughts are found in a scrap of poetry, which he had kept for some time 
and was with him in his last moments: 



686 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Lord, who art merciful as well as just, 
Incline thine ear to me a child of dust ! 

Not what I would, O Lord, I offer Thee, 
Alas! but what I can, 
Father Almighty, who hast made me man, 
And bade me to look to heaven, for Thou art there, 
Accept my sacrifice and humble prayer. 
• Four things which are not in Thy treasury 

I lay before Thee, Lord, with this petition: 

My nothingness, my wants, 
My sins and my contrition. 

— Persian. 

Dr. A. H. Senseny was married January 16, 1838, to Miss Jane K. Davis, 
daughter of William S. Davis, Esq. , whose parents and grandparents were 
settled in Franklin County in the vicinity of Rocky Spring, and belonged to 
the sturdy stock of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who were the pioneers in the 
last century. Of this union eight children were born — five sons and three 
daughters. The eldest, William D. Senseny, M. D. , a youth of great prom- 
ise, after completing his course was seized with a fatal illness from too severe 
application to his studies and died May 17, 1861, aged twenty-two years. A 
commission was given him just before his sickness to enter the "Union Army as 
surgeon. Dr. Benjamin Rush Senseny, after receiving a classical education, 
read medicine with his father. He could not regard with apathy and indiffer- 
ence the gigantic rebellion that was threatening the life of the Republic, and, 
although not quite twenty years old, he presented himself before a board of 
army surgeons in Philadelphia in 1863, and having passed a satisfactory ex- 
amination, was accepted and ordered to Cherry Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, 
where he remained a short time, when he was transf erred ? to Jefferson Barracks, 
Missouri. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to a hospital in the city of 
St. Louis. During his residence there he attended lectures at Pope's Medical 
College, and received his diploma from that institution in 1864. After his 
graduation he was transferred to a hospital in Chambersburg, at which post 
he remained until the end of the war. In 1865 he married Miss Rosalie J. 
Murdoch, of St. Louis, by whom he had one child, Jeannette. Dr. Rush 
Senseny was endowed with a brilliant mind, which was polished by extensive 
reading, by travel and by close and intelligent observation of men and affairs. 
This made him a forcible and perspicuous writer, not only in his profession, 
but also on subjects of public interest and concern. He died, after a long ill- 
ness, March 28, 1880, aged thirty-seven years. His widow and daughter sur- 
vive him. Dr. Edgar Senseny, ' ' the last of his line, " was a man of rare 
ability in his profession, "courtly and talented, the very ideal of manly strength 
and beauty, ' ' was graduated with high honor from Jefferson College, Philadel- 
phia, in 1870. Returning at once and sharing his father's large practice, his 
strength was taxed too much, and the seeds of the disease which cost him his 
life were sown. He died October 2, 1884, beloved and lamented. Alexander 
H. Senseny, second son of Dr. A. H. and Jane K. Senseny, was a young man 
of rare virtues, of good mathematical attainments, fond of his pen, and, as a 
writer, known in his church papers and in the Democratic columns of his own 
town journals. An organic affection of the heart made him a life-long sufferer, 
and after twenty- six years of patient endurance and resignation he died July 
17, 1866. Of the remaining children two died in childhood. Kate S., the eld- 
est daughter, married William M. McKnight, of Pittsburgh, and with their 
family reside in Chambersburg. Alice S. married John D. Grier, living 
also in Chambersburg. They are, with their mother, the only survivors. 

JACOB SHAFFER, car builder, Chambersburg, was born in Hessen- 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 687 

Darmstadt, Germany, November 22, 1819, eldest son of Jacob and Catharine 
(Groesskup) Shaffer. He received a portion of his education in his native 
land, where he remained till 1831, when he' came with his parents to America 
and direct to Chambersburg, Penn. His father, Jacob Shaffer, Sr. , a carpenter 
by trade and a successful business man, worked as journeyman for some years, 
then engaged in contracting, and built a portion of the Cumberland Valley 
Railroad. He reared to maturity two sons (of whom Jacob survives) and died 
in 1858, an active member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject com- 
pleted his education in the public schools of Chambersburg, and in 1835 com- 
menced an apprenticeship with Samuel Seebert, at the trade of carpenter. In 
the spring of 1838 he entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, 
working in the car shops. In 1850 he was appointed foreman of the car shop, 
and held that position until the fall of 1866, when he again entered the em- 
ploy of Samuel Seebert, and assisted in building the court-house and the resi- 
dence of Thomas B. Kennedy, as well as other edifices, continuing thus em- 
ployed for two years. In 1868 he re-entered the employ of the Cumberland 
Valley Railroad Company, with whom he has since remained. Mr. Schaffer 
was married in 1840 to Catharine Gimmell, who was born in Neuenburg, 
Bavaria, November 26, 1817, and to this union were born ten children, seven 
of whom are living — two sons and five daughters: Jacob W., Catharine, Ma- 
tilda, Julia Ann, Annia, Lizzie and Fredrich G. Mrs. Shaffer died Febru- 
ary 21, 1885. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Shaffer 
has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1852. In politics he is a full Re 
publican. He was a member of the town council in 1862-63. 

EPHRAIM S. SHANK, hotel proprietor, Chambersburg' was born in An- 
trim Township, Franklin Co., Penn., January 30, 1830, son of John and 
Catherine (Royer) Shank. His boyhood was spent in the home of his parents, 
where he had the usual advantages offered by the common schools of the town- 
ship in which he resided, and assisted his father in the duties pertaining to 
farm life until his marriage, November 27, 1851, with Miss Sabina A. Kreps. who 
was born in Greencastle, Penn., April 30, 1832. After marriage Mr. Shank 
made a business of butchering until the breaking out of the civil war. when 
he enlisted as a private in Capt. Kurtz's company, in the Seventeenth Penn- 
sylvania Cavalry. He was afterward appointed quartermaster- sergeant, a posi- 
tion he held until the close of the war. After his return Mr. Shank opened a 
hotel at Funkstown, Penn. , where he remained four years. He then sold out 
and removed to Chambersburg, where he rented for eighteen months the 
" Montgomery House, " and purchased the " Washington House, " a well known 
hotel, conducting a very successful business until his death, November 6, 1SS3. 
Mr. and Mrs. Shank were the parents of eight children, three dying in infancy: 
Katie B., married to Ezekiel Foreman; W. H. ; Araminta, married; Theodore, 
deceased: George W. and Lillie B. , minors; Bessie and Bertie, deceased. W. 
H. , the eldest son of Mr. Shank, has succeeded his father in the hotel, ano" is 
a well known and popular landlord. His mother and youngest brother and 
sister, reside with him; the two elder daughters are married and reside in 
Chambersburg. 

JOHN McDOWELL SHARPE, son of Andrew and Rosanna (McDowell) 
Sharpe, was born in Newton Township, Cumberland County, on October 
7, 1830. His paternal ancestors were among the first settlers in the upper end 
of that county. His maternal ancestors were of the early settlers in the Kisha- 
coquillas Valley, Mifflin County. His great-grandparents on his father' s side, 
Thomas and Margaret (Elder) Sharpe, were Covenanters who, because of their 
religious faith, were driven from Scotland to the province of Ulster, in the 



688 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

North of Ireland, about the middle of the seventeenth century, and settled at 
Belfast, in the county of Antrim, until they emigrated and settled in the 
Cumberland Valley, near Newville, about the year 1747. They had five sons 
tmd four daughters. His grandfather, Alexander Sharpe, of Green Spring, 
one of the foremost men of his day in the county, was the youngest of the five 
sons. He began his academic studies at Marshall College, then under the 
presidency of Rev. Dr. John W. Nevin, and completed his collegiate course 
under Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckenridge, at Jefferson College, in September, 
18-48, graduating with the highest honors of his class a few days before he at- 
tained the age of eighteen years. Shortly afterward he began the study of 
the law with Hon. Frederick Watts, of Carlisle, and was admitted to prac- 
tice at the November term, 1850. He selected Chambersburg as the place of 
his future residence, was admitted to the bar of Franklin County on March 
11. 1851, and continued to reside and practice his profession there as long as 
he lived. On March 7, 1857, he was married to Emma L. King, a daughter 
of John King, and Mary S. (Maclay) King. She and their only child, Walter 
King Sharpe, survive him. 

Mr. Sharpe was one of the most distinguished men that ever lived in 
Franklin County. He was gifted by nature, and, besides, a diligent student 
from boyhood until death. He was an eminent lawyer, but had attainments 
beyond the reach of his profession, which made him an agreeable companion 
and a useful citizen; and he possessed a nature so gentle and kind, patient and 
forgiving, that he was, what few ever are, as lovable as he was eminent. Like 
most men engaged almost constantly in the turmoil of professional life, he left 
little to testify to his literary culture. Were it not for his memoir before the 
Pennsylvania Historical Society of Hon. George Chambers, one of its vice- 
presidents, on February 17, 1873; his portrayal of the character of Hon. W. 
M. Meredith before the constitutional convention on September 16, 1873; his 
centennial ovation at the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church on June 18, 
1876, and some of his reported speeches in the convention that gave us the 
constitution of 1874, it would soon be forgotten that he was a scholar as well 
.as a lawyer. He was of Federal ancestry, and began life a Whig; took an 
active part for Gen. Scott in 1852, but the Know-nothing movement drove 
him from those with whom he had formerly affiliated, and in 1856 he declared 
for Buchanan, and ever after clung to the Democratic party. In 1863 he rep- 
resented the counties of Franklin and Fulton in the Lower House, and in 1864 
Franklin and Perry, and was recognized as an able debater and a careful and 
wise legislator. In 1872 he was elected to the constitutional convention by 
the counties of Franklin and Cumberland. The records of its debates and the 
testimony of his associates concur in giving him a high place among its mem- 
,bers. 

In 18S2 he was again elected to the House of Representatives, and was 
-chairman of its judiciary committee, and universally recognized as the fore- 
most man of that body when he died. This is a summary of his political ca- 
reer, for which he had little taste and less adaptation, considering the manner 
in which distinction in this field is generally won. He had none of the quali- 
ties of the mere politician. He was incapable of trickery. He despised the 
cunning and artful man. None of the methods by which men are cajoled or 
duped or purchased to further the interests of an individual or party ever 
received his sanction. He never sought office, but was always master of the 
various questions that arose in the State or Nation, and presented them to the 
people in their assemblies and to his party in its conventions, like a scholar, a 
statesman and a gentleman. It was his superiority rather than his popularity 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 089 

that led his constituents to elect him to the public places that he filled. But 
there was a sphere in which he loved to move, and a calling to which he was 
devoted. He was a lawyer of the highest type. He began the practice of 
his profession before he attained his majority, and pursued it unremittingly as 
long as he lived. Upon his admission to the bar, Judge Watts pronounced 
him the brightest student he had ever instructed, and has said the same of 
him often since. Judge Sharswood after he left the supreme bench said with 
deliberation that, taking one term with another, he regarded Mr. Sharpe as the 
best prepared and most thorough lawyer that came before him during the 
term that he sat in that court. The bar and the people of thfe southern por- 
tion of the State, in which he was personally well known, recognized him as 
the first lawyer of his day, and the leader of his profession; and they had 
ample grounds for such recognition, for in him were combined all the attri- 
butes that make up the accomplished and thorough lawyer. He was a scru- 
pulously honest man, with a knightly sense of professional duty which at all 
times reminded him of his obligation to the court as well as to his client. 
He was learned in all branches of his profession, and familiar with the prac- 
tice of all the courts. He tried a case with the same zest, skill and earnest- 
ness in the quarter sessions as he did in the common pleas. His client sit- 
ting by his side was always the same, whether in the person of one accused of 
crime, or of a prominent citizen legally demanding his rights. His power of 
memory was equal to his reasoning faculties. He could carry without notes 
the names of witnesses and their testimony accurately through a protracted 
trial, and when questions of law unexpectedly arose he could often refer on 
the instant to a case that ruled the point. His knowledge of pleading and 
his self possession were such that he was seldom taken by surprise, and his 
accuracy in the preparation of the pleadings commended him to the learned 
in the profession. He was an advocate of great power. His manner was 
open, manly, candid and earnest. His diction was fine. He could skill- 
fully analyze testimony, and logically present the result of his analysis; and 
to these he added care in the preparation of his case, and, whenever practicable, 
an examination of the witnesses before they were called to the stand. 

But the place where he was most at home, and appeared to the best advan- 
tage, was before the court. The atmosphere that pervades this tribunal in our 
State has always been uncongenial with tricky sophistry, the suppression of 
truth and the suggestion of falsehood. Here integrity, industry, learning and 
a high order of talent are surest of finding recognition. Such were his indus- 
try and learning that he never appeared before the court in any important case 
without thorough preparation. Such was his ability that he never failed to 
present his case in the clearest and most favorable light, and such his integrity 
that he would have suffered the most mortifying defeat rather than gain a 
cause by citing a misleading or overruled case. Thus armed with every weapon 
that could contribute to success, the supreme court of his State was the tribu- 
nal in which he displayed his finest qualities, and there he was always welcome, 
for he never appeared before its judges without an argument that was worthy 
of their fullest attention, and with a paper, book, or counter statement con- 
taining all that could be said on his side of the controversy. This learned and 
profound lawyer, persuasive and eloquent advocate, was an especial favorite 
with the younger members of his profession. There never was an hour of his 
busy life when he was not willing and ready to turn aside from his own busi- 
ness to aid those of less experience who came to him for counsel, and many 
are the instances of his unalloyed courtesy and kindness that his juniors at the 
bar love to recall. 



690 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

It is sad to think that the recollection of such a man will die with the gen- 
eration that surrounded him, but this*is the decree of fate. It is only on the 
battle-field and in the arena of politics that permanent fame is attained, and 
in both the criterion of greatness is success, nothing higher. The lawyer who 
makes it his standard of duty to see that justice is administered with an equal 
hand, who strives to protect the weak, to prevent wrong, and terminate con- 
tention, and devotes his days and nights to the interests of his fellow men, may 
look forward to immortality, but it is that beyond the grave. Mr. Sharpe's 
personal appearance was attractive, his manners refined; his face was 
indicative of his chief characteristics, in it were mingled gentleness and 
intellect. The latter secured for him a pre-eminence, which by reason of the 
former provoked neither enmity nor jealousy. His habits were retired, not 
only because of his love of study, but of impaired hearing. His sensibility to 
this affliction often kept him from mingling in society when he would have been 
most welcome. He was reared a Calvinist, trained from childhood in the 
tenets of the Westminster Confession of Faith and its catechisms, professed its 
doctrine in manhood, and died in its faith. His funeral was attended by 
representatives of both houses of the Legislature, by the bars of Franklin and 
Cumberland Counties, and a large concourse of people of Franklin County. 
He died on the 23d of August, 1883, and awaits the resurrection, in the 
beautiful Falling Spring Cemetery, on the banks of the Conococheague. 

JOHN SHIFFERT, veterinary surgeon, Chambersburg, was born in Le- 
high County, Penn. , June 24, 1821, only son of John and Elizabeth (Kriesmer) 
Shiffert. He received a fair education in the public schools of that day, and 
early in life he adopted the profession of veterinary surgeon. He first studied 
with Dr. Saser, an eminent German veterinary surgeon, and subsequently 
with Dr. Henry Hine, an equally noted surgeon in this branch, and later was 
associated with Dr. Henry Carroll, also a successful German veterinary surgeon. 
Our subject has practiced his profession in various places in Pennsylvania and 
in other States. During the late Rebellion he"was veterinary surgeon to the 
Susquehanna department, under Capt. Shipley, till the close of the war. Mr. 
Shiffert came to Chambersburg about 1850, and has since resided here, with 
the exception of the time spent in the army and a two years' residence in Cum- 
berland County, Penn. The Doctor was first married, about 1851, to Bar- 
bara Metz, who bore him four children — one son, John C, now a veterinary 
surgeon practicing in New York, and three daughters. The first wife of our 
subject died about 1865, and he subsequently married Esther Mullen, and by 
her had six children, of whom only one survives, Daisy B. , born October 7, 
1873. In 1873 Dr. Shiffert purchased his present residence in Chambersburg. 
He has been an extensive and successful practitioner; has never aspired to 
public office. 

S. M. SHILLITO, gunsmith and burgess, Chambersburg, was born in 
Loudon, Franklin Co., Penn., November 8, 1824, eldest son of Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Grubb) Shillito, the former of whom was a native of Chambersburg, 
born in 1793; served in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of North Point. 
His ancestors were from the North of Ireland and settled in Chambersburg, 
Franklin Co., Penn., in 1740. At the age of twelve years our subject com- 
menced working with his father at the trade of gunsmith, and after acquiring 
a knowledge of the business, continued with his father until the death of the 
latter in 1852, when he assumed control and conducted the business until the 
destruction of Chambersburg in 1864. For six years following he was a clerk 
in the postoffice of that city. In 1874 he resumed the gunsmith business, which 
he has since successfully carried on. Mr. Shillito is much interested in edu- 



BOEOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 691 

cational matters, and for fifteen years served as a member of the board of 
directors of the public schools. He is now serving his second full term as 
burgess of the city. He has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church since childhood, and filled the different official positions in the church. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

THE FIRM OF SHREINER BROS., composed of Samuel and John 
Shreiner, proprietors of the "Montgomery House" livery, Chambersburg : 

Samuel Shreiner was born in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland Co. , 
Penn., August 27, 1840, and was educated in the public schools of his native 
township. He was reared on the home farm until the age of twenty-nine; then 
engaged in telegraph building, as foreman of a gang of men, for some ten 
years; was stationed at Chambersburg, as lineman for the Western Union Tel- 
egraph Company, for two years. In the fall of 1881, together with F. A. 
Marshall, he purchased a livery, which was conducted under the firm name of 
Marshall & Shreiner for about one year. In 1883 John Shreiner purchased 
the interest of Mr. Marshall, and since then the firm has been Shreiner Bros., 
and they have done a successful business. They built their present livery stable 
in the rear of the ' ' Montgomery House, ' ' into which they moved in the spring of 
1884. Mr. Shreiner married, in March, 1879, Mary C. Porter, daughter of 
Joseph F. Porter, and by her had four children, three living: Bessie May, 
Edith Pearl, Roy Porter and Margaret Elizabeth. 

John Shreiner was born in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland Co. , Penn. , 
December 26, 1846, and was educated and reared in the same manner as his broth- 
er. He engaged in telegraph work with his brother, and now holds the position of 
lineman, resigned by his brother. He married, in 1873, Eleanora Morrett, daugh- 
ter of Daniel Morrett, and by her has six children: Charles Talbert, Daniel 
Morrett, Mary E. , Clara May, Clarence Miller, Grlenn Cleveland. Mrs. Shreiner 
is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Shreiner is a member of Lamber- 
ton Lodge, No. 708, I. O. O. F., and Olive Branch Encampment of the I. O. 
O. F. Politically he is a Democrat. 

HENRY SIERER, furniture manufacturer, Chambersburg, was born in 
Cumberland County, Penn. , August 24, 1832, son of Daniel and Mary (Kroll) 
Sierer. He grew up on the farm, and received but limited educational advan- 
tages. In March, 1850, he came to Chambersburg, where he served three years 
at the trade of cabinet and chair making. At the expiration of his apprentice- 
ship he purchased the interest of his employer, William A. Haslett, whose es- 
tablishment was on the site of his present place of business. In 1856 Mr. 
Sierer put into the establishment steam power, and in 1859 leased the Wash- 
abaugh Brewery property as a factory, where he continued the business until 
the property was destroyed by fire in 1864. He again leased the same site and 
rebuilt, and was, in August, 1869, the second time burned out. He again 
rebuilt and occupied the property until the expiration of his lease in 1872, when 
he purchased the Lemnos edge-tool factory, to which he added suitable build- 
ings for manufacturing purposes, which, during the flood of 1877, were carried 
away, with the exception of the main structure, and by which much of his prop- 
erty was destroyed. He again rebuilt, and is now carrying on an extensive 
business. The firm, since 1873, has been H. Sierer & Co. (the Co. being Will- 
iam H. Bricker). The firm employs about forty hands. In 1854 Mr. Sierer 
was married to Margaret C. , daughter of Dr. Jeremiah Senseny. She died in 
1860, and in 1864 he was married to Catherine J. Carmany, by whom he has 
had four children. The family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Sierer has ever been alive to educational interests, and for sev- 
eral years served as school director of the borough. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. 



692 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOSEPH SIERER, dealer in carpets and wall paper, Chambersburg, was born 
in Cumberland County, Penn., December 11, 1838, son of Daniel and Mary 
Sierer. He was brought up to farming until fifteen years of age, and received 
such instruction in the common branches as the neighborhood schools afforded. 
At the age of fifteen years (in March, 1853), he began serving with his father an 
apprenticeship at the trade of chair-making, in Chambersburg. After complet- 
ing his apprenticeship he worked for others several years, and for a period took 
charge of his brother's retail establishment, in which capacity he was occupied 
in February, 1868, when was opened the carpet house of J. Sierer & Co., 
which was carried on under that name until April, 1870, since when Mr. Sierer 
has conducted the business himself, and to which he added, about eight years ! 
ago, wall paper. The business has grown to large proportions and the store is j 
now in a flourishing condition. In 1869 Mr. Sierer was married to Emma C, 
daughter of Jacob Jarrett, of Chambersburg. To this union six children were 
born, five of whom are living — two daughters and three sons. Mrs. Sierer is a i 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

ADOLPHUS A. SKINNER, retired farmer, Chambersburg, was born in, 
Fannettsburg, Franklin Co. , Penn. , April 14, 1844, a son of William W. and I 
Maiy Ann (Ramsey) Skinner. He received a fair education in the schools off! 
his native town, in the academy at Spring Run in Franklin County, and in i 
Miln Wood Academy at Shade Gap, in Huntingdon County, in addition to : 
which he was in attendance one term at Academia, Prof. Shoemaker's academy 
in Juniata County. Subsequently he taught school three or four winter terms, 
and in 1863 entered the store of his uncle, John S. Skinner, in Fannettsburg, 
as clerk, remaining with him a year or fifteen months. In 1866, in company 
with Captain J. H. Walker, he engaged in the shoe and notion trade at Fan- 
nettsburg, under firm name of "Skinner & Walker," which firm for two years • 
did an extensive business. On the death of his father in 1867, our subject: 
became the owner of the home farm, which is still in his possession, and upon i 
which he resided until 1872, when he was elected register and recorder, and, 
in November, 1872, removed to Chambersburg, Franklin County. In 1875 he- 
was re-elected to that office and filled the same until 1879, when for three 
years he led a retired life, and in 1882 accepted the position of deputy regis- 
ter and recorder, which he filled until April, 1884. Since the spring of the 
latter year he has devoted his attention to the management and improvement : 
of several farms in Franklin County, and to the building of houses in Cham- 
bersburg and Fannettsville. October 16, 1879, Mr. Skinner married Miss 
Susie E. , daughter of John Keefer, a well known citizen of Chambersburg, 
and to this marriage have been born two children: Adolphus L., and Mary 
Ann; the former born December 25, 1880, and the latter born April 4, 1882. 
Mr. Skinner is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics a Republican. He 
and his family are attendants of Central Presbyterian Church, Chambersburg. 

WILLIAM C. SKINNER, brick manufacturer, Chambersburg, was born 
in Fannett Township, Franklin County, Penn., June 18, 1849, youngest 
son of William and Sarah Ann (Aikin) Skinner, the former of whom is also 
a native of Fannett Township, this county, born in 1818, his father, John 
Skinner, having been one of the pioneers of that township. William Skin- 
ner was a merchant in Dry Run, till his election to the office of sheriff in 
1854, when he removed to Chambersburg, where he continued to reside until 
his death in 1878. He reared to maturity a family of four children — two sons 
and two daughters. He was a successful business man. William C. Skinner 
received a fair education in the public schools and academy at Chambersburg, 
also at Academia Academy in Juniata County, Penn. , which he attended some 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 693 

three terms. In connection with his father and brother (under firm name 
of William Skinner & Son), our subject conducted a dry goods and notion store 
for three years. In 1873 he commenced the manufacture of brick, in which 
he still continues, and has an extensive yard where he makes some 800,000 
bricks per annum, usually employing some twenty hands. In 1875 he was 
appointed and served as deputy sheriff three years. In the fall of 1880 he 
was elected sheriff, filling that office for a term of three years, since when he 
has devoted his attention to brick manufacture. Mr. Skinner married, in 
1873, Alice R., daughter of Melchor Hassler, a former well known resident of 
St. Thomas Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner are parents of six 
children, of whom four sons survive. Our subject and wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Skinner is a Democrat. 

EDWIN O. SMILEY, grocer, Chambersburg, was born in Carlisle, Cum- 
berland County, Penn., July 28, 1858, a son of Robert B. and Elizabeth 
A. (Shade) Smiley. He with his parents came to Chambersburg in 1866, 
where he was educated in the public schools, and in the fall of 1872 entered 
the employ of S. A. Huber as clerk, with whom he remained until October, 
1884, when he commenced business for himself in his present location, 71 
South Main Street, as a dealer in general groceries and crockery, making a 
specialty of fresh fish and vegetables in their season, which business is 
increasing and promising. December 15, 1879, Mi*. Smiley was married to 
Miss Lulu, daughter of Christian and Margaret Senseney, former residents of 
Chambersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Smiley are members of the First United 
Brethren Church. 

GEORGE W 7 EBSTER SMITH, conductor, Chambersburg, was born in 
Chambersburg, this county, February 12, 1842, youngest child of Allen and 
Patience (Webster) Smith, the former of whom, a tanner and currier by trade, 
was born in Chester County, Penn., March 4, 1801, and came to Chambers- 
burg in the fall of 1839, where he entered the employ of the Cumberland 
Valley Railroad Company as engineer (he had occupied a similar position on 
the State road before coming here) and was the first to run an engine with an 
enclosed cab on the Cumberland Valley Railroad. He continued on the road 
some years and then ran individual express cars for Maj. Calhoun for seven 
years. In 1852 he embarked in the grocery trade and did an extensive and 
successful business until the destruction of Chambersburg in 1864. His resi- 
dence and place of business were totally destroyed, and though he rebuilt the 
latter, he never entered into business. Allen Smith, who was a member of 
the Society of Friends, never cared for office. He died April 7, 1877, a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. His widow, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn. , 
September 2, 1806, is still living, vigorous in mind and body. Our subject, 
the only living child of this couple, was educated in the public schools of 
Chambersburg, and clerked in his father's store early in life. About 1869 he 
entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, acting as 
brakeman for five years, when he was appointed conductor of a freight train, 
a position he still holds. Mr. Smith was married in 1867 to Priscilla E., 
daughter of David Zimmerman, a former resident of Letterkenny Township, 
this county. Of the ten children born to this union four are living — two sons 
and two daughters. 

FREDERICK T. SNYDER, register and recorder, Chambersburg, was 
born in Guilford Township, this county, June 13, 1850, third son of Jacob C. 
and Martha (Tritle) Snyder. He was educated in the public schools of Guil- 
ford Township, and was reared to farming until 1869, teaching school winters 
and working on his father's farm. Having studied telegraphy at Davenport 



694 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

I 
Institute, lie became an operator in Ohio for one year. Returning home in 
1876, he resumed teaching and farming; was elected judge of the election board 
in Guilford Township in 1879, and assessor of same township in 1881-82; in the 
fall of 1884 he was elected register and recorder of Franklin County for a term 
of three years, being the only Democrat elected on the county ticket during that 
campaign. Mr. Snyder married, June 3, 1879, Ella V. , daughter of Amos P. 
Rice, a resident of Guilford Township, this county, and by her has one daugh- 
ter, Anna Myrtle, born in March, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of 
the First United Brethren Church, of Chambersburg. 

JOHN D. SPEER, manufacturers' agent, Chambersburg, was born in 
Lurgan Township, Franklin Co. , Penn., February 5, 1833, eldest son of "Will- 
iam and Jane (Calhoun) Speer. He was reared and worked on a farm in his 
native township until sixteen years of age, receiving such educational advan- 
tages as the neighboring schools afforded. He was then apprenticed to the 
trade of carpenter and joiner, which he learned, and at which he worked for 
others until about 1853, when he commenced for himself the business of build- 
ing and contracting in Lurgan Township. He was married in 1853 to Lu- 
cinda, daughter of John Hamshire, a former citizen of Lurgan Township. 
Our subject carried on the business in Lurgan until coming to Chambersburg 
in the spring of 1864. He worked at his trade during the rebuilding of 
Chambersburg, and about the year 1867 entered into partnership with W. D. 
Guthrie in the burning of lime, which occupation he followed until 1870. In 
• 1871 or 1872, in company with Jacob S. Brand, he began the manufacture of 
blasting powder, and continued that business for three or four years, when he 
disposed of the same. These gentlemen also conducted a wholesale and retail 
grocery under the name of ' ' Brand & Speer, ' ' for three years, when Mr. 
Speer retired from the firm. About the year 1881 the latter became identified 
with the firm of Laflin & Rand as manufacturers' agent for powder of all 
grades, also for the Duncannon Iron Company, and for the Central Iron Com- 
pany of Harrisburg, manufacturers of boiler plates, etc. The firm is now J. 
D. Speer & Son, and has operated extensively for the past three years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Speer are the parents of five children — two sons and three daughters. 
They have been identified with a church society for many years. 

WILLIAM STAKE, tax collector, Chambersburg, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., April 19, 1828. son of John and Sarah 
(Monninger) Stake, the former of whom was also a native of this county, born in 
Lurgan Township about 1790, his father having been one of the pioneers of 
Franklin County, Penn. John Stake was a weaver by trade and spent the last 
of his days in Hamilton Township, this county, where he died about 1871. 
He reared to maturity a family of seven children, of whom one son and four 
daughters survive. Our subject was educated in such schools as the county 
then afforded but afterward improved his educational advantages by study. 
When seventeen he commenced an apprenticeship, serving three years at the 
trade of carpenter in Shippensburg, Penn. There he also worked as journey- 
man for some years. In 1852 he married Catharine Bruner. That year he 
commenced building and contracting in Upper Strasburg on his own account, 
and there did a successful business until, coming to Chambersburg in the 
spring of 1865, he entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad 
Company, working in the car shops till June, 1877, when he was elected tax 
collector for the borough of Chambersburg, and has since been annually re- 
elected to the same position. Mr. and Mrs. Stake are the parents of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom are living — two daughters and three sons. The family are 
members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stake is a member of the O. U. A. M. 



BOEOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 695 

JOHN STEWART, attorney at law, Charnbersburg, the second son of Dr. 
Alexander and Elizabeth (Hamnril) Stewart, was born November 4, 1839, in 
Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Penn. , and was educated at Princeton 
College, where he graduated in the class of 1857. He then studied law with 
Judge Watts at Carlisle, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1860. In 
1861 he removed to Chambersburg, where he has been engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession. August 11, 1862, he was mustered into the Union Army 
as first lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to adjutant of the reg- 
iment four days later. In that capacity he served with the regiment until it 
was mustered out at the expiration of its term, May 30, 1863. He was a dele- 
gate from Franklin County to the National convention at Baltimore, which 
nominated Lincoln for his second term. After leaving the army Mr. Stewart 
devoted himself entirely to the practice of his profession. He was elected in 
October, 1872, the delegate from the then Nineteenth Senatorial District, com- 
prising Cumberland and Franklin Counties, to the State constitutional con- 
vention. Mr. Stewart was an elector in the State on the occasion of Gen. 
Grant's first election. He was also a delegate in the National convention 
at Cincinnati, which nominated President Hayes. In 1880 he was elected a 
member of the State Senate from the Thirty-third District, comprising 
Franklin and Huntingdon Counties. In 1882 he became the Indepen- 
dent Republican candidate for governor in the triangular contest of that year. 
In 1884 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago 
which nominated James G. Blaine, and was chairman of the Pennsylvania 
delegation. Mr. Stewart married, in 1862, Miss Jane Holmes Larmour, 
daughter of Samuel B. Larmour, of Alexandria, Va. 

ISAAC STINE, wholesale and retail grocer, Chambersburg, was born in 
Hanover, York Co., Penn., April 4, 1847, youngest son of Alexander and 
Esther Stine. The father was born in Germany in 1805, and came to Amer- 
ica about 1840, first locating at Hanover, York County, where he remained until 
1847, when he came to Chambersburg and opened a grocery store on Second 
Street, which he carried on until his death in 1863, having been a successful busi- 
ness man. He reared to manhood and womanhood a family of five children, of 
whom Isaac is the sole survivor. The widow still lives at the age of eighty - 
four years, vigorous in mind and body. Our subject received a common- school 
education, and passed his youth in his father' s store. On the death of the lat- 
ter he assumed charge of the business, which had been removed to South Main 
Street. Soon after his removal his stock was totally destroyed by fire, and he 
returned to Second Street, where he resumed business, and continued for five 
years. About 1870 he again located at No. 147 South Main Street, and from 
there, in 1880, he removed to his present location, adding a wholesale de- 
partment to the retail store, which latter is now at No. 42 South Main Street, 
the wholesale department being carried on at the corner of Main and Washing- 
ton Streets. He has also two warehouses in different parts of the borough, 
employs two commercial travelers, and does an extensive business. Mr. Stine is a 
Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. ; in politics a Democrat. 
He and his family are members of the Hebrew Church. 

JACOB STROCK, conductor, Chambersburg, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 21, 1844, son of Henry and Sarah 
(Bitner) Strock. Henry Strock was born in Lebanon County, Penn., May 21, 
1800; came to Franklin County early in the century and purchased a farm in 
Hamilton Township, where he lived till about 1861, when he removed to St. 
Thomas Township, this county, and there resided until his death, which oc- 



696 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

curred June 26, 1875. He reared to maturity a family of fifteen children, of 
whom five daughters and four sons survive. Jacob Strock received a fair educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native township. He was brought up to farm 
pursuits, and remained at home till eighteen years old. In 1862 he commenced 
an apprenticeship at the trade of bricklayer with the Cumberland Valley Rail- 
road Company, and worked at that trade, mostly with that company, until 
1870, when he commenced as brakeman on a freight train for the same corpo- 
ration and continued in this position some five years. About 1877 he was ap- 
pointed conductor, a position he has since filled. Our subject was married in 
1866, to Catharine, daughter of Robert Dunkinson, a former resident of Cham- 
bersburg, Penn. To this union was born one daughter, Annie, who was mar- 
ried September 24, 1885, to Samuel Minnich, of Chambersburg. Mrs. Strock 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Strock is a 
Democrat. 

JACOB LEWIS SUESSEROTT, M. D., (deceased) was born of German 
descent, in Chambersburg, this county, February 20, 1829. He died July 16, 
1886. Having received an academic education, he entered Jefferson Med- 
ical College, and was graduated from that institution in March, 1851. In the 
same year, combining the practice of dentistry with that of medicine, he estab- 
lished himself at Chambersburg, where he remained until 1857 ; then accepted the 
chair of pathology and therapeutics in the Pennsylvania College of Denial 
Surgery, at Philadelphia. In 1864, his home being placed in a precarious 
condition by the northern movement of the Confederate Army, he resigned his 
professorship and returned to Chambersburg in order to protect, as far as pos- 
sible, his property. From that time he devoted himself exclusively to medi- 
cine, engaging in a general practice. He was a member of the State Medical 
Society, of the Franklin County Medical Society, an ex-member of the Ameri- 
can and Pennsylvania Dental Societies, also of the American Medical Associa- 
tion. During the latter portion of the late war he was surgeon to the district 
board of enrollment, and was surgeon to the United States pension bureau 
from 1863 until December, 1885. October 12, 1852, Dr. Suesserott married 
Julia E., daughter of Frederick Smith, Esq., of Chambersburg, and to this 
union have been born two sons and three daughters, the eldest of which chil- 
dren, C. A., is an attorney of Chambersburg; L. F. , the second eldest, was 
associated with his father in the practice of medicine, having graduated from 
the University of Pennsylvania in the session of 1879. In politics Dr. Suess- 
erott was a Republican. He was connected with the Lutheran Church. 

BENJAMIN UGLOW, farmer and dealer in real estate, Chambersburg, 
was born in Cornwall, England, June 26, 1814, eldest child of Nicholas and 
Prudence (Date) Uglow. Nicholas Uglow, born in England in 1788, immigra- 
ted to America in 1818, came direct to Chambersburg, this county, and en- 
gaged in well-digging and brick-making, subsequently buying the land, now the 
home place of his son, in Chambersburg. He reared to maturity a family of 
three children, of whom Benjamin is the sole survivor. He was at one time 
elected justice of the peace, but declined to serve. He was an enterprising 
citizen, and died September 28, 1868. Our subject received but limited edu- 
cational opportunities, and early in life was called on to assist in the various 
duties pertaining to the farm and brickyard. He always lived on the home 
place, with the exception of two years spent on a farm in Hamilton Township, 
this county. Early in life he manufactured brick extensively for some twelve 
or fifteen years. Our subject has been twice married, first on March 31, 1836, 
to Miss Mary Gurns, who bore him twelve children, of whom ten are now liv- 
ing—six daughters and four sons. Mrs. Mary Uglow died May 23, 1857, and 



BOKOUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 697 

Mr. Uglow then married, January 20, 1859, Miss Elizabeth Keyser, who. was 
born in Germany, November 5, 1823. To this union were born two daughters, 
one of whom (Rebecca) is living. Mrs. Uglow is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Our subject, who is an esteemed and substantial citizen, 
has never aspired to office. 

WILLIAM WALLACE (deceased) was one of the most widoly known,' 
reputable and prosperous merchants who have done business in Chambers- 
burg; he came of genuine Scotch-Irish stock. His father, Isaac Wallace, was 
born at Blue Ball, Lancaster Co., Penn. , and came to Franklin County in 
early life and settled on a farm in Guilford Township, near the village of 
Marion. William was the only son. Isaac had three daughters: Harriet, who 
died young; Rebecca, who was married to Adam Fisher, the head of the fam- 
ily of Fishers so famous as hotel'keepers, and whose representatives are now 
the proprietors and managers of the popular " Indian Queen Hotel " ; and Mary, 
the consort of James Duffield, a member of the numerous and influential con- 
nection of Duffield, who were among the earliest inhabitants of the country 
round about New Guilford, or, as better known, ' ' Turkey Foot. ' ' Our sub- 
ject, William Wallace, was born on the paternal farm, November 6, 1805; he 
was educated in a log schoolhouse near Marion, and acquired an excellent 
mental training. Of his apprenticeship we can learn nothing, but in 1826 he 
commenced business for himself in Greenvillage; a few years later he moved 
to Chambersburg and took the store at the corner of Queen and Main Streets, 
since famous in the annals of the county seat as "Wallace's Corner." He 
went into partnership with Col. John McGeehan, then a celebrated personage 
in this region; soon after the firm was enlarged by taking in James Duffield, 
the brother-in-law of Mr. Wallace, and the firm bore the title of McGeehan, 
Wallace & Co. After a few years Mr. AVallace "bought otit the partners and 
conducted the business alone until after the burning of the town by the rebels, 
when, his business house and store being consumed, he secured a temporary 
room in the rnarket-house, replenished his stock, associated with him a favor- 
ite clerk, Mr. Leonard Kindline, and did an immense trade under the firm 
name of Wallace & Kindline. Subsequently Maj. McLenegan, son of his 
second wife, was taken into the partnership, and, finally, he reconstructed 
his firm and, as Wallace & McLenegan, continued in the mercantile busi- 
ness until death dissolved the firm. It may be stated in passing that Mr. 
McLenegan, a general favorite in the community, soon followed his venerable 
associate to the grave. Mr. Wallace died after a prolonged illness, which he 
accepted from the beginning as fatal, and which he bore with exemplary com- 
posure, waiting serenely for the end. He was twice married; his first wife was 
Mary McLenegan, of an excellent family in Lancaster, by whom he had sev- 
eral sons, all of whom, except Elijah, who is still living, died in their childhood 
and youth. His second wife, who survives him, was Mrs. Mary McLenegan 
(widow of Elijah McLenegan, brother of the first Mrs. Wallace), who was 
born a Fordney, a sister of William B. Fordney, eminent in the legal and 
social life of Lancaster. The present Mrs. Wallace had three children: 
Emily Beattes McLenegan, wife of Dr. Samuel G. Lane ; Samuel McLenegan, 
who died young, in Philadelphia, in 1853; and Maj. William McLenegan, 
who served in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, during the war and departed this life August 2, 1883. William Wal- 
lace acquired a large estate and erected a number of valuable houses in Cham- 
bersburg. He was a devout Christian for many years, a member of Falling 
Spring Church. In politics, in which he took a lively interest, he was a Dem- 
ocrat born and reared, but upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he became 

38 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

•an earnest Republican. During the worst clays of the war his faith in the 
iinal triumph of the Union forces ne.ver faltered, and his gratitude to the 
statesmen and generals of the Republic was intense and abiding. Mr. Wal- 
lace was an exceptionally handsome man, of winning address, pleasant voiced, 
simple and gentle in deportment, and of an affectionate nature, constant in his 
friendships, frank and direct in his convictions, and invincibly honest in his 
sentiments, and in his dealings possessing rare judgment. He was a great reader, 
and acquired a tine stock of knowledge. He was interested in the prosperity, 
of the community. During his business career he was engaged in milling, 
brick-making, farming, and prospered in all. He was one of the largest 
stockholders of the Chambersburg Woolen Mill and one of its officers and 
managers. He lived before the public many years and died honored and 
lamented : 

" A man resolved, and steady to his trust, 
Inflexible to ill and obstinately just." 

FREDERICK WEITZEL, grocer, Chambersburg, was born in Hesse 
Darmstadt, Germany, March 3, 1836, second child born to Earnest and Chris- 
tiana (Seng) Weitzel. He received an ordinary common-school education in his 
native country, having attended the private and public schools, and when 
quite young assisted his father in the latter' s duties as school teacher. He 
served an apprenticeship for three years at the trade of cabinet-making, which 
r he commenced at the age of sixteen years ; subsequently he worked at his trade 
in various places in Germany, and in November, 1868, began carrying on the 
cabinet business in his native town, Eckerthausen, which he continued until 
emigrating to America in August, 1869. On his arrival in this country he be- 
gan work in the Knabe Piano Factory at Baltimore, and remained in that 
institution two years. He next became a resident of Steelton, Penn. , for two 
years. In June, 1874, he located in Chambersburg, and embarked in the 
grocery business at his present location on North Second Street. February 
18, 1873, he was married to Catherine Rader, and to them have been born 
two daughters: Anna Mary, born February 5, 1874, and Emma Elizabeth, 
Lborn November 12, 1876. The family are identified with the German Luth- 
eran Church. Mr. Weitzel is a law-abiding citizen and a prosperous business 
man. 

A. J. WHITE, merchant tailor, Chambersburg, is a native of this county, 
born at Chambersburg, January 1, 1828, son of Robert and Elizabeth ( Jarrett) 
White. Until fourteen years of age he attended the common schools of his 
native town; then served an apprenticeship at the tailoring business, which he 
followed, working for others until 1858, when he commenced business for him- 
self. In 1864 he lost his place of business and residence, together with fur- 
niture, and the following year rebuilt, constructing a fine modern edifice, 
immediately resumed business, and at once took the leading position in fine 
merchant tailoring, ready made clothing, gents' furnishing goods, etc. For 
the past five years the firm has been A. J. White & Son, consisting of Andrew 
J. and Hiram C. Our subject married, in 1850, Sarah J. Grove, who bore 
him fourteen children, ten of whom are now living — five sons and five daugh- 
ters — originally six sons and eight daughters : Alice V. , Hiram C. , Ida Belle 
(deceased), Andrew Jackson (deceased), Mary Blanche, Carrie E., Robert 
Walter, Nellie S., Ellwood J., Sallie R., Preston B., Howard, Fannie Emma 
(deceased), Nannie Edith (deceased). Mrs. White died June 20, 1885, a life- 
long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a devoted and earnest 
Christian woman. In January, 1887, Mr. White married Miss Emma K. Harn, 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a first cousin of his first wife. 



BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG. 699 

Our subject has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for the past thirty-six 
years. He has been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
twenty years. He is one of the substantial men of Chambersburg, and a re- 
spected and esteemed citizen. In politics he is a Democrat. 

J. M. WOLFKILL, merchant, Chambersburg, was born in Greencastle, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , April 8, 1828, son of John and Elizabeth Wolfkill. He 
received limited schooling. At the age of twelve years, his mother being a 
widow, he was thrown upon his own resources. He engaged with a Mr. Wil- 
helm, of Greencastle, in driving hogs and sheep from Greencastle to Baltimore 
for a period of two years. In 1842 he came to Chambersburg and entered 
the employ of John Smith, as clerk, with whom he remained until 1850. He 
then removed to Orrstown, and, in company with Henry Ruby and R. J. Law- 
ton, established the firm of Ruby, Wolf kill & Co. , in general mercantile busi- 
ness, in which he continued for four years and a half, also conducting a brick- 
yard. He then took a trip West, and, returning, came to Franklin County, 
engaging for four years and a half in trade in Upper Strasburg, where he did a 
successful business. In 1860 he returned to Chambersburg, and the following 
year purchased the site of his present business and home (corner of West Mar- 
ket and Franklin Streets), and engaged in general merchandising. In 1863-64 
he had two stocks of merchandise carried off, and in the latter year his resi- 
dence was destroyed. In 1865 he rebuilt, erecting his present commodious 
building, where he has since continued in an extensive and profitable business. 
In 1850 Mr. Wolfkill was married to Anna Mary, daughter of Henry Ruby, 
a well known resident of Chambersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfkill are the par- 
ents of two children, one of whom, Henry E. , is associated with his father in 
the business. Henry E. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Wolfkill has always declined public position. He is a self-made man and a 
substantial citizen; in politics a Democrat. 

CHARLES A. YOH, train dispatcher, Chambersburg, was born in Mar- 
tinsburg, W. Va, August 16, 1857, youngest son of Henry and Susan 
(Streib) Yoh. He obtained an ordinary common-school education in his native 
place, and was employed as a clerk until nineteen years of age, when he learned 
telegraphy. In 1877 he was appointed assistant train dispatcher in the 
general office of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, in Chambersburg. About 
the year 1882 he was appointed train dispatcher, a position he has since held. 
Mr. Yoh has always taken great interest in the fire department of the city, and 
in 1884 he was elected president of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company. In 
the spring of 1886, he was elected to the office of councilman from the First 
Ward. In 1878 he was married to Miss Margaret Carl, and to them have 
been born four children; three are living — two sons and one daughter. Mr. 
Yoh and family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. 

W. J. ZACHARIAS, district attorney, Chambersburg, was born in Fred- 
erick County, Md. , March 18, 1852, the youngest son of Christian and Sarah 
(Picking) Zacharias. He was educated in the public schools and in Mercers- 
burg College, graduating from the latter institution in 1876. In that college 
he remained one year as tutor of Latin and Greek. For three years he was 
vice-principal of the Chambersburg Academy, during which time he read law 
in the office of John Stewart, Esq. , and was admitted to the bar, April 26, 
1880, and in September of that year commenced the practice of his profession 
in Chambersburg. In the fall of 1883 our subject was elected district attor- 
ney, served his term and received the unanimous nomination for the same 
office in the summer of 1886, and was defeated by two votes, though leading 
his ticket 763 votes, his opponent being Hiram J. Plough, Esq. Mr. Zacha- 



700 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

rias married, March 20, 1883, Mary J. daughter of Capt. R. J. Boyd of Up- 
ton, this county, and to them have been* born one daughter, Janet, and one 
son, Robert M. The parents are members of Zion' s Reformed Church, in which 
Mr. Zacharias is a deacon. He is a member of Columbus Lodge, I. O. O. ¥., 
No. 175; in politics he is a Democrat. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE. 

REV. JOHN ROBINSON AGNEW was born June 8, 1810, in McCon- 
nellsburg, Bedford (now Fulton) Co., Penn.* son of Col. James and Mrs. 
Ochiltree (nee Elizabeth Finley) xignew. He attended the classical school of 
Dr. McConaughy, at Gettysburg, Penn. , and graduated at Dickinson College, 
Carlisle, pursuing his theological education at the Union Seminary, Va. , and 
Princeton, N. J. Mr. Agnew was a missionary among the Choctaw Indians 
' ' at his own charges. ' ' His first pastorate was at Harrisville, Butler Co. , 
Penn. , and Scrubgrass, Venango Co. , Penn. , of nine years' duration. His 
health failed, however, so that he would never consent to be installed again, 
but was stated supply in various churches; was missionary among the freed- 
men; chaplain in the Missouri penitentiary during Gov. McClurg's term; 
agent for Lincoln University and LaFayette College; professor of senior classes 
in Steubenville Female Seminary, Ohio; agent of board of colportage, 
Pittsburgh. He married, in 1839, Harriet J. H. Agnew, by whom he had one 
child, M. J. Agnew. Mr. Agnew was elected vice-president of Oxford (Ohio) 
Female College, but did not accept by advice of friends, though strongly urged 
to by faculty and students. In ' ' Men of Mark " it is said of him ' ' while 
acting as professor of astronomy, at Steubenville, Ohio, he invented an ingen- 
ious set of sectional globes, celestial and terrestial, combined with an orrery 
in such a manner that all three, in one, more clearly and definitely convey to 
the mind of the student the movements of the heavenly bodies than has 
been done by any other invention, and it will be a blessing to any school to be 
furnished with these appliances for illustrating geography and astronomy. 
While laid aside from preaching by physical infirmities, at Greencastle, Penn. , 
he is completing these inventions. [Never completed on account of want of 
means.] In all the public positions he has occupied the Rev. J. R. A.gnew 
has proven himself to be a man of the very highest principles, faithful, earnest 
and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and pre-eminently a man of 
faith and prayer, preferring the poverty and trials of the Gospel ministry to 
the many more lucrative positions which have offered themselves to him at 
various periods of his eventful life." He came here (Greencastle) from Mis- 
souri in 1872, where he has been ever since, entirely laid aside from active 
life at present by bodily infirmity, deafness and partial blindness. 

ALLEN BROWN and descendants. Allen Brown came from Cookstown, 
County Tyrone, Ireland, and settled in Lower Path Valley, then Fannett 
Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., about the year 1755. He built a house 
on the main road leading to Pittsburgh, started a small store and traded 
with the Indians and early settlers. In ] 765 he bought from Adam Hoopes 
450 acres of land, for which he paid £359. In religion he was a Presbyterian, 
and it is* supposed he was one of the many that left Ireland about that time in 
order to have larger religious liberty. He was twice married — to Mary Broth- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 701 

erton, July 3, 1755, who died July 10, 1758, and, May 10, 1708, to Margaret 
Oliver, who died March 14, 1817. Allen Brown died October 14, 1808, aged 
seventy-nine years, and is interred in the White Church Presbyterian grave- 
yard. He was enrolled in Capt. Abrams company, and did some service in the 
Revolutionary war. In person he was a man of medium height and size, 
kindly disposition, and a leader among men at his day and in the community in 
which he lived. He left three children : Mary, Joseph and Stephen O. Mary 
married James McCurdy, and died at the age of seventy-five. Joseph was 
twice married, was elected justice of the peace and was for a number of years 
a ruling elder in the Lower Path Valley Presbyterian Church. He died, re- 
spected by the community, at the age of seventy- six, and is interred in the 
White Church graveyard. Stephen O. was born February 7, 1782. He fell 
heir to one half the large tract which his father owned: on this land he built a 
house, on the road leading through the valley from Fort Loudon to Concord, 
and there lived all his days. April 30, 1800, he married Martha Johnston, of 
Antrim Township, this county, a lady of the noted family of that name which 
figured so largely in the early history of Antrim Township and Franklin 
County. She died March 22, 1817, aged forty-three, and is interred in the 
Johnston graveyard near Shady Grove. March 5, 1824, he married Margaret 
Brewster, daughter of William Brewster of Fannettsburg. this county. She 
died May 17, 1872. Stephen O. Brown died March 8, 1800, aged seventy- 
nine years, and is interred in the Lower Path Valley graveyard where a neat 
monument has been erected to his and his wife's memory. He was six feet in 
height, weighed about 175 pounds, hair brown, eyes blue. In his prime he 
was a man of strength, with fine physical and muscular build, a large, well 
molded head and a strong face. He was a reader and well informed on all 
subjects, and a fine conversationalist. He was a Presbyterian, and for many 
years held the office of trustee in the church. He was a Whig in politics, but 
never sought nor held office, more than school director of his township. By 
economy, industry and good judgment he accumulated quite a large fortune. 
He left three children : Martha Jane, wife of Samuel M. Linn, Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania, Oliver S. Brown and Dr. W. B. Brown, Greencastle, Penn. 

GEORGE W. BRUMBAUGH, stock dealer, Greencastle, was born July 8, 
1834. His grandfather was a native of Washington County, Md. His father, 
David Brumbaugh, was also born there, but about two years previous to our 
subject's birth moved to the south part of Antrim Township, this county, just 
over the Maryland line. David' s wife' s name was Anna Eve Kessecker. He 
was a farmer, a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, a large land- 
holder, owning three farms in Maryland and three farms in Pennsylvania, 
amounting to 975 acres. During his late years he kept a hotel at Middleburg, 
near the State line, and besides this hotel property he owned three different 
houses and other lots in Middleburg; he died in 1840, and his widow in 1849; 
they are buried in the old Lutheran graveyard at Hagerstown, Md. They had 
a family of twelve children, nine of whom lived to be grown: Simon, Elias D., 
Nathan H. , Elizabeth L. , Jacob B. , Catherine J., Anna Maria, Indiana D. 
and George W. The subject of this sketch was reared to the life of a farmer, 
and obtained his education in the Middleburg schools. After his parents' 
death he lived with his brother Jacob, and sister Anna Maria, who continued 
the hotel and managed the farm. December 20, 1871, he was married to Miss 
Ann Eliza Hartman, daughter of Charles and Susan (Myers) Hartman, very 
early settlers in Antrim Township, Franklin County. The Hartmans were 
from Lehigh County; the grandparents of Mrs. Brumbaugh were born there; 
they were Charles and Elizabeth (Lowery) Hartman. The grandparents of 



702 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mrs. Brumbaugh on the Myers side were Jacob and Susan (Zent) Myers. 
Charles and Susan (Myers) Hartman had eight children, three living: Hamil- 
ton Van Dyke, Ann Eliza and Susan Zent. Charles Hartman was a very 
prominent member of the Reformed Church, holding official positions in the 
church and serving it in some way nearly all his life. He was also prominent 
in politics, a Democrat, and served Greencastle as its burg3ss, and in other 
local offices. He died in 1864, his widow in 1879; they are buried side by side 
in the Reformed Church graveyard at Greencastle. He had been a resident 
of the place fifty-six years. After our subject's marriage, in the spring of 
1872 he moved to Greencastle and commenced keeping house in the old home- 
stead of his wife' s parents, where he has resided up to date. Previous to this, 
and up to this time, Mr. Brumbaugh has been handling stock, in which he has 
been successful. In politics he is a Democrat; has served as town councilman 
and in other local offices. Although not a member, he is the treasurer of the 
Reformed Church, of which Mrs. Brumbaugh is a member. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brumbaugh have one child, Susan Wolff, born January 29, 1875. 

ADAM CARL, M. D. , Greencastle, was born December 16, 1800, at Han- 
over, York Co., Penn. , son of George and Catherine (Diller) Carl, the for- 
mer a native of York County, and the latter of near Carlisle, Cumberland 
C. , Penn. The Doctor's father, who was a farmer in York County, died 
while the Doctor was quite young, and he was taken by his brother, with 
whom he lived. He obtained his literary education in the schools of Hanover, 
and while a young man he became a clerk in an apothecary store in Carlisle. 
In the meantime he had become interested in medicine, and decided to adopt 
that profession as his life calling, and when twenty-four years of age became a 
student of Dr. James Henry Miller, at Baltimore, Md. , who was professor of 
the theory and practice of medicine in Washington Medical College, Baltimore, 
where he graduated in March, 1829. The Doctor came to Greencastle in 1825, 
and started a drug store the same year on South Carlisle Street, in the house now 
i occupied by Dr. Nowell. In May of same year he married Ann Maria Michael, 
a native of Hanover, and a daughter of John and Catherine (Beltz) Michael. By 
this union there were seven children: William M. , born May 22, 1826 (died aged 
forty-six); John, born February 19, 1828; George Davison, born June 15, 
1830; Charles H. , born June 5, 1832 (died aged three years); Xavier Bichat, 
born December 19, 1836 (died aged one year); Henrietta J., born April 11, 
1838, and Mary Ellen, born _March 1, 1843, wife of Dr. F. A. Bushey. Dr. 
Carl, on the death of his wife, July 6, 1848, married in 1849 Mrs. Susan 
Moore, a sister of his first wife; she died in 1874. The Doctor is a member 
of the Lutheran Church at Greencastle. He has been in constant practice of 
his profession in this place for fifty- eight years, but the last three or four years 
has attended only upon special old patients, or in consultation. He served his 
church as deacon for several years, and as an elder for over fifty years. The 
Doctor was here during the invasion of Lee, and on the enemy's retreat to 
"Virginia treated many of their wounded while passing through Greencastle. 
When he first settled he had a large practice, extending fifteen miles in all 
directions from Greencastle, his visits all being made on horseback. 

George Davison Carl, a son of Dr. Adam Carl, a native of Greencastle, 
obtained his literary education at the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, and 
began reading medicine in 1851 with his father, subsequently attending one 
session at Jefferson Medical College, -and afterward graduating at Pennsylvania 
Medical College, Philadelphia, in the spring of 1855. The same year he began 
the practice of his profession at Greencastle. 

REV. CYRUS CORT. The Cort family originated in Westphalia, Prus- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 70S 

sia. The first coming to America was John Yost Curth or Kurth, who was I 
twenty years old; he emigrated, and in 1758 located near Hagerstown, Md. T 
and married Margaret Kemmerer. He was a farmer and was remarkable for 
his unaffected piety, was a member of the Reformed Church, and during early 
times had charge of blockhouses for defense against the Indians, in West- 
moreland County, where he moved previous to the Revolution. He had three 
sons and four daughters. Daniel Kort, one of his sons, was born March 5, 
1780, in Westmoreland County, and was married to Elizabeth Turney, an aunt 
to the present congressman from that district. They had seven sons and seven 
daughters, all of whom lived until their majority, and all but one was married. 
Daniel was a substantial farmer, prominent in his section, and a consistent 
member of the Reformed Church. Joseph Cort was the eldest son of the last 
named family, born November 5, 1805; he married Mary Skelly, a daughter of 
William and Elizabeth (Byerly) Skelly, and a granddaughter of Andrew Byerly, 
the founder of Byerly Station, at Bnshey Run, in Westmoreland County (this 
was where the battle of Bushey Run was fought under Col. Henry Boucpiet). 
Mrs. Skelly' s father, Jacob Byerly, was but three years old when the family 
were obliged to flee to Fort Ligonier to escape the Indians (the father being 
absent at the time). The mother mounted a horse with a young babe in her 
arms and a child one and a half years old tied to her back, and the other chil- 
dren, all small, walked and ran some thirty miles, and just barely escaped in- 
side the fort, the Indians firing at them as they went inside. Joseph Cort and 
his wife, Mary (Skelly) Cort, had a family of six children. He lived at Greens- 
burg, Westmoreland County, and was engaged for many years in merchandis- 
ing, and publishing the Pennsylvania Argus, a prominent Democratic organ. 
He, in 1845, sold out his business in town, and moved on to his farm n 
Irwin Station, and became one of the founders of that place; he now reside- at 
Irwin Station. His wife died in 1843, and in 1844 he married his present wife,. 
nee Fanny Rhodes, by whom there were seven children. Jacob Byerly. great- 
grandfather of Rev. Cyrus Cort, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. and 
served principally on the western frontier at Fort Pitt and vicinity. He lived 
to be ninety-nine years old, and died in 1857 or 1858; he is buried in Brush 
Creek graveyard, near Manor Station, Westmoreland County, under a largo 
military monument; by his side lies buried, under another large monument, his 
son Joseph, a soldier of the war of 1812. Maj. Andrew Byerly, who com- 
manded troops, guarding Perry's fleet, when his ships were being built at Erie, 
and Lieut. Benjamin Byerly, who afterward was sheriff and representative 
from Westmoreland County, were also eons of Jacob Byerly. 

Rev. Cyrus Cort was born March 15, 1834, at Greensburg, a son of 
Joseph and Mary (Skelly) Cort, and was reared principally amid the life usu- 
ally found among the substantial and best farmers. At the age of twenty he 
became a student at Irwin Station Academy for one year, then at Turtle Creek 
Academy one year, and in 1856 he became a member of the freshman class at 
Franklin and Marshall College, and was graduated there i i 1800, taking the 
highest scholarship honor of his class, delivering the Marsha. 1 oration on grad- 
uating day. The next two years he spent in the study of theology at the 
Theological Seminary at Mercersburg. under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. 
Philip Schaff, and was graduated from that institution in 1862. In Septem- 
ber, 1862, shortly after leaving the seminary, in response to the call made by 
Gov. Curtin for 50,000 emergency men, he raised a company of Westmoreland 
yeomanry, was elected captain, and brought them as far as Harrisburg, bttt the 
emergency having passed, caused by Lee' s invasion of Maryland, and the bat- 
tle of Antietam, they were sent back to their homes without getting into act- 



70-4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ual service. A few days later he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the 
Classis of the Reformed Church in "Westmoreland County, and began his min- 
istry as missionary pastor at Altoona, Penn. After four years of hard labor he 
succeeded in getting together a congregation of 100, and built a fine two-story 
Gothic sandstone church edifice. Since then he has labored thirteen years in 
missionary work in Illinois and Iowa, holding the chair of languages at Henry 
Seminary, 111. , for two years, and the rest of the time was missionary pastor 
of the congregations near Vinton, Maquoketa, etc., Iowa; during this time he 
also for seven years edited and published a monthly religious periodical called 
the Reformed Missionary. June 1, 1881, Mr. Cort became the pastor of the 
Reformed churches at Greencastle and Middleburg, Penn. ; besides the labor of 
attending to his large pastoral charge of 340 members, he has taken great 
interest in historical matters; was prominent in securing the centennial cele- 
bration, July 4, 1882, of the founding of Greencastle. A few weeks later he 
delivered an eloquent address that was afterward published widely, on the 
burning of Hannastown (burnt by Indians July 13, 1782). August 6, 1883, 
he was largely instrumental in securing the celebration of Col. Bouquet's vic- 
tory at Bushey Run, on the occasion of the 121st anniversary, also delivering 
the principal address, 15.000 people being present. In 1881 he took an active 
part in the centennial celebration of the organization of Franklin County, and 
was chairman of the Antrim Township centennial committee, and April 22, same 
year, at above convention at Chambersburg, was appointed chairman of the 
Enoch Brown memorial committee, and August 4, 1885, the monument was 
dedicated with imposing ceremonies, at which time he delivered the presenta- 
tion and dedicatory speech. He has edited and published the "Bouquet and 
Brown Memorial Volume," giving an account of different centennial celebra- 
tions, Enoch Brown's monument and others, in which. he has personally taken 
part. The book has met with great favor among historians and literary peo- 
ple. June 20, 1886, he delivered the address at the re-interment of the 
remains of Corp. Rihl, the first Union soldier killed on Northern soil, on 
the site of the monument now being erected. Recently he was appointed by 
the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, of Philadelphia, to furnish data for 
an archaeological map of the water-sheds of the Delaware, Susquehanna and 
Potomac Rivers, and has already furnished considerable matter relating to 
Indian mounds, graves, relics, etc. , found in this region, to this society. Mr. 
Cort was married, May 1, 1866, to Susan M. Patterson, daughter of William 
and Sarah (Fegley^ Patterson, and they have had sis children, four now living: 
Paul L., Ambrose, Sarah Agnes and Ralph Bouquet. Mr. Cort is a regular 
correspondent and writer of literary articles and reviews for different maga- 
zines and periodicals, chiefly in prose, but has, on several occasions, written 
poems that have been widely circulated, such as "Response to the Blue Juni- 
ata," "They Have Called Me Back from the Golden Gates," the last words of 
Dr. Henry Harbaugh, etc. 

J. B. CROW ELL, president of the Crowell Manufacturing Company, 
Greencastle, was born in Franklin Township, Adams Co., Penn., in March, 
1817. AVhen nineteen he learned the business of a bricklayer and builder, and 
carried on the building business in Greencastle for ten years. In 1850 he 
bought out the interest of Mr. Chappel in the foundry business in Greencastle, 
and in company with Mr. Bradley, under the firm name of Bradley & Crowell, 
carried on the foundry business on a limited scale, manufacturing plows, stoves 
and farm bells, and general castings used in the country. They continued 
thus until 1857, when they took in as partner Mr. J. F. Keller, and the firm 
became Bradley, Crowell & Keller, and continued thus until 1861. At that 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 705 

time they began manufacturing grain drills, namely: the Willoughby drill, 
which proved a success in the market. June 26, I860, the firm's buildings 
and plant, including the manufactured goods, were burned, entailing a loss of 
$8,000 or $10,000. The next morning, by the energy of Mr. Crowell, sheds 
were erected in which to carry on their business and. supply their trade. In 
the spring of 18(31 Mr. Crowell bought his partners' interests in the entire 
plant, and the same spring located on the site now occupied by the Crowell 
Manufacturing Company, and began the manufacture of sashes, doors and 
blinds, dealing in lumber and general contracting and building, running a 
steam saw-mill, and also bought out the interest of Mr. Austin of the firm of 
Austin & Davison. At this time he also moved his foundry for the manufac- 
ture of agricultural implements, especially the Willoughby grain drill, with 
J. B. Crowell' s fertilizer attachment, which was very popular in its day, as 
well as corn-shellers, rakes, etc., to the same place. The firm was then 
Crowell & Davison, which continued until the fall of 1809. Mr. Jacob Dear- 
dorf then bought of Mr. Davison a one-quarter interest, and the following 
spring Mr. Crowell bought the other quarter interest from Mr. Wm. H. Davison, 
thus acquiring a three-quarters interest. The firm then became known as the 
Crowell Manufacturing Company. In June, 1875, the sash, door and blind 
factory, saw mill, foundry and general stock stable and office were all destroyed 
by fire, involving a loss of $30,000; insurance $6,000. They immediately 
erected temporary buildings and started again, however. About 1875 or 1876, 
a nephew, Joseph E. Crowell, bought a one-quarter interest, and in 1879 the 
firm became known as J. B. Crowell & Co., and was chartered as a stock 
company, with a capital of $65,000, and continued until December, 1882; then 
the affairs of the company were closed out by the sale of the Crowell Manu- 
facturing Company, and the capital stock increased to $200,000. Mr. Crowell 
was the president of the first stock company and of the last, and has always 
given his personal attention to the entire business, which gave employment at 
one time to over 200 hands. Mr. Crowell is a self-made man, never receiving 
a legacy at any time, and his success is due entirely to his own perseverance 
and energy. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for forty 
years, and trustee for a number of years. He married, in 1845, Margaret M. 
Miller, daughter of Margaret and James Miller, of Perry Countv, Penn. 

JAMES KING DAVIDSON, M. D. and president of the First National 
Bank, Greencastle. The progenitors of this gentleman were of Scotch-Irish 
origin. The founder of the family in Franklin County was Elias Davidson, 
born in 1736, and who located in the southeastern part of Antrim Township, 
this county, about 1760, where he took up a large tract of land, on which he 
lived, and where he was engaged in farming the balance of his life. He was 
of the Presbyterian faith, and served as one of the first elders of that church 
in this township. He was an honored and prominent man among the early set- 
tlers of his vicinity, and served in several offices of public trust. He married, 
March 19, 1771, Agnes McDowell, born September 9, 1740, a daughter of 
Maj. John McDowell, a prominent and influential citizen, by whom was born 
a family of children. Elias Davidson died April 15, 1806, and his wife 
June 9, 1790; they are buried on the old home farm. One of the sons of the above 
was John McDowell Davidson, born in Antrim Township, this county, Janu- 
ary 4, 1772. He succeeded to a good portion of his father's estate, and like 
him always followed agricultural pursuits. He was married twice, first to a 
Miss Maxwell, of Montgomery Township, this county; she died leaving a 
family of several children, and Mr. Davidson then married Miss Mary Mc- 
Laughlin, a daughter of James H. and" Mary McLaughlin, by which union 



706 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

there were three children: James King Davidson, whose name heads this 
sketch, Mary A. E. and George H. Davidson. (The last two were twins; Mary 
A. E. Davidson died March 9, 1885.) John McDowell Davidson died 
January 5, 1811, his widow January 28, 1851, and they are buried, he on the 
old farm, and she in Cedar Hill Cemetery, near Greencastle. They were 
members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder for many 
years. • 

James King Davidson was born in Antrim Township, this county, four 
miles southeast of Greencastle, February 10, 1810, and he passed his earlier 
years in Greencastle, in the meantime receiving the education the schools of 
the town and vicinity afforded, and where, subsequently, he prosecuted his 
studies, preparatory to becoming a student at Dickinson College, where he 
graduated before his twentieth year. Soon afterward he began the reading 
of medicine in the office of Dr. John McClellan, of Greencastle, and gradua- 
ted at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1S33. After leaving col- 
lege he practiced his profession at McConnellsburg, Bedford Co. , Penn. , for 
one year; then emigrated West and located at Shelby ville, Shelby Co., Ind. 
In 1836 he returned to Greencastle, and for some six years was engaged in mer- 
chandising and farming, but resumed the practice of his profession in 1842, 
and has continued in the same up to the present time, though for the past few 
years he has partially retired. For the past fifty years the Doctor has been 
closely and prominently identified with the social and public enterprise of the 
borough of Greencastle and vicinity. The Doctor is a ruling elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, to which office he was elected in 1846, under the pas- 
torate of the Rev. T. V. Moore. He was one of the charter members in or- 
ganizing the First National Bank of Greencastle, acted as director some years, 
and is now its president; has served many years on the board of education; 
in politics a Whig and Republican. The Doctor was married November 22, 
1836, to Martha M. Robison, of Antrim Township, this county, a daughter 
of Robert Robison, a prominent farmer of that township, whose ancestors 
from County Antrim, Ireland, settling in this township at the same time as the 
Davidsons. They were also Presbyterians, and Robert Robison and John Mc- 
Dowell Davidson were both ordained as elders of that church at the same time. 

THE D AVISO N" FAMILY. The progenitors of this old Franklin County 
family were of Scotch-Irish and Welsh extraction. The first of the family, 
William Davison, settled in Antrim Township about the year 1757. The grand- 
father of William G. Davison (the subject proper of this sketch), Joseph Davison, 
was a son of the first settler, and was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1754; 
was a farmer all his life, and died May 13, 1842. The family were all Presby- 
terians of the most pronounced type. A son of Joseph, named Hugh, was a 
colonel in the war of 1812, and was actively engaged throughout that contest. 
Joseph first married a Miss Margaret Brown, by whom there were several chil- 
dren. She died and he afterward married a Miss Margaret Robison, by whom 
there were two children, Abraham Smith Davison and Andrew Davison, the 
latter of whom removed to Greensburg, Ind. , in 1823, after being admitted to 
practice law at Chambersburg, Penn. He became one of the judges of the 
supreme court of Indiana; he died about 1869. Abraham Smith Davison 
was born in Antrim Township, this county, in 1802. He was a prominent 
farmer of the township, and an active politician; worked for his party and once 
was a candidate on the ticket for sheriff. He married Sarah Latta, who bore 
him seven children. He died in 1854; his widow still lives at Greencastle with 
her son, William G. , aged about eighty years. Three sons of this family served 
on the Union side in the war of the Rebellion. Joseph A. enlisted in 1861, 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 707 

in Company D, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves, and served for three years. He 
was first orderly sergeant and later was promoted to first lieutenant, then cap 
tain, then major, and breveted a lieutenant-colonel at the close of the Avar. 
He died at Greencastle in May, 1879, leaving a widow and four children. An- 
drew R. joined, in July, 1802, Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as first lieutenant, and soon after- 
ward was promoted to the captaincy, and served nine months. In August, 
1864, he became adjutant of the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, and served until June, 1865. He is now cashier of 
the First National Bank of Brownville, Neb. James H. Davison served as 
sergeant in tho Twenty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, 
three months, and in 1861 re enlisted and served until the close of the war. 
He is now in the grocery business in Altoona, Penn. William G., youngest 
son of this family, was born in 1849, in Antrim Township, this county, and 
when fifteen he became a clerk in a store at Greencastle. In 1878 he began 
his present grain, coal and lumber business, as the active member of the firm 
of J. Stouffer Snively & Co. This firm does an average business of upward 
of $100,000 per annum, and is one of the most important business enterprises 
of the place. Mr. Davison is a Republican in politics, and takes an active in- 
terest in the welfare of his party. He has served his vicinity in various posi- 
tions of trust, such as councilman, school director, etc. He is a member of 
the K. of H. and American Legion of Honor, and a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. He married, in September, 1876, Martha J. Detrich, a 
daughter of Gen. David Detrich, of Greencastle, and they have two children: 
Charlotte Isabel and Mary Jean. 

JOSEPH A. DAVISON, soldier and merchant, was born in Antrim Town- 
ship, Franklin Co. , Penn., January 13, 1838. William Davison cani9 from 
Wales and settled in Adams County, Penn. , where his son Joseph was born 
January 9, 1754. In 1757 the family removed to Antrim Township. Joseph 
Davison married Margaret Robinson in 1798. They had two sons, namely, 
Andrew Davison, born in 1799, and Abraham Smith Davison born in 1802. 
The latter married Sarah Latta, and the first born son was the subject of this 
sketch. He received his education in the public schools, except that he spent 
one year at the select school of Rev. James Kennedy, at Chambersburg. He 
began his business life as a clerk in a general store at Chambersburg, after- 
ward sold dry goods at Pittsburgh, and was thus engaged at the breaking out 
of the Rebellion, when he entered the army. Upon returning from the war he 
married, November 10, 1864, Anna M. Taylor, of Chambersburg. After this 
he resided at Greencastle, engaged with Schafhirt & Imbrie, warehousemen, 
and subsequently in the same business as a member of the firm of J. A. Davi- 
son & Co. He entered the service April 24, 1861, as first sergeant of Capt. 
Dixon's Company D, Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, a company re- 
cruited in Franklin County. This regiment in the beginning was attached to 
the Third (Ord's) Brigade of McCaull's division Pennsylvania Reseiwes; after- 
ward to the First Brigade, Reserve Division Fifth Army Corps. The regiment 
was in camp at Harrisburg, drilling until July 11. From the 12th to the 22d 
it lay at Greencastle. On the 22d it was moved by rail to Washington, and thence 
to Tennallytown, Gen. McCaull's headquarters; at this time it was reported 
very well drilled. Then came the battle of Dranesville, won by the Reserves, 
the first success of the Union arms. Transported by water from McDowell's 
command below Washington, to aid McClellan on the Peninsula, the Reserves 
arrived at the White House June 14, 1862, in time for the division to participate 
in the ' ' seven days' battle ' ' in front of Richmond. In fact, however, the 



708 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Sixth Reserves were detained at Tunstall's Station and White House until they 
embarked and sailed via Fortress Monjoe and James River to Harrison' s Land- 
ing, arriving July 1. Here, August 1, 1862, Sergt. Davison was promoted 
to first lieutenant. August 14, the Reserves left the Peninsula, and Lieut. 
Davison saw war in its sternest aspect on the field of second Bull Run. His 
regiment was hotly engaged at South Mountain, and helped win the field 
of Antietam, but at this time he was languishing with severe illness. Fight- 
ing under Franklin on the left at Fredericksburg, the regiment lost one-third 
of its entire number. Arriving at Gettysburg at 2 P. M. July 2, 1863, Lieut. 
Davison charged with his regiment from Little Round Top. September 19, 
the regiment was lying at Culpeper Court House, and there, Capt. Dixon 
having become lieutenant-colonel, Joseph A. Davison was made captain of 
Company D. May 5, 1864, the Wilderness campaign opened; on this day aod 
the next, the Sixth was actively engaged, as it was during the several days' 
struggle at Spottsylvania Court House. In the terrific fighting at Spottsylva- 
nia on the 8th it was heavily engaged nearly the entire day. Capt. Davison 
was made brevet major '" for gallant conduct at the battle of the Wilderness," 
and brevet lieutenant-colonel "for gallant conduct at the battle of Spotts}dva- 
nia Court House. " He became brigade inspector of the First Brigade. At 
Bethesda Church, on the last day of its term of service, the Sixth, now only 
about 150 strong, captured 102 prisoners, and buried a large number of the 
enemy's dead who fell in its immediate front, fortune permitting so glorious 
an ending to a career begun with victory at Dranesville. On June 11, 1864, 
Capt. Davison was mustered out with his regiment at Harrisburg. During 
three years of service he was constantly in the field, participated with his regi- 
ment in all its marches and battles, so that its history is his war record. He 
was a soldier without fear and without reproach. His companions in arms say 
of him that, above all, he was a cheerful soldier, on the march untiring. He 
was modest, unselfish, kind and true, and, in consequence, greatly beloved by 
his comrades and neighbors. He died at Greencastle May 26, 1879, at the 
age of forty-one years. 

W. H. DAVISON (deceased) was born November 2, 1836, in Antrim Town- 
ship, this county, son of Andrew and Sarah (Brown) Davison. He raised a 
portion of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry, and on their being mustered in at Harrisburg was commissioned 
captain; he served nine months, was at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, 
part of the time inspecting officer of Tyler' s brigade. He came home in bad 
health, and died in 1875, leaving a widow and five children. 

John B. Davison (deceased) was born in Antrim Township, this county, in 
August, 1841, a son of Andrew and Sarah (Brown) Davison. He enlisted in 
August, 1862, in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He participated in the 
celebrated charge of Tyler's brigade at Fredericksburg, and also in the fight 
at Chancellorsville; he died in March, 1882, leaving a Avidow and six children. 

Joseph R. Davison, dealer in grain, etc. , Greencastle, was born on the old 
Davison homestead in Antrim Township, this county, November 9, 1843, and 
is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Brown) Davison. He was educated in Antrim 
Township schools, and afterward attended one year at Fayetteville Academy, 
in this county, and graduated at the Iron City Commercial College. He en- 
listed at the age of nineteen, in August, 1863, in an independent cavalry com- 
pany, commanded by Lieut. C. L. Mercereau, and was mustered into the 
United States service in August. 1863. This service lasted six months and he 
afterward enlisted, in September, 1864, in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cav- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 709 

• airy, and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Harrisburg 
■ in July, 1865. He participated in the engagement at Poplar Grove Church, 
Virginia, Boydton Plank Road or Hatcher' s Run, the fight at Five Forks and at 
', Appomattox Court House, at the surrender of Lee. Mr. Davison was a dis- 
, patch bearer for Lieut. -Gen. Sheridan throughout this entire campaign, and at 
Five Forks, while our troops were making a charge, saw Gen. Sheridan snatch 
the colors and lead the charge in person; and when Gen. Gordan first came 
from Lee to arrange for a suspension of hostilities, pending the surrender of 
Lee, Mr. Davison was the only person who accompanied Sheridan across the 
field to meet him; he was also on duty only a hundred yards or so away from 
Grant and Lee, when the famous surrender was made. On leaving the service 
Mr. Davison returned home, and in 1879 began his present business of deal- 
ing in grain, coal, lumber, fertilizers, etc., and does a business amounting to from 
$40,000 to $50,000 per annum. He is Deputy Grand Commander, L. of H. . a 
member of the K. of H. , and of the G. A. R. , and has been Post Commander 
of Corporal Rihl Post, No. 438, since its organization. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and one of the board of trustees. He is a Republican, 
has served as councilman two terms, township clerk one term. He was mar- 
ried May 23, 1871, to Miss Laura V. W ampler, of Chambersburg, a daughter 
of Lewis Wampler, and they have two children: Guy W. and William R. 

DETRICH FAMILY. Lewis Detrich, a native of Germany, was a drum- 
mer during the Revolutionary war, in the patriot army, and at the termination 
of that struggle he settled in Lancaster County, Penn., where some of his 
children were born. He settled in Franklin County, about one mile north of 
Greencastle, sometime previous to 1800. His wife's name was Julia Ann Gur- 
shurt, by whom he had thirteen children. He lived for many years about half 
way between Greencastle and St. Thomas, on Back Creek, where he died in 
1819; his widow died in 1832. She was a remarkably resolute woman, and 
when eighty years old walked nine miles to visit her children, wading the 
creeks on the way. The Detrichs of Franklin County, with few exceptions, 
spring from this couple. Lewis Detrich was a thoi'oughly educated German 
scholar; was not a member of any church, being very liberal in his religious 
views, and none of his family up to his death belonged to any church. They 
afterward, however, nearly all became members of the Reformed Church. 

Christian Detrich, the third or fourth child of the above named, was born 
in 1781, in Lancaster County, Penn., and coming to this county with his par- 
ents when quite young, he was married in 1806 to Susannah Statler. He 
was a farmer and lived four miles northwest of Greencastle, on Conococheague 
Creek, and in 1833 or 1834 moved to Greencastle, where he died in 1855. 
His first wife died in 1824, leaving nine children, and he then married a Mrs. 
Byers, by whom there were no children. He was for many years a member of 
the Reformed Church, and served as a captain of a militia company for 
seven years, having served about the same time as a lieutenant; he was also a 
justice of the peace several years. 

Gen. David Detrich, a son of Christian and Susannah (Statler) Detrich, 
was born August 26, 1 807, in Antrim Township, this county. When young he 
learned the cabinet and undertaking trade, and after completing this appren- 
ticeship, he began business in 1829 at Greencastle, in which he remained fifty- 
three years, during which time he assisted in making coffins for 3,830 persons. 
He began with very little means, but has accumulated during his long life a 
comfortable competence. He was early identified with the militia of the State, 
and when twenty-eight years old was commissioned first lieutenant of the 
Sixth Company, Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia; two years after- 



710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ward he was appointed adjutant of the Sixth Regiment, and a short time after- 
ward was promoted major of the Second Battalion of the Sixth Regiment, for 
seven years, and in 1835 was commissioned colonel of the Sixth Regiment for 
seven years. In 1842 he was made brigade inspector of the Second Brigade, 
Eleventh Division of Pennsylvania Militia, also for seven years. He was then, 
in 1819, elected and commissioned brigadier- general of the Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers for Franklin County; served five years; in 1851 was re-elected for five 
years; was, three years, member of Gov. Johnson's staff, and closed his connec- 
tion with the military in 1859, having been identified with it without inter- 
mission for a period of thirty-one years. In 1871 he was elected director of 
the poor of Franklin County by 600 majority, on the Republican ticket. He 
always, as long as his health permitted, took an active part in the local politics 
of the day, having served his vicinity in various positions of trust and honor, 
such as burgess, councilman, school director, etc. He became connected with 
the Presbyterian Church in 1826, and has been an elder of the same for twenty- 
seven years ; was the leader of the choir for forty years ; superintendent of the 
union Sunday-school in the township for thirty years; and was superintendent 
of the Sunday school connected with his own church in town, twenty-seven 
years; was an attendant at twenty-two meetings of the synod, and was also 
elected a member of the general assembly of the church, which met at Balti- 
more in 1873. Gen. Detrich was married to Margaret Cornman in 1831; she 
died in 1839, leaving three children, only one living — Ellen, now wife of 
Charles Ruthrauff. He then married, in 1811, Margaret Davison, who still 
lives, and they have had four children: Martha married William G. Davi- 
son; Marshall, who was a soldier in the civil war, enlisted as a private when 
but seventeen, for nine months, was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg 
(when his time was out he re- enlisted and served until the close of the war, and 
was mustered out as lieutenant of cavalry. He served as clerk in the surveyor- 
genera! s office of Pennsylvania for some time, and during the riots at Will- 
iamsport he was sent on active duty there, as the governor' s aid, ranking as col- 
onel. While there he contracted* a cold, from the effects of which he died in 
1874); William D., the third child, lives with his father; and a daughter, the 
fourth child, died, aged twenty years. The General has been afflicted with 
cataract of the eyes, making him almost entirely blind, although his health 
otherwise is good. 

JAMES C. EACHUS, clerk at the "Crowell House," was born in Green- 
castle, this county, September 17, 1842, and is a son of Phineas and Harriet- 
(Stine) Eachus. He was educated in the schools of Greencastle, and was a 
clerk in the store of Prather &Kreps of Greencastle, when in August, 1862, he 
volunteered as a soldier in the war for the Union, enlisting in Company K, 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
for nine months. He served in the Army of the Potomac until the termina- 
tion of his term of enlistment, and soon afterward located at Pittsburgh. He 
was married December 20, 1870, to Susan A. , daughter of Lazarus and Susan 
(Brewer) Kennedy. Mr. Eachus resided in Pittsburgh, Penn., three years 
after his marriage; then returned to Antrim Township, where he has resided 
ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Eachus have one child, Charlotte, born December 
13, 1873. 

JEREMIAH EBBERT, farmer, Greencastle. Jacob Ebbert, grandfather 
of our subject, came to this county at a very early date, and settled west of 
Conococheague Creek, near the old Kennedy farm, and died on that place; his 
widow died at the residence of his son John, who lived on the old Prather 
homestead, south of Greencastle, in 1825; this place, consisting of 200 acres,he 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 711 

afterward bought, and it is still owned by the family. John Ebbert died in 
1861, aged seventy-nine; his widow, who was a Miss Elizabeth Yous, died in 
1807, aged sixty-seven; they had a family of nine children, six of whom are 
living: Joann; Anna Maria, widow of Andrew J. Kline; Jeremiah; Samuel; 
Catherine L. and Sarah J. Jacob Ebbert and wife were buried near Conoco- 
■cheague Greek, and the father and mother of Jeremiah Ebbert were buried in 
Cedar Hill Cemetery at Greencastle. They were Lutherans. Jeremiah Eb- 
bert was born March 13, 1824, near Greencastle, on the old Prather homestead, 
and was married December 7, 1871, to Jennie Mechesney, a daughter of James 
and Susan (Milhuf) Mechesney, the former a son of James and Jane (Buchanan) 
Mechesney, who was a cousin to James Buchanan, ex-President of the United 
States. James Mechesney and Jane Buchanan were married near Greencastle 
in 1799. James and Susan (Milhuf) Mechesney now live in Westmoreland 
County, Penn. ; they were natives, the first of Westmoreland County, Penn., 
and the latter of this county. The former' s parents, natives of Tyrone, Ireland, 
moved from this county in 1799, to Unity Township, near Greensburg, West- 
moreland County. The grandfather died in 1853, aged eighty-three, the grand- 
mother in 1857, aged eighty-eight, and they are buried in Unity Cemetery. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jeremiah Ebbert had six children: James Mechesney, John Davidson, 
Albert Everett, Susan Milhuf, Lizzie Yous, Jeremiah Watson, and two that 
died in infancy. Mrs. Ebbert was formerly a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, now a Lutheran; Mr. Ebbert of the Lutheran Church. 

Rev. John Ebbert was a son of John and Elizabeth (Yous) Ebbert. He 
married Maggie Rupert, from Huntingdon County; he was a Lutheran minister 
and officiated in Huntingdon County, Penn., and in other places; afterward 
went to Lucas County, Iowa, and while in charge of a congregation at Russell 
Station, died in 1867, aged about thirty-five; he was brought home and buried 
in Cedar Hill Cemetery. 

WILLIAM WALLACE FLEMING, retired, Greencastle. Archibald Flem- 
ing, grandfather of William Wallace Fleming, was a native of County Antrim, 
Ireland, and came to this country about 1750-54, settling in Cochransville, 
Chester Co. , Penn. , where he kept a store. He raised a company of soldiers 
in Chester County, of which he was made captain; served in the Revolu- 
tionary war on the patriot side. He came to Shippensburg, Penn. 1 , about 1780, 
where he kept store, and afterward moved to Circleville, Ohio, where he died. 
The children of Archibald .and Jane Fleming were John, born in November, 
1769, died at Foit Smith, Ark., in 1837; Ann, born in July, 1771, died at 
Shippensburg, Penn. ; Jane, born in September, 1773, died at Covington, Ind. ; 
James Cannon, born in August, 1776, died at Lexington, Ky. ; Martha, born 
in March, 1779, died in Zanesville, Ohio; Archibald, father of our subject, 
born in Shippensburg, April 23, 1783. He, Archibald, came to Chambersburo- 
with an aunt, Martha Wallace, when but ten years of age, and remained there 
until 1810, when he came to Greencastle. He was a surveyor and civil engineer, 
and served as county surveyor for ten years, from 1812-22 ; in 1823 he was elected 
sheriff of the county, which office he held for three years, after which he was 
appointed, by the governor, inspector of the state roads in this county, a posi- 
tion he held for two years, 1827-28. He lived in Chambersburg until 1834 when 
he purchased a farm a short distance from Greencastle and moved to it. He 
was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He married in June, 1810, Miss 
Eva Stahl, and by her had seven children: William 'Wallace; Mary A., 
residing on the old homestead; Jacob Stahl, married to Sarah Kisecker, in Up- 
ton, Penn., (they have two children: Alice, married to Dr. William Noble, also 
living in Upton, and Luther B. , in Greencastle, married to Georgie Hostet- 



712 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ter); Eliza Jane, on the old homstead; John (deceased); James Archibald,, 
single and living on the old homestead; and Blair Speer, also on the old place. 
The mother of this family died in 1865 and the father in 1869. They are 
buried side by side, in Moss Spring Cemetery. William Wallace Fleming 
was born in April, 1811, in Greencastle, son of Archibald and Eva (Stahl) 
Fleming, was reared to the business of a farmer, and received a good common- 
school education. He was married December 10, 1841, to Elizabeth A. Ran- 
kin, daughter of Andrew B. and Margaret (Ritchey) Rankin. Andrew B. Ran- 
kin was one of the prominent and influential politicians of the county. He 
was a Whig, afterward a Republican, and served the township as justice of 
the peace for upward of fifty years. He was president of the Waynesboro, 
Greencastle and Mercersburg Turnpike Company at the time of his death 
From his early manhood he took an active part in every practical movement 
for the improvement of his native town, and his hand, more perhaps than any 
other, regulated its municipal affairs. He was born in 1791 and died in 1875, 
His wife Margaret (Ritchey) Rankin, was born in 1791 and died in 1874, and 
both lie buried in- Cedar Hill Cemetery, The children of Andrew B. and 
Margaret Rankin were Ann B. , married to David F. Robinson, afterward 
member of Congress, and now deceased; William, a noted criminal lawyer and 
judge of Columbus, Ohio, now deceased; Elizabeth A., married to William W. 
Fleming, and living in Greencastle; Andrew N. , living on Long Island, N. 
Y. ; Margaret J., married to John Ruthrauff, and living in Greencastle; Ed- 
mond D. (deceased); Martha, married to Dr. M. F. Robinson, and living in 
Shippensburg, Penn. , and John and Mary who died when but fifteen and sixteen 
years of age, respectively. Mr. Fleming after his marriage lived in Green- 
castle, but still farmed the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. They have five children : Anna M. , mar- 
ried to Henry Strickler (they live in Greencastle); A. Edgar, married to Alice 
McLanahan (they live on a farm at the edge of Greencastle) ; Andrew R. , a 
publisher, married to Susie Fleming (they live in St. Louis, Mo.); Ida M. , at 
home; and W. Scott, a druggist, married to May Bryant (they live in St. 
Louis, Mo.) Mr. Fleming is the oldest man living in Greencastle who was 
born in the borough. During the war he suffered from the rebels, losing all 
crops for four years. 

ELI W. FUSS, farmer and grain-cradle maker, at Brown's Mills postoffice, 
was born near his present residence, March 8, 1826, and is a son of Joseph and 
Nancy (Whitmer) Fuss, the former a native of Maryland. Joseph came to this 
county in 1814, when about eighteen years of age; he was a blacksmith by trade, 
which he carried on for twenty-nine years, at or near the present residence of 
our subject. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church; he was 
a warm friend of the public school system, and was prominent in securing and 
erecting the public school building in the neighborhood. He was a Democrat, 
but never held a political office; he died in 1881, aged eighty-five, and is buried 
in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Greencastle; his widow now lives at Marion, this 
county, aged eighty-one years. Our subject spent his early life learning the 
business of a farmer, and when sixteen began the blacksmith trade, remaining 
with his father until twenty- six years of age, when he moved to Greencastle 
and formed a partnership with Capt. Joseph Stickell, with firm name of 
Stickell & Fuss, which continued from October, 1852, to April, 1864. They 
manufactured grain-cradles, plows and wagons. Mr. Fuss then moved to the 
old homestead, and has lived there ever since. He married, in 1853, Cather- 
ine Royer, a daughter of Christian Royer, of Antrim Township, this county, 
and they have seven children: Annie E., John Calvin, Mary E. (who died in 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 713 

Kansas), Ida Belle, Sarah Ellen, Emma R., Charles W. Mr. and Mrs. Fuss 
and all the children, except the youngest, are members of the Reformed 
Church. Mr. Fuss' farm consists of ninety-five acres, and there is a saw-mill 
adjoining, owned and operated by his son, John Calvin. He is Democratic in 
politics, and has served as school director in the township. 

JOHN CALVIN FUSS, born July 10, 1856, at Greencastle, this county, ob- 
tained his education at the Greencastle schools and at Brown's Mills. In 1880 
he became a partner with his father, under firm name of E. W. Fuss & Son, in 
the manufacture of grain-cradles, etc., at Brown's Mills. Mr. Fuss is also 
owner and proprietor of the steam saw-mill at Brown's Mills. They are deal- 
ers in and manufacturers of buggy rims, and deal in all kinds of walnut and 
hickory lumber, buying, sawing and selling. Mr. Fuss married in 1882, 
Emma, daughter of John F. Miller, and they have three children: Myra Belle, 
born September 12, 1883; Leila Ruth, born January 5, 1885, and Ethel May, 
born July 16, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Fuss are members of the Reformed Church 
of Marion. In politics he is a Democrat. 

DR. JOHN C. GILLAND, Greencastle. Thomas Gilland, a native of 
Londonderry, Ireland, born June 7, 1777, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, settled in Quincy Township, near Funkstown. He married Jane Mc- 
Dowell, born October 12, 1778, probably in Antrim Township, this county; 
he died January 7, 1841; his widow March 6, 1857. His son, Thomas, now 
a resident of Antrim Township, near Shady Grove, the father of our subject, 
married Susan Conrod, February 8, 1838, and our subject was born near Shady 
Grove, July 27, 1849. He passed his earlier years and young manhood on the 
farm of his father, in the meantime attending the free schools of the neighbor- 
hood; also receiving the advantages of the select schools at Greencastle, 
Waynesboro and Strasburg for several years, preparing for college. He be- 
came a student at Ursinus College, Collegeville, Montgomery Co. , Penn. , and 
remained through the sophomore year, having been a student for eighteen 
months (this was in 1873). He then began reading medicine with Dr. 
William Grubb, of Greencastle, and graduated March 11, 1876, at Jefferson- 
Medical College, Philadelphia. The same year he began practice at New 
Franklin, Franklin County, remaining there two years, when he removed to 
Greencastle, and has been here ever since. The Doctor was married March 15, 
1883, to Martha M. Snyder, daughter of Henry Snyder of J, of Guilford Town~ 
ship, and they have two children — Thomas Henry and Mary Belle. The Doctor 
and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church; he is a member of the I. 
0. O. F. , of W T aynesboro. The Doctor is a self educated man, having 
taught school to obtain the means from which to obtain a literary and medical 
education. 

JOHN HADE, farmer, P. O. Greencastle. The Hade family are an old 
one in Antrim Township, and the first ancestors of our subject to settle here 
were John and his wife,, whose maiden name was Ann Maria Knabe, a relative 
of the well known Knabe piano makers. The Hades were originally from Ger- 
many, and in religion were members of the German Baptist Church; they 
first settled in Lebanon or Lancaster, Penn., from Germany, in 1730. The 
above named John and his wife moved with their family in 1770, and settled 
at the old mansion farm mentioned elsewhere, where they built and lived in a 
log house, near the site of the present substantial stone structure. They 
bought 300 acres of land; they were then aged people. They both died in the 
log house, and are both buried in the German Reformed graveyard, Green- 
castle, Penn. They left five children, who settled in this county and in Wash- 
ington County, Md. Their son, John, grandfather of the subject of this 

30 



714 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sketch, married, and one of his children, also name"d John, was born Feb- 
ruary 2, 1783, and died in 1863. lie was married to Hannah Yaugy, born 
in September, 1783, and died in 1868. Both are buried in Grind Stone Grave- 
yard, at Hade's Church (German Baptist), near Grind Stone Hill They had 
the following named children: William, Daniel, Jacob, Joseph, Catherine, John 
(subject of this sketch), Hannah, Mary, Emanuel and David. John Hade 
lives three and one-half miles south of Greencastle, on the "Willi arnsport Turn- 
pike, on what was known as the ' ' Hade Mansion Farm, ' ' where his ancestors 
settled in 1770 or earlier. He was born in 1817, son of John and Hannah 
(Yaugy) Hade, and bought the old mansion farm of 216 acres in 1847, where 
he has since resided, this land having been in the hands of some member of 
the Hade family for upward of 125 years. He was married June 5, 
1849, to Margaret E. Powell, a daughter of James and Jane (Malone) 
Powell, the former a son of George and Naomi (McCoy) Powell, natives of 
Berkley County, W. Va., and of English descent. Mrs. Jane (Malone) Powell 
was a daughter of Benjamin and Naomi (Wade) Malone, of Berkley County, 
W. Va. , who were of Scotch-Irish extraction. Richard Wade, the great-grand- 
father of Mrs. Margaret E. (Powell) Hade, married a daughter of Lord 

Beresford, of England, and relatives of the Burl family. (It was a runaway 
match, and proved a very happy one.) Mrs. Hade is a member of the Bethel 
congregation, of Shippensburg, Penn. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hade 
— Jane H. , John P. and J. Frank — are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

HENRY R. HARNISH, merchant and farmer, Middleburg, resides about 
one half mile east of Mason and Dixon postoffice, on the Cumberland Valley Rail- 
road. He was born in Washington Co. , Md. , one mile from his present residence, 
in 1826. and is the son of John and Barbara (Fetterhoff) Harnish, a native of 
Lancaster County, Penn., a carpenter and joiner by trade, and settled in 
Maryland about 1814, buying 100 acres of land in 1816. In 1834 he purchased 
140 acres, where our subject now lives, and October 25, 1854, moved to this 
farm. He died there December 2, 1862, and is buried at Middleburg. His 
wife died in 1851, and is buried at the same place. They had eight children — 
five boys and three girls — those living are Jacob, who lives in Michigan; Mary, 
who married George W. Elliott, of Barber County, Kas. ; Sarah, who mar- 
ried Hiram W T hitmore, of Medina County, Ohio; and Henry R. The parents 
were members of the United Brethren Church. Our subject learned the car- 
penter trade, and followed it a year at journey work, and did the carpenter 
work on the house in which he lives, in 1851. In 1854 he took charge of the 
farm where he now lives, then owned by his father. This he bought after- 
ward, and has lived on it ever since. He was married, March 15, 1857, to 
Nancy, a daughter of William M. Kuhnes, of Washington County, Md. , and 
"to them were born nine children, seven living: Cora, married to Jacob Teisher, 
August 15, 1882; Frances, married to Charles Zeller, July 31, 1886; Harry 
E. ; Susan; Jessie; Nannie and John W. Mrs. Harnish is a member of the 
German Baptist Chui'ch. Mr. Harnish is a member of the I. O. O. F. , of 
Middleburg. He is a Republican, and has served his vicinity in various offices 
of trust, such as county auditor, one term; three years school director, and 
township auditor, two terms. Mr. Harnish opened a general store at Mason 
and Dixon, this county, in 1874, with a partner, under the firm name of H. R. 
Harnish & Co. This name continued two years, when it was changed to Har- 
nish & McLaughlin. In 1877 he sold his interest and opened his store at 
Middleburg, which he still conducts. He was appointed postmaster at Mid- 
dleburg in 1877, and held the office until 1885. 

CHRISTIAN R. HOOVER, brick-maker, Greencastle. The father of our 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 715 

subject, Jacob Hoover, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., when a young 
man, enlisted in the Continental Army during the war of the Revolution. He 
was promoted to colonel, and was with the army until peace was declared. 
After the close of the war he came to this county, to what is now Five Forks, 
and bought 300 acres of land, where he lived the balance of his life, and died, 
aged eighty years, in 1836, and was buried at Quincy, this county. He was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. Ho married Miss Royer, by whom he 
had two children: John and Elizabeth. She died, and he was married a sec- 
ond time, having by this union six children: Jacob, Samuel, George, Fred- 
erick, Catharine and Nancy. This wife dying, he married Mrs. Mary Ream, 
a daughter of John Ely, and by her had two children: David and Christian 
Royer. The subject of this sketch, who was born at Five Forks, in Feb- 
ruary, 1828, when a young man, learned the cigar-maker's trade, a business 
he followed for many years, carrying on a factory at Greencastle. His 
health requiring him to give up this, he paid his whole attention to the 
making of brick, as he had followed that business in summer while man- 
ufacturing cigars in winter, and in 1854 he located in Greencastle, open- 
ing a brickyard on his own ground in 18G7. Here he averaged on the start 
600,000 brick in the season, and he now averages about 200,000 to 300,000 
per season. He has a small farm of twelve acres near the corporation, which 
he cultivates, and now divides his attention between it and the brick business. 
Mr. Hoover was an abolitionist before the war, and his first vote was cast for 
Gen. Taylor in 1848, voting the same political ticket until 1872, when he voted 
for^Horace Greeley, since when he has been a Democrat. He served his party 
as judge of election in the Third Ward, and also on the county committee on 
various occasions. He was married in 1851 to Susan M. Zook, of McCon- 
nellsburg, Fulton Co. , Penn. , daughter of John and Anny Zook, and they had 
one child, that died in infancy. Mrs. Hoover is a member of the United 
Brethren Church, of which (although not a member) Mr. Hoover is a trustee. 
Mrs. Hoover' s grandmother was a Mrs. Susan (Bloom) Myers, who was among 
the first settlers at McConnellsburg, the place then being a perfect wilderness 
inhabited only by wild beasts and Indians. 

REV. JAMES D. HUNTER, Greencastle, was born in October, 1849, in 
Carroll County, Ohio, son of George and Rosanna (Harkless) Hunter. His 
father being a farmer, his early life was spent on the farm, and he afterward 
became a student at Savannah Academy, Savannah, Ohio, preparing for col- 
lege, from 1870 to 1874. He entered Lafayette College, at Easton, Penn. , in 
the fall of 1874, and was graduated there in the fall of 1878, delivering the 
Mantle Oration on that occasion. In the same fall he became a student of 
theology at the Union Theological Seminary, New York, remaining there until 
his ordination, November 30, 1880, when he took charge of the Presbyterian 
Church at Deerfield, N. J., and here remained until November, 1883, in 
December of which year he became pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Greencastle. 

GEORGE R. KAUFFMAN, M. D., Brown's Mills.— Andrew Kauffman, a 
native of near East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., was the first of this family to 
settle in this county, about 1816. He located with his family about seven 
miles northeast of Chambersburg, and was a farmer. He was not a member 
of any church, but his widow, whose name was Maria, became, after his death, 
a member of the River Brethren Church. He died and was buried in the 
Stover graveyard, four miles northeast of Greencastle. His wife was buried 
at the River Brethren Church, eight miles southeast of Chambersburg. 
They had seven children — six sons and one daughter: Abraham, Samuel, 



716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

John, Andrew, Jacob, Henry and Maria. Abraham, the eldest child, was the 
father of Dr. Kauffman, and was bora in Adams County in 1808. He was 
married to Catherine Royer, a daughter of George Royer. He was a miller 
by trade, and when a young man followed that business for seven years, but 
was always identified with agriculture. He farmed 200 acres of land at what 
is now Kauffman' s Station, which received its name from him. He and his 
wife were both members of the German Baptist Church. They had a family 
of two children: Anna Maria, who died when quite small, and George R. 
The father died in 1884, and is buried in the Antrim Cemetery, located on the 
old homestead. His wife died in 1873, and was buried in the same lot. 
George R. Kauffman, M. D. , was born at what is now Kauffman's Station in 
1841, and obtained his literary education at the Chambersburg Academy. In 
1861 he began reading medicine with Dr. McGill, of Hagerstown, and after- 
ward, with Richards & Montgomery as preceptors, at Chambersburg. He 
then attended one course at the State University, at Ann Arbor, Mich., and 
afterward two courses at Bellevue Medical College, New York City, graduating 
from there in the spring of 1 867. Soon afterward he began practice at Mechan- 
icsburg, Cumberland County. A few months later he located at Kauffman' s Sta- 
tion, where he soon established a large practice, and where he has continued up 
to date. The Doctor owns the home place of 200 acres and lives in his elegant 
residence built by the Fullertons 112 years ago. At the time of the battle of 
Gettysburg, although a civilian, he was taken prisoner July 6, 1863, by the 
rebels at Hagerstown, Md. , and was confined in ' ' Libby, " " Castle Thunder " 
and Salisbury, N. C, until April, 1865. The Doctor was married in 1867 to- 
Martha E. Kisecker, a daughter of John and Eliza (Walter) Kisecker. They 
have one child, Leslie M. Politically the Doctor cast his influence with the 
Republican party. 

JOHN KENNEDY, farmer, P. O. Shady Grove, was born in the par- 
ish of Drumachose, County Londonderry, Ireland, in 1807. His parents, 
James and Catherine (Cannon) Kennedy, came to the United States in 1823, 
and settled where our subject now lives. James Kennedy received 123 acres 
of land from his brother, Hugh Kennedy, of Hagerstown, Md. , which was sur- 
veyed by Archibald Fleming in 1824. They brought with them five sons and 
three daughters: Rachel, John, William, James, Hugh, Joshua, Catherine 
and Ann. The parents were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
originally Covenanters. The father died in 1847, aged about seventy years, 
and the mother in 1851, aged about seventy-seven years. They are buried in 
the Reformed Presbyterian Churchyard at Fayetteville. James, the first set- 
tler, was an elder of the church at Fayetteville, this county, for some years, 
and his son, Rev. Joshua Kennedy, is a minister of the above named church, 
now residing at Greencastle. John Kennedy was married May 9, 1856, 
to Margaret Bell, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Dunlap) Bell, of Cum- 
berland County, Penn. , residing five miles north of Carlisle. Our subject 
and wife are parents of five children: William Holmes, who died in infancy;. 
Catherine B., at home; Thomas J., a clerk in Waynesboro, Penn. ; James D., 
at home; Joseph B., attending the normal school. Mr. Kennedy is a Repub- 
lican and a strong prohibitionist; has served his township as school di- 
rector, etc., and has also acted as guardian and executor of several estates. 
He owns about 240 acres, including the old homestead of his father; the im- 
provements about the home he built; also those on the north end of the farm, 
now occupied by a tenant. 

LAZARUS KENNEDY, farmer, P. O. Greencastle. John Kennedy, 
grandfather of Lazarus, was the first of the family to settle here, just west of 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 717 

Oonococheague Creek, in 1731, " Cornplanter, " the Indian chief, being his 
nearest neighbor. His wife's name was Elizabeth; they were of Irish ex- 
traction, and came from Lancaster County, Penn. , here, and took up 700 acres, 
patents for which are dated 1739. David (son of John) and Mary (Robertson) 
Kennedy, parents of our subject, resided at the site above mentioned; they 
both died in the vicinity, and are buried in Moss Spring Cemetery, Green- 
castle; John Kennedy died in 1805; David, his son, in 1818. David and 
Mary (Robinson) Kennedy had three children: Lazarus; Harriet, married to 
John Worley; and Charlotte, who died single. Lazarus, the subject of this 
sketch, was born April 8, 1806; always followed farming, and has carried on 
the old place ever since 1825, and now owns 199 acres of the old homestead. 
He was married in 1837 to Susan Brewer, a daughter of Jacob and Mary 
(Angle) Brewer, and they had ten children — nine now living: Cyrus, in Ful- 
ton County, 111.; Washington, deceased; Charles, in Antrim Township, this 
county; David, in Greencastle, this county; Paxton, a photographer, in 
Hagerstown, Md. ; Scott, superintendent of schools in Fulton County, Ohio; 
Ella, now Mrs. George B. Snively; Catherine, now Mrs. John Metcalf; 
Samanda, now Mrs. James Eachus; and Lazarus, Jr. The parents are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle. Mr. Kennedy is a Repub- 
lican, and has served his vicinity as school director. Three of his boys served 
in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion: Cyrus, for three years; 
"Washington, over one year in the signal corps; and Charles, ten months. 
Mr. Kennedy took an active part for the Union cause in the war by means and 
influence; he lost four valuable horses, taken by the rebels during Lee's in- 
vasion of 18G3, and other stuff valued at $800, and they finally took him pris- 
oner for a short time but released him. Jacob and Mary (Angle) Brewer, 
parents of Mrs. Kennedy, were natives of Washington County, Md., where 
they were married. They bought a farm of 200 acres, two miles east of Mer- 
cersburg, in 1802, and kept house in a log building. They afterward built 
a brick residence, where they lived until they died, he at the age of eighty- 
two, and she when eighty-four; both are buried in the family graveyard. 
He was a member of the Lutheran and she of the German church. They 
had eleven children, all of whom lived to be grown and married. David mar- 
ried Miss Cushwa; Adam married Maria Johnson; Jacob married Mary Neg- 
ley; Henry married Elizabeth Richert; Elizabeth married Capt. JohnCushiva; 
Joseph married Margaret Vandrau; John married Mary Zook; Maria mar- 
ried Daniel Richert; Susan married Lazarus Kennedy; Catherine married 
George Swigert; George married Louisa Gehr. 

MATHIAS W. KISECKER, son of John and Eliza (Walter) Kisecker, 
was born in 1839, near Greencastle, in the house now occupied by Edgar 
Fleming. Our subject, when sixteen, learned the milling trade in the mill now 
owned by himself. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B,One Hundred and 
Twenty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served for about 
ten months, and was appointed quartermaster sergeant just before the battle of 
Chancellorsville, at which battle he was wounded in his left hand by a piece of 
shell or rifle bullet, that cut off the third finger of his hand. He had two 
days to serve, being wounded May 3, and his term of enlistment expired May 
5. He was in the battle of Fredericksburg and present at the second battle of 
Bull Run. He was mustered out at Harrisburg and returned home. He was 
married in February, 1864, to Ella A. Witherspoon, and, on the death of his 
father in 1879, bought the old homestead of 120 acres, at his father's appraise- 
ment. The stone grist-mill is operated by him, doing principally custom work 
in the summer and shipping in winter. Mrs. Kisecker is a member of the 



718 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kisecker have eight children: Annie 
L., John W., Mary E., Andrew H. David E., Elizabeth B., Charles N. and 
Mathias W. , Jr, Mr. Kisecker is a member of the American L. of H. and Gr. 
A. R. ; he is senior or Vice-Commander in the G. A. R. ; in politics a Democrat. 
Just 200 yards below Mr. Kisecker' s mill there used to be an old Indian fort, in 
the remains of which a few years since, on building a blacksmith shop, they 
found many old relics, knee buckles, etc. 

REV. FREDERICK KLINEFELTER, pastor of Zion's Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Greencastle, son of Adam and Sarah (Doudle) Klinefelter, 
was born in York, Penn. , September 26, 1836. He obtained his early educa- 
tion at the York schools, mainly at the York County Academy. He devoted 
four years to learning the machinist trade, two of which were spent in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. Returning to York he prepared for college at the Academy, 
and entered the freshman class of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in the 
fall of 185S, graduating from that institution in the fall of 1862. At the 
breaking out of the war Mr. Klinefelter enlisted, June, 1861, in Company H, 
Sixteenth Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, under the three months' call of the 
President. The regiment was with Gen. Patterson in Virginia, was mus- 
tered out in August, and then Mr. Klinefelter returned to college, and, resum- 
ing his place in his class, graduated in the fall of 1862. The same year he 
entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. [Notes from the ' ' Rebel In- 
vasion of Pennsylvania," by Prof. M. Jacobs.] "On Wednesday, June 17, 
1863, a company of infantry, consisting of sixty students of the Pennsylvania 
College, together with several from the theological seminary, and a few citizens, 
under Capt. Frederick Klinefelter, a theological student, left for Harrisburg 
in obedience to the urgent call of the governor for emergency men, and were 
the first to be mustered into that service in response to the call. This company 
was known as Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Militia, of which Col. Wm. Jennings was in command. The 
regiment having been ordered to Gettysburg arrived there at 9 A. M. , June 26. 
By order of Maj. Haller they were sent forward on the Chambersburg pike, west 
of town; which movement resulted in their being thrown in the face of a superior 
force of the enemy. Forty of the regiment, among whom were ten of Company 
A, were captured. By a skillful maneuvering of the regiment and after a skir- 
mish with the enemy's cavalry, resulting in the loss of 120 more of their num- 
ber as prisoners, they reached Harrisburg, Sunday, June 28, having marched 
54 oiit of 60 consecutive hours. ' ' At the anniversary of the Philomathaean 
Society, in 1862, Mr. Klinefelter was elected as one of the orators. He is a 
member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He graduated from the 
Theological Seminary in 1864, and was ordained by the "West Pennsylvania 
Synod at Hanover in 1864. The same year he engaged in the city missionary 
work in Philadelphia, where, in the following year, he organized St. Peter's 
Evangelical Lutheran Church, which he served until 1867. The same year he 
removed to Tremont, Schuylkill Co., Penn., and served as pastor of the 
congregation there until December 1, 1872, when he became pastor of his 
present charge. Mr. Klinefelter was married September 4, 1866, to Miss 
Anna E. Wilson, of Philadelphia, daughter of David G. and Emma (Moore) 
Wilson, a most amiable lady, and greatly beloved by all who knew her. She 
died in June, 1884, in Philadelphia, leaving one child, Emma Wilson. Mr. 
Klinefelter was elected, in 1883, president of the West Pennsylvania Synod, 
serving three years, and has also represented the synod as a member of the 
board of directors of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and as a dele- 
gate to the General Synod. Since Mr. Klinefelter has been pastor here the 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 719 

fine brick Lutheran Church has been Imilt, costing sonic $16,000. The corner- 
stone was laid in 1875, and the building completed and dedicated in 1880, 
free of all indebtedness. 

WILLIAM C. KEEPS, attorney at law, Greencastle, was born in that 
place, in 1853, and is a son of William and Sarah A. (Eachus) Kreps, the lat- 
ter a daughter of Phineas Eachus. He obtained his education partly at the 
schools of Greencastle and later at the Charabersburg Academy, where lie re- 
mained two years; was engaged several years in mercantile pursuits; then later 
began his legal studies in the office of Judge Howe, and finished reading law 
with A. G. McLanahan, Esq. , of Greencastle. He was admitted to the Frank- 
lin County bar in December, 1883, and immediately thereafter began tin' prac- 
tice of his profession at Greencastle, where he continues to reside, enjoying a lu- 
crative practice. Mr. Kreps married, in April, 1883, Anna M. Shook, of 
Greencastle, a daughter of Jacob Shook. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in politics a Republican. 

JACOB LEAR, blacksmith, Shady Grove, was born in Antrim Township, 
this county, September 14, 1840, son of James and Eliza (Anderson ) Lear, 
the former of whom died when our subject was but five years old. When eight- 
een, Jacob began and learned the blacksmith trade, and was working in J. B. 
Crowell's machine shop at the breaking out of the war of the great Rebellion. 
In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty sixth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, and participated in 
the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. His term of enlistment had 
expired a day before the latter fight, and soon afterward he returned home, ar 
riving shortly before the battle of Getty sburg. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted 
again for three years or during the war, in Company M, Twenty-first Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, which in the summer of 1864 fought as 
dismounted troops. He took part in the battle of Cold Harbor, where he was 
wounded by a minie-ball in the left leg — the bone being shattered — while in 
the charge on the enemy' s works ; this wound still remains troublesome, and at 
times is an open sore. He was laid up six months, when he returned to active 
duty and soon after took part in the battle of Hatcher's Run, and from this 
time to the end of the war was in a continual series of engagements. He was 
mustered out at Lynchburg, Va. , and then came home and followed journey- 
work about one year. In 1867 he bought out his present business, which he 
has conducted up to date. Mr. Lear was married February 11, 1868, to Mary 
Lohr; they have three children living and one deceased: George Brinton, born 
January 31, 1869; John Kennedy, born June 1, 1870; Michael Lohman, born 
August 3, 1873, and died aged nine years; Jessie Snively, born July 14, 1881. 
Mr. Lear belongs to the Lutheran Church; he has served his township as 
school director three years. 

DAVID LAMONT McDONALD, M. D. , Greencastle, is a native of Juniata 
County, Penn., born in 1841, son of James S. and Mary Ann (Enslow) McDon- 
ald. When our subject was but seven years of age his father died, leaving a 
widow and four children. At the age of eleven years young David began 
on a farm, working in the winters for his board and going to school. At 
the age of twenty, in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-ninth 
Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and on the muster- in of the com- 
pany at Harrisburg was appointed corporal. He served fourteen months, whem 
owing to physical disability, brought on by sickness contracted in the service;, 
he was honorably discharged. His regiment was part of Hancock's brigade. 
The first engagement the Doctor was in was the battle of Williamsburg, and' 
throughout McClellan' s Peninsular campaign, including the seven days' bat- 



720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ties. After being in the hospital for some time, he was discharged at Phila- 
delphia, October 27, 1862. At the tiaae of his enlistment he was attending a 
select school at McCoysville, and on his return, he again attended the same 
school that winter; the following summer he taught a subscription school, and 
in the winter took charge of the public school of that place. In the spring of 
1864, he began reading medicine in Dr. S. B. Crawford's office, McCoysville, 
Juniata County, and in the winter of 1864-65 again taught school. In the 
fall of 1865 he attended the medical university of New York City, and in 1866 
he began practicing in partnership with his preceptor, continuing same until 
1870, in which year he located at Concord, this county, where he had a suc- 
cessful practice for sixteen years. During this time, in 1881, he attended a 
medical course at Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, where he was 
graduated. The Doctor located at Greencastle, December 16, 1885, where he 
is receiving a fair share of practice. He was married May 25, 1871, to Anna 
M. Robertson, of Concord, this county, a daughter of John and Eliza (Mont- 
gomery) Robertson, and they have four children: David Lamont, John Ham- 
ilton, Calvin Brodie and James Loomis. The Doctor is of Scotch extraction, 
originating from the famous family of that name in Scotland. He is a F. & 
A. M. , a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. ; in politics a Democrat. 
\s>- ANDREW G. McLANAHAN, farmer, P.O. Greencastle, is a native of An- 
trim Township, this county, born August 12, 1807, four miles south of Green- 
castle, uear the Maryland line. His father, William McLanahan, also a native 
of this locality, was an extensive farmer, owning some 400 acres. He was a 
Presbyterian and a well known and honored citizen. His wife, nee Mary Gregg, 
was a daughter of Andrew Gregg of Centre County, Penn. From this union 
there were four children, Andrew G. , James X. (deceased). Isabella, who mar- 
ried Joseph M. Heister, and Mary, who married Dr. J. C. Richards. James X. , 
a lawyer, moved to New York City, where he died. James McLanahan, grand- 
father of our subject, and a farmer, owning upward of 600 acres of land, was 
a native of what is now known as Antrim Township, Franklin Co., Penn. His 
wife's name was Isabella Craig; they had six sons: Robert, James, John, Will- 
iam, Samuel and Joseph, and five daughters : Margaret, Mary, Rebecca, Isabel 
and Sarah. Andrew G. McLanahan was reared to the life of a farmer on the 
-old homestead in Antrim Township, and has followed that occupation all his 
life, buying his present homestead of 350 acres, one mile and a quarter west 
■of Greencastle, in about 1S37, moving onto it in 1838. This place he sold to the 
Mormons and they occupied it for eighteen months, but on their leaving the 
•country he was obliged to buy it back, through the sheriff, in 1846, and has 
lived there ever since. He now owns beside, a half interest of his father's 
old homestead and twenty acres in Antrim Township. He is now seventy- 
nine years of age. Mr. McLanahan, although not a politician in any sense, 
had decided convictions in politics, but singular to state never in his life asked 
a man to vote any ticket, going on the principle that a man's own conscience 
and convictions ought to settle that subject without dictation. He was married 
in 1S37 to A. Elizabeth Doyle, daughter of George Doyle and to this union 
there were born six children; E. Ormond, Dick. Andrew G. , Celia, Jessie and 
Alice. Mrs. McLanahan died March 28, 1880, and is buried in Cedar Hill 
Cemetery. 

HARRY P. McLAUGHLIN, merchant, State Line, was born January 26, 
1856, near State Line, in Washington County, Md. , a son of Perry B. and 
Cornelia J. (Hostetter) McLaughlin, the former born at Pleasant Vale, Wash- 
ington Co., Md., August 4, 1814, died November 11, 18 /5; the latter was 
born at Hanover, Penn., December 31, 1827, now residing at State Line. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 721 

They were married October 17, 1848, and have living the following named 
children; Frank H , Harry P., William P. and Charles M., all except Harry 
P., residing in Washington County, Md. ; William is on the home farm. The 
father, a farmer by occupation, a member of the Reformed Church, owned 
some 200 acres of land in joint interest with his brother, John McLaughlin, a 
bachelor. Our subject established his present business in State Line in 1880, 
keeping a general store and dealing in grain, coal, fertilizers, and produce of 
all kinds, his store and sales averaging, including fertilizers and coal, about 
$20,000 per annum. He buys and ships some 30,000 bushels of wheat per 
year. Mr. McLaughlin received the advantages afforded by the Washington 
County schools and those at Greencastle. He, was married in 1879 to Miss 
Anna Zeller, of Washington County, Md. , by whom he has three children: 
Howard H. , Perry and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin are members of 
the Reformed Church. Mr. McLaughlin is the railroad and express agent at 
State Line, having held these positions since 1 883. and was appointed post- 
master in March, 1886. 

VICTOR DAVIS MILLER, M. D. , P. O. Mason & Dixon, was born near 
Williamsport, Washington Co., Md., February 1, 1838, son of Albertus A. 
Miller. He obtained his literary education at Pennsylvania College, Gettys- 
burg, Penn., and began in 1857 reading medicine at Greencastle with Dr. 
Charles Michael, who was his preceptor during his whole course of study. He 
subsequently attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he 
graduated in March 1861, and soon after began practice in the neighborhood 
where he now lives, and has continued the same up to date. In 1862 he was 
appointed assistant surgeon of the Seventy-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, which was part of the Army of the Cumberland, and was 
stationed in Nashville, Tenn. He was present at the* engagement at La 
Vergne, Tenn. , in the seven days' right at Stone River. He was acting sur- 
geon for this regiment during the last four months' service ; resigning in April, 
1863, on account of physical disability contracted through exposure during the 
battle of Stone River. At this battle, while engaged in dressing the wounds 
of an officer (who was serving as colonel of an Indiana regiment and 
commanding a brigade of Gen. Thomas' corps) on the field of battle, he 
ran a narrow escape, two bullets from the enemy passing through his coat. 
After resigning he returned to his practice in Antrim Township. The Doctor 
was married March 13, 1866, to Alice J. Rench of Washington County, Md., 
a daughter of Andrew Rench, and they have six children: Dewitt Clinton 
Rench, a graduate of Pennsylvania College; William Preston, Jane Scott, 
Victor Davis, Jr. , Mary Lamon, Louisa Price. The Doctor is a member of the 
Reformed Church of Middleburg; a Democrat in politics; served as coroner 
from 1864 to 1866. He was a candidate of his party for the State Legislature 
in 1881, and was defeated by eight votes on account of a clerical error made 
by the clerk of the board of returns, but really received a majority of eight 
votes. The Doctor has a farm just over the line in Maryland, where he re- 
sides, which he carries on in connection with his practice. He lives in an ele- 
gant modern residence built by him at a cost of $6,000. 

J. FLETCHER NOWELL, M. D. , Greencastle, is a native of Anne Arun- 
del County, Md., born July 9, 1845, and is a son of William and Rachel A. 
(Sheckell) Nowell, of that county, the former of whom, a farmer, served as a 
local Methodist preacher. The Nowells were of English, and the Sheckells of 
Scotch descent. The Doctor obtained his literary education at Fort Edward 
Institute, N. Y. , attending there some three years, and graduating June 24, 
1868. He began reading medicine in 1870, and attended lectures at the 



722 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating there in 1875, and 
soon afterward (March 20) began the practice of his profession at Greencastle. 
The Doctor was married March 17, 1880, to Miss Jennie Cook of Chambers- 
burg. After graduating at Fort Edward he had charge of the English depart- 
ment in Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, for two terms, and the year after- 
ward had charge as principal of the public schools at Waterford, Va. The 
Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Greencastle. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

HENRY OMWAKE, P. O. Greencastle. The name was originally in Ger- 
man ' ' Amweg, ' ' by which some of the members of the family are still known in 
Lancaster County, Penn. The tirst of the name to settle in Franklin County was 
Jacob Omwake, a native of Berks County, Penn; he located in Washington Town- 
ship, near Besore's (now Salem) Church, and in the spring of 1808 moved 
on a tract of land which he bought of Samuel Sell. He died November 17, 
1814, at the age of forty-one years. He was a member of the Reformed 
Church, and is buried in the Old Salem churchyard. His wife's name before 
marriage was Catharine Hassler; they had a family of two sons and four 
daughters. His widow was afterward married to Daniel Mowen. John Om- 
wake, son of Jacob, was also a native of Berks County, being eight years old 
when the family came to this county. He was married to Elizabeth Ledy, a 
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Ledy. From the time of his mar- 
riage in 1821, to the time of his death in 1865, he lived on the old homestead, 
which first became his residence in 1808 ; his remains lie in the Salem ground. 
His widow is still on the old home place with her son Samuel, and is now in 
her ninety- third year; until about ninety years of age, she was able to visit 
her neighbors on foot, and preferred walking to church, a distance of three- 
fourths of a mile; since then she is partially disabled in body, but her mental 
faculties are comparatively good, her memory running back to occurrences 
which took place before the war of 1812. They were both members, and faith- 
ful attendants upon the services, of the Reformed Church, in the faith and doc- 
trines of which they also brought up their children, of whom they had ten: 
Catharine married to Wesley Koons; Samuel, married to Elizabeth Keckler; 
John, married in Ohio, where he died of cholera; Jacob, who died at Tiffin, 
Ohio, in 1854; Jeremiah, married at Tiffin, Ohio, to Ann Sheets, and now liv- 
ing in Henry County, Ohio; Henry; Susan, married to Christian Lesher, of near 
Waynesboro, Penn. ; Elizabeth, married to Wm. S. Koons (now both deceased) ; 
Mary Ann and Rebecca, both of whom died single. Henry Omwake, the subject 
proper of this sketch, was born December 6, 1830, and was reared to farming; 
he attended the common schools, but fitted himself for teaching mainly by his 
efforts at home. When nineteen he began teaching school in Salem District, 
and followed it during winter terms, for sixteen years. He was married in 
1854 to Eveline Beaver, and moved to Antrim Township. In 1867 he bought 
the Peter Witmer homestead near Greencastle, now consisting of ninety acres, 
where his family are enjoying the fruits of the farm as the result of their in- 
dustry. As an ardent supporter of the common schools he has served his 
Township three several terms as director. In 1881 he was elected to the office of 
county commissioner, in which he served three years. He and his wife are 
also members of the Reformed faith. Their family consists of nine children: 
John O., Wm. T., Mary K., Augustus B. (at home and a teacher), James E., 
Jeremiah S., George L., Chalmers P. and Howard R. John O., living in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and Wm. T., who is an attorney in Waynesboro, Penn., are the 
only ones of the children not now at home. 

SAMUEL PHILLIPPY, farmer, P. O. Greencastle, was born at his pres- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 723 

ent residence in February, 1833, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Rauch) Phil 
lippy. Christian and Barbara (Reed) Phillippy, grandparents of our subject, 
came to Antrim Township, this connty, from Lebanon County in LSI 7, and here 
the former rented land some four years, and, in 1821, he bought the farm of 
160 acres, where our subject now lives, at sheriff's sale for $48 per acre; the 
present stone house then stood as it does to-day, though the barn and outbuild- 
ings were built by the father of our subject in 1835. The old roof still remains 
good, the shingles of which were hauled from Harrisburg by wagon. This 
farm was purchased in three tracts, as follows: First dated November 24, 
1701, as recorded in Patent Book, " AA, Vol. II, page 446; second dated Oc- 
tober 24, 1765, as recorded in Patent Book AA, Vol. VII, page 152; third 
dated December 28, 1813." The tracts were purchased from Penn's heirs by 
John Brotherton; deed made to Christian Phillippy by Brotherton April 8, 
1822. The Phillippys are members of the Lutheran Church, and the father 
of our subject was an elder in that church for many years; he was a member of 
the building committee in building the new church at Greencastle. Samuel 
and Catherine (Rauch) Phillippy had nine children: Christian, who married 
Uriah P. Smith (they live in Monroe County, Mich.); Jonathan, married to 
Catherine Harbaugh ; Eliza, who married John Young (now a widow) ; Mary 
Ann (who married Christian Whitrnore) ; Isaac, married to Catherine Shank; 
Samuel;' Jacob, of Chambersburg, married to Susan Lesher; Catherine, who 
married Daniel M. Baker; Margaret, who married Adam Vandrau. Samuel mar- 
ried Mary Grove, a daughter of John Grove, of this county, and they have 
three children: John G. , Miriam M. , James Franklin, all at home. Mr. Phil- 
lippy has the 160 acres of land that his grandfather first purchased. He is a 
member of the Luthern Church: in politics a Democrat; is one of the most 
solid farmers of Antrim Township. 

THE RAHAUSER FAMILY. The first of this family to settle in Franklin 
County was Jonas Rahauser, a native of Germany, born near Hesse Darm- 
stadt, in 1777. He was brought to the United States by his parents, who set- 
tled in York, York Co., Penn. , in 1781, and came with his brother Daniel, 
who was a minister of the Reformed Church, to Franklin County in 1790, and 
soon after became an apprentice to the blacksmith trade at Greencastle. After 
completing his apprenticeship, he was married at Greencastle, to Miss Cath- 
erine Drooks, by whom he had three children: Maud Catherine, Gideon and 
Jonathan. He was a prominent and active member of the Reformed Church 
(three of his brothers, Frederick, Daniel and Jonathan, were ministers of this 
society). He died in 1853, leaving a comfortable estate to his family, his wife 
having died in 1849, and they are buried in the Lutheran graveyard at Green- 
castle. Gideon Rahauser, son of Jonas and Catherine (Drooks) Rahauser, 
was born in Greencastle, this county, in 1814. He was a farmer, owning in 
Antrim Township a farm of some 180 acres, and from his marriage, in 1849, 
always lived on that farm, located one and one-half mile southeast of Green- 
castle. His wife's name was Margaret Stover, daughter of William Stover of 
Greencastle, and by this union there were five children: Susan A., William S. , 
Joseph P. , George W. and Gideon J. The father of this family died in 1859, 
aged about forty-five years; he was one of the most respected citizens of the 
township. His widow died in 1879, and they are both buried in Cedar Hill 
Cemetery. Joseph P. Rahauser, hardware merchant, Greencastle, the third 
child in the above family, was born in 1854, at Greencastle; he obtained his 
education at the free and select school of Greencastle, and Millersville Normal 
School, and subsequently (from 1872) he taught school for seven years, three 
years at Greencastle, one year at Shady Grove and three years at Belmont. 



724 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Since 1877, he in company with J. M. Stover accepted the agency of the 
' ' Stover Wind Engine Company ' ' f of four States : Pennsylvania, Virginia, 
Maryland and New Jersey. In 1880 this partnership was dissolved, and in 
1882, he in company with his brother, Gideon, under the firm name of J. P. 
Rahauser & Bro. , established the present business of dealers in general hard- 
ware and agricultural implements, including the wind engines; this is one of 
the most important business enterprises of the borough, the sales amounting 
some years to $45,000 or $50,000, averaging about $35,000. 

JOHN ROWE, merchant, surveyor-general of Pennsylvania and speaker of 
the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, was born October 4, 1814, in 
Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn. His father, a native of county Westmeath, 
Ireland, a Protestant, came to America in 1804 and settled at Greencastle, 
where he married Mary, daughter of John Wise, the son of Christopher Wise 
of Havre de Grace, Md. , who married a daughter of one McKinnie killed by 
the Indians at Hollywell Paper Mill, Franklin County, in 1756. John Rowe 
was educated in the schools of his native town; at twenty-one years of age he 
married Elizabeth Prather. He was from youth until death a merchant of 
Greencastle, public spirited, zealous to promote the growth and prosperity of 
the town, active and influential in politics; even before his majority he began 
to take a leading part in local affairs and was sent by the Democrats to their 
county convention, and that body selected him as a delegate to the State con- 
vention with instructions to support Martin Van Buren for President. In 1840, 
when twenty-five years old, he was elected justice of the peace at the first elec- 
tion for that office under the amended constitution; four years later he was the 
Democratic candidate for the Legislature, but the Whigs had a majority; how- 
ever, he was elected a representative in the General Assembly in 1851 and again 
in 1852. In the presidential campaign of 1856, John W. Forney, organizing 
victory for Buchanan, called the State convention to meet at Chambersburg 
for the well understood purpose of putting Maj. John Rowe in nomination 
for surveyor-general; it was done and he was elected and filled the office for 
three years; in 1859 he was unanimously nominated for re-election, though a 
Douglas Democrat, but that year his party failed to carry the State. At the 
outbreak of the Rebellion he took firm ground for the Government, and in the 
fall of 1861 was elected as a Union Democrat to the Legislature, and was 
chosen speaker of the House of Representatives. Thenceforth he was identi- 
fied with the Republican party, and was prominent in its councils. He died 
at Greencastle December 27, 1880, at the age of sixty-six years. 

REV. JOHN RUTHRAUFF, of the Lutheran Church, was a native of York 
County, born in 1763; he came to Greencastle previous to 1795, and under his 
pastorate the Lutheran Brick Church was built, and the first Lutheran Sunday 
school was held; he was pastor for thirty-eight years. His wife's name was 
Maria Hamme, also a native of York County; he died in 1837, and his widow 
about 1842, aged about seventy-five years. They are both buried in the Lu- 
theran graveyard, Greencastle, Penn. He was also a farmer and owned 200 
acres of land one mile and a quarter Avest of Greencastle. He built a grist-mill 
in 1810, the first erected on that site; it was burned in 1827, and rebuilt by 
him. He had seven sons — John, Samuel, Frederick, George, Jonathan, Henry 
and David — and one daughter. Jonathan, a Lutheran preacher, died at Leba- 
non, Penn., while in charge of a congregation there. Frederick, also a Lu- 
theran preacher, died at Milton, Penn. , in charge of a congregation. Samuel, 
born in 1796, was reared at the old homestead, and when a young man oper- 
ated the mill on his father' s place ; was afterward engaged in merchandising 
at Marion and St. Thomas, in this county. He was a soldier in the war of 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 725 

1812, and served at Baltimore. He married Isabella Pattern, by whom he had 
the following named children: John, Sarah, now widow of Washington 
Crooks; William, a Lutheran minister, who died at Zanesville, Ohio; Ann M. , 
who died aged twenty; Elizabeth, first wife of Washington Crooks. The father 
died at Greencastle in 1862, aged sixty-six; the mother in 1878, aged seventy- 
eight, and both are buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery. 

John Ruthrauff was born in November, 1816, in Greencastle, this county, 
and was reared until eighteen years of age on the old homestead of his grand- 
father. When about eighteen years of age he engaged as a clerk at Loudon, 
this county, in a general store, and in 1838, in partnership with his father, 
opened a store at Marion. In 1846 he sold out the store and began farming 
on the Frederick farm, three miles north of Greencastle; abandoning this he 
bought 150 acres of land on the Leitersburg road, living, however, in Green- 
castle. This farm he sold, then bought the first farm east of town on the 
Waynesboro road, of fifty-six acres, which he afterward increased to seventy- 
four acres. He then became largely interested in dealing in stock and wool, 
in which he continued for twenty-three years. Mr. Ruthrauff is a Republican 
in politics, and during the war took an active part in upholding the Union 
cause; was active in securing enlistments and in filling the Antrim Township 
first and second quotas ; was appointed and acted as treasurer of the committee 
for collecting money to pay bounties. April 17, 1861, an agreement was made 
and signed by sixty-seven citizens of Greencastle, agreeing to support the fam- 
ilies of the members of the Greencastle company during their absence in de- 
fense of their country. Dr. William Grubb's name was first, and Mr. Ruth- 
rauff' s second on that list. This document is now in the hands of Mr. Ruth- 
rauff. It was written and signed three days after the firing on Fort Sumter. 
Mr. Ruthrauff, with the assistance of the loyal citizens of the township, raised 
$31,000 in four days, 16th to 19th of April, 1864, and in four days after had paid 
sixty-two men $500 each, and they were mustered into the United States service. 
The devotion to the Union cause was such that the above named amount was 
raised without any assurance of it being refunded, but it depended on the Legis- 
lature to pass a special act authorizing the school board of the township to 
levy, collect and pay over to the treasurer the above amount, which was ac- 
complished the following spring, and the amount returned to each one of 
the contributors. Mr. Ruthrauff lost considerable by Lee's army, and was 
obliged to ' ' make himself scarce ' ' when it was here. He was married to 
Margaret Jane Rankin, a daughter of Andrew B. and Margaret (Ritchie) 
Rankin, and they have had six children, two of whom died when young; four 
now living: Mary B., married to S. J. Strete; William, in the livery busi- 
ness in Greencastle, married to Florence Hammond; Margaret, married to 
Frederick Fletcher ; John R. , an attorney at Greencastle, married to Miss Mar- 
garet Lawshe, of Lewisburg, Union Co., Penn. Mr. Ruthrauff and family 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. He now lives on the old Rankin 
homestead, which Squire Rankin bought in 1822 and on it built the house. 

JAMES SHIREY, hotel-keeper, Greencastle, was born at that place, Oc- 
tober 14, 1842, and is a son of David and Joanna (Fame) Shirey, the former 
of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German descent. He passed his early years 
in Greencastle, and in May, 1862, enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and 
Twenty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered 
in at Harrisburg. The regiment was soon afterward ordered to Washington 
for duty, where it remained some time. It was then attached to Tyler's brig- 
ade, being the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps ; thence it was 
ordered to Monocacy Junction, Md. On the night of the last day's fight at 



726 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Antietam it was ordered to the front, but under a flag of truce from Lee to 
bury their dead the enemy escaped arid retreated. The One Hundred and 
Twenty-sixth broke camp in September, 1862, and took up a position in front 
of Fredericksburg, and on the 13th of December, 1862, participated in the' 
last charge of the Union troops on the fortifications of that place. Mr. Shirey 
was with his company in charge of the Fifth I. Battery and also in charge of 
the enemy's works; the company charged within ninety feet of the works and 
lost some twenty-eight killed and wounded out of a hundred. The Union troops 
were repulsed and fell back and crossed the Rappahannock in the night. Soon 
after Mr. Shirey was injured, and in consequence was sent to the hospital 
and only rejoined, his company on the day of the battle of Chancellorsville. 
His time had expired two days previous to the battle and a few days later the 
regiment was ordered to Harrisburg, where it was mustered out, having served 
about ten months. Mr. Shirey then returned home. In 1879 he began keep- 
ing hotel in partnership with H. It. Gaff, in the "Franklin House," an old 
frame building. That same year they tore down the old building and erected 
the fine brick known as the ' ' Crowell House, "at an expense, including site 
and buildings, of $ 18, 000. In 1881 he sold out his interest, and March 16, 1885, 
took charge of the "National Hotel" and conducted it until 1886. At that 
time he again took charge of the " Crowell House," and is now conducting it. 
Mr. Shirey is a member of the G. A. R. , a member of the committee in charge 
of the erection of the Rihl monument. When the advance of Lee's army 
reached Greencastle on their way to Gettysburg, Mr. Shirey carried the mes- 
sage to Gen. Couch at Chambersburg, informing him that the rebels were on 
Northern soil. This message resulted in sending out the company of which 
private Rihl was a member, and he was killed one-half mile north of Green- 
castle. Mr. Shirey was married to Clara, daughter of Abraham Donaldson, of 
Washington County, Md., and by her has two children: Emma, born in 1873, 
and David, born in 1874. Mrs. Shirey died February 10, 1887, after a short 
illness. 

SNIVEL Y FAMILY, of Franklin County. The first representative and 
founder of this family in the United States, was Johann Jacob Schenebele, 
born in Switzerland in 1659, who, according to the family records, to secure 
religious freedom and the privilege to worship God according to the dictates 
of his conscience, emigrated from his native country, and located near Lan- 
caster City, Lancaster Co., Penn. , in 1714, and was naturalized at Philadel- 
phia, Penn., October 14, 1729. He was a farmer in his native country, and, 
owing to persecution for his religious views, was obliged to sacrifice a flock of 
sheep and other farm products when he left it. He died in Lancaster County; 
was a member of the Mennonite Church. Of his children there is a record of 
but one son, Jacob Snively, a native of Switzerland, born December 21, 1694, 
who is the founder of the Snively family in Franklin County. Coming there 
in 1731 he bought land in 1734, about two miles northeast of Greencastle in 
a bee line, the same year building a log house. His first purchase was 500 
acres to which he afterward added some 1000 acres more. By the above it 
will be seen he was a man of substance, and. evidently of considerable business 
ability, as he acted for some time as collector of taxes and agent for the Penns. 
He was married twice, and by his first wife (name unknown) were three daugh- 
ters: Magdalena, Eve and Anna, and two sons: John and Christian. After his 
first wife's death he was married, April 14, 1736, to Barbara Eberle, to which 
union were born fourteen children: Henry, Joseph, Andrew, Michael, Jacob, 
Fannie, Catherine, Susanna, Elizabeth, Anna Mary, Mary, Catherine, Chris- 
tiana and Barbara. The father of the above family died August 24, 1766, and 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 727 

his widow some years afterward. He and his wives are buried about 100 yards 
north from the site where he built his pioneer log cabin; the burial place is 
surrounded by a substantial stone wall, three and one-half feet high and three 
feet thick, and is eighteen feet square; the center space is filled with earth to 
the top of the wall, and in tnis sj^ace lie the remains of the pioneers. On the 
site of the log cabin his son, Andrew, built a substantial stone structure in 
1781, which to all appearances still stands solid as when first erected. On the 
other side of the road, 100 yards distant, this same Andrew built a large brick 
residence for his son, Maj. Henry Snively, in 1799; this residence is also in a 
good state of preservation. One quarter of a mile south of the above burial 
place is another ground, where lie buried a number of the Snively family, 
among whom is Andrew above mentioned, who died in 1813, aged sixty-two 
years; his first wife, nee Anna Funk, who died in 1788 aged thirty-four years; 
his second wife, nee Magdalena Shenk, who died October 20, 1830, aged sixty - 
seven years, and a bachelor son of Andrew, also named Andrew, who died in 
1850, aged fifty-nine years. 

Joseph Snively, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Eberle) Snively, was born 
December 19, 1748, and was married to Magdalena Stoner June 13, 1771. 
To this union were born the following children: Barbara, Jacob, Magdalena, 
Anna, Elizabeth, John, Joseph and Benjamin. The father of the above fam- 
ily died October 30, 1833, the mother August 25, 1793, and they are buried in 
Cedar Hill Cemetery. He was a farmer and owned 1,000 acres of land south 
and east of Shady Grove. 

Joseph Snively, a son of Joseph and Magdalena (Stoner) Snively, was 
born December 12, 1786, and was married May 28, 1811, to Anna Bachtel. 
He was a prominent farmer of his day, owning some 1,000 acres or more of 
land, and lived on what was known as the ' ' Mansion Farm, ' ' being the old 
homestead of his father, near Shady Grove. He was a practical surveyor, and 
during his whole life was engaged more or less in that business. He was a 
Whig, and was elected by his party as a member of the constitutional conven- 
tion of 1838, in which body he served; he was highly respected and trusted, 
and acted as administrator in the settlement of several estates. He was a mem- 
ber of the Mennonite Church, in which faith he died August 22, 1872, and his 
wife June 13, 1853. They are buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Their children 
were named Isaac, Mary, Benjamin, Christiana, Joseph, Samuel B. , David, 
Andrew, Nancy, Daniel and Emma A. 

Benjamin Snively, a son of Joseph and Anna (Bachtel) Snively, was born May 
9, 1817, on the old homestead near Shady Grove, this county. He was mar- 
ried December 12, 1839, to Matilda Mitchell. He resides on his farm, a mile 
west of Shady Grove, Antrim Township. He is a Republican, and during the 
war was a firm friend to the Union cause, and has served his township in va- 
rious offices of public trust. Mr. and Mrs. Snively have had born to them the 
following named children: Catherine N. , Isaac, who enlisted and served some 
ten months in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, and who is now 
deceased; James Ross, Benjamin, Jr., William- Stewart, Edith M. , Mary L. 
and Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Snively and family are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

LEMUEL SNIVELY, farmer, P. O. Greencastle. Jacob Snively, the first of 
the family in this township, built a small log house in 1734, which remained stand- 
ing until 1781, when the stone house now standing was built by Andrew Snive- 
ly, a son of Jacob, the first settler. This stone house is directly opposite the 
present brick residence of Lemuel Snively, the last being built by Andrew for 
his son, Maj. Henry Snively, in 1799. Lemuel Snively was born July 19, 1834, 



728 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and is the son of Samuel who was the son of Andrew, the son of Jacob, 
the first settler. His mother was Susannah Snively, the daughter of Jacob 
Snively, who was the son of Joseph, wl5o was the son of Jacob, the first settler. 
Thus it will be seen he is a descendant in a double degree of the first Johann 
Jacob, who settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , in 1714. Our subject was 
reared to the life of a farmer, in the meantime attending the seminaries at 
Greencastle, Chambersburg, and Mercersburg, thus laying the foundation for 
an education. Subsequently he prepared for, and became a student at Dick- 
inson College in 1853, remaining there one year and closing his school days. 
He was married December 20, 1860, to Anna Mary Rowe, a daughter of 
Hon. John Rowe. Some time afterward he took charge of the homestead 
farm of 131 acres, belonging to his father, which he has conducted up to date. 
Mr. Snively is a Republican, and an active worker and influential man in his 
party. He has served successively in the following offices: Township clerk, 
three terms; auditor, three terms, and county auditor for one term of three 
years. His home place consists of 100 acres, and is part of the original tract 
taken up by Jacob Snively in 1734, thus being in the family 152 years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Snively have six children: John Rowe, Susan Almira, Bell Gilmore, 
Elizabeth Prather, Watson and Samuel. The parents are members of the 
Presbvterian Church. 

DANIEL SNIVELY, born June 29, 1802, at the old homestead, near Green- 
castle, was for many years one of the leading merchants of Greencastle ; Janu- 
ary 24, 1833, married Mary Ann Culbertson, who was born October 3, 1811, 
in the village of New Market, Dauphin County, Penn. Their children are: 

Rev. William Andrew Snively, D. D., born December 6, 1833, was 
educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, in the class of 1852; clergyman of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church ; has been associate rector of St. Andrew' s Church, 
Pittsburgh, Penn.; rector of Christ's Church, Cincinnati, Ohio; rector of St 
Peter' s Church, Albany, N. Y. , and for twelve years past has been rector of 
Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, N. Y. ; was clerical deputy to the general 
convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1871, 1874, 1877, 1880, 1883 
and 1886; member of the board of missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church; 
Standing Committee of the board of trustees of the General Theological Semi- 
nary, New York; member of the executive committee of the society for the in- 
crease of the ministry, chairman of the missionary committee of the diocese of 
Long Island and trustee of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, L. I. 
He has published " Sermons during the War," 1865; "The Ober-Ammergau 
Passion Play," 1 vol., 8 vo. , 1881; "The Cathedral System in the American 
Church," 1877; "Genealogical Memoranda" of the Snively family, A. D. 
1659, A. D. 1882; "Science and Religion," a sermon before the Lehigh 
University, Bethlehem, Penn., 1884; articles in American Church Review and 
in the Homiletic Review. 

Joseph Culbertson. Snively, M. D., born January 17, 1836, graduated at 
Dickinson College in 1857, studied medicine at Long Island College Hospital, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. , and practiced medicine in the same city until his death, which 
occurred in 1885. 

Daniel Duncan Snively, born March 9, 1838, removed to Texas and en- 
gaged in stock raising; died at Sequin, Texas, October 26, 1862. 

Julia Frances Snively, born April 30, 1840, and married to William H. 
Lewis, resides in Evanston, 111. 

Anna Mary Culbertson Snively, born September 23, 1843, married to 
Hon. Francis Colton of Washington, D. C. 

John Culbertson Snively, born September 28, 1865; farmer in Nebraska. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 129> 

Rev. Summerfield E. Snively, M. D., born June 10, 1848; graduated at 
Dickinson College, 1869; studied medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, 
Philadelphia; completed his studies in Germany; returned to the United States 
and studied theology at Berkeley Divinity School, Middietown, Conn. , ordained 
to the ministry in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was for three years as 
sistant minister in Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, and is now (1886) rector 
of St Paul's Church, Flatbush, L. I. 

Rev. Thadleus Alexander Snively, born February 1, 1851, graduated at 
Dickinson College in 1869; graduated at Berkley Divinity School in 1872; in 
1875 traveled in Europe and the Holy Land; ordained to ministry of the Prot- 
estant Episcopal Church, and has been rector of St. John's Church, Hunting- 
ton, L. I., Christ Church, Quincv, Mass., and at present is rector of St. John's 
Church, Troy, N. Y. 

Daniel Snively, born June 29, 1802, died at Brooklyn, N. Y. , October 15, 
1880. Mary Ann Culbertson, his wife, born October 3, 1811, died at Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. , October 6, 1880. Both are buried at New Albany, Ind. , at which 
place they resided for some years. 

SAMUEL B. SNIVELY (deceased) was a son of Joseph and Anna (Bachtel) 
Snively, born July 27, 1825, in Antrim Township, this county, about one mile 
east of Shady Grove, on the farm of 800 acres owned by his grandfather, 
Joseph Snively, and his father, Joseph Snively. The warrant for this land 
was granted to Jacob Snively in 1762, and has remained in this family up to 
this date. Samuel B. Snively was reared on this farm, and lived here all his 
life conducting it. He was a surveyor, attending to a great deal of that work 
in his vicinity, and was trusted and honored as an honest, upright man. He 
had the settlement of quite a number of estates. He was a member of the 
Reformed Church, which he served first as deacon and afterward as elder for 
many years. He died October 2, 1882, leaving a widow and family of five 
children: Joseph L., M. D. ; Mary E., Emma F., Annie B. and Nora M. He 
is buried in Greencastle Cemetery. He was married February 24, 1850, to 
Miss Maria Tritle, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Hege) Tritle (the Tritles were of 
German extraction), of Guilford Township, this county, near Grindstone Hill 
Church. Soon after marriage they began keeping house at the present home- 
stead, one and a half miles east of Shady Grove. The widow and all the 
children, except one, live there. Emma F. married C. Keifer Kiesacker and 
resides near Greencastle. Dr. Joseph L. Snively, son of Samuel B. and Maria 
(Tritle) Snively, was educated at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster 
City, graduating there in 1874. In the fall of the same year he began reading 
medicine in the office of Dr. Senseney, of Chambersburg, and graduated at 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1877. He has been practicing 
in Antrim Township since his graduation, and he lives on and has charge of 
the old homestead. His family are connected with the Reformed Church. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

MELCHI SNIVELY, farmer, Shady Grove, was born January 9, 1816, 
about three-quarters of a mile southeast of Shady Grove, this county, on land 
that has been in the hands of the family for over 120 years, and is now owned 
by our subject. His grandparents were Joseph and Magdalena (Stoner). 
Snively, his parents being John and Catherine (Poorman) Snively, the former oi' 
whom was born December 5, 1783, on the old homestead, one mile southeast 
of Shady Grove; was there reared, and bought 300 acres of land (part of the' 
homestead) of his father. June 28, 1810, he married Catherine Poorman, by 
whom he had five children, four of whom grew up; Elizabeth, Magdalena, 
Melchi and Ann Catherine. The father died April 12, 1827. Our subject was 

4C. 



730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

reared on a farm, and at the age of fourteen was employed as a clerk in a 
store in Lebanon County, Penn. When nineteen years old he began farming 
the 300 acres of land inherited from his father, and has carried on farming 
and stock raising ever since. In 1848 he established the first store opened at 
Shady Grove, which was continued for three years, and the store with little 
exception has been conducted by some member of the family ever since, the 
proprietor at present being his grandson, E. S. Snively. Mr. Snively still 
carries on farming extensively, and has some 450 acres of land in this town- 
ship, having already disposed of 300 acres. He is at present living in Shady 
Grove, in a fine brick residence built by him in 1848 at a cost of $3,000. Our 
subject was married August 8, 1837, to Elizabeth Newcomer, by whom he had 
five children: Frederick B., born June 17, 1838; William, December 16, 1839; 
George, September 9, 1841; Scott, September 9, 1845, and Virginia, May 18, 
1847. Scott resides at Arkoe, a railroad station in Nodaway County, Mo. 
George lives on the home place. Frederick B. lost his life at the burning of 
the W T ashingtoQ House, Hagerstown, Md. , May 30, 1879. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Snively dying August 9, 1861, Mr. Snively married June 9, 1863, Mrs. 
Catherine Boyd, daughter of James Kennedy, and a native of Ireland, having 
come to this country with her parents when five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. 
Snively are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics, and has served his township in some local offices, such as ■ 
school director, etc. He was a charter member in organizing the national 
bank at Greencastle, and a director for some years; was appointed first post- 
master at Shady Grove (in 1849) and, with the exception of three or four years, 
himself or some member of his family has held the office until removed by 
President Cleveland in 1885. 

FREDERICK B. SNIVELY (deceased) son of Melchi Snively , was born June 
17, 1838, in Antrim Township, this county, near Shady Grove, and was educated 
at Mt. Holly, N. J. ; afterward at Mercersburg, Penn. He was married in 1860 
to Miss Cornelia Hammond, daughter of John and Elizabeth (O'Neal) Ham- 
mond of near Benevola P. O. , in Washington County, Maryland. Mr. Snively j 
was a prominent business man of Antrim Township, and kept store at Shady 
Grove for over twenty years. He was an ardent Republican and took an : 
active part in the public affairs of the county. While on business at Hagers- 
town buying wool, the Washington Hotel, now the Baldwin House, took fire, 
and his room being on the third floor he jumped to the ground, receiving in- 
juries from which he died May 31, 1879, only one day after the accident, leav- 
ing four children (one other was born some time afterward) : Edwin S. , born 
June 15, 1864; Jessie Estella, born January 23, 1868; Catherine K., No- 
vember 19, 1872; Nellie C, born March 19, 1876; Frederick Bryan, born 
January 20, 1880. Mr. Snively was a member of the German Reformed 
Church, as is also his widow, who still resides at Shady Grove. Edwin S. 
Snively, a son of our subject, was educated at Ursinus College, Montgomery 
County, Penn., where he graduated in 1881, and two years afterward became 
a partner with his grandfather, Melchi Snively, at Shady Grove, and in March, 
1886, became sole proprietor of the business, which he is now conducting. 

GEORGE B. SNIVELY, farmer, P. O. Shady Grove, son of Melchi 
Snively, was born September 9, 1841, and was reared to the life of a farmer, 
in the meantime receiving the advantages of the schools in his native place, 
and subsequently two years' attendance at the Mercersburg Institute. October 
12, 1862, he enlisted on the Union side in the war of the Rebellion, in Company 
G, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was mustered into the 
United States service at Harrisburg in November, same year. The regiment 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 731 

was soon ordered to Opequon Creek, Virginia, on active duty, and our sub- 
ject subsequently participated in the following battles: Opequon Creek, De- 
cember 19, 1862; Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863; Upperville, June 21, 1863, 
where he had a horse killed under him; Gettysburg (and here had another 
horse killed under him), where he was detailed as mounted orderly at head- 
quarters First Division, remaining as such to the end of service; Culpeper, 
where he had a horse wounded under him ; Raccoon Ford ; Brandy Station, 
where he also had a horse wounded under him; Oak Hill; Wilderness, May 
8, 1864, where a bullet passed through his clothes; Glenallen Station, 
Meadow Bridge, Old Church Tavern, Cold Harbor, Whitehouse Landing, 
Newtown, Deep Bottom, Berryville, Va., Kearneysville, Smithfield, Williams 
Grove Mills, and Winchester (horse killed under him), and was also present 
at the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was mustered out in October, 1865, at 
Louisville, Ky. , and returned to his home in Antrim Township. Mr. Snively 
was married February 5, 1867, to Mary E. Kennedy, a daughter of Lazarus 
Kennedy, of Antrim Township, this county, and commenced keeping house the 
same year on his father' s farm, operating the place one year, when he removed 
to Nodaway County, Mo. , and farmed two years, then returned to this town- 
ship, where he has resided ever since, farming 175 acres of the homestead of 
his father. Mr. and Mrs. Snively have the following named children: Mi- 
nerva, born May 25, 1868; Melchi K, born March 27, 1872; Franklin B. f 
born December 18, 1873; Harvey N., November 20, 1875; George M., Sep- 
tember 15, 1877; Luella, June 2, 1880, and John Earle, June 30, 1885. Mr. 
Snively is a charter member of the G. A. R. , Post 438, or Corporal Rihl Post, 
and has been its quartermaster ever since. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church; in politics a Republican. 

J. STOUFFER SNIVELY, farmer, P. O. Greencastle, born in Antrim 
Township, August 14, 1847, is a son of Jacob H. and Catherine (Stouffer) 
Snively. At sixteen years of age he began managing the old homestead for 
his mother, and carried it on until he was twenty-five years of age; then, hav- 
ing neglected his education somewhat, he became a student at Millersville 
State Normal School, in Lancaster County, Penn. After remaining there 
some time his duties again called him home to attend to the farm. Subse- 
quently he, with the idea of locating, traveled through the West for some eight 
months, but finally returned home; was married soon afterward, and Mav 1, 
1877, entered into a partnership to do a general commission business at Green- 
castle, and in the summer of 1878, having bought out his partner's interests, 
the firm of J. Stouffer Snively & Co. was established with W. G. Davison as 
a partner, the firm continuing the same to the present date (1887). Mr. Snively 
now lives on a farm one mile and a half from Greencastle, which he conducts, 
still retaining his interest in the commission business. Mrs. Snively having died 
in 1885, his family now consists only of his four boys: Clarence E. , born April 
24, 1876; J. Howard, born August 1, 1877; Charles R., born January 2, 1879, 
and Frank Ellis, born December 30, 1880. The farm on which Mr. Snively 
now resides has been in the family for over 150 years. The family attend 
the services of the New Mennonite Church. In politics Mr. Snively is a Re- 
publican. Jacob H. Snively (deceased) was born March 25, 1806, on the old 
homestead of his parents, John (born February 25, 1766) and Anna (Hege) 
Snively, one mile east of Greencastle. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
and on his father's death (June 30, 1844,) purchased the homestead consisting 
of 170 acres, where he lived and conducted the farm until his death, which 
occurred May 3, 1852. He was an able and progressive citizen, a great friend 
and advocate of the free school system, and a supporter of all those public en- 



732 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

terprises and improvements calculated to benefit the many. He lies buried in 
the family lot on the home place; his widow, whose maiden name was Cather- 
ine Stouffer, to whom he was married March 8, 1838, now lives on the old I 
homestead with four of her children that remain single: Martha B. , Catherine 
S. , Maria A. and Benjamin F. who manages the farm; the other children are • 
Annie E., born April 24, 1839, married to Christian Strite, and J. Stouffer 
Snively, mentioned elsewhere. The parents of John Snively, who was born 
February 25, 1766, were Christian and Margaret (Washabaugh) Snively, the 
former of whom was a son of the pioneer, Jacob Snively, by first marriage. 

WILLIAM H. SNIVELY, Greencastle, was born February 5, 1843, a son 
of Samuel and Susan Snively, the former a son of Andrew and the latter a 
daughter of Jacob Snively, who was the son of Joseph Snively, Andrew and t 
Joseph being the sons of Jacob Snively. Our subject was reared to and learned I 
the vocation of a farmer. September 3, 1862, when nineteen years of age, he 
enlisted in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion, in Company K, 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served I 
until the expiration of his term of enlistment, which was nine months. In i 
October, 1864, he again enlisted, this time in Company K, Twenty-first Penn- 
sylvania Cavalry, and served until the end of the war, making in his two en- 
listments nearly two years' service. He was in the battle of Chancellorsville : 
(where he was taken prisoner and held twelve days, when he was paroled) and 1 
in several skirmishes ; he was with the Army of the Potomac throughout the 3 
whole time of service. He returned home in 1865. In 1872 he was married: 
to Miss Nannie Gearhart, and they have one child, Mary Georgietta, born in ] 
December, 1874. 

JACOB S. SNIVELY, county commissioner, P. O. Chambersburg, was - 
born in Antrim Township, this county, January 3, 1837, the second son of ijj 
Samuel and Susan Snively. He was educated in the public schools and Fay- ■ 
etteville Academy, and was reared on the home farm to agricultural pursuits. 
He married, December 4, 1856, Margaret H. , daughter of Squire Peter Snider, 
a former well known resident of Guilford Township, this county. Mr. Snively ji 
remained at home until October 16, 1862, when he raised Company D, Onet 
Hundred and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, of which he was; 
elected first lieutenant; he served out his term of enlis'tment and was mustered 1 ' 
out at Harrisburg August 12, 1863. He again enlisted in 1864, this time in: 
the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, , 
being mustered out at Lynchburg, Va., in July, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Snively \ 
are parents of seven children: Clara B., S- F., SpragueE., Harry (deceased), 
Bertha C. (deceased), Claud S. and Stuart M. (deceased). The eldest son, S. 
F., a lawyer in Duluth, Minn., is a graduate of Dickinson College and of 
the law department of the university of Philadelphia; the second son, Sprague 
E., is engaged in mining in Leadville, Col. ; the others are at home. Mr. 
Snively was elected county commissioner in 1884, a position he still fills. He 
is much interested in school matters and has been school director for several 
years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. In politics 
he is a Republican. 

HENRY STRICKLER, Greencastle. The Stricklers of this county are of 
German-Swiss descent, and came here from York County, Penn., near the< 
Lancaster County line. Henry Strickler was the first of the name to locate intj 
this county, settling near Greencastle in the year 1807. His children -were 
Martha, Elizabeth, Henry, Joseph, Barbara, Susan, Mary and Sarah. Joseph 
married Mary Snively, and their children were Snively; Henry, our subject; 
Joseph B. and Abraham H. Snively was a lawyer by profession and practiced 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 733 

in Charnbersburg for a number of years; published the leading Republican 
newspaper of the county, tbe Repository and Transcript (now the Repository), 
for a short time; afterward removed to Greencastle, where he died. Joseph 
. B. followed merchandising at Greencastle for some years ; was a first lieutenant 
• in Company C, Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in 1861; moved to 
Nemaha County, Neb., in 1872, and is farming. Abraham H. is a prominent 
. physician, residing in Waynesboro, whose biography will be found elsewhere 
in this volume. Henry Strickler, the subject of this sketch, a grandson of the 
I pioneer, Henry and a son of Joseph and Mary (Snively) Strickler, the latter a 
daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Hollinger) Snively, was born two miles east 
I of Brown's Mill, in Antrim Township, this county, February 28, 1834, and at 
the age of eighteen began learning the saddler trade at Greencastle, afterward 
.finishing his apprenticeship at Martinsburg, Va. In 1861 he became book- 
keeper in the office of the Repository and Transcript, in Chambersburg ; in 
I August, 1862, under the call for nine months' volunteer troops, he resigned 
his position and*enlisted in defense of the Union in Company K, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and when 
mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Penn. , was made a sergeant. The 
, company at once moved to the front, and was made part of the Army of the 
'Potomac. At the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862, the com- 
. pany was in the division commanded by Gen. Humphrey in his noted charge 
,on the stone wall at "Marie's Heights." In this charge he was severely 
i wounded in the left arm by a minie-ball from the enemy, the ball entering 
the wrist and passing out at the elbow, shattering the arm and necessitating 
. immediate amputation. In 1863 he received the nomination, and was elected 
I register and recorder of the county for the term of three years; was re-elected 
in 1866, serving two terms. In March, 1872, he was appointed and commis- 
sioned general United States store-keeper of internal revenue, and in January, 
1877, deputy collector of internal revenue for the district composed of Frank- 
lin and other counties; held the latter position until July, 1885. He was 
married December 24, 18§3, to Miss Anna M. Fleming, a daughter of William 
. Wallace Fleming, of Greencastle. They have two children : Mary Ida and 
; Arthur Fleming. Mr. Strickler is a member of the Christian Church and Mrs. 
Strickler of the Presbyterian. 

REV. JAMES B. WEIDLER, pastor of the United Brethren Church, 
■ Greencastle, is a native of Southampton Township, this county, born in April, 
\ 1850, and is a son of Reuben and Catherine (Holl) Weidler. Our subject ob- 
tained his literary education in the common and select Schools of his native 
; township, and at the normal school at Shippensburg. He began teaching 
. school January 1, 1871, in Warren Township, and followed that calling 
until March, 1881, having taught eleven terms, eight of them in Porter Town- 
ship, Schuylkill County. During the last two years of his teaching he studied 
theology, preparing himself for the ministry, and in March, 1881, took charge 
. of the United Brethren Church of Path Valley, this county, and supplied that 
congregation as their minister for four years. In the spring of 1885 he was 
; appointed by the conference pastor of the Greencastle United Brethren Church. 
Mr. Weidler was married in October, 1875, to Sarah E. Swab, a daughter of 
Jacob W. Swab, of Dauphin County, Penn. 

P. S. WILHELM, Greencastle. The Wilhelms are of Prussian descent, 
i and their ancestors located in Bucks County, Penn., about the year 1700, and 
in Franklin County about 178S. Henry Wilhelm was a native of Bucks County, 
Penn., born in 1775, and leaving there when about fifteen years of age, sub- 
sequently settled in Antrim Township, this county; he married Elizabeth Car- 



734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

penter in 1800, in the house in Greencastle where his daughter, Mrs. Dr. 
Michael, now lives, it then being a hotel. He kept " Wilhelm's Hotel" four 
miles west of Greencastle on the Mercersburg pike; was also a farmer and 
dealer in stock, driving his stock in droves to Baltimore; he was a member of 
the German Kef ormed Church ; he died in 1847, aged seventy-three; his widow, 
nee Elizabeth Carpenter, died in May, 1871, aged eighty-eight; they both lie 
side by side in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Greencastle. They had the following 
named children: Daniel; John; Samuel, the father of P. S. Wilhelm; Sid- 
ney; Maria, who married Dr. Charles Michael, a native of Hanover, York 
County, and who practiced medicine in Greencastle from 1831 to 1871, when 
he died (the widow still resides there) ; Henry, Jr. ; William ; Amanda M. , who 
married Rev. Christian Kunkel (she is a widow living at Greencastle); Sarah 
Belle, married to William McCowry of Greencastle (she is also a widow). The 
mother of this family was a member of the Lutheran Church. Samuel Wil- 
helm was born in Antrim Township, Franklin County, in 1805, and when 
thirty-two years of age left his father's house in Antrim Township, and took 
possession of the ' ' Three Mile House, " a hotel on the Hookstown road, three 
miles from Baltimore, keeping that for several years. He established a cattle 
yard at 953 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, and became largely interested in 
dealing in stock, under the firm name of Samuel Wilhelm; afterward he took 
Joseph Judick as a partner, and the firm was known as Wilhelm & Judick. 
This was continued a number of years when they dissolved partnership, and 
Mr. Wilhelm took in Sheeler and Ripple, under the firm name of S. Wilhelm & 
Co. After several years this was dissolved; then he took in two nephews, 
William F. and C. H. Kunkel, and his son W. S. Wilhelm, under the firm 
name of S. Wilhelm & Co. He died in April, 1873, aged sixty-nine, and was 
buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore, Md. He left an estate of 
upward of $500,000, the accumulation of thirty-seven years' application to 
business. The name of the firm still remains the same, although the 
family have sold their entire interest. He was a director of the Baltimore & 
Ohio Railroad for some time, and director in several banks in the city of Bal- 
timore. His was the first regular cattle yard established in Baltimore, and 
the firm name is the oldest established in the cattle and stock business in the 
city. He left a family of four children: Georgia, Francis, Emma and Per- 
kins S. 

Perkins S. Wilhelm is the only one of the children of the above now living 
in Franklin County. He is a native of Baltimore, born in 1850, and was edu- 
cated in the schools »f Baltimore. He was married in November, 1880, to A. 
Belle Kunkel, a daughter of the Rev. Frederick Kunkel, a Lutheran minister. 
Mr. Wilhelm has resided at Greencastle since his marriage, and in 1885 built 
an elegant modern brick residence, fitted with all recent improvements, where 
he now lives. 

COL. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WINGER, attorney at law, Greencastle. 
This gentleman is descended from one of the oldest Pennsylvania families, 
both on the paternal and maternal side, and on both sides is of pure Swiss de- 
scent. The progenitors of the family, who immigrated to this country, were 
Huguenots. The three families from which our subject is descended, were the 
Witmers, who settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , in 1716, the Buckwalters, 
in 1720, and Karl Michael Winger, who settled there in 1736. One of the 
tracts of land taken up by him is still owned and retained in the Winger name, 
direct from William Penn. Jacob, a son of Karl, married Mary Weaver, to 
whom were born five children. Their youngest, Joseph Winger, was born 
March 13, 1807. He married Esther Buckwalter, born in Lancaster County 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 735 

in 1812, a daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Witmer) Buckwalter. To Joseph 
and Esther (Buckwalter) Winger were born sixteen children, and of this large 
family three died in infancy, one at the age of seventeen, eleven were married 
and had families, and one remains single. Eleven of the family are still liv- 
ing, and of this large family the subject of this sketch is the fourth child. He 
was born November 27, 1835, in Salisbury Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., 
on the old William Penn road, within a mile of what was known as the " Old 
Compass Tavern." His father, who was a farmer, removed with his family 
and settled in Montgomery Township, this county, in 1838, where, besides his 
farming interests, he also carried on a general store; also was postmaster, keep- 
ing the office in his store at Clay Lick. Col. Winger was reared to agricultural 
pursuits, until at the age of fourteen he was employed as a clerk in a general 
store at Mercersburg, and at eighteen took charge of his father's store at Clay 
Lick, this county, conducting the business until 18G0. During this time, May 
20, 1857, he was married to Susan J. Duffield, a daughter of William Duffield, a 
prominent farmer of Montgomery Township, this county, who was of Scotch- 
Irish descent. In 1860 he moved to Philadelphia, where he was employed as 
a salesman in a* dry goods house, and the following year became a partner in 
the concern. In March, 1862, he turned his attention to reading and the 
study of law in the office of Tenner & Davis, the same year selling and 
closing out his dry goods business. The Colonel had during his residence in 
Franklin County been prominently identified as an officer of the State militia. 
In 1857 he was elected captain of a volunteer cavalry company, called the 
"Union Horse Guards," served for some years, and was afterward appointed 
and served as aid-de-camp to Brig. -Gen. McAllen, with rank as captain (both 
commissions were issued by Gov. William F. Packer, and are dated respectively 
July 5, 1858, and May 7, 1860). While connected with the militia service he 
attended the encampments at McConnellsburg, Chambersburg and Waynes- 
boro, from which experience he had acquired much practical knowledge 
of military matters, and in., the summer of 1862 he proffered his services 
to Gov. Curtin, to serve in the Union Army in the war of the Rebellion. His 
services were promptly accepted, and August 23, 1862, he was commissioned 
by the governor as first lieutenant of Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (Second Artillery), and was soon after- 
ward ordered on active duty to Washington, D. C. , where the regiment 
remained until the spring of 1864. In October, 1862, he was detailed 
by Gen. Banks, commanding the defenses north of the Potomac, on re- 
cruiting service, with directions to open an office in Chambersburg. 
He arrived at that place October 10, and in the morning rented an office for 
recruiting purposes, and the evening of the same day rebel Gen. Stuart, with 
2,000 picked Virginia cavalrymen, made his raid on the doomed city. Lieut. 
Winger doffed his uniform and donned a citizen's garb, thereby escaping capt- 
ure. Joseph Winger, the father of Lieut. Winger, postmaster at Clay Lick, 
had bean taken prisoner by Stuart, and while at Chambersburg was on parole ; 
and although urged by his son and others to escape, would not violate his pa- 
role, so was taken South and confined in Libby Prison some two months. The 
lieutenant enlisted during the following six months 166 m« i. and rejoined his 
regiment April 3, 1863. Soon after he became one of the staff of Col. Gibson, 
then in command of a brigade, the lieutenant acting as assistant inspector-gen- 
eral. In the spring of 1864 the regiment was ordered to Port Royal, Va., 
where they became a part of the Eighteenth Corps, under Gen. Baldy Smith. 
They took part in the battle of Cold Harbor, the Lieutenant having command of 
his company. Subsequently, in the battle of Petersburg, the captain of Com- 



736 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

pany L being wounded, Lieut. Winger was assigned to its command, and 
while there his company was under constant fire from the enemy for fifty-five 
days. During this time the famous "Quaker Mine" was exploded. From 
August 22 to December, 1864, the Lieutenant was on sick leave, and after re- 
turning to his regiment, January 24, 1865, he was promoted to major and 
given command of the regiment. Under his command the regiment from this 
time was in one constant succession of engagements until the evacuation of 
Richmond and surrender of Lee. He was promoted May 18, 1865, to lieuten- 
ant-colonel, after which he was placed in command of Petersburg, Va., re- 
lieving Gen. Hartsuff; there with his own and the One Hundred and Seventh 
New York Regiments he was given command of Surry County, Va. After this 
(county was "reconstructed" he was placed in command of nine counties, in- 
cluding Nottoway, Charlotte, Halifax, Mecklenburgh, Lunenburgh, Amelia, 
Prince Edward, Cumberland and Buckingham, with headquarters at Burke- 
ville Junction. After administering the oath of allegiance, and reconstructing 
these counties, he was mustered out of the United States service at City Point, 
Va., January 29, 1866. He then returned to Franklin County, and took 
charge of the Duffield farm in Montgomery Township, but in 1867 engaged in 
mercantile business at Greencastle, where he established his residence. In 
' 1870 he resumed the study of law in the office of Judge Rowe, and was admit- 
ted to the Franklin County bar, March 12, 1872, since when he has been prac- 
ticing at Greencastle. The Colonel, who is a Democrat, was elected in 1867 a 
member of the Pennsylvania Legislature from Perry and Franklin Counties. 
He became a member of the Masonic order at the age of twenty-one, and is 
now high ia degrees. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mrs. Winger died in February, 1868, leaving three children: Blanche 
D., Esther E. (who died aged seventeen), and Mary B. , who married June 1, 
1886, Dr. Varden, and now resides at Englewood, Clarke Co., Kas. Col. 
Winger was married the second time to Margaret K. Byer, of Washington 
County, Md. , and by this union there are two children: Rose and Frances. He 
purchased the Echo printing office in 1868, which he conducted until 1876, 
when he sold it to the present owner. In 1878, to aid an army comrade, Capt. 
George C. Wilson, he established the Greencastle Press, and has since been its 
proprietor, attending at the same time to his large law practice and other busi- 
ness. The new postoffice, established in 1883, in Antrim Township, is called 
Wingerton, deriving its name from this family. The origin of the name Wing- 
er was from the locality in which they originally lived, in the immediate 
mountainous vicinity of the " Wengern Alps" in the Canton of Zurich 
/this is one of the highest ranges of the Alps in Switzerland), thus Wengern an- 
glicized to Winger. 

GEORGE W. ZIEGLER, merchant, Greencastle, was born near Leiters- 
burg, Washington Co. , Md. , April 30, 1810. Having obtained a fair education 
in the subscription schools in vogue at that time, at the age of nineteen he be- 
came an employe in a general store at Leitersburg, where he'remained three years. 
He was next engaged in selling goods in Hagerstown, Md. , for one year; thence 
in 1833 he came to Greencastle, where he bought out the interest of John G. Mil- 
ler, in the firm of Stouebraker & Miller, consisting of a small stock of dry goods, 
groceries, etc. , and formed a partnership with Mr. Stonebraker under firm name 
•of Stonebraker & Ziegler. The stock was somewhat increased by the new firm, 
which continued in biisiness until 1838, in which year Mr. Ziegler bought out 
his partner's interest. He continued in the business alone until 1850, when 
he formed a partnership with his brother David, under the firm name of George 
W. Ziegler .& Co. This firm continued until 1876, and was then changed to 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 737 

George W. & D. Ziegler, which is the present style of the firm. This busi- 
ness has been conducted on the same corner, and mainly in the same room, 
since 1833, and Mr. Ziegler is now the oldest established merchant in Green- 
castle. The average stock now carried by the firm is from $15,000 to $20,000, 
and the business has continued to increase steadily, until it stands second of 
its kind in the county. Mr. Ziegler was married in 1842, in Greencastle, to 
Miss Maria Fatzinger (daughter of George and Catherine Fatzinger), who died 
in 18-47, leaving three children, only one of whom, George Frederick, survives. 
Our subject, from his first arrival in Greencastle, took an active interest in 
politics. He was first a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a mem- 
ber of the Republican National Convention held at Philadelphia, in 1856, 
which nominated John C. Fremont and William L. Dayton for President 
and Vice-President of the United States. Mr. Ziegler was an ardent ad- 
vocate of the adoption of the free school system in Pennsylvania, and has 
been its constant friend since its establishment. For the greater por- 
tion of his life he has been the friend of the temperance cause. Although 
born in a slave State, from early boyhood he firmly stood in opposition to 
human slavery, and he was one of the earliest advocates in Franklin County 
of extending the right of suffrage to the freedman. Mr. Ziegler ever since 
his residence in Greencastle has always been ready to lend a helping hand to 
every enterprise that he has deemed worthy of his aid, and which in his judg- 
ment was calculated to promote the interest, well-being and prosperity of the 
town and its vicinity. He took a prominent part in the rehabilitation of the 
Franklin Railroad after it had fallen into a state of complete dilapidation, and 
also in all the preliminary work necessary for the establishment of the First 
National Bank of Greencastle, in which he has been one of the directors from 
its organization. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 

ALEXANDER FAMILY OF PATH VALLEY: 

Reynold Alexander, a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, is found with a few 
others, a settler in Path Valley, one mile south of the present village of Dry 
Run, as early as 1750. He was a man of good education, of strong religious 
convictions and much*personal courage. He was active in founding the Pres- 
byterian Church at Spring Run and was one of the original trustees to whom 
Gov. John Penn made a grant of land "for a Presbyterian meeting-house and 
burial ground" in 1764. He took up and acquired considerable landed es- 
tates, which are mainly occupied by his descendants to the present time. His 
sons were Robert, James and William. He had also a daughter, Polly, who 
became the wife of David Campbell, an elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

Col. William Alexander, youngest son of Reynold, born in 1767, was, in 
his day, one of the prominent citizens of the county. He was county com- 
missioner in 1810-11; sheriff in 1811-14: county auditor 1815-16, and 
represented the county in the Legislature in 1825-26. In 1814 he 
raised a company of volunteers in his native valley, and, as their cap- 
tain, mustered them into service against the British at Baltimore, just before 
the appearance there of Lord Ross. He subsequently bore a colonel's com- 
mission. Anna Moore became his wife in his nineteenth year, and his sons 
were Thomas, William, James, Robert and Randall; and his daughters, Mar- 



738 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

garet, wife of Ebenezer McGinley; Mary, wife of David Elder; Anna, wife of 
Andrew Wilson; Temperance, wife of .Edward Kirkpatrick; Janett, wife of 
John Templeton. 

Thomas Alexander, son of the above, was sheriff of the county from 1814 
to 1817. He subsequently removed West. He married in 1808, the widow 
Susan Elder, nee Walker. His sons were William and James. 

William Alexander, another son, was, at one time, a member of the Leg- 
islature from Cumberland County. He died at Newville in August, 1837. 
His wife's name was Osborn. 

Randall Alexander, also son of Col. William Alexander, removed in early 
life to the adjoining county of Huntingdon. He served many years in that 
county as justice of the peace; was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church, 
and, in 1836, received the Democratic nomination for the Legislature. He 
was married in February, 1831, to Sarah H. Carothers and died at the age of 
forty-six, leaving a widow, nine sons and two daughters, to wit: William, 
Samuel O, John T., Thomas J., Robert M., Ann J., Mary E., Randall M., 
Geo. E. and David N. 

Rev. William Alexander, D. D. , son of Randall, was born in 1831, grad- 
uated from Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, in 1858, and from Princeton Theo- 
logical Seminary in 1861; became pastor of the Newbury Church, Williams- 
port, the same year, was subsequently pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 
Beloit, Wis. , and was called in 1869 to the church in San Jose, Cal. In 1871 
he became president of City College in San Francisco, Cal., and two years 
later embarked with Dr. Scott in founding, under the auspices of the synod 
of the Pacific, a theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church, at San 
Francisco, Cal., of which institution he is at present a professor. He re- 
ceived the degree of D. D. , from Wooster University in 1876. He was mar- 
ried in December, 1861, to Minerva Osborn. Their children are William, 
Thomas Newton and Paul Clifton. 

Rev. Samuel Carothers Alexander was born near Shirleysburg in 1833, 
graduated from Jefferson College, Penn. , in 1858, and from the Seminary, in 
Columbia, S. C, in 1861, and was pastor of Steele Creek Church, Mecklen- 
burg County, N. C, till September, 1865. He was subsequently active in 
founding and organizing Biddle University, at Charlotte, N. C. , and for the 
last thirteen years has been the successful pastor of the large Upper Path 
Valley Presbyterian Church, of which his great-grandfather was one of the 
founders, and in the ruling eldership of which his descendants have been 
represented in unbroken succession in each generation to the present time. 
He was married in March, 1862, to Nannie R. Price of near Charlotte, N. C. 
Their children are Alice M., William, Jessie L. , Clara B., George E. and 
Annie K. 

Dr. Randall M'Ginley Alexander, also son of Randall, graduated from 
Jefferson Medical College in 1872 and is now successfully practicing his pro- 
fession in Fannettsburg, this county. He was married in 1871 to Mary J. 
McGaughey. Their children are Newton, Frank and Archibald. 

Hon. Thomas Jefferson Alexander, son of Randall, born March 13, 1838, 
is a merchant and resides in Nebraska, and is at present a member of the 
Legislature of that State. He is unmarried. 

Dr. George Edmund Alexander, son of Randall, was born October 15, 
1847, graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1874, and is now suc- 
cessfully practicing his profession in San Ramon, Cal. He has acquired some 
celebrity as a surgeon. He is married to Mary Lynch and has a son, Archi- 
bald. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 739 

William Alexander, Esq., son of John T. , and grandson of Randall, was 
born 1859; studied law in Chambersburg, with the firm of Stenger & Mc- 
Knight, was admitted to the bar in 1883, is chairman of the Democratic county 
committee and is successfully practicing his profession in Chambersburg. 

John Alexander, son of James, and grandson of Reynold, was born in 
1800, and occupied and owned the mansion farm of his grandfather. He was 
partly educated with a view to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, but 
feeble health compelled him to abandon it and turn his thoughts to agricultu- 
ral pursuits, in which he was eminently successful. He acquired a large es- 
tate, and was county commissioner from 1852 to 1854. He was for many years 
a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church and was universally esteemed as a 
man of probity and honor. His wife was Anna McCurdy, by whom he had the 
following heirs : James, Mary J. McGinley and Margaret Blair. He died in 
1876. 

William M. Alexander, grandson of John, is a merchant in Dry Run, and 
an honored elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was married November 
26, 1885, to Nettie B. Wolf. 

Joseph B. Alexander, a worthy and prosperous citizen of Path Valley, is 
descended from Robert Alexander, son of Reynold, and is of the fifth genera- 
tion from the original settler. Jacob Flickinger, late of Metal Township, 
was descended, on his mother's side, from Reynold Alexander — was grandson 
of Robert, and great-grandson of Reynold. He was married to Levinia Clip- 
pinger, and their children are Edgar, William, Anna (Mrs. Shearer), Albert 
and Clara. 

JAMES H. ALEXANDER (deceased) was born in this township July 10, 
1825, the only son of John Alexander. He was reared to farming and studied 
surveying, which he followed for some time. In October, 1855, he married 
Jane Stitt, and to them were born four children: Anna J., John W. , William 
M. and George. Mr. Alexander died of pneumonia February 6, 1864. He 
was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. His sons are engaged 
in farming pursuits, except William M. , who is in mercantile business at Dry 
Run, in partnership with W. H. Coons. William M. was born on the farm 
June 6, 1860, and spent his boyhood on the same. In 1881 he engaged in 
his present business with Mr. Coons under the firm name of Coons & Alexan- 
der. They are young men of good habits, attentive to their business, and are 
attaining success. Mr. Alexander was married in September, 1885, to Nettie 
Wolff, a daughter of John Wolff. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and in politics is a Republican. 

DR. IRVINE T. ANDREWS, dentist, Concord, was born in Columbia 
County, Penn., May 24, 1846, a son of Marlen Andrews (a native of New 
Jersey, who came to Pennsylvania when a young man and died in 1879), 
and Caroline (Wagoner) Andrews. Our subject left home in the fall of 
1863, and enlisted in Company A, Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, remaining until the close of the war. He served in the 
field hospital, and upon his return home went to Pittsburgh, where he studied 
dentistry. After graduating he moved to Shickshinny, Luzerne Co. , Penn. , 
and for three years engaged in the practice of his profession. He then went 
to North Carolina, and spent six years in Elizabeth City, that State. In 1876 
he came to Concord, where he has since practiced his profession. He was 
married in 1873. to Lizzie Ross, a native of Maryland, a daughter of Rev. 
Joseph A. Ross, and they have two children: Ross A. and Mary C. Dr. 
Andrews has two brothers and four sisters, viz. : Jesse and William, who 
both served three years in the army, the former in the Second Pennsylvania 



740 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Cavalry, and the latter in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; both returned 
unscathed — Jesse is in the coal business* in Danville, Penn. , and William is in 
the same business in Plymouth, Penn. ; Ann E. , who is the widow of William 
Garrison, and resides near Bloomsburg, Columbia Co. , Penn. ; Mary, Tilla and 
Ella, who reside with their mother on the old homestead, near Orangeville, this 
county. 

S. M. BAIR, farmer, P. O. Spring Run, was born July 2, 1844, on the 
farm he now owns. The Bair family are of German descent. The first one 
of the name, of whom we have any account, David Bair, the great-great-grand- 
father of our subject, immigrated to America in the sixteenth century, and 
who was the father of Michael, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and 
emigrated from that county to Franklin County in 1780. Michael was the 
great-grandfather of Simon M. , and had three sons: David, Samuel and John, 
who settled in Lancaster County, except the grandfather of our subject. John 
Bair, father of our subject, was born in August, 1814, in Spring Run, and 
married Eleanor McMath, who was born in Huntingdon County, in 1818, a 
daughter of John McMath, whose wife was an Utley. Mr. Bair has one sister, 
there being but two children in his father's family. January 1, 1863, our 
subject married Anna Shearer, a native of Metal Township, this county, and a 
daughter of Jacob and Agnes (Campbell) Shearer. Mr. and Mrs. Bair have 
four children : John M. , Jacob S. , Mollie E. and Nettie A. Mr. Bair has 
been engaged in farming since arriving at manhood. In 1864 he enlisted 
in Company E., Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, remaining until his dis- 
charge, or the close of the war. He has 142 acres which he farms success- 
fully. He is an efficient membei of the United Brethren Church at Spring 
Run, and school director of Fannett Township. In politics he is a Republican. 

J. A. BOGGS, coach, trimmer, Concord, was born November 7, 1844, 
near Waterloo, Juniata Co., Penn., a son of James Carson Boggs, who was born 
in Lack Township, Juniata Co., Penn., May 12, 1817, a son of John Boggs, 
who came from Ireland and located in Juniata County in an early day. He 
married Elizabeth, daughter of James Carson, whose wife was a Miss Work. 
John Boggs, Jr. , was a son of John and Lydia (Bruce) Boggs. The Bruces 
were of Scotch and the Carsons of Irish origin. Our subject's mother was 
Martha J. , a daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Karhner) Henry. J. A. Boggs, 
when young, learned the carpenter's trade with his father. In June, 1863, 
he went out in Company H, Twenty-first Cavalry, and served six months. 
He then re-enlisted for three years and served until the close of the war. 
While in the service he was thrown from his horse and received injuries, on 
account of which he has since drawn a pension. Upon his- return home he 
married Catherine M. Crouse, daughter of George W. Crouse, and by her he 
has three children: William H., George F. and Mattie J. Since 1880 Mr. 
Boss's has been encaged in coach-making. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and is instructor in vocal music. In politics he is a Pro- 
hibitionist. 

JOHN BRINLEY, merchant, Dry Run, was born March 12, 1835, a son of 
Jacob Brinley, a native of this county and a son of Michael Brinley, who came 
from the eastern part of the State. Our subject's mother's maiden name was 
Catherine Klippinger, a daughter of Anthony Klippinger. Jacob Brinley 
was born about 1802, and his wife October 4, 1804. They were the parents 
of the following children: David C, Mary Ann, Margaret, Elizabeth, John, 
Susan and Noah A., all of whom lived to rear families, except David C. and 
Susan (unmarried); Mary, wife of John Runk, of Huntingdon County; Mar- 
garet, wife of Amos Devor, residing in Fannettsburg; Elizabeth, wife of J. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 741 

J. Devor, residing in this township. The mother died May 5, 1885. At the 
age of fifteen our subject began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he fol- 
lowed until 1869, when he engaged in merchandising at Dry Run, which he 
has since continued. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred 
and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the expira- 
tion of his term of enlistment. He has been four times married, first, in 1856, to 
Barbara, daughter of Martin Coons. She died September 4, 1860, leaving two 
children: Martin M. and William W. His second wife was Margaretta, 
daughter of Andrew Typer; she died July 8, 1865, leaving no issue. His 
third wife was Agnes, daughter of John W. Stitt; she died February 20, 1874, 
leaving one child, Nannie N. His present wife is Sarah Ann, daughter of 
John and Mary J. (Gamble) Davis, and a native of Dry Run, this county. 
The children by this last union are Ella, Frank, George, Thomas, Mary, 
Noah and Robert. Mr. Brinley is a Republican in politics, and served some 
time as postmaster. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He does 
an excellent business, with his eldest son, Martin M. , as partner, the firm 
being known as John Brinley & Son. They keep a large stock of general 
merchandise and are good business men. 

NOAH ANTHONY BRINLEY, farmer, P. O. Spring Run, was bom 
March 25, 1839, in Juniata County, Penn., a son of Jacob Brinley. He was 
but two years of age when he was brought by his parents to this valley, and 
at the age of eight he started out for himself and worked out by the month for 
several years. At nineteen he went to learn the blacksmith's trade with his 
brother John, with whom he associated for sixteen years. In August, 1862, 
he and John enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, and Noah served 
until the expiration of his term. In the fall of 1864 he enlisted in the Ninth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company D, remaining with it until the close of the 
war. After his return he continued in business in Spring Run. In 1885 he 
quit the business and commenced farming, at which he is still engaged. He 
has been twice married: first, in 1858, to Elizabeth Bair, a native of Spring 
Run, and a daughter of Michael Bair. She died in 1866, the mother of the 
following named children : John, Lydia, McClellan and Margaret. His pres 
ent wife is Martha J. , a native of Amberson' s Valley and a daughter of David 
Wolff. By this union there are three children : Daniel, Fohl and Amanda S. 
Mr. Brinley is a member of the United Brethren denomination and an official 
member of the same. In politics he is a Republican. 

CHARLES HENRY BURK, farmer, P. O. Amberson' s Valley, was born 
near Hagerstown, Md., September 19, 1847, a son of Samuel and Rosana 
i (King) Burk, and grandson of Sarah Burk. Being left fatherless at the age 
of one year, and his mother marrying again, our subject left home at the 
age of seven years, and from that time forward took charge of himself and saw 
much of the rough side of life. He had two brothers, who were twins, John and 
James, and a sister, Sarah J. When about sixteen years of age, he enlisted, 
in August, 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, receiving his dis- 
charge, June 6, 1865. He was wounded, October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, 
and taken prisoner, but was recaptured by Sheridan. Upon his return from 
the service he went to Dry Run, where he worked out by the month and re- 
mained some time. January 3, 1871, he married Mary C. , a native of this 
county, and a daughter of Jacob and Isabella (Shields) Rolar — the latter a 
daughter of Arthur Shields, and granddaughter of Thomas Shields, a native 
of Ireland, and one of the early settlers of this valley. After marriage he 



742 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

came to Amberson' s Valley and learned the stonemason' s trade with Stake Bros. ; 
worked at it for several years, and finally purchased the old " Shields farm " 
at the head of Amberson' s Valley. This farm he has since improved, and has 
been offered three times the amount he paid for it. He is a good farmer and 
thorough-going in all his business operations. Mr. and Mrs. Burk have two 
children: John Wilmer and Jennette Elizabeth. He is a stanch Democrat. 
Mrs. Burk belongs to the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Burk's brother, 
John, also served in the Civil war, was wounded and taken prisoner, and was 
never again heard of. 

BOBERT SAMUEL CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Dry Bun, was born 
March 5, 1832, on the Campbell homestead, this county, where his father, 
John Campbell, settled in 1831. The latter was born in 1796 on the ocean, 
three days from land, his parents being en route from Ireland, and after arriv- 
ing in America they cast their lot with the pioneers of Path Valley. The 
father was a weaver by trade but gave his attention to farming after coming 
here. He was identified with the stirring events of 1812, and served as a 
militia man. His wife was a Miss Bobinson, and they were the parents of 
eleven children, of whom John (father of Robert S.) was one. John married 
Ann, daughter of James and Jane (Anderson) Johnson, whose family were 
early settlers of Perry County, and were several times driven out by the In- 
dians. John Campbell made many moves up and down the valley, extending 
his visits into Perry County, but made his final settlement in Burns' Valley in 
1831, on the farm owned by Hance Campbell, where he spent the remainder of 
his days. Five children grew to maturity: James R. , Alexander W. , John- 
son J. , Robert S. and Hance A. Robert S. remained on the homestead until 
he was thirty years of age. February 21, 1863, he married Ann M. Clymans. 
She was born November 5, 1841, near Carrick Furnace in Metal Township, a 
daughter of James and Mary Ann (Seburn) Clymans. James Clymans' 
mother, a widow with six children, immigrated from Scotland some time in 
the last century, and settled in Allen's Valley, Fulton County, Penn. Mary 
Ann (Seburn) Clymans' father was a drummer boy in the war of 1812. He 
was married to Mary Anna Wolff, and five of their children grew to maturity. 
He died of brain fever and was buried at Waynesboro, Penn. , with the honors 
of war. For two years after marriage our subject lived on the homestead; 
then removed to Huntingdon County, where he lived three years, after which 
he located permanently on the Ragan farm, where he has since resided, en- 
gaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have six children: Ida A., a 
teacher; William A., in Dakota; Blanche M. ; Jennie M. ; Lodema E. ; and Mag- 
gie M. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

HANCE CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Doylesburg. is the youngest son 
of John and Ann (Johnson) Campbell, who located where Hance lives, in 
1831. Here our subject was born April 13, 1841. He has always been a res- 
ident of the farm on which he was born. In 1871 he took charge of the home- 
stead, and in April of the same year, married Bathsheba Long, eldest daughter 
of Frederick Long, who was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, 
March 22, 1823, a son of Matthias and Christina (Fogel) Long. Mrs. Camp- 
bell's father came to America when five years old, and his parents being poor 
he contributed to their support until he became a man. He afterward acquired 
property, and in 1848 married Agnes J. , born in Cumberland Valley, daughter 
of Joseph Devore. In 1851 he located.in Burns' Valley and engaged in farm- 
ing. Mr. Campbell owns 400 acres of land. His children are Johnson, Min- 
nie, Frederick and Russell. In politics he is a Democrat. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 743 

ISAAC CLUGSTON (deceased) was born near Marion, this county, about 
1813, a son of Robert and Betsey (Bonebreak) Clugston; he was reared to 
farming pursuits, and when a young man moved to Chambersburg and studied 
medicine with Dr. Randall. Later he located at Dry Run, and when a single 
man began the practice of his profession. He married Agnes Hammond, who 
was born December 25, 1823, the third daughter of Lawrence Hammond. Mr. 
Clugston remained some years in Dry Run, then moved to Shirley sburg, Hunt- 
ingdon County, lived there fifteen years, and then returned to Spring Run. 
He engaged in farming, also carried on a store, and was postmaster there for 
several years, and in 1864 moved to Doylesburg, where he engaged in mer- 
chandising until his death, which occurred January 27, 1879. He was a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and politically a Democrat. He served as post- 
master from 1864 until his death in 1879. He was the father of twelve chil- 
dren (eleven of whom lived to be grown): Jefferson L., James A., Howard S., 
Mary M. , Cinderella, Martha E. , Alva C. , Lillie F. , Ida A. , John S. and 
George B. (twins) and Edie M. Jefferson L. resides in Dauphin County; 
Howard S., in Potter County; Mary M. is the wife of Hezekiah Miller; Cin- 
derella is the wife of Alexander Pyles, in Juniata County ; Martha E. , wife of 
James Wise, of this township; Ida A., wife of William Widney, and Lillie F., 
wife of Finley Gamble, are in this township. Howard S. served as a sol- 
dier throughout the civil war from 1861 to 1865. Mr. Clugston for several 
years carried on the hotel business, having the only place of accommodation 
for the traveling public in the town. 

ALVA CURTIS CLUGSTON, merchant, Doylesburg, was born September 
9, 1854, in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co. , Penn., a son of Dr. Isaac and 
Agnes (Hammond) Clugston. W hen quite young he moved with his parents 
to Dry Run, this county, where his boyhood was spent in working on a farm 
and clerking in a store. Subsequently he removed with his parents to Doyles- 
burg, and in 1879 engaged in mercantile business with his mother, which asso- 
ciation lasted until 1883, when he commenced on his own account and has 
been successful to date. In the spring of 1886 he put up his present store 
building, 22x63 feet, two stories high, which is kept well stored with a selected 
stock of dry goods, notions, groceries, ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, 
hats and caps, hardware, queensware, stationery, wall paper and general mer- 
chandise. His motto is ' ' Quick sales and small profits, and the best goods 
for the least money. " He takes produce in exchange for goods, and is doing 
a thriving business. In 1883 he married Miss Sadie, daughter of Benjamin 
Reed, and by her has one child, Myrtle. 

JOHN M. COONS, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born October 30, 1835, 
one mile west of Dry Run, on the old homestead, the fourth son and fifth 
child born to George Coons. The latter was born October 15, 1799, in Lancas 
ter County, Penn. , removed to Path Valley and married Margaret Crouse, and 
soon located near Dry Run, where he engaged in farming until his death, in 
1873 ; his widow died in March, 1885, aged eighty-three years. Both were 
members of the Presbyterian Church; they reared a family of nine children: 
Julia Ann, Samuel, Jacob, William, John M., Margaret and Agnes (twins), 
Peter and Catherine. Julia Ann is the wife of Peter Coons, and all live in 
this township. At the age of sixteen our subject came to Dry Run and, with 
Thomas Skinner, learned the tailor's trade; then engaged as clerk for several 
years, and in 1854, in partnership with James Ferguson, embarked in mer- 
chandising, and continued the same, six years. In August, 1861, he enlisted 
in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- 
fantry, for nine months, and served until the term of enlistment had expired. 



744 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville and conveyed to Belle' 
Isle, but after a brief confinement was liberated, returned home and re- 
mained one year at Dry Run. In the* spring of 1863 he located on the farm 
he now owns, one mile and a half north of Dry Run, known as the ' ' Campbell 
farm, ' ' and containing 137 acres. December 20, 1860, he married Mary A. Doyle, 
a native of this township, born at Doylestown, daughter of James and Agnes. 
(Skinner) Doyle. Mr. and Mrs. Coons have five children living: James G. , in 
Dakota; Zilla A., a teacher; TillieF. ; Gamble S. ; and Lucy C. Mr. Coons is 
a Presbyterian. 

W. H. COONS, merchant, Dry Run, was born July 5, 1855, in this town- 
ship, the second son of Samuel and Mary J. (Haynes) Coons, the latter of 
whom died January 15, 1885, aged fifty-eight years and fourteen days. At 
the age of twenty-three he left the homestead and engaged as clerk at Dry 
Run for Mr. Mackey, for three years. Mr. Mackey being elected county 
treasurer, our subject and Mr. Alexander associated together in December, 
1881, and purchased Mr. Mackey' s stock. They carry a general stock and 
are doing a good business. October 24, 1882, Mr. Coons married Mary Stitt, 
a daughter of John Stitt, deceased . He has two children, Anna C. and Mary 
E. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. 
Coons is a Republican. 

EDWARD BARNABAS DOYLE, retired farmer, P. O. Doylesburg, is 
the great-grandson of Felix Doyle, one of the pioneers of Path Valley, this 
county, who made his first settlement here prior to «1750. The grandfather of 
Edward B. was Barnabas, who married Mary McElhenny, by whom he had 
seven sons: Edward W., Thomas, John, James, William, Felix and Barnabas,, 
and two daughters, Judith and Catherine; all settled in Path Valley, and reared 
families, except Catherine, who married and moved to Maryland. Edward W. , 
the father of our subject, was born near Doylesburg, this county, February 
13, 1781; in February, 1808, he married a Miss Nancy A. Spaulding, who 
bore him five sons and one daughter: William J,, Henry S., Edward B. , Bazil 
J. , George F. and Caroline, Edward B. and Caroline being at the present 
writing the only survivors. Edward W. Doyle at the age of twenty-two 
moved to Concord, this county, where he built a store and hotel and engaged 
in business, and for many years was the leading spirit of the place, being 
prominently identified with the interests of the township and county. As an 
enterprising and liberal-minded citizen, he was highly esteemed in the com- 
munity wherever known. He was a sound Democrat, filled several offices of 
trust in the township, and served the county as commissioner. In 1824 he 
moved to the farm now owned by his son, Edward B. , known as the " Mc- 
Elhenny farm, ' ' and built a mill and distillery on the creek, and also carried 
on farming operations (the mill is now owned by Jacob Rhone). He was a 
sincere and devout Catholic and assisted in the establishment of the church at 
Doylesburg. His death occurred February 10, 1840; his widow survived until 
1869. Edward B., our subject, was born in Concord, Franklin County, Oc- 
tober 4, 1819, and when five years of age removed with his parents to where 
he now lives. September 27, 1853, he married Caroline Obold, daughter of 
Sibastion and Mary Obold, and to this union were born six sons and one daugh- 
ter: George S., William E., Edward B., Charles H., Francis A., John J. and 
Annie C. , most of whom are widely scattered from the home of their child- 
hood. George S. , Charles H. and Francis A. are located in business at At- 
lanta, Ga. ; John J. resides in Kansas; Edward B. is in the oil region; Annie 
C. married Mr. A. G. Tuohy, who is in Government employ in Washington, D. 
C. William E. , the only son remaining in the township, married December 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 745 

30, 1879, Annie McElheny, daughter of S. W. and H. A. McElheny; he re- 
sides on the farm of our subject, who lives with him, the latter' s wife having 
passed away to the spirit land July 27, 1878. Mr. Doyle is spending the eve 
of his life in the quiet of his home, awaiting the call of the Master to go hence. 

ALEXANDER ERWIN (deceased) was born in the North of Ireland in 
1776, and when twenty-one years of age came to this country with his father, 
Alexander Erwin, whose father was a minister of the established Church of Eng- 
land. The great-grandfather of our subject came from Scotland to Ireland at 
the time of the battle of the Boyne. The father of our subject was quite a busi- 
ness man in the old country, carrying on a tannery and several stores. He 
located here near Concord in 1797, and engaged in farming. His wife, Mary 
Holmes, a lady of aristocratic birth, bore her husband fourteen children, 
of whom thirteen were reared. Alexander, our subject, was brought up on 
the farm, and was married June 14, 1825, to Mary B. Jordan, who was born 
in Baltimore June 2, 1805, the second daughter of Frederick and Mary (Bar- 
netts) Jordan, the former a wholesale hardware merchant of German birth, 
and a son of George Jordan. Mrs. Mary (Barnetts) Jordan was a daughter of 
Joseph Barnetts, of English birth. Mr. Erwin engaged in farming until his 
death, which occurred quite suddenly April 21, 1816, from heart disease. He 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically ho was a Whig, 
and a stanch citizen of the community. To him and his wife eleven children 
were born, eight of whom lived to be grown, five dying within one year of typhoid 
fever, and four are now living: Alexander James, a physician in Mansfield, 
Ohio; Arabella, wife of Thomas E. Orbison, of Orbisonia; Matilda, wife of 
James Speer, of Huntingdon County, and Joseph B. The last named was 
born November 27, 1812, and March 15, 1881, he married Alice Ross, a 
native of Baltimore, and- a daughter of Rev. A. J. Ross. Jo:-eph B. Erwin 
has had charge of the farm since he grew to maturity. He has 500 acres of 
land. He and wife have one child, Alexander. He is a Methodist; in poli- 
tics he is a Republican. 

MARTIN LAWRENCE HAMMOND, Spring Run, Fannett Township.— 
He is the representative of an old time family of the valley. The ancestor and 
pioneer was Martin Hammond, who moved to that place in 1790, and married 
Margaret Brindle, by whom he had eight children : Jacob, Margaret, Law- 
rence, John, Barbara, Martin, Philip and David. His wife died in the in- 
fancy of David, in August, 1815. He then married Mary Brown; and had by 
her five children: Eliza, Stephen, Mary, Daniel and Elias. The father died 
in October, 1829, at the age of sixty-five. His wife removed to Illinois and 
died there. Lawrence, the father of the subject of this notice, was born in 
1797. In 1818 he married Mary Skinner, of Dry Run. She was born in 1803. 
Together they had a family of fifteen children, ten only of whom reached ma- 
turity, viz. : Margaret Widney, Martha Taylor, Agnes Clugston, Violet Weid- 
man, Mary Aon Zyler, Emily Mackey, Elizabeth Stitt, Barbara Burd, Teresa 
Campbell and Martin. Of these, seven still survive. Lawrence Hammond was 
a man of mark in his day, possessing a sound judgment, with great energy of 
character. He was not , only able, in his lifetime of eighty-seven years, to 
gather and leave to his children a large estate, but also the priceless inheri- 
tance of a good name. His widow still survives, in her eighty-fourth year, 
living in the homestead. Martin L. was born March 16, 1830. He married 
Martha Barclay November 20, 1851. He is by occupation a farmer. He lived 
with his father until the death of the latter, in 1883; since then he has been 
doing business for himself at Spring Run. The family are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hammond in politics is a Democrat. 



746 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

WILLIAM J. HARRIS, proprietor of the Concord tannery, Concord, was 
born January 16, 1846, in Concord, ^his county, a son of James and Anna 
Seibert Harris, the former a son of William Harris. Our subject worked at 
shoe-making with his father, and at the age of eighteen began to learn the tan- 
nery business with Joseph Pomeroy, with whom he worked for seyeral years 
learning the details of the trade. September 21, 1874, Mr. Pomeroy died, 
and Mr. Harris rented the tannery, which was established by his late employer 
in 1841. In 1885 he purchased the tannery, and now turns out about 2,000 
hides and skins yearly, using 400 tons of bark. In 1872 he married Nettie G. 
Harrison, a native of Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co. , Penn. , and a daughter of 
M. S. and Olive (Underwood) Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have three 
children: Frank W., Anna M. and James C. Mr. Harris is a member of the 
United Presbyterian Church. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but 
is now a Prohibitionist. 

CYRUS HAZLETT, superintendent of the old Franklin tannery, was born 
May 5, 1827, in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, Penn. In early life he 
.was thrown on his own resources, and commenced grinding bark for Smith Mc- 
;Kiney, of Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, Penn. , working for him 
through the summer season, and going to school through the winter season, for 
two or three years; then he went to Abraham Smith to learn the tanning busi- 
ness in Lurgantown, Franklin Co., Penn. He worked for him for one 
year, when Mr. Smith sold the farm and tannery to David Miller; worked 
for Mr. Miller for a short time; left Mr. Miller and went to Shippensburg, 
Cumberland County, to work for Wm. McLean at his tannery; was there for 
some time, when Mr. McLean bought the Franklin tannery in Amberson' s Val 
ley, this county, fifteen miles north of Shippensburg, owned by Benjamin De- 
ford, of Baltimore, Md. , one of the largest tanneries of that day. This was in 
1844 or 1845. He worked as a journeyman for McLean for about five years, when 
Hazlett went West, and was absent for about one year; then returned and 
.went to work at the Franklin tannery again. He was married June 10, 1851, 
bo Annetta Jane Culbertson, daughter of Robert and Nancy Culbertson, of 
Amberson' s Valley, who formerly was from Culbertson' s Row. Robert Culbert- 
son' s mother was a Duncan; Mrs. Culbertson' s was Nancy Brackenridge. In 
the spring of 1852 Wm. McLean and Hazlett rented the tannery at Roxbury, 
Lurgan Township, this county, from Samuel L. Sentman, and went into the 
tanning business for five years, when their lease ran out. They leased it for 
four years more. During these four years Hazlett bought the property of 
his former employers, Abraham Smith and Miller, and when his lease ran out 
, at Roxbury, he moved to his own property and commenced tanning at his own 
tannery, Wm. McLean furnishing him with hides. He carried on the business 
of tanning and farming till August, 1801, when he enlisted in Capt. M. G. 
Hale's Company F, Two Hundred and Seventh Regiment, Second Brigade, 
Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. After the surrender of Lee' s army Mr. Hazle 
returned home by way of Petersburg, Va. , and City Point; took a boat do 
James River to Fortress Monroe ; from there to Alexandria ; was there abo 
:ten days when he received a dispatch from home stating that his youngest chi 
had fallen in a vat at the tannery and was drowned. He got a furlough am 
went home, but too late for the funeral; returned back, when the furloug 
was out, to be in Washington at the grand review of the Potomac Array. In 
few days the regiment went to Harrisbnrg and was discharged. He return 
home in the latter part of June, 1865. In the spring of 1866 he went to ta 
charge of Fraizer & Bros.' tannery in Newburg; did business for them f 
two years, when he leased the tannery from the Fraizers; carried on busi 



PANNETT TOWNSHIP. . 7-47 

ness for throe years, Wm, McLean furnishing him hides. When the lease i - an 
out he contracted with Mr. McLean to superintend his tannery. Then he 
moved to Franklin tannery, in Amberson's Valley, in the spring of 1871, where 
he is now, December 8, 1886. To Cyrus Hazlett and Annetta Jane, his wife, were 
born twelve children, seven now living: Wm. Mc. ; Jane Haddesa, wife of H. 
Jones; Nancy B. , wife of John C.Witheren: Cyrus D.; Clarence F. ; Frank S. and 
Mollie May. Wm. Mc. Hazlett is married to a daughter of John Fleck; Clar- 
ence F., to a daughter of Robert Mevity, all of Fannett Township. There is 
no town in this valloy near the tannery. There is one store where the postoffice 
is kept by John A. Shoemaker. Cyrus Hazlett is a member of Orrstown 
Lodge, No. 262, A. Y. M., and Newburg Lodge. No. 562, 1. O. O. F., Encamp- 
ment Roxbury, I. O. O. F., Red Men, No. 150, a member of the G. A. R., 
and. politically, is a Republican; is not connected with any church particu- 
larly, but is a liberal contributor to all churches. Since 1842 Mr. Hazlett has 
been in the employ of AY in. McLean, with the exception of a few years, and 
is the only man who started in with Mr. McLean at that date that is in his em- 
ploy at the present time, December S, 1886. 

J. W. HOLLIDAY, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, is the only male representative 
now living in the county of the name. His great-grandfather, John Holliday, 
was a native of the ' ' Emerald Isle, ' ' came to Path Yalley at a very early day 
and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, where he died. His son 
John (grandfather of our subject) was born on the Holliday homestead, Sep- 
tember 27, 1769, married Elizabeth Coulter (who was born July 16, 1771, and 
died March 7, 1862), and subsequently moved to Blair County, where Samuel 
Holliday, father of J. W., was born in 1806. Three years later the grand- 
father moved with his family to the old homestead, where he died November 
4, 1838. He was a stanch citizen of the Valley, and for many years an elder 
in what is known as the ''Upper Church " (Presbyterian); served as justice of 
the peace, and represented his county in the Legislature. He had a family of 
three children: James, Margaret and Samuel. James died a bachelor; Mar- 
garet married James Alexander and moved to Blair County. Samuel, father 
of J. W., came here to the Holliday farm with his father from Blair County in 
1809, where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth McElhenny, daughter 
of William McElhenny, and to them were born four sons and seven daughters. 
He was engaged in farming and stock raising, and was a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. In 1844 he was tendered the nomination as representative 
of the county, but declined. He was a sound Democrat and an active worker 
for his party. He died, respected by all, December 4, 1880. James W. , 
his successor, was born here October 29, 1849. He commenced merchandis- 
ing in Dry Run in 1872, and continued in the business till 1881; in 1878 he 
was the nominee of the Democratic party for register of wills and recorder of 
deeds, but was defeated with his party; has since 1881 been actively engaged 
in the management of his farm, which is one of the best in the Valley. Janu- 
ary 3, 1882, he married Sarah R., daughter of Amos and Mary (Skinner) 
Kegarries. Mr. and Mrs. Holliday have two children: Irene V. and James W. 
The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Holli- 
day is a Democrat. 

E. G. JONES, M. D. , P. O. Dry Run, is a representative of a well known 
family, a native of Path Valley, and a son of James Jones, who was a son of 
John A. Jones, one of the pioneers of Metal Township. He was reared on the 
farm until seventeen years of age, when he went to school receiving an acad- 
emic course, which was supplemented by a course in the normal school at 
Shippensburg. He then began reading medicine with Dr. Thomas J. Dunott, 



748 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of Harrisburg, Penn. , and attended one year in the hospital at that place, 
finally graduating at Jefferson Medical College in April, 1884. Dr. Jones 
then began practice in Hustontown, Fulton Co. , Penn. , where he continued 
two years, meeting with nattering success, and finally loeated in Dry Run, 
April 20, 1886. The liberal patronage which has been extended to him since, 
gives ample proof that his merits are being recognized by an intelligent com- 
munity. 

W. G. KIRKPATRICK, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, is a son of Edward Kirk- 
patrick, who was born in Fannett Township, this county, February 12, 1799, a 
son of Francis Kirkpatrick, whose wife was a Hudson. Edward married Ann 
Herron, a native of Burns' Valley, born May 6, 1800, a daughter of Patrick 
and Temperance (Moore) Herron, natives of Adams County, Penn. Patrick 
Herron was a son of John and Elizabeth (Bowls) Herron. Edward Kirkpat- 
rick died June 1, 1858, his widow April 4, 1886. They reared a family of six 
children, but one now living — William G. , our subject, who was born August 
26, 1836, on the farm where he has since lived and which he owns. November 30, 
1865, he married Nancy J. Burk, born near Dry Run, a daughter of William 
and Eliza (Smith) Burk. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick have a family of nine 
children, viz.: Anna E. , Minnie Gr. , Edward N. , William B. , MaryE., Samuel I 
A. , John H. , Harry M. and Clara M. Mr. Kirkpatrick has an excellent farm 
of over 270 acres, which he cultivates successfully. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church; politically he is a Democrat. 

JOHN LINN, retired, P. O. Concord, is a grandson of Hugh Linn, a 
native of Ireland, who came to this country about 1790, and located in Horse - 
Valley, on the edge of Perry County, where he carried on farming and died. . 
His wife, Sarah, was a sister of James Widney, an Irishman, and one of the J 
early settlers of Path Valley; he settled in the Valley near Concord, of which 
town he was the founder; he was a Wesleyan Methodist and the pioneer of 
Methodism in the Valley; a man of enterprise, he bore a conspicuous part in 
the early history of the township. Hugh Linn was born in Ireland. May 10, 
1785, the third son of Hugh and Ann (Widney) Linn, latter a daughter of 
James Widney, the pioneer. Mrs. Ann Linn was born in Path Valley, De- 
cember 22, 1785. Hugh Linn, Jr., was a stonemason, which trade he fol- 
lowed for a number of years, and subsequently purchased the Stewart farm, 
where he lived fifty years. In 1865 he went to his daughter in Ogle County, 
111., where he died suddenly, April 3, 1870; he joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church when fifteen years of age, and during his life was an active church 
worker; he served as class leader and steward. He was a Democrat until the 
civil war, when he united with the Republican party. He reared following 
named children: James, a miller by trade, who lived and died in Concord; 
Sarah, wife of Samuel Henry, who moved to Illinois; Mary, married to Samuel 
Booker, who located in Illinois ; Jane, married to Andrew J. Taylor, who moved to 
Pennsylvania ; John ; Margaret, wife of A. Lougridge, who moved to Illinois ;Hugh, 
who served in the Mexican war, and died, unmarried, from disease contracted 
in the service; Alexander, who served in the civil war as assistant surgeon in 
Newton Hamilton, Mifflin County; Arabella, married to William Bloom, and 
located in Martinsburg, Blair County; and Eleanor, married to William Typer, 
who located in Ogle County, 111. John, our subject, is the sole survivor of the 
family in this county. He was born near Concord, April 13, 1820, worked on 
the farm until arriving at maturity, and after nine months' residence in Ohio 
and Kentucky, he went to Washington County, Md. , where he learned the 
marble cutter's trade, which he followed for seven years. In 1851 he re- 
turned to the farm and married Margaret J. Hays, born in Path Valley, a 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 749 

daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Hays, the latter a daughter 
of "William Cunningham. In 1863 he entered the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry, and served eleven months, returned home and 
resumed farming. In February, 1865, he was drafted, but procured a sub- 
stitute. He sold his farm shortly after the war, built property and has since 
lived retired. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli- 
tics he was Republican, now a Prohibitionist. Mrs. Linn has been an invalid 
for eighteen years with chronic rheumatism. Mr. Linn's father, Hugh, was 
drafted in the war of 1812, but his brother James took his place. 

JAMES H. LITTLE, coachsmith, Concord, was bom July 2, 1823, the 
second son of John Little, who was born in Cumberland County, Penn. , in 
1792, a son of James Little. The latter was born in Ireland and immigrated 
to Cumberland County about 1784, and came to Path Valley in 1801. His 
wife was Jane Herron, daughter of Patrick Herroh, of Scotch-Irish descent. 
To James Little were born William, John, James, Robert, Thomas, Isaac, 
Frank, Samuel and Matthew, Polly, Margaret and Jane. All of these moved 
west and settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, except William and John; the 
former died suddenly, going with a team to Baltimore. John came with his 
father to this township in 1801, and was reared to farming pursuits; when yet 
a young man he went out in the war of 1812, and, returning home, resumed 
farming. July 4, 1816, he married Sarah, a native of Ireland and a daughter 
of John Hays. In 1847 John Little moved to Juniata County, Penn., where 
he died February 6, 1855. His widow died December 15, 1861. John, for 
several years after his removal to Juniata County, was engaged in the manu- 
facture of wheat fans. He was for many years a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, although first a Presbyterian, and politically he was a Dem- 
ocrat. He had eight children who grew up: William, Eliza, Mary, James H., 
Eleanor, Tirzah, John and Thomas. William resides in Clay County, Kas. ; 
Eliza, wife of Daniel Conn, in Juniata County; Mary resides in Waterloo, 
Juniata County, unmarried; Eleanor is a resident of Concord, the wife of James 
McKim; Tirzah (deceased) was the wife of Michael Miller of Waterloo, Juniata 
County; John is a merchant in Concord; Thomas is a resident of Altoona, a 
bachelor. James H. was born on the homestead near Doylesburg, and in 1846 
came to Concord and learned the blacksmith's trade with William Donnelly; 
in 1852 he set up in business for himself, which he still continues. In 1852 he 
married Melinda M. , daughter of AVilliam Donnelly, with whom he learned his 
trade, and like Jacob, Mr. Little says, ' ' he worked for her seven years. ' ' He 
has nine children (eight living), viz. : Lillian, wife of A. H. Lupper of Lamed, 
Kas.; Luella, a mute, in Philadelphia; Newton, in Harlan, Iowa; Florence, 
in Arizona, the wife of Rev. James Gerry Eberhart; and Laura, Arthur, Oscar, 
Eleanor (who died December 29, 1876), and Stella at home. Mr. Little is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been recording steward 
for over twenty years. Politically he is a Prohibitionist, when not a Democrat. 

GEORGE MAGEE, farmer, P. O. Amberson' s Valley, represents one of the 
old time families, who came to the Valley over a score of years prior to the 
Revolutionary period. Patrick Magee, his grandfather, was born in Ireland, 
where he married a Miss Hall, daughter of James Hall, and with her and one 
child, John, immigrated to America, and settled on the farm now owned by 
our subject, and there died. He reared the following children : John, George, 
James, Adam, William, Alexander, Patrick, Nancy, Maty and Nicolai. Adam, the 
father of our subject, was born on the homestead in 1779, being the third son. 
The farm was left to him and his younger brother, Alexander, whose interest 
he subsequently purchased. Upon this farm he spent his life, and died August 



750 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

9, 1854. His wife was Martha Appleby, who was born near Shade Gap, a 
daughter of John Appleby. George Magee, our subject, was reared on the 
farm, and remained with his father until his death, and worked for him. 
March 27, 1847, he married Margaret J. Taylor, who was born April 18, 1825, 
a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Adams) Taylor, and they have one child, 
William A. Mr. Magee is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has 
served as trustee and deacon for several years. He is a Democrat, the politi- 
cal faith of his father. Our subject's son, William A., married Margaret, 
a daughter of Robert McVitty, and five sons and two daughters have been born 
to them: Clinton A., Emma, Robert C. , Franklin G., Joseph, William and 
Cora M. George Magee has filled several positions of trust in the township; 
he is a Democrat in politics. 

STEPHEN O. McCURDY (deceased^, a representative in his day of an old 
family of Path Valley, was born in Metal Township, this county, May 28, 
1810. the youngest child of James and Mary (Brown) McCurdy. He was reared 
to farming, and after he became of age engaged in mercantile business for 
several years. In 1835 he married Maria B. , a native of this county, born June 
5, 1811, a daughter of Anthony and Mary (Hess) Klippinger, and after mar- 
riage settled at Spring Run, on the spot where M. L. Hammond's residence 
now is. Here he engaged in mercantile business a short time, and then in 
teaming for several years, working a part of the old homestead one year. In 
1848 he built the house, barn and other buildings on the place now occupied 
by his widow, and where he resided until his death, which occurred February 
17, 1.881. He and his wife were the parents of six children, who lived to be 
grown, viz.: James, who resides in Philadelphia; Mary L., wife of William 
Mackey (she died May 11, 1865); John, a resident of Philadelphia: Oliver B. , 
a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Perry County, Penn. ; Annie E. (wife 
of J. C. Burk), on the homestead; and Amos M. , a resident of Culver, Kas. 
Mr. McCurdy was of stanch Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father and grand- 
father (both named James) were ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church in 
Upper Path Valley. In early life our subject entered a profession of faith with 
the church of his fathers, then served by the Rev. Amos A. McGinley, and 
soon took a place among the active and influential members of the congrega- 
tion and community. For many years he was a member of the board of trus- 
tees, and was one of the most active and efficient officers the church ever had. 
By his sterling worth, strict integrity and irreproachable life, and by his gen- 
erous and kind nature, he won the love and esteem of all who knew him. He 
was a kind husband and congenial companion. In politics he was a Repub- 
lican. 

WILLIAM McGINLEY (deceased) was a native of Adams County, Penn., 
born August 15, 1821; son of Ebenezer McGinley, and a nephew of Rev. A. A. 
McGinley, the well known pioneer minister of Franklin. County. Our subject 
in 1846 married Mary Ann Alexander, a native of Path Valley, this county, 
born September 28, 1823, daughter of John and Ann (McCurdy) Alexander. 
Shortly after marriage they located on a part of the Brinley farm, where he 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he continued till his death. He died 
January 20, 1860, leaving no issue. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and an esteemed citizen of the community. Mrs. McGinley resides 
on the Alexander homestead. Her father died July 27, 1875, her mother 
February 28, 1878, and with Mr. McGinley repose in the cemetery at Spring 
Run. 

H. MILLER, proprietor of the "Valley Home Hotel," Concord, was born 
January 11, 1822, at Springtown, Metal Township, this county, one mile north 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 751 

of Faunettsburg. His father, Frederick Miller, a cooper by trade, move 
Franklin County in 1819, and located in Metal Township. He married Mary 
Goyer, whose father, John Goyer, served as a drum-major in the Revolution. 
Frederick Miller served in the war of 1<S1*_'. His father, Martin, served in the 
Revelation, was wounded in the knee, drew a pension up to the time of his 
death, and lived to be a centenarian. The Goyer family came from Germany, 
and were sold to pay their passage, being eight months on the ocean. Ti 
were three in the family: John, his wife Margaret, and their son John, all of 
whom served in the Revolution, the father as a soldier, his wife as a washer 
woman for the officers, and their son, John, Jr., who was birt twelve years oi 
age, as drummer boy, and later as drum-major. John, Sr. . was shot, and his 
wife Margaret, picking up his musket, fought through the engagement. She 
afterward drew a pension for actual service, and died at the age of one hun- 
dred and three years. Subject's grandfather, Martin Miller, his maternal 
grandfather, John Goyer, and his father, Frederick (the latter in the war of 
1812), all drew pensions. Frederick died in his eighty-seventh year from 
hemorrhage. He had live sons and six daughters, all of whom lived to be 
married. Martin Miller had at the time of his death over 400 descend;! nts 
direct from himself, in all five generations. John Goyer died in Path Valley, 
aged ninety-seven. John and Martin Goyer were buried with the honors of 
war. Henry Miller, our subject, the seventh in a family of eleven children, re- 
mained at home until he was past twenty-one years of age. He was brought up 
as a cooper, but afterward worked on the farm, commencing first to work by the 
month and then by the day or job, and labored hard and constantly. In 1845 he 
married Isabella Plunkard, by whom he had seven children, as follows: Eliza- 
beth, Mary, David, William, Jane, Lucy and Belle. This wife died of con- 
sumption, and Mr. Miller next married Mary North, a native of Germany, and 
a daughter of John North, a miller. By this union ten children were born: 
Lena, John, Henry, Elmer, William, Edgar, Laura, Samuel, Lillie and Sadie . 
For ten years Mr. Miller farmed for Dr. J. S. Flickinger; five years on William' 
Harris' farm; came to Concord in 1871, bought the McElhenny property, and 
has since been engaged in the hotel business (temperance), and has also car- 
ried on farming. He was a member of the United Brethren Church for thir- 
teen years, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church thirty years, of which lailer 
he is an official member. In politics he is a Republican. 

J. M. NOBLE, manufacturer of coaches, wagons, buggies, sleighs and 
vehicles of all kinds used in this county, Concord, was born in Juniata County,. 
Penn. , in 1853. He is a son of William Noble, who was born in Faunetts- 
burg, a son of John Noble. His mother was Mary, daughter of William and 
Catherine (Gray) Short. Mr. Noble learned his trade with Shower & Scholl, 
of Mifflintown, Juniata County, and came to Concord in October, 1876. where 
he began the manufacture of wheeled vehicles, and has since continued in this 
line with success. By doing the best of work and using the best materials he 
has extended his work, which has only to be examined to be appreciated. He 
does also general repair work, and invites patronage, and can successfully- 
compete with any one who will do honest work. He is a member of t lit 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been Sunday-school superintendent for - 
several years. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. 

DANIEL R. PIPER, coach-maker. Dry Run, was born in Amberson's > 
Valley, August 16, 1832. His father, John A., also born in Amberson's Val- 
ley, January 20, 1803, and was a son of Daniel and Mary (Witter) Piper; the 
latter a daughter of John Witter, of German descent. John A. Piper mar- 
ried Margaret Struble, who was born in this county November 26, 1808, a 



752 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughter of Daniel and Mary (Rook) Struble, the latter a daughter of George 
Rook. To Mr. and Mrs. John A. Piper were born the following named chil- 
dren: Louis S., Wilson, Daniel R., Rebecca J., Jonathan, Martin, David H. , 
Maria, Ezra, Mary A., William S. , all of whom lived to be grown except 
William S. , and all served in the civil war, save Daniel R. , who was physically 
disqualified, but who would have gladly gone into the service. All returned 
home but David H. , who died in the hospital at Gallatin, Tenn. ; Louis S. 
and Jonathan reside in Nebraska; Rebecca J. is the wife of Franklin Cramer, 
and resides near Pleasant Hill, this county; Maria and Mary A. reside in Law- 
rence County. 111., Mary A. being the wife of William Newman; Ezra resides 
in the same place; Wilson lives in Amberson's Valley. John A. Piper, who 
was a farmer, died May 7, 1880, in Illinois; his wife died in Amberson's Val- 
ley, August 21, 1862. Daniel R. remained at home until the age of seven- 
teen when he settled near Dry Run, August 6, 1849, and spent three years in 
learning his trade with Simon Mouer; then worked at journey work for over 
■two years. His health failing he worked at the carpenter' s trade three years. 
In April, 1858, he rented the shop for two years and later bought the property, 
and has since carried on the business. January 31, 1855, he married Mary I. 
Harmon, who was born near Spring Run, a daughter of James and Nancy 
(Neal) Harmon. Mr. and Mrs. Piper have seven children : William S. , John 
H. F., James A. L., Henry R., Martha B., Zepheniah A. C. and Mary C. Mr. 
Piper is a member of the United Brethren Church ; politically he is a Repub- 
lican. 

ROBERT PRICE, farmer, P. O. Amberson's Valley, was born in Path 
Valley, near Doylesburg, September 12, 1812, a son of John Price. He can 
distinctly remember the rejoicings over the victory at New Orleans. He be- 
gan teaching at the age of fourteen, and for forty-eight years taught without 
intermission, with the exception of two terms spent at Bridgeport, one at 
iSmoketown anl oaa at Dickey's Mill. His labors have been confined to Fan- 
nett Township. John Price, father of our subject, came from County Don- 
egal, Ireland, to this country in 1791, locating shortly after in Fannett Town- 
ship, and soon after his arrival, in 1794, was called on to aid in quelling the 
Whisky Rebellion. He was a tailor, which trade he followed for many years 
3ip and down the valley. It was the custom at that time for tailors and shoe- 
makers to go from house to house and make up the stock for the family. He 
married Hannah Rowls, a native of Chester County, Penn. , and a daughter of 
John and Nancy (Morrow) Rowls. Mr. Price was a good citizen, attended to 
his own personal affairs, carried on farming to some extent, but did not own 
any land. He passed away in August, 1844, highly respected in the com- 
munity in which he had lived. Of the following named children who grew 
•up and reared families, none are now living except Robert: John, Thomas, 
William, Richard (who served in the Mexican war), Robert and Nancy I. She 
"married James Watts; she and Thomas settled in Marion County, Ohio, and 
both reared families. John settled in McDonough County, 111. William and 
Robert alone remained in the county. Robert, our subject, closely applied 
himself to his books when young, attended the best schools of the neighbor- 
hood and also those of Chambersburg, and his career as teacher has been a 
very successful one. June 25, 1841, he married Rachel Skinner, a native of 
Path Valley, born May 5, 1817, a daughter of William Skinner, whose father 
was also named William. Her mother was Jane, a daughter of Titus and 
Catherine (Rowls) Harry; her grandfather, William, married Martha Duncan. 
Mr. Price located at the head of Amberson's Valley in 1858, and here has 
since resided, having something over 300 acres of land. Of eight children 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 753 

born to him, seven are living, viz.: Sylvester, married to Martha Diven; 
Mary A., wife of George Shields (they reside on the homestead); Thomas J., 
at home; Almira J., wife of James Fagon; William A., at home; Noah A., 
married to Jane Shields, and Martha, wife of David Ferguson. James, whose 
name is not mentioned above, is buried in North Carolina, where he fell in 
the service of his country, March 10, 18(35, pierced by a bullet while on the 
skirmish line. He first enlisted in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
and served his term of six months; then enlisted in the Ninth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry for three years, or during the war, and was killed after serving ten 
months. Sylvester served in the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania "Bucktails." 
Mr. Price and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is 
a Douglas Democrat. 

K. P. ROSENBERRY, superintendent of McLean's tannery, P. O. Doyles- 
burg, was born in Letterkenny Township, this county, October 4, 1838, a son 
of Benjamin and Harriet (Peebles) Rosenberry. He was brought up on the 
farm and received a good common-school education, which he augmented by 
several years' experience as teacher, being engaged continuously for about thir- 
teen winters, beginning that vocation at the age of nineteen. About 1869 he 
came to Doylesburg and began work at the tannery, first as a common laborer, 
and made himself useful in many ways, keeping the company's books, receiving 
and measuring bark, working in every capacity to advance the interests of 
his employers, and learning the many details of the business. His diligence 
and fidelity to the interests of the company being fully recognized, they ad- 
vanced him from one position to another until he was placed in full charge of 
the establishment in April, 1881. The tannery has a capacity of 6,000 sides 
and 700 tons of bark annually. In 1866 he formed a matrimonial alliance with 
Evaline Reed, who was born in Amberson's Valley, a daughter of George and 
Barbara (Stake) Reed, the latter a daughter of Peter Stake. Mr. Rosenberry 
is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and an efficient and zealous 
Sabbath-school worker, being superintendent of the Sabbath- school at Doyles- 
burg. He has five sons and one daughter: AlvinM. , Washington W., George 
H, Benjamin B., Rush Mc. and Anna M. Politically Mr. Rosenberry is a 
Democrat. 

JOSEPH RYDER, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born May 26, 1825, near 
Bridgeport, in Peters Township, this county. The name was originally spelled 
Reiter, and later changed to Ryder. The family trace back their ancestry to 
one Michael Ryder, an Englishman, who came to this country several years 
prior to the French and Indian war, and settled in southeast Pennsylvania. 
He is believed to have perished at Braddock's defeat, and left one son, who 
bore his name, Michael, and who was the great-grandfather of our subject. 
He was born September 24, 1744, and died September 7, 1821. His wife was 
Magdalena Newman, who was born April 21, 1747, and died August 26, 1821. 
They had seven sons and four daughters, the eldest child being Michael. The 
latter was born in 1770 and died in June, 1810; he married Saloma Wortze, 
who was born August 24, 1773, and died October 5, 1853. Their second child 
was likewise named Michael. He was the father of Joseph, and was born 
May 13, 1798, near Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, and came to this county 
in 1822. Two years later he married his cousin, Mary Ryder, daughter of 
Adam and Elizabeth (Longenecker) Ryder. Her mother was a daughter of 
Christian Longenecker, whose wife was a Miss Share. Our subject located 
when young near Dry Run. In his fifteenth year he moved back to Peters 
Township, near Loudon, where he lived until February 22, 1855, when he 
married Anna Shearer. She was born June 14, 1822, near Bridgeport, Penn. 



754 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

She was a daughter of Jonathan and Anna (Longenecker) Shearer. Jonathan 
was a son of Peter Shearer, whose wife was Christina Markel, and a sister of 
Gen. Joseph Markel, who ran for governor on the Whig ticket in 1844. After 
Mr. Ryder's marriage he moved to Fannett Township and located on the Eby 
farm, where he resided nineteen years. In the spring of 1874 he located on 
the Coulter farm, where he has since lived, and has now 600 acres of choice 
land, upon which are excellent improvements. His father built the barn 
124x59 feet, in the year 1868, and the brick house the following year. Within 
the space of eight years Mr. Ryder has put upon the Coulter farm 35,000 
bushels of lime, and, during the time he occupied the Eby farm and since, he 
has put upon it 35,000 bushels and upward of lime, making an aggregate of 
70,000 bushels of lime upon the two farms. He has the best of farm machinery, 
steam thresher, clover huller, etc. , and farms successfully. He has worked 
hard and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. The family of Mr. and Mrs. 
Ryder were as follows: Jonathan S. , born April 27, 1856; MaryE., born 
June 22, 1858; Adam M. , born in October, 1860, died in January, 1863; Annie 
C. , born June 27, 1863; Sherman J., born January 26, 1865. Mrs. Anna 
Ryder, wife of Joseph Ryder, departed this life October 14, 1886. She was 
a member of the German Reformed Church. 

SAMUEL A. SHEARER, tanner, P. O. Spring Run, was born March 31, 
1823, near Strasburg, this county, a son of Christian (a blacksmith) and Susan 
(Probst) Shearer, to whom were born the following named children: William, 
Mary, Ann, Susanna, Rebecca, Katie, Samuel A., Benjamin and Adaline. 
Samuel A. when a boy learned the tanner's trade. February 14, 1847, he mar- 
ried Harriet Piper, who was born in Amberson's Valley, January 28, 1822, a 
daughter of Daniel Piper, who was born in this county, November 25, 1777. Her 
mother was Mary (Witter), born March 26, 1784. Daniel Piper was a son of 
John and Catherine (Sollinger) Piper, and died June 19, 1838; his widow died 
May 25, 1865. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shearer moved to Juniata County, 
Penn., where they remained eight years, and then came to Path Valley, farmed 
eight years, then returned to Juniata County. After residing there four years 
and a half, they moved to Shade Gap, Huntingdon Co. , Penn. , and lived two 
years and a half, and in the spring of 1871 located at Spring Run, where 
they have since remained. They have six children living: Mary S., Elizabeth 
C. , Rebecca F. , William H. , Emma M. and H. Ada. Emma M. is the wife of 
David I. Culbertson of Shippensburg, Penn., formerly of Amberson's Valley. 
Mr. Shearer is a member of the church of the United Brethren in Christ, and 
has been officially connected with the same; and of which his son, William H, 
is a trustee. 

WILLIAM C. SHEARER, farmer, P. O. Spring Run, was born Novem- 
ber 12, 1841, on the farm which he now owns, one-half mile from the south 
part of the township, the eldest son of Elias Shearer, who was born on the 
dividing line between Metal and Fannett Townships, January 7, 1814, and who 
was a son of Jacob Shearer (an early settler in the Valley), and married Eliza 
Campbell, April 14, 1836; she was born July 3, 1814, a daughter of William 
Campbell. After marriage they removed to the farm now owned by their son, 
William C, and remained until their death, he dying June 3, 1885, and she in 
November of the same year. They reared eight children: William O, Maria 
E. , Catherine A. , Margaret I. , Sarah A. , Mary J. , Larue B. and Clara E. , 
all residents of the township, except Margaret I. and Mary J. , who reside in 
Huntingdon County. In 1868 our subject married Martha A. Kirkpatrick, a 
daughter of James and Agnes (Shetler) Kirkpatrick, and they have six chil- 
dren living: William W., Anna E., Ella A., Clara E., Sarah C. and George 



PANNETT TOWNSHIP. 755 

H. Mr. Shearer operates a threshing machine in connection with farming. 
He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

D. O. SHEARER, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born July 29, 1844, on 
the J. Miller place, a son of William Shearer, who was born near Stras- 
burg, this county, in 1809, a son of Christopher Shearer, who was one of a 
family of twelve sons. William, who married Emma, born in 1812, a daughter 
of David Neal, was for nearly half a century a member of the Presbyterian 
Church of Upper Path Valley; served as school director several terms, and was 
a substantial citizen. He died, as he lived, a Christian, passing away March 
23, 1885. Of the ten children born to him four are now living, viz. : Denton 
O. , our subject; Maggie^ wife of William F. Kolb; John P. was a teacher for 
a number of years, is a lawyer, but now a resident of Indiana, where he is 
United States pension examiner; and Susan A., wife of Daniel Wolff, of Spring 
Run. Denton O. was brought up on the farm, and received an education which 
he improved by five years' teaching, in the course of which he attained to a 
professional certificate. December 29, 1870, he married Mary A. Elder, only 
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Wolff) Elder, and with them he has resided 
since his marriage, engaged in farming. He is a member of and elder in the 
Presbyterian Church of Upper Path Valley, and an active worker in the Sun- 
day-school, having been either superintendent or assistant in the different Sun- 
day-schools with which he has been connected for twenty-two years, the last 
five years superintendent of the Dry Run Presbyterian Sunday-school. He has 
also been chorister for the same length of time. He was church trustee five 
years, and served his township for two terms (term three years) as school di- 
rector, and one year as registry assessor. He was elected a delegate to the 
Democratic State Convention which met in Allentown, Penn. , in March, 1884, 
and in the same year was elected one of the directors of the ' ' Children' s Aid 
Society, ' ' of Franklin County, which was organized that year in Chambers- 
burg. In addition to farming he has since his marriage been somewhat exten- 
sively engaged in other business, such as the settlement of estates, acting as 
guardian for wards, and managing estates as agent, etc. He has been execu- 
tor, administrator and assignee, and is at present executor in three estates and 
guardian for seven wards. 

JOHN ALFERD SHOEMAKER, merchant of Amberson's Valley, was 
born February 15, 1848, about midway between Roxbury and Strasburg, the 
eldest son of William and Mary (Hefflefinger) Shoemaker, residents of Letter - 
kenny Township, this county. John A. remained at home on the farm until 
twenty years of age, and then went to learn his trade in the Franklin Tannery. 
In 1871 he entered mercantile business, buying out the interest of S. J. 
Eckenrode, and has since been engaged in this line. He was elected justice of 
the peace in the spring of 1885, and served as postmaster from 1873 to 1885; 
has also been auditor and assessor of the township; has been a director in 
the Path Valley Mutual Fire Insurance Company for ten years, and has filled 
other positions of trust. He is prominently connected with the interests of 
the Methodist Protestant Church and Sunday-school, being officially connected 
with the same. October 21, 1868, he married Frances L. Stake, born March 
23, 1849, daughter of Daniel Stake, a well known resident of Amberson's 
Valley, this county, and they have five children: Daniel H. , born September 
2, 1869; Dora, born April 23, 1872; William O., born October 13, 1875; Lulu 
P., born September 17, 1878; Carrie M., born November 5. 1881. Mr. Shoe- 
maker is a member and Worshipful Master of the A. Y. M., No. 262; also 
I. O. O. F., No. 419, and Encampment, and Red Cloud Tribe, No. 150, I. O. 
R. M. He is a leading Democrat, and this year was elected a member of 
the State convention. 



756 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

B. F. SHOPE, M. D. , Dry Kun, was born in 1855 in Huntingdon County, 
Penn. , a son of John Shope. He was reared to farming, but seeing outside 
the pale of husbandry a wider field of usefulness, and which he fancied was 
more congenial to his tastes, he resolved to take up the study of medicine. In 
the winter of 1879 he commenced reading at Orbisonia, under Dr. W. T. Brown- 
ing, and pursued his studies up to the time of his final graduation March 15, 
1882, at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City. On the 6th of 
September, 1881, he married Sadie E. McKee, a daughter of James McKee 
of Cleveland, Ohio, and settled down in Dry Run in February, 1884, as the 
successor of the late Dr. J. H. Flickinger, and has since enjoyed an excellent 
practice. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. 

DR. W. M. SHULL, Concord, was born in Spring Township, Perry Co., 
Penn., August 11, 1859, the youngest of his father's family. His father, 
Samuel Shull, was a native of Perry County, and a son of Frederick Shull. 
Subject's mother's maiden name was Alvina Albert, also a native of Perry 
County. The Doctor was reared to farming, acquired a good education, and 
began teaching at the age of eighteen. He taught for five years, a portion of 
the time as assistant at Wilson College. In the spring of 1882 he began the 
study of medicine, first with Dr. McMorris, of Duncannon; later with Dr. 
Strieker, of New Bloomfield, finally graduating at Jefferson Medical College 
in the spring of 1885. He immediately began the practice of his profession in 
Blaine, Perry County, where he met with success. In February, 1886, the 
Doctor came to Concord, where he has since received an excellent patronage 
and is meeting with success. 

STEPHEN McOINLEY SKINNER, retired farmer, P. O. Dry Run, is of 
the fourth generation of the family in this country, and was born March 25, 1818, 
on the farm which he owns, and on which his father, Stephen Skinner, located in 
1808. The latter was born in Cumberland County, in March, 1783, and 
was a son of William Skinner and Martha Duncan. John Skinner, his father, 
came from England and located first in New Jersey, then came to the Cumber- 
land Valley, where he purchased land in 1782. He had children as follows: 
Anna, William, Archie, George, Phebe, and some whose names cannot be de- 
termined. William, the grandfather of our subject, was born November 15, 
1757, and by his wife, Martha, had quite a family. The sons were William, 
John, Stephen, David, Enoch and Daniel, and the girls were Nancy, Mary and 
Martha. All reared families, except Enoch and Daniel; John and Stephen 
settled in Path Valley. Stephen married Nancy Morrow, the mother of our 
subject. She was born January 7, 1785, a daughter of Richard Morrow. Stephen 
Skinner died October 30, 1851; his widow in August, 1855. Their childx-en 
were Ezra, Daniel, William, Thomas, Morrow R., David D., Agnes, Stephen 
McGinley, Martha, Catherine, Mary, Enoch and James W. , all living in the 
Valley, except Enoch, James and Thomas. Our subject was reared on the 
farm, where he has always resided, with the exception of five years he spent at 
Dry Run, then removed to the homestead, where he has since remained. 
March 26, 1840, he married Margaret Culbertson (who was born in Path Val- 
ley, March 18, 1818), a daughter of Samuel Culbertson. Mr. Skinner owns 100 
acres of land. He has seven children living, viz. : Calvin M. , Isaac, Drusilla, 
James W. , West C. , Daniel M. and Maggie S. Elizabeth died when six years 
of age; James W. resides in Gunnison City, Col.; Isaac and Drusilla reside 
near Bloomington, McLean Co. , 111. Mr. Skinner is now retired from active 
business, enjoying the quiet and pleasure of his home. He has been for many 
years an elder in the Presbyterian Church, which position his father held 
before him. He has in his possession the warrant and patent which his grand- 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 757 

father, William, got from Thomas Blair, the first owner — the warrant, laid on 
June 3, 1762, and patented March 12, 1775. The tract consisted of 436f 
acres, which was afterward divided into four farms, of which Mr. Skinner' s is 
one. For twenty -five years our subject was chorister in the church; politically 
he was first a Whig and later a Republican. He sent two sons to the civil 
war: Calvin and Isaac. 

DAVID DUNCAN SKINNER, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born October 
11, 1815, the sixth child of Stephen Skinner, a son of William Skinner. He 
remained at home until he was of age and for several years drove a team to 
Pittsburgh. At the age of twenty-five, he married Margaret, daughter of John 
Flickinger. She died leaving eight children, but one now living, Stephen. 
Mr. Skinner's second wife is Jane Beers, a native of Huntingdon County, and 
a daughter of Alexander Beers. To this union ten children were born (nine 
now living), viz. : Robert, Eldorado, Gilson, Nancy M. , Clinton, Wilbert, Mary, 
Retta J., Emma C. and Anna M. (latter deceased). In 1844 Mr. Skinner 
moved on the place where he now resides, and on which he has put all the im- 
provements. He had but $700 when he bought the property, and has now 
three farms, making 600 acres in all. Mr. Skinner has been very industrious 
and probably did more hard work than any other man in this Valley. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican. 

D. J. SKINNER, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, is a descendant of one of the 
old pioneer familes of Path Valley, this county, where he was born August 10, 
1822, the third son of John and Judith (Doyle) Skinner. John Skinner was 
born April 17, 1786, in this township, as was also his wife, Judith, daughter 
of Barnabas Doyle, whose ancestors came here as early as 1748. The grand- 
father of David J. was William Skinner, one of the pioneers of Path Valley. 
Our subject remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he 
married Catherine, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Stark) Barkley, the latter 
a daughter of Isaac Stark. Mr. Skinner remained on the homestead farm fif- 
teen years after his marriage, and, about 1859 moved to the Adam Crouse 
farm, where he remained until 1869. He then moved to his present residence, 
where he has since lived, and up to the present time has been continuously 
engaged in farming pursuits, 'having several hundred acres of choice land, 
highly improved. He is the father of ten children, as follows: Washington, 
Sarah A. , John M. , William B. , Anna A. , Lizzie C. , Jennetta A. , David M. . 
Ada B. and Lotta B. , all of whom are residents of the county, except John 
M. and William B. , the former a merchant, the latter an attorney, in Mount 
Vernon, Mo. Washington entered the service of his country at the age of six- 
teen, and returned as captain; he was subsequently elected county treasurer. 
Mr. Skinner is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 

JOHN STAKE, retired farmer, P. O. Amberson's Valley, was born in this 
valley October 16, 1812. The progenitor of the Stake family came from 
Germany and located in Lancaster County, Penn. Our subject's grandfather, 
Frederick, was a Revolutionary soldier, and from him descended Peter (the 
father of John), who was born near Strasburg, this county, in 1781, being the 
youngest of a large family. Peter Stake married Anna M. , daughter of Harmon 
Myers, of Amberson's Valley, about 1803, and located where James Craig now 
resides, the place having only a cabin at that time and three acres cleared. He 
was a farmer and hauled goods from the eastern cities to Pittsburgh before the 
era of railroads. He was a stanch citizen and a respected member of the com- 
munity. John Stake, the fourth son, grew to manhood on his father's farm, 
and after attaining his majority went to Fillson to learn the carpenter's trade, 



758 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

which he followed for several years. February 5, 1840, he married Nancy 
Culbertson, who was born July 9, 1816, at the "knob" in Amberson's Valley, 
the fourth daughter and seventh chilcf of Robert and Nancy (Bleckenridge) 
Culbertson. Her paternal grandfather was Robert Culbertson, who married 
Ann Duncan. Mrs. Nancy (Bleckenridge) Culbertson was a daughter of John 
Bleckenridge. Soon after marriage Mr. Stake settled down to farming, and 
purchased a part of the Riddle tract, where he has since resided. He has had 
five children, three now living : Josephine, Rebecca J. and Mary A. Josephine 
resides in Letterkenny Township, the wife of John A. Eckenrode; Rebecca, is 
the wife of David E. Eckenrode, and Mary, the wife of Jacob C. Eckenrode 
(brothers), and both families reside in this township. Albert W. died of an 
abcess in the side at the age of twenty-three years, ten months and twenty- 
seven days, and Daniel J. died in infancy. Mr. Stake, though not a member 
of any church, contributes liberally to the support of the Gospel, and favors all 
Christian efforts. 

DANIEL STAKE, farmer, P. O. Amberson's Valley, was born in Amber- 
son's Valley, December 16, 1818. in a log cabin one mile south of the Upper 
Post Office, the fifth son of Peter and Anna (Myers) Stake. He left home on 
attaining his majority and learned the carpenter's trade which he followed sev- 
eral years. In 1852 he took charge of the old Franklin tannery, which he 
conducted for eighteen years for Mr. McLean, after which he located on the 
farm he now owns, and which he had purchased prior to becoming connected 
with the tannery. He has an excellent farm of 150 acres, well improved and 
situated in the heart of the Valley. His wife, Mary, was born in the Valley, in 
1814, a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Bleckenridge) Culbertson. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stake have five children: Henrietta, wife of James Hefflefinger of Cum- 
berland County; Frances, wife of John A. Shoemaker; Denton, located in this 
township; Robert, residing in Cumberland County, and Crier J. Mr. Stake is 
a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. Crier Johnson Stake was 
born in March, 1857, and is the youngest of the family. He married Jennie 
Hammond, who was born in this valley, a daughter of Daniel and Ellen (Skin- 
ner) Hammond, and they have three children: Mollie E., Wisley P. and Tena 
O. He has had charge of the home farm since 1879; is a member of the Meth- 
odist Protestant Church; of the I. O. O. F., No. 419, and A. F. & A. M., No. 
262. 

ISAAC STARK, the father of James Stark, and the grandfather of the 
existing family of children, was born in Norristown, N. J., about the 
year 1750. He removed to Path Valley in the year 1801, and located on the 
farm of Rev. Mr. Bear, one mile northeast of Spring Run, and now in posses- 
sion of the estate of John Alexander. After a residence there of two years he 
removed to Loudon, where he died in his fifty- second year. He married 
Elizabeth Trousdale (nee Gleen), a widow, in the year 1787. (Mrs. Stark's 
children by her former husband were Jane, married to Lam Elder, and Han- 
nah, married to Samuel Culbertson; she was born May 27, 1785.) The fruits 
of this marriage were as follows: Elizabeth, born October 31, 1789, who be- 
came the wife of Michael Morrow, both of whom resided and died near Dry 
Run. (They left two daughters, Sarah and Nancy. The first named is the 
wife of John Kennedy; the second resides with her sister near Griggsville, 
Pike Co., 111.) Sarah Stark, the second daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth 
Stark, married to Andrew Barclay, a pioneer of Path Valley, a sketch of whose 
life appears in another part of this history; Isaac M. Stark, the youngest son, 
died a bachelor. His character was above reproach and he always had the 
esteem of his fellow-citizens. 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 759 

James Stark, the more immediate subject of this sketch, and the 
father of the existing family of children, was born in Norristown, N. J., 
April 4, 1799. He came to Path Valley with his parents in the second year 
of his age, and afterward removed with them to Loudon. At the time of his 
father's death he was in his sixth year. His mother returned to Path Valley 
and purchased the farm owned by the late Daniel Skinner; when he was four- 
teen years old his mother died, thus leaving him and his younger brother. 
Isaac, orphans. Their struggle with the world was a hard one, and it was in- 
structive and interesting to hear James relate his experiences and hardships. 
The writer has often, when a boy, around the old fireside, listened to him as 
he told of the difficulties he had to overcome in order to secure the simplest 
elements of an education; he related how, during the winter days, he gathered 
pine knots, by the light of which during the long winter nights he studied his 
lessons and his sisters spun and knit. Where now stand comfortable brick and 
frame farmhouses, there were log houses with puncheon floors, and clapboard 
roofs. He often told of waking from a good night' s sleep to find his bed and 
head covered with snow. " How well I remember now how he labored to 
instil into the minds of his own children the necessity of economy and thrift, 
by relating how he saved his first 50 cents, by carrying wheat to the mill for 
a neighbor. And when he saved $5 in his fourteenth year, he felt as 
though his fortune were made. Before he was twenty years of age he learned the 
miller's trade and had charge of the mill at Orbisonia. It was while employed 
in that capacity that he wooed and won Martha Skinner, whom he married 
in the year 1825, the Rev. George Gray performing the ceremony. This old 
father of the faithful ever had a warm place in Mr. Stark' s heart from that time 
until his death. He never visited the Valley but what he was entertained at his 
board. After a brief residence at Shade Gap and Waterloo, engaged in mercan- 
tile business, he moved in 1833 to Dry Run and purchased the farm wnere his 
wife was born and raised on, and where he lived and died. James Stark dis- 
played in his youth the same characteristics of energy, honesty and firmness 
of purpose which were so markedly developed in his maturer years. He was 
a man whose views were broad and liberal ; charity, both of word and deed, was a 
prominent trait of his character, being ever ready to deal gently and kindly 
with those who fell into temptation, and having a hand ever open to the poor and 
needy. He took a firm stand in all movements looking to the educational ad- 
vancement of the people and to the strengthening of the church. During the 
ministry of the Rev. Amos McGinley, he was chosen a ruling elder of the 
Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, and for forty years he was a promi- 
nent figure in that congregation. His visits to the sick and his ministrations 
to the poor and needy were continual, and his memory is cherished by many a 
resident of that Valley. He displayed marked ability in the manner in which he 
filled local offices and in the settlement of estates. His integrity was unques- 
tioned and yet, during his long life, he never had a law suit. So peaceful was 
his character that he was often called in to adjust differences between neigh- 
bors. After a long and useful life, he passed away on the 26th of July, 1882, 
in the eighty-fourth year of his age, retaining his faculties to the last. He 
left surviving him Martha Stark, who was the youngest child of Will- 
iam Skinner, an old pioneer of Franklin County. She still resides on the 
homestead in her eighty-third year. How much of patience, of kindness, of 
Christian love and charity this good mother in Israel brought to bear through 
the long years of wife and motherhood will only be known at the last great 
day. Suffice it to say that my poor pen cannot tell the story. Who can fathom 
a mother' s love ! ' ' There were born to them ten children — six sons and four 



760 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughters. The eldest son was killed by Indians in Chili, South America. The 
second, Adolphus, was killed by a land slide on Sacramento Eiver while min- 
ing in California during the exciting tmies of 1849 and 1850. The third, Al- 
bert Gr., enlisted in Company A, the Seventy -seventh Pennsylvania Infan- 
try, in September, 1861. He was engaged with the regiment at the battles of 
Shiloh, Liberty Gap, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Franklin (Tenn.); also 
Chickamauga and the campaign to and around Atlanta, Ga. He arose from 
private to the captaincy of the company and now resides at Kansas City, Mo., 
engaged in real estate. The fourth son, Denton D. , soon after his graduation 
at Jefferson College, enlisted in the Thirty- seventh Illinois Infantry, Col. Ju- 
lius White commanding, and served during he campaign under Fremont to 
southwest Missouri; in the spring of 1862, under Curtis, in the campaign into 
Arkansas, which ended in the battle of Pea Ridge. In the summer of 1862 he 
was promoted to adjutant of the First Arkansas Cavalry and was present at the 
battle of Prairie Grove ; in 1 863 he was promoted to the captaincy of the First 
Arkansas Battery of Light Artillery and formed part of the army under Gen. 
Steele, which penetrated Arkansas as far as Camden, He now resides in San 
Francisco, Cal. The third son, Newell Duncan, enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Twenty-Sixth Pennsylvania Infantry and was wounded at the battle of 
Fredericksburg; he is merchandising at Topeka, Kan. The sixth son, Isaac 
Andrew, was too young to enter the army, but was a great comfort and aid to 
his aged parents during the dark days of the civil 'war. His untimely death 
at the early age of twenty-one at Trinidad, Colo., December 16, 1872, was a 
sad blow. The eldest daughter, Nancy Jane, married Joseph Ferguson and 
resides in Griggsville, 111. The second daughter, Elizabeth Glenn, was car- 
ried off in her twentieth year, a victim of typhoid fever. The third daugh- 
ter, Maggie, though an invalid from her twelfth year, and unable to walk, by 
her cheerful disposition and patient endurance is the solace and comfort of her 
aged mother in the old homestead. The fourth daughter, Sarah, married 
John W. Everett of Fannettsburg. She died of consumption about the year 
1876, in Carthage, 111. ; she was a general favorite in the community. Mr. 
Everett resides in Quincy, 111., a good man in every position of life. 

DR. G. E. STEWART, dentist, proprietor of the Dry Run "La Pieere Ho- 
tel," was born October 20, 1833, in Juniata County, Penn. , a son of Watson 
and Jane (Irvine) Stewart. He received an academic education at Port Royal, 
Penn., at Bucyrus, Ohio, and afterward taught several years in Ohio and In- 
diana. In 1854 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. C. West at 
Hagerstown, Ind. ; afterward attended Jefferson Medical College at Phila- 
delphia, and in Apjil, 1863, he came to Dry Run, Penn. , where he practiced 
medicine and dentistry until 1871, when he removed to Everett, Bedford Co., 
Penn. , and practiced dentistry in connection with medicine, and in the mean- 
time built a handsome hotel property here, which he conducted up to 1884, at 
which time he sold his property and returned to Dry Run, where he has since 
resided. He owns the "Centennial" (now the "La Pieere Hotel " ), which 
he has remodeled and put in excellent order, and has the best of accommoda- 
tions both for man and beast. His wife, Louisa, was born in August, 1831, in 
Juniata County, a daughter of John H. and Jane S. (Logan) Burdge, both 
born in Lost Creek Valley, Mifflin County. Mr. Burdge was a son of Samuel 
Burdge, of Scotch descent. Mrs. Jane S. (Logan) Burdge was a daughter of 
Henry Logan, a Revolutionary soldier. (John H., his son, served in the war 
of 1812.) Mrs. Stewart had three brothers: Henry L., Reuben and Moses. 
Henry L. served in the Mexican war, and he and Moses were in the civil war, 
both dying in the service. Dr. Stewart and wife have three sons: Alfred, 



FANNETT TOWNSHIP. 761 

Homer and Ward, and one daughter, Maude. Mrs. Stewart has earned a 
wide reputation among the traveling public, and the " La Pieere Hotel" is 
widely known, the cheering variety of the table and the studious attention 
given to the guests having merited the enviable reputation which the house 
sustains. 

JOHN STEWART, farmer, P. O. Amberson' s Valley, was born September 
14, 1840, on the old homestead, which he now owns. His father, Davis 
Stewart, was born February 28, 1802, a son of George Stewart, who was a 
son of John Stewart, the latter living to the age of one hundred and four 
years. Subject's mother's maiden name was Juliana Pagan. She was 
born July 18, 1812, a daughter of James Fagan. Davis Stewart set- 
tled on this place in April, 1841; to him and wife were born the following 
named children: Maria E., Margaret, Simon, David, Henrietta, John, Jacob 
and Rebecca. Maria E. is the wife of George Mower (they reside near Cham- 
bersburg, this county); Margaret is the wife of James B. Culbertson; David 
served in the civil war, and is now a resident of Saline County, Neb. ; Simon 
also served in the civil war; Henrietta is the wife of John Felmlee, of Juniata 
County, Penn. , and Rebecca is the wife of John R. Weist, in Junction City, 
Kan. Davis Stewart died May 10, 1871; his widow November 1, 1884. After 
the father's death John and Jacob purchased the farm, and conducted it 
together until 1878, when John bought Jacob's interest, and has since con- 
ducted it alone. March 6, 1873, he married Mary E. Shearer, who was born 
in this township February 15, 1853, a daughter of Jonah E. and Elizabeth 
(Van Scyoc) Shearer. Mrs. Stewart died March 31, 1879, leaving two children: 
David A., who was born May 1, 1874, and Carrie A., who died in April, 
1883, aged about five years. Mr. Stewart owns 250 acres of land. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican. 

GEORGE M. TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born May 16, 1811, 
at Sulphur Springs, in Amberson' s Valley. His father, Casper Taylor, was born 
in Chester County, near Philadelphia, in 1774, a son of John Taylor, a native 
of Germany, who removed to Path Valley about 1786, and remained here 
about two years, then located in Amberson' s Valley, where he remained until 
his death; he died in 1831, at the age of eighty-six years. To him were born 
Casper, Robert, John, David, Peggy, Polly, Hannah, Nancy and Pelsey, all 
of whom located in Franklin County except David, who removed to Baltimore. 
Casper married Isabella Matthews, a daughter of George Matthews, and had a 
family of four sons and two daughters, viz. : John, George M. , Isabella, 
Nancy, Jackson and William. John resides near Springfield, Ohio; William 
removed there and died in January, 1886 ; Isabella resides in Perry County, 
the widow of Elias Gruber; Nancy resides in Kansas, the widow of Samuel 
Shearer; Jackson died at Ft. Littleton, in 1884. George M. was reared on 
the farm and at the age of eighteen learned the manufacture of woolen goods; 
afterward followed this some years as a journeyman, and in 1852 returned to 
Amberson' s Valley and bought the factory at that place, then owned by John 
Cramer. This he" carried on for thirty- two years; then, in 1883, he removed 
to Path Valley, and located on a part of the old Hammond property. He was 
married February 24, 1841, to Martha Hammond, who was born January 19, 
819, second daughter of Lawrence Hammond. Mr. Taylor has seven chil- 
dren living, viz. : Franklin, Martin, Mary B. , Margaret A. , Emeline, Hannah 
and Ida. Samuel died of pneumonia, March 20, 1882, aged twenty-three 
years; Franklin farms at home; Martin resides in Shippensburg, Penn., a 
teacher of the grammar school ; Mary is the wife of Noah Laughlin, and re- 
sides near Newbury; Emeline resides near Newbury, the wife of David Nus- 

42 



/ 



762 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

baum ; Hannah is the wife of George Rine, residing near Dry Run ; Ida is the 
wife of Wilbur Skinner, residing north of Dry Run. Mr. Taylor has always 
been a Republican in sentiment; is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Two 
of his sons, Franklin and Martin, served in the civil war. Franklin was in 
the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and spent eighteen months in Libby 
Prison ; Martin returned with the loss of a hand. 

JOHN HARRISON WITHEROW, merchant, Spring Run, was born in 
Fannettsburg, this county, July 31, 1836, the eldest son of Hon. John Withe- 
row, a well known resident of the county, who was born July 13, 1794, in Fan- 
nettsburg, a son of John Witherow, of Scotch descent, whose wife was a Kil- 
gore. To them were born eight children, seven of whom — John. David, 
James, Joseph, Keziah, Jane, Hannah — lived to rear families. David settled 
near Carrick Furnace, and finally removed to Illinois; Joseph went to Califor- 
nia; Jane married William Dunkle; Hannah married Jacob Wilhelm, of Metal. 
John Witherow was reared in Fannettsburg, following the trade of carpenter, 
and served as justice of the peace for twenty-five years; served in the war of 
1812-14, and in the civil war held a commission in the home guard. He was first 
appointed justice of the peace by the governor, afterward was elected by the 
people. In the militia he held commissions from lieutenant to lieutenant-col- 
onel. He was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and in politics an 
old line Whig, but never a member of the Know-nothing party. He was a 
member of the Legislature in 1857. He died in Fannettsburg, May 18, 1864, 
highly esteemed in the community in which he lived. His wife, Susan Types, 
born October 7, 1803, in Path Valley, died October 14, 1846. They had six 
daughters and two sons, but four now living: John Han-ison, Eliza A., Mary 
J. and Isabella. Our subject lived in Fannettsburg until the war of the Re- 
bellion, and learned the trade of his father. He held a commission in the 
"Washington Blues " as lieutenant, with which organization he was connected 
nine years. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and 
Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until his discharge, on 
account of disability, in the spring of 1863. He returned to his home in Fan- 
nettsbiu'g, and afterward went to Chambersburg, where he clerked in the 
' ' Franklin Hotel " for two years. In December, 1865, he came to Spring 
Run and engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since continued. He 
married in June, 1859, Mary E. Barcley, who was born in Fannettsburg, this 
county, daughter of William and Mary (McDonnel) Barcley. Mr. and Mrs. 
Witherow have one child, John C. , and an adopted child, Florence S. Mr. 
Witherow served as sergeant- at -arms in the House of Representatives from 
1879 to 1883. He is a member of the Spring Run Presbyterian Church and of 
the I. O. O. F., No 811. In politics he is a Republican. 

DANIEL WOLFF, merchant, Spring Run, was born January 22, 1846, in 
Amberson's Valley. His father, David Wolff, also a native of the same place, 
was born September 10, 1821, a son of David Wolff, a native of Pennsylvania, 
who located in Amberson's Valley about 1800, and who married Martha Kirk- 
patrick, who was born February 13, 1781. David Wolff (our subject's grand- 
father), died January 14, 1866, his wife in August, 1853. David Wolff, our 
subject's father, married Elizabeth Reed, who was born in this county, a 
daughter of David Reed. This David Wolff was a farmer all his life and died 
in 1846 ; his widow in 1859. Their children, three in number, are all residents 
of this county: Martha is the wife of Noah Brinley, of Spring Run; George 
resided near Strasburg, and Daniel, our subject, was reared on the farm, and 
on arriving at manhood left home and followed farming until 1881, when he 
came to Spring Run, where he still remains, engaged in merchandising. He 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 703 

served as postmaster two years prior to" the present administration, and still 
holds the office. September 28, 1868, he married Snsan A. Shearer, a native 
of this township, and a daughter of William Shearer. They have seven chil- 
dren: William E., Elizabeth H., John S., Mary E., Edith M., Daniel O. and 
Bruce M. In politics Mr. Wolff is a Democrat, and in religion a Presby- 
terian. 

JOHN WOLFF, farmer, P. O. Dry Run, was born in Path Valley, this 
county, July 26, 1832, eldest son of his parents. His father, Daniel, a son of 
David Wolff, was also born in the Valley, and married Barbara Keasey, a 
daughter of John Keasey, whose wife was a Hammond. Daniel Wolff died in 
1844; his widow is now in her eightieth year. To them were born two chil- 
dren: John and David; the latter was drafted and assigned to the One Hun- 
dred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Sail- 
or' s Creek, Appomattox. John also took active part in the civil war, and went 
out in the Two Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in 1864, 
serving until the close of the war. When John was but twelve years old his 
father died, and he was thrown upon his own resources. At the age of eight- 
een he began teaching, and for twenty years taught school at the Center 
Valley Schoolhouse, in Metal Township, December 24, 1855, he married 
Margaret Ann, daughter of James McCurdy, and they have five children : Laura 
E. ; Nettie B. , wife of William Alexander; John M., Oliver B. and James A. 
Since 1876 Mr. AVolff has been engaged in farming. He has been identified 
with the Presbyterian Church si-nce 1855, and is an elder in the same. In pol- 
itics he is a Prohibitionist. 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 



MARSHALL EDMONDSON BATTIN, farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born in 
Chester County, Penn. , March 10, 1836. The family is of Scotch and English ex- 
traction. His parents, grandparents, and great- grandparents were of the Quaker 
faith. The great-grandparents were among the earliest settlers of Chester 
County, Penn. , having taken up large tracts of land on Brandy wine Creek in 
East Brandywine Township — where many of the descendants still live, and are 
among the most enterprising and intelligent citizens of the county. His great- 
grandmother, Edmondson Taylor, was a Quaker preacher of the orthodox faith 
until about 1825, when, Elias Hicks having caused a division in the Quaker 
ranks, many of them adopted his tenets. They are called Hicksite Friends. 
His great-grandmother, Edmondson Taylor, was an aunt of the author and 
poet, the late Bayard Taylor, who died very suddenly in Berlin, Germany, 
while serving as United States Consul to that country. In 1858 M. E. Battin 
commenced a course of study at Pleasant Hill Academy, in Hanover, Penn., 
remaining there till the spring of 1860, when he entered the freshman class at 
Selin's Grove Institute, Penn. In 1862 he, with his whole class, responded to 
Gov. Curtin' s call for ninety days' men to protect the State from the approach 
of the Southern Army. In September, 1862, he entered the sophomore class, 
and in the spring of 1863 he, with nearly his whole class, enlisted in the United 
States volunteer service, having gone into an independent regiment of cavalry 
called the Wissahickon Cavalry and connected with the Twentieth Pennsylva- 
nia Cavalry. They did effective service at Gettysburg and in Virginia. The 



764 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

regiment being disbanded in the fall of 1863, he again resumed studies in his 
class, but on February 12, 1864, he again, with one of his class, re-entered 
the volunteer service by enlisting in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, Com- 
pany G, One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment, and were sent to Fortress 
Monroe. From there the same spring to active engagement in front of* 
Petersburg, Va. , where he remained till Lee' s surrender to Gen. Grant, and 
then the regiment took charge of the pontoon bridges crossing the James River 
at Richmond, Va. , where he was severely injured in the back, from which he 
never entirely recovered. The war having closed, Mr. Battin was transferred 
to Patterson Park Hospital, where he remained two months, and from which 
he was discharged. He came to Franklin County, Penn. , and here has since 
remained. He married Susie, daughter of Jacob Garver, a prominent citizen 
of Greene Township. They have four children, viz. : Mary G.', Chas. Edmond- 
son, E. Katie and Luther G. Mr. and Mrs. Battin are members of the Luth- 
eran Church, in which he is a deacon; politically, he is a Republican. 

ABRAHAM G. BECK, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was" born February 3, 
1834, in Lancaster County, Penn. His grandfather, David Beck, came from 
Germany and settled in Lancaster County, where he farmed, and reared sev- 
eral children, and there died. Of his children, David, Jr. , was born in that 
county, and there died in 1877, aged nearly ninety-four years. He was a pros- 
perous farmer; he married there Mary Groff, who died in 1878, aged eighty- 
six years ; they bought the property on which they died, and where they resided 
all their lives and reared their children, whose names are Martin, David, 
Abraham G., Mrs. Maria Bowman, Mrs. Catherine Slone and Mrs. Sophia 
Griner of Indiana. Abraham G. was educated in his native county, where he 
farmed and followed milling one year. He then moved to Ashland County, 
Ohio, where he was a miller one year; then went to Plymouth, Marshall Co., 
Ind. , and followed the same business; then returned to Lancaster County and 
was similarly engaged three years. He then came to Franklin County, and for 
fourteen years engaged at milling for Daniel Lehman, in Greene Township; 
later he bought a farm near Greenvillage of about thirty-two acres from Jo- 
seph Cluckson, where he now resides. He married, October 19, 1869, Miss 
Adelina Stahley, by whom he has two children : Mary S. and Abraham S. Mr. 
and Mrs. Beck are members of the Lutheran Church of Greenvillage. He 
has been school director. Politically he is identified with the Republican 
party. 

REV. JAMES M. BISHOP, P. O. Chambersburg, was born August 9, 
1821, in Littlestown, Penn., on the old family homestead. The Bishops 
originally came from Germany, where some members of the family still reside. 
Some went to France, where they were called " Le Veque," which means the 
bishop; later they went to England, where the name was Anglicized and 
called ' ' Levick. ' ' Others of the family came from Germany to America and 
settled in Lancaster County, Penn., where they engaged in agriculture and 
became representative members of the community. They were members of 
the Lutheran Church. One of these, Philip Bishop, was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn. , and later moved to Woodsboro, Md. , where he farmed. He 
then returned to Pennsylvania and settled in Littlestown, where he became 
a leading citizen. He was the first member of the United Brethren, and 
built the first church of that denomination in Adams County, and the second 
church outside the city of Baltimore. He erected the church with his own 
funds, and was an official member and pillar all his life. In political matters 
he was identified with the old Jeffersonian Democrats, and filled many town- 
ship offices. His first wife was Barbara Eby, who died the mother of ten 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 765 

children — four sons and six daughters, viz. : Barbara, wife of Rev. George A. 
Geeting; Mrs. Magdalene Brubaker; Mrs. Susan Crouse; Mrs. Elizabeth Gitt, of 
Hanover; Mrs. Anna Heirn; Mary A., who died unmarried; Philip, Christian, 
Jacob and John. Philip married for his second wife Mary Senseny, and died 
at the age of seventy-seven years. Of his sons, Philip lived on the home farm, 
where he died aged seventy-four years, six months and nineteen days; he mar- 
ried Catherine, a daughter of Jacob Senseny; she died at the age of forty-six 
years and six months, the mother of ten children, nine of whom reached 
maturity, viz. : Levi, Simon S. , Barbara A. , James M. , J. Philip, Lucinda, 
Mary C. , Sophia and Levina C. Philip Bishop was a member of the United 
Brethren Church, of which his two sons, James M. and J. Philip, became min- 
isters. The former, at the age of twenty-three, in 1844 entered the ministry 
and traveled for thirty years, and for nine years has been an elder traveling 
through the Cumberland Valley. He was married in this township, November 
26, 1846, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Peter and Catherina (Grove) Over. She 
was born December 18, 1824, on the farm where our subject now resides. 
To her and her husband six children have been born, viz. : Mrs. Emma C. 
Plough, Mrs. Mary V. Bolinger, Alvin O. , Mrs. Edith M. Smiley, Mrs. Laura 
E. Oyler (who died September 21, 1884, aged twenty-three years), and Alcesta 
B. Bishop. Politically Mr. Bishop is identified with the American and Pro- 
hibition parties. The antecedents of Mr. Bishop were all earnest and enthusi- 
astic workers in the service of the church. Mr. Bishop received his early educa- 
tion in Littlestown Academy, and at an early age embraced i eligion. In early 
life he was engaged in merchandising, and while so employed would occasion- 
ally exhort and preach, until ex-Bishop Russel prevailed upon him to enter the 
work more fully. In 1845 he was sent by the annual conference to Perry County 
as a missionary, and succeeeded so well that the next conference recognized 
his charge as a circuit. In 1846 he was transferred to the Chambersburg Cir- 
cuit, and for the next two years labored in the district, in which he is now so 
well known and loved. Each year 100 persons were converted and many 
received into the fellowship of the church. In 1847 he was assigned, in addi- 
tion to the Chambersburg Circuit, to the Rocky Spring charge. At that time 
he interested himself to procure monej for missionary purposes, and adopted 
a novel plan. He took a pig, called ' ' the missionary pig, ' ' and persuaded others 
to do likewise, and in the fall of the year the pigs were sold, and the money, 
$30, sent to the board. His plan was followed by many other ministers. F«r 
a short period Mr. Bishop devoted his time to his farms, and was then sta- 
tioned two years in the Greencastle Circuit. At the following conference he 
was elected presiding elder and placed in the Chambersburg District, which 
included the charges in Franklin and Fulton Counties and the southwestern part 
of Cumberland County. To this position he was re-elected for three years, 
and then traveled the Orrstown and Rocky Spring charges. Afterward he was 
again elected presiding elder and served five years, traveling the Greencastle 
and Mowersville work and the Shippensburg station. In 1877 Rev. Mr. Bishop 
served a new congregation in Chambersburg four years with good results. He 
has always been held in high esteem by his church; twice he represented the 
annual conference in the general conference: once in Lebanon in 1869, and 
again in Dayton, Ohio, in 1873. In 1854 he was elected treasurer of the 
Branch Home, Frontier and Foreign Mission Society in this district. By 
thrift and foresight he has managed to accumulate property making him inde- 
pendent of a fixed salary. He now leads a quiet life at Pleasant Retreat par- 
sonage, and occasionally conducts services at the quarterly meetings and 
preaches for some of his brother ministers. His popularity is attested by the 
large audiences which attend on these occasions. 



766 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

SAMUEL BIXLER, retired farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born April 23, 
1828, in Carroll County, Md. , on the old homestead of the Bixler family. His 
great-great-grandfather, John Bixler, came from Switzerland during the relig- 
ious persecution in 1680, Imd settled in Lancaster County (now York), Penn. 
He settled on the Codorus Creek, near York County; was a farmer and miller, and 
reared several children. He was a member of the Mennonite faith. His son 
Jacob, also a farmer and miller, lived a short time in Baltimore, Md. ; then 
settled in the Bachman Valley, that State, where he died. He was twice mar- 
ried. His first wife, nee Miss Bear, bore him two children. His second, 
Elizabeth Rickman, bore him eight, and of these, Jacob, the grandfather of 
our subject, married Barbara Grable. He was a farmer, a member of the 
German Reformed Church, and died aged seventy-two, the father of eight 
children. Of these, Jacob, the father of our subject, was a farmer, and in the 
spring of 1830, moved to Cumberland County, Penn., where he remained 
seven years, and then returned to Maryland, and after two years came to 
Southampton Township, this county, where he farmed. He then came to 
Greene Township and carried on agriculture until 1851; in 1863 went to Fay- 
etteville, where he died January 1, 1879, aged seventy-four years. He mar- 
ried Nancy, a daughter of Abraham Kurtz. She is yet living, aged eighty 
years, the mother of four children : Samuel, Mary A. , Dr. Jacob R. of Carlisle, 
and Caroline E. Samuel married Barbara, daughter of John Sleichter. 
The Sleichters and Kurtzes are old families of Swiss descent. Mrs. Barbara 
Bixler died at the age of fifty-eight years, the mother of five children : Hiram, 
Emma R. , Samuel, William O. and Mary C. Mr. Bixler' s second wife, nee 
Rebecca Sleichter, is half sister of his first. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler are mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church. He was formerly a farmer, then a mer- 
chant in Scotland for seven years, then followed agriculture until 1884, when 
he retired. Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled some of the township 
offices, among them that of assessor. 

THADDEUS BOGGS (deceased) was born June 22, 1822, in Fayetteville, 
Penn. , where he died April 26, 1861 ; a son of Joseph Boggs, also a native of 
this county, who lived near Strasburg. Thaddeus was married January 9, 
1851, to Miss Hannah M. , daughter of William Mentzer, an old settler near 
Fayetteville. William Mentzer married Mary McFern, who was born near 
Funkstown, this county, a daughter of Henry McFern, a native of Ireland, of 
Scotch descent. His wife, nee Susan Knepper, was of German descent. 
William Mentzer was the father of eight children: George, Henry, Benjamin, 
William, Joseph, John, Abel and Hannah M. The last named is the widow of 
Thaddeus Boggs and the mother of five children: William Hammett, who was 
born February 11, 1855, is the only one now living; Mary V. , who married A. 
B. Shively, died near Erie, Penn., December 11, 1875; EmmaM. died December 
18, 1868, aged fifteen years and nine months; Franklin T. died February 28, 
1868, at the age of eight years, eleven months and seventeen days; Tudie Boggs 
died October 3, 1878, aged eighteen years, eleven months and twenty -four days. 
Our subject's grandfather, William Boggs, a hatter by trade, came from Berks 
County, and settled in Strasburg, this county, where he died at the age of 
eighty-eight years. His son Joseph, also a hatter, was born in Strasburg, 
this county, in 1 800, and died in 1866, in Fayetteville, where he had followed 
his trade, and was postmaster at the time of his death. He was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. Thaddeus Boggs was educated in this county, and 
entered upon his business career as a clerk for J. B. Cook in Fayetteville. He 
afterward became a clerk for the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens of the Caledonia Iron 
Works. He then formed a partnership with H. McKnight, bought out the 



GEEENE TOWNSHIP. 707 

general store of Ross Homer, and they did business together for several years. 
after which Mr. Boggs continued the business until the time of his death* He 
was a member of the A. F. & A. M. , Chambersburg. Politically he was a warm 
supporter of the Republican party. 

GEORGE BOLLINGER, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born Novem- 
ber 20, 1852, on the old Bollinger homestead in Greene Township, to which 
his father, Joseph, had come about the year 1846. His grandfather, Jacob 
Bollinger, emigrated from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, Penn., 
where he followed farming. He was the father of three children: Benjamin, 
Mrs. Catherine Grube and. Joseph. Joseph was born in 1807, and is yet living, 
an active, wide-awake man. After coming to Greene Township, this county, he 
bought '220 acres, to which he afterward added, and which is now divided 
among his children. He is no politician but is identified with the Republican 
party. He married, in Lancaster County, Lydia, daughter of Jacob Johns. 
She died March 6, 1883, aged seventy years, the mother of six children, who 
reached maturity: Israel J., Mary A. (widow of D. W. Thrush, a member of 
the bench and bar of Carlisle and formerly president of a college in the West), 
Frias, Jacob, Benjamin and George. The last named (our subject) was 
educated principally in his native county. In early life he farmed, and taught 
school in the winter five years in his neighborhood. September 5, 1876, he 
married Miss Mary V., daughter of Rev. J. M. Bishop. She is the mother of 
two children: Edith A. and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger are members, of the 
United Brethren denomination, of which he is circuit steward. He is school 
director of his township, and politically is identified with the Republican 
party. He owns 114 acres, a part of the old homestead, on which he now 
resides. 

JEREMIAH BRAKE, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born April 15, 1834, 
in Letterkenny Township, this county. His great-grandfather came from Ger- 
many and settled in Lancaster County, where he farmed and died, and where 
his son, Christian Brake, was born. Christian married Molly Roller, in Fred- 
erick County, Va. They settled in Letterkenny Township, this county, over 
one hundred years ago, and were among the pioneers of this county ; they reared 
a large family and died here at a good old age. Their son, John, who was a 
successful farmer, was born here July 2, 1795, and died May 7, 1858. He 
married Catherine Sleighter, who died October 1, 1857, aged sixty-four years. 
She was the mother of six children who arrived at maturity : Jeremiah, Solomon, 
John, Magdalena, Jacob (deceased at the age of nineteen years) and Catherina 
(deceased at the age of fifty-seven years). Of these our subject was educated 
in Letterkenny Township, where he farmed with his brothers ; finally the prop- 
erty was divided and our subject came to Greenvillage, where he now resides. 
He has a farm of 150 acres near the village. March 4, 1883, he married Miss 
Amanda E. , daughter of Jacob and Charlotte Keef er. Mr. and Mrs. Brake 
have two children: Carrie and Jacob Howard. Mr. Brake is identified with 
the Democratic party, as was also his father, though the old pioneer, Christian 
Brake, was a Whig. 

JACOB BRECHBILL, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born February 
12, 1838, in Letterkenny Township, this county; a son of Christian Brechbill, 
who was born in Morrison' s Cove, Bedford Co. , Penn. , and when a young man 
moved to Franklin County; he married, in Letterkenny Township, Elizabeth, 
daughter of Abraham Crider, and who died in Kansas (where she was living with 
her daughter, Mrs. Anna Stoner) aged over seventy- nine years, and was buried in 
Letterkenny Township. Christian Brechbill was much respected by the people, 
and acted as administrator many times. (For further history see the sketch of 



768 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Christian Brechbill.) Our subject was educated in his native township, and 
at the age of twenty-two married Miss, Eliza, daughter of Samuel Wingert. 
She died in 1879, aged thirty-seven years, the mother of four children, three 
now living: Annie M. , Lizzie and Lydia; David is deceased. He next mar- 
ried Miss Barbara J. , daughter of Henry Hoover, and to them have been born 
three children, one now living — Jerome; Harry H. and Eber H. are deceased. 
Mr. Brechbill came to Greene Township in 1865, and has a farm of 111 acres. 
He is a member of the River Brethren denomination; politically he is a Re- 
publican. 

CHRISTIAN BRECHBILL, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born Octo- 
ber 12, 1842, in Letterkenny Township, this county. His father, Christian 
Brechbill, was born in Morrison' s Cove, Bedford Co. , Penn. , and came to Let- 
terkenny Township before his marriage. He was a weaver and blacksmith in 
Morrison's Cove; he married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Crider. She died 
in Kansas in the winter of 1885, aged seventy-nine years, five months and twenty- 
four days. Five of their children are now living: Abraham, Anna, Jacob, 
Susannah and Christian. The father died in Letterkenny Township, aged 
about seventy-five years. He was a prosperous farmer and owned several farms 
at one time. He was a deacon in the River Brethren Church for many years 
and well known and respected all over the county. Christian, the subject of 
this sketch, was educated in his native township, and there married Barbara 
Wingert, who died there. She was the mother of Abraham Brechbill of 
Greenviilage. Mr. Brechbill married for his second wife, Susannah, daugh- 
ter of Abraham Brechbill of Hamilton Township, this county. The following 
are the children born to this union who are now living: Emma, David, Harvey 
and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Brechbill are prominent members of the River 
Brethren Church. He lives on his farm of ninety-five acres adjoining Green- 
village, and to which he came about two years ago. Politically he is a Re- 
publican. 

J. H. BRECKENRIDGE, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born August 
21, 1848, in this county. The Breckenridge family is well known in the his- 
tory of the United States, and the Franklin County (Penn.) branch of it 
springs from the same stock as Vice-President Breckenridge of Fayette County, 
Ky. Samuel Breckenridge, father of our subject, was a fuller by trade, in 
Southampton Township, this county, and kept a hotel on the pike. He then 
removed to the vicinity of Fayetteville, in Greene Township, where he bought 
100 acres of land. He was a successful farmer, and added to his land 
until he had 150 acres, which is still owned by his heirs. He was twice mar- 
ried: his first wife, Catharine, was a daughter of Capt.Redett, and died here. 
His second wife was Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Anna (Sweigert) Hull, 
of Carroll County, Md. , and is still living. Samuel Breckenridge died June 11, 
1870, aged sixty-one years; he was born in September, 1809. He and his wife 
were the parents of four children now living: Emma V. , wife of Dr. J. R. Bix- 
ler of Carlisle, Penn. ; William H, James Hull and Ida A., wife of David L. 
Renfrew. James Hull Breckenridge is married to Miss Martha A. L. , daughter 
of Walter B. Crawford. The Breckenridge family are all members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically are identified with the Democratic 
party. 

GEORGE W. BRINDLE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born May 4, 
1830, on the old Brindle homestead, in Greene Township. His ancestors 
came in a very early day to Pennsylvania from Germany. The great-grand- 
father returned to his native country on a visit, and on the voyage back to 
America was lost. The grandfather lived in Southampton Township, where 



GEEENE TOWNSHIP. 769 

he farmed and reared a family. Of his children, George, the father of our 
subject, was born and reared in this county, and came to Greene Township 
when a young man, where he married Miss Elizabeth Minnick. She died in 
1873, aged eighty-four years; he died in 185G at the age of seventy-six. He 
owned the farm of 160 acres, now the property of George W. Our subject 
was reared in this county and married Elizabeth, daughter of George Keller, a 
pioneer at Grindstone Hill, this county. They are the parents of the follow- 
ing children: Mary C, George R., Ida M. , S. Elmer, Harry E. and Bessie 
G. Mr. and Mrs. Brindle are active members of the Lutheran Church, of 
which he is an elder. He is a Democrat; served as school director for six 
years. He was elected to the office of director of the poor of Franklin County, 
although it is a Republican County, which speaks volumes for the standing of 
Mr. Brindle, who was elected in 1882, and served three years. 

ISAAC BURKHOLDER, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born in 1831, in 
Cumberland County, Penn. His ancestors came from Germany and settled in 
Lancaster County, Penn. , where they farmed. Joseph was born in Lancaster 
County, and moved to Cumberland County, where he died a prosperous farmer 
at the age of forty-eight years. He married Mary Whisler, who died at the 
age of forty-one years. They had seven children who reached maturity, viz. : 
Joseph, Elizabeth, Isaac, Abraham, Mary, Anna and Leah. Of these, Isaac 
was educated in his native county, and there farmed until he came to Frank- 
lin County when he was twenty years old. He worked on the farm, and at the 
age of twenty-five was married to Miss Lydia, a daughter of Jacob and Mary 
(Diller) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder have five children now living: 
Mary, Lydia A. , Sarah, Rebecca and Louise. Mary is the wife of John Frey, 
of Chain bersburg. The parents are both active members of the Mennonite 
Church. Politically Mr. Burkholder is a Republican. He owns 135 acres of 
land, formerly the "Gen. Reay farm." 

SAMUEL R. BURNS, retired farmer, was born April 4, 1816, on the banks 
of Antietam Creek, Franklin County, Penn. His great-grandfather, Archibald 
Burns, emigrated from Scotland to America in 1751 and settled near Millers- 
town, Adams Co. , Penn. , on the farm his wife had received as a gift from her 
brother, Rev. John Cuthbertson, Covenanter minister, who accompanied them 
to America, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. Archibald died leaving 
his sons, John and James, still lads, to the care of their widowed mother. 
Mrs. Burns remarried, her second husband being Francis Meredith, Esq. 
James settled in the wilds of Ohio. John wedded a daughter of Jeremy Mor- 
row, of Carroll's tract, Adams County, and settled on the banks of Antie- 
tam Creek, Franklin County, in 1773, on the property still owned in the family. 
He established himself mainly in the business of manufacturing sickles, erect- 
ing a shop and mill for the purpose. Here he and his wife, Sarah, reared 
their seven sons and four daughters, and here both died and were buried, in 
what was then known as the Covenanter graveyard, two miles down the Antie- 
tam from their home. In 1776 John Burns was summoned to be a soldier 
in the Revolutionary war. About the close of the war he was appointed a 
magistrate, and continued to hold his office until his death in 1809. The 
children all survived their parents except the eldest. The latest living of the 
sons was James, whose death occurred in 1875. He was captain of a volunteer 
company in the war of 1812, and at the close of the war received the title of 
general in honor of his services. The eldest son, Jeremy, became an occupant 
of the paternal homestead and followed the trade of sickle-smith, which he 
learned from James Thomson, son of Alex. Thomson, in honor of whom Scot- 
land, Franklin County, is named. Jeremy Burns and Sarah, daughter of 



770 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

John Renfrew, Sr. , and granddaughter of Saml. Rea, were married in 1811, 
and their children were twelve in number. The following named survive their 
parents: Nancy, JohnF., Samuel R. , Esther E., Jeremiah M. , Sarah, James 
C. and Hannah J. Their father died in 1847, their mother in 1855. Samuel 
R. , our subject, followed farming on the homestead until two years after his 
father' s death, when he moved to Guilford Township, this county, on a farm 
near Fayetteville, where he distinguished himself as a successful farmer until 
the fall of 1869, when he came to Scotland, and since then has been engaged 
a greater part of his time in settling estates. He was married in 1844 to 
Margaret Ann Renfrew, daughter of John Renfrew. Mrs. Burns died in July, 
1865, the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters. Three died 
previous to their mother, and the three surviving are Jeremiah M. , Sallie E. 
and M. Annie. Mr. Burns was an elder in the Covenanter, now Reformed Pres- 
byterian, Church, for a number of years previous to his settlement in Scotland, 
and is now an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. 

HENRY K. BYERS, M. D., P. O. Fayetteville, was born on the old 
homestead in Fayetteville, February 22, 1818. The great-grandfather (who 
spelled his name ' ' Boyer ' ' ) came from France and settled in Lancaster Coun- 
ty, Penn. , where some of his descendants still live. His son, John, married 
a Miss Raum, who lived near Shippensburg, Penn. , and became the mother of 
the following named children: Frederick, Castle, Samuel, William, Mary and 
Margaret. John Boyer, when a young man, lived a short time in Cumberland 
County, Penn. , and then bought a place three miles south of Fayetteville, 
where he farmed, and died the owner of two farms. In religion he was a Dun- 
kard, in politics a Whig. His son, Castle, was born in Fayetteville, where he 
died in 1849, aged sixty-one years. He was a farmer and hotel -keeper on the 
pike. He married Mary Kuntz, a native of Fredericktown, Md. Her grand- 
mother was a native of Macedonia, Greece. Mrs. Byers died here about 1870, 
aged seventy-four years. She was the mother of the following named children: 
Margaret, John, William, Henry K. , Caroline, David, Samuel and Magdalena. 
Henry K. , our subject, was educated in this county, read medicine under Dr. 
McCowan, and graduated from Washington College, Baltimore, Md. , in 1846. 
He located at once in Fayetteville, engaged in the practice of his profession, 
and has since enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the community. Dr. Byers 
has been twice married. His first wife was Eleanor J. Thompson, who died in 
1848. His present wife is Ann Jane, a daughter of John and Margaret (Black) 
Crawford. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, formerly a Whig. 

CHARLES ALEXANDER CLARK (deceased) was born August 26, 1828, 
in Dauphin County, Penn., and died at his home in this township, April 16, 
1886, of consumption. The Clark family is of Scotch descent, the grand- 
father, Walter Clark, having come to America when a young man. He set- 
tled in Dauphin County, Penn. , where he owned a large tract of land. His 
son, William (father of Charles A.), was born in Dauphin County, farmed the 
old homestead, and about 1838 moved to this county; here he bought the 
Myers farm and resided on it until his death. The family of Walter Clark, 
were members of the old Derry Presbyterian Church, below Hummelstown; 
William Clark and family were also members of the same denomination, and 
worshiped in Falling Spring Church, of which he was an official member. He 
married Anna Maloney, who died in Chambersburg, Penn. , aged over seventy 
years. William died at the age of fifty-five; he reared a family of four chil- 
dren: William, Mary, Elizabeth and Charles A., all now deceased. Charles 
A., was reared on the farm and educated in this county; he became a success- 
ful farmer, improved his property in every way, and in 1879 built a handsome 



GKEENE TOWNSHIP. 771 

residence. March 30, 1851, he married Miss Barbara J., daughter of Peter 
Besore, an old settler of Letter kenny Township, this county. Mrs. Clark was 
born there February 27, 1825, and still resides on the homestead; she is the 
mother of five children: William A., Arthur B. , Laura V., Anna E. and 
Emma J. Clark. William A. is married to Miss Mary, daughter of George 
Dice, a merchant of Shippensburg. Mrs. Clark and family attend the Pres 
byterian Church at Chambersburg, of which she and her daughters are active 
members. Mr. Clark was an advocate of the principles of the Republican 
party, filled many township offices, and in the fall of 1883 was elected direc- 
tor of the poor of Franklin County. He was well known and esteemed for 
his many good qualities of head and heart, and in his death the community 
lost a valued member, one who could be trusted and respected for his own in- 
trinsic worth. 

A. H. COOK, lumber merchant, P. O. Fayetteville, was born July 4, 1822, 
in Guilford Township, this county. His forefathers were Germans, and set- 
tled in Pennsylvania. The grandfather, John Cook, came to this county when 
a young man, and married here; he was a farmer at Falling Spring, Guilford 
Township, and died near Fayetteville; he had a large family, of which his son 
Jacob was born in this county, was a member of the Reformed Church, and 
assisted in building the church edifice in Chambersburg. Politically he was a 
Democrat and filled township offices; he was a weaver in early life and oper- 
ated an extensive establishment at Falling Spring for coloring and weaving. 
He married a Miss Hannah Hosier, and both died in New Guilford Village; 
their children are as follows : John, Jacob, Elizabeth, Adam H. (subject), Cath- 
arine, Peter, George, Hannah, Samuel and Margaret. Adam H. was edu- 
cated in this county, and in early life took up farming and coopering, and for 
nearly ten years followed the latter in Guilford Township. He then farmed 
there, and later in Smoketown, Greene Township. In 1861 he came to where 
he now resides at Cold Spring, near Fayetteville, where he also has a saw-mill 
and a large ice dam, fed from mountain springs of cold water, which makes 
the best ice, for which he finds a ready market at Chambersburg; he first put 
up ice in 1875, and now has several ice-houses, and cuts about 1,500 tons per 
year. Mr. Cook married Susannah Gesselman, daughter of Joseph Gessel- 
man, and to them have been born four children: Hiram C. , Jeremiah F. , who 
died at the age of twenty-one years; Alfred J. and Elmer E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cook are active members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has 
been an officer and class leader. Politically he is a Democrat. 

UPTON J. COOK, merchant, Fayetteville, was born June 20, 1843, at 
Upton, this county. His ancestors were of German extraction. His grand- 
father, Peter Cook, was born at Grindstone Hill, and of his children, Jacob B. 
was a farmer, also engaged in mercantile business in Upton, and in 1847 came 

to Fayetteville. Here he bought out the store of Arnold, and continued 

the business for some years. In 1874 his son, Upton J. , took charge and has 
since conducted the business! Jacob B. still owns the homestead and a ware- 
house; is also postmaster and keeps a general store at Altenwald. This town 
is located on his homestead. His son, Alfred J. , farms the old place. To him 
and his wife, Margaret (Neal) Cook, were born the following named children : 
Upton J., Elinira, wife of Philip Summers; Maggie, wife of Dr. J. M. Ripple, 
and Alfred J. Our subject was educated in Fayetteville, in early life clerked 
in his father's store, and has since been engaged in mercantile business. Polit- 
ically the family are Republicans. The father is a member of the Reformed 
Church. 

WILLIAM L. CRAIG, merchant, Scotland, Penn. , was born October 27> 



772 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1858, in Roxbury, Lurgan Township, this county. His grandfather, John 
Craig, came from Scotland, and settled in Franklin County; his old homestead 
is near Roxbury. He was a farmer and brewer, and also kept a team on the 
road between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. He was well known, very successful, 
and a representative man of his time. He married Nancy Charlton, who died 
the mother of seven children : William H. , John H. , James H. , Mary, Nancy, 
Margaret and Eliza. James H. was educated here; in early life was a teacher; 
later a merchant, keeping a general store in Roxbury and Dry Run. He was 
much interested in political matters, and served as postmaster at the last men- 
tioned place. March 21,' 1850, he married Miss Catherine, daughter of Daniel 
and Elizabeth (Reed) Stewart, the former a son of George Stewart of Lancaster 
County, who was among the early settlers of the township. Mrs. Craig was 
born March 2, 1831, in Lurgan Township, this county, and died at the home 
of our subject October 30, 1884. She was the mother of five children: James ■ 
S. , John C. , Daniel D. , William L. and Harry F. Craig. James H. Craig 
was born in August, 1823, on the old homestead, and died in the military hospital 
in Tullahoma, Tenn. He enlisted in Company A. Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, and was one of the 500 Pennsylvania volunteers who were 
taken prisoners before they were armed, and afterward exchanged. He served un- 
der Gen. Grant and participated in many engagements. Our subject, William L. , 
was a teacher in early life. In 1881 he came to Scotland and embarked in thei 
mercantile business. He married, September 24, 1885, Miss Emma K. 
daughter of A. H. Etter. September 1. 1885, he was appointed postmaster at 
Scotland, and still holds that office. He is identified with the Democratic) 
party and takes a lively interest in political matters. Mr. Craig has in his: 
possession a rare and genuine Cremona (Stradivarius) violin, valued very highly; 
by competent judges. 

MILTON CRAWFORD, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was bom September 1, 
1844, on the old homestead of the Crawford family. His forefathers left 
Scotland and settled in the North of Ireland, where their descendants lived for 
many generations. The great-grandfather, Edward Crawford, immigrated fc>' 
America about 1740, and took out a patent on 640 acres of land, on what was 
known as "Penn's Manor." This land is still in the possession of his de- 
scendants. He had three sons: Edward, who lived in Chambersburg, where< 
he was a lawyer and banker; James and John. James moved to near Mer- 
cersburg, where he died; John married Anna Holmes, and lived on the home-' 
stead (his wife was a native of Ireland). The great-grandfather, Edward, had 
the following named children: Martha, John, James, Elizabeth, Ruth, Ed- 
ward, Joseph and Mary. John and Edward were soldiers of the Revolution, 
and John was captured with 2,300 others at Fort Washington, and kept 
prisoner on Long Island during the remainder of the war. The following is 8 
copy of a letter he sent to his parents after his capture, the original of which 
is still in possession of the family: 

New York, November 21, 1776. 
Honored Father and Mother: 

I am a prisoner here, and without clothes or hard money, only what was on me when 
I was taken. I left my clothes with Eddy the other side of the river; expect to gel 
them again. I would be glad if you could send me some hard money, as no other will pass 
here. I have the liberty of walking the streets. You need not be uneasy about me. ] 
am well at present, and live in hopes to see you. I am your dutiful son and humble 
servant, 

Lieut. John Crawford. 

P. S. — T was taken November 16, at Fort Washington, with 2,300 more. 

Edward Crawford will be remembered as the first clerk of the county o\ 
Franklin. Joseph was killed by the Indians; John and James inherited the 



GREENE TOWNSHir. ,73 

i farms, but the latter sold his share for £300 to his brother John, and then re- 
[ moved to Mercersburg, Penn. , where he died. John died on the farm where 
, he was born, in 1827. He was the father of eleven children, all of whom 
were active and highly honored citizens of Franklin County, esteemed by all. 
i His son Holmes was at the head of the Chambersburg Bank, and served in the 
war of 1812. He was at the capture of Fort McHenry, and was known as a 
; thorough Christian gentleman. James Crawford lived and died on the home- 
: stead, his death occurring January 18, 1872, at the age of seventy-three years. 
His three children are yet living: John E., Frederick B. and Milton Craw- 
ford. The mother of these was Catherine, daughter of Frederick and Anna 
(Eby) Byers, old settlers of this county. The Byers family were of German 
origin. Mrs. Crawford was born October 15, 1805, in Guilford Township, 
and is still living on the old homestead in Guilford Township. James Craw- 
ford was a member of the Presbyterian Church; politically a Kepublican. 
Milton, our subject, was educated at Fayetteville Academy, and while a stu- 
dent, at the age of nineteen enlisted in February, 1864, in Company D, 
Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, Capt. Hullinger, and served until the close 
of the war. He participated in the engagements of Five Forks, Sailor's 
Creek and Appomattox Court House, and served on Gen. Sheridan' s staff, car- 
rying dispatches, etc. ; he was honorably discharged July 17, 18G5, and re- 
turned home. He then entered a business college at Pittsburgh, from which he 
graduated in March, 1866. October 20, 1868, he married Miss Rebecca Har- 
mony, a daughter of John Harmony, and engaged in business two years at 
Reading. He then returned to the old homestead and farmed for eight years. 
In 1880 he came to Fayetteville, where he now resides. He owns a farm of 
157 acres near the old homestead. He and wife are members of the Lutheran 
Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is commander of Capt. Stevens 
Post, No. 317, G. A. R. , also is district deputy of this county of the K. of P. 
and M. of E. of Caledonia Lodge, K. of P. 

J. M. DOUGHERTY, druggist, Fayetteville, was born in Greene Town- 
ship, this county, October 1, 1859. He is a son of James Dougherty, a na- 
tive of County Tyrone, Ireland, who immigrated, when eighteen years old, to 
America; two years later he returned to his native country, and when twen- 
ty-one again came to America; on his arrival in this country he worked in 
Lancaster County, Penn. , and later came to Franklin County, and located in 
Green Village, where he was a boss miner, which business he followed all 
his life. Here he married Miss Susan Zeigler, a native of this county, who 
died in 1876, at the age of sixty-two years. She was the mother of seven chil- 
dren: Margaretta, Angeline, Henrietta, Susan, Joseph M., Thaddeus and 
William. Our subject was educated in his native county, where he studied 
pharmacy in a drug store in Fayetteville, of which store he has been proprie- 
tor for the last two years, keeping a general line of drugs. He married, March 
4, 1881, Miss Mary E. , daughter of Henry Stamey, and a native of this 
county, of an old pioneer family. They have two children, Milton M. and 
May Blanche. Politically, Mr. Dougherty is a Republican, as was also his 
father. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. 

JACOB R. EBERSOLE (deceased) was born December 20, 1820, in this 
county, a son of Jacob Ebersole, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn. , 
and died July 19, 1864, aged seventy-one years, nine months and seventeen 
days, in Greene Township, this county; he married Magdalena Root, who died 
March 16, 1881, aged eighty-five years, three months and six days. They 
came here when quite young and were the parents of eight children: Michael, 
Jacob R. , Mrs. Elizabeth Fry, Mrs. Barbara Lehman, John, Samuel, Chris- 






774 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tian and Mrs. Magdalena Lehman. Jacob R. was educated in his native 
county and early in life became a farmer; he was very successful and owned 
over 100 acres, on which his widow resides. He married, November 1, 1849, 
Miss Elizabeth Frey, who was born in this county November 15, 1825, a 
daughter of Christian and Maria (Oberholtzer) Frey. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole 
had two children : Mrs. Lydia Ann Rife and Reuben F. , who now farms the 
homestead. Our subject removed to the farm where his widow now resides, 
in the spring of 1851. He was a member of the Mennonite Church, to which 
his widow still belongs, and was well known and respected all over the county, 
and esteemed for his many good qualities of head and heart. 

HENRY EBERSOLE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born September 
21, 1823, on the old homestead in Greene Township, this county. His fore- 
fathers came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, where they 
farmed. His father, John, was born in Lancaster County, and settled in 
Greene Township, this county, where he farmed; he died aged seventy-four 
years, at the home of Mrs. Nancy Hurst, Washington County, Md. ; he mar- 
ried Fanny Ebersole, who also died in Maryland, aged eighty -four years. 
They were the parents of the following named children : Elizabeth, John (de- 
ceased), Fannie, Martha (deceased), Henry, Nancy (deceased), Susan and Abra- 
ham, all of whom reared families. Our subject was educated in his native 
county, where he has been a farmer all his life. He married Nancy Lehman, 
who died at the age of over twenty- seven years. He next married Martha, a 
sister of his first wife, and a daughter of Peter Lehman, of an old family. 
Mrs. Ebersole is yet living, the mother of six children: Leah, John, Eliza- 
beth Samuel, Daniel and Fannie. Of these, Leah is the wife of David Mar- 
tin; John married Miss Emma M. Whitmer, a daughter of Samuel and Martha 
(Hurst) Whitmer (they have one child, Saloma Ebersole). Mr. and Mrs. 
Ebersole are active members of the Mennonite Church. Politically he is a 
Republican. He is the owner of two farms, one of fifty acres and another of 
114 acres. 

SAMUEL ETTER, retired merchant, Fayetteville, was born April 18, 
1825, in Southampton Township, this county. His ancestors are supposed to 
have been of German origin, and to have settled in Lancaster County, Penn., 
where the grandfather, Samuel Etter, lived. He came to Franklin County and 
settled in Southampton Township, where he reared a family, farmed and died. 
His son, John W. , was an old Pitt wagoner, an occupation he followed until 
the advent of the railroad. He was a member of the Lutheran Church ; polit- 
ically, a Democrat. He married Margaret A. Howard, of Lancaster County, 
Penn. John Etter died on the old homestead at the age of eighty-two years. 
His wife died at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of six 
children: William H. , John W., Samuel, Margaret, Jacob, Josiah (now in Mc- 
Pherson County, Kan.). The father had two brothers: Jacob, who was a farm- 
er, and Samuel, who was a mechanic and became a ship builder in New York 
City. Samuel Etter, our subject, at the age of sixteen left home to learn the 
cabinet-maker's trade at Shippensburg, Penn. He located in Fayetteville in 
the spring of 1846, and here followed his trade until 1882. In 1865 he also 
engaged in mercantile business, which he followed until six years ago, con- 
ducting both businesses at the same time, but now leads a retired life in the 
village. Mr. Etter first married Mary Fickes, who died at the age of twenty- 
seven years. His second wife was Mrs. Eliza Heintzelman, nee Fleck, who by 
her former husband had two children : Hiram and Edward, the latter deceased. 
To Mr. Etter she bore one child, Ida Lee, the wife of John B. Crawford. Mr. 
Etter is a member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his daughter. Politically 
he is a Democrat, 



GREENE TOWNSHir. 775 

BENJAMIN FICKES, retired farmer and mason, P. O. Fayetteville, was 
born November 14, 1828, in York County, Penn. His ancestors came from 
Germany and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , where bis grandfather, John 
Fickes, was born. He died in Cumberland County. His son, John Fickes, Jr. , was 
born in Cumberland County, and died in Adams County. He was a Kepublican. 
He married in Cumberland County and reared eight children — seven sons and 
one daughter; of these, Benjamin left home at the age of five years and lived 
with his cousin, William Fickes, for ten years; William was elected sheriff of 
Adams County. At the age of fifteen our subject went to York County, where 
he learned the mason' s trade, serving an apprenticeship of two. years, and then 
followed the trade. In the fall of 1850 he came to Franklin County, and 
spent his time between farming and working at his trade; has also dealt in 
horses. He is a successful business man. He married in 1855 Miss Harriet 
Penwell, and to them were born seven children: AnnaE., Jonathan A., IdaR. , 
Lydia E., Eliza J., Martha A. and Harriet C. Jonathan A. married Emma 
Heckman, a daughter of Christ Heckman, and had one child, Benjamin F. 
Fickes. Mr. and Mrs. Fickes are Lutherans. Politically he is a Republican. 
He has prospered in everything, and is now leading a retired life. 

SAMUEL FREY, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born July 1, 1827, 
on the old homestead of his grandfather, John Frey. The latter came here 
in 1792, from Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., where he was a black- 
smith. His ancestors were Swiss. He married Miss Kindig and reared three 
children: Christian, Anna and Francis. Anna married Christian Ebersole, 
who is now dead. John Frey died in 1838, aged eighty years, and had 
acquired a nice property by hard work. His son Christian was born September 
1, 1785, and died August 10, 1873. He married Maria Oberholtzer, who was 
born here January 13, 1787, and died here October 25, 1846. She was the 
mother of six children: John, Anna, Christian, Elizabeth, Samuel and Jacob. 
Samuel, our subject, was educated in the log schoolhouse, known as the Leh- 
man Schoolhouse. He was reared on the old farm, and after marriage came 
to the one he now owns, and which consists of 132 acres of land. He married 
Miss Anna, daughter of Abraham and Esther (Nisley) Long. To them were 
born the following children: Mrs. Mary Weaver, Christian, Amos, Jacob, 
Anna and Elnora. All the Frey family, except our subject, have been mem- 
bers of the Mennonite Church. Politically he is a Republican. 

SAMUEL GARVER, farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born March 18, 1821, in 
Washington County, Md. , near the State Line. The Garver family came from 
Frankfort-on the-Main, Germany, the grandfather, a farmer, came from Ger- 
many and settled in Washington County, Md., near Smithsburg, and there 
died. He was three times married and was the father of twenty-one children. 
His third wife, Elizabeth Garver, was the mother of four boys and three girls. 
Of these, Samuel was born in Maryland and died in Greene Township, this 
county, at the age of seventy-one years. He bought the Thomson farm, con- 
sisting of 600 acres, and which was known as ' ' Corker Hill, ' ' from the Bank 
of Chambersburg, paying $30 an acre. After his death it was divided among 
his children. He was a man of good moral principles, one of the prominent 
men of his day, and was an official member of the Lutheran Church. He 
married, in Maryland, Miss Margaret, daughter of Ludwig Emrick, of Ger- 
man descent. She died here at the age of sixty- eight years, the mother of 
seven children : Sarah, Jacob, John, David, Samuel, Martin and Daniel. Of 
these, John and David went west; John settled in Ml Carroll, 111. Samuel 
was educated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. He has all his life engaged 
in agricultural pursuits, and now owns 127 acres, having sold a large amount. 



776 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ft 

He was married here to Miss Sarah, daughter of David Goldsmith, member of I 
a well known family. To Mr. and Mrs. Garver six children were born: Charles, 
(deceased); Theodore F., of Salina, .Kan. , a lawyer; Rev. Austin S., a Con- ' 
gregational minister, of Worcester, Mass. ; Emma, wife of McLeod Thomson,, 
of Altoona, Penn. , the latter a civil engineer; Alice, wife of T. L. Bond, a 
lawyer of Salina, Kan. ; John A. , a lawyer of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. 
Garver are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he is an elder. He has 
been identified with the Whig and Kepublican parties, and has filled many 
township offices, among them those of school director and assessor. 

HON. H. C. GREENE WALT, P. O. Fayetteville, was born May 25, 
1830, in Qaincy Township, on the old Greenewalt homestead, on which place 
the grandfather settled in the beginning of the present century. He is a son 
of David Greenewalt, and was educated a't Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, 
and Princeton College, N. J., graduating at the latter in 1855. In early life he 
farmed, and also followed milling. He was elected a member of the Legislature 
for 1877-78, and re-elected for 1879-80. In May, 1880, he received an appoint- 
ment under Samuel Butler, State treasurer, as assistant cashier in the State treas- 
ury, was reappointed in 1882, under Gen. S. M. Baily ; and in 1884 was appointed 
cashier under William Livsey, State treasurer. He still holds the latter office. 
Mr. Greenewalt was married in November, 1857, to Miss Martha L., daughter 
of John Crawford, and to them were born the following named children: John 
Crawford, Harry Lee, Frank Lindsay, Nannie Crawford, Jane Renfrew and 
Margaret Black. Of these, John C. graduated at the Pennsylvania University, 
and read medicine under Dr. Sam. G. Lane, of Chambersburg, and graduated 
from the medical department of Pennsylvania University at Philadelphia; now 
located in Camden, N. J. , as a medical examiner in the relief department of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad. Harry L. is married to Miss Laura Taylor, and is 
engaged in farming; and Frank L. is a medical student. Hon. Mr. Greene- 
walt is a member of George Washington Lodge, No. 143, A. Y. M. of Cham- 
bersburg. 

CAPT. D. B. GREENEWALT, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born 
February 11, 1834, near Mt. Hope, in Quincy Township, this county. His 
forefathers were German, but his grandfather, John Greenewalt, was a native 
of Dauphin County, Penn. He settled in York County when a young man, but 
finally came to Franklin County, where he settled and died in Peters Town- 
ship. He was also a blacksmith, and owned a farm of 300 acres. Of his four 
children David, a successful farmer, died in Fayetteville (where he came in 
1844), aged seventy-two years. He married Elizabeth Stall, a native of Fay- 
etteville. She died in Guilford Township, this county, aged seventy-four 
years, the mother of four children: Henry C, John (who died aged twelve 
years), David B. and Charlotte E. (wife of H. J. Renfrew). David B., our 
subject, was educated in Fayetteville, and was reared on the farm, following 
agricultural pursuits all his life, except while engaged in the service of his coun- 
try. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty -sixth Reg- 
iment, Company A, Capt. Doebler, for nine months. He served oiat his term 
of enlistment, and then joined Company D, Twenty-first Cavalry, as orderly 
sergeant. At the end of his second term of enlistment, he again enlisted Feb- 
ruary 22, 1865, and served as captain of Company K, of the Eighty-seventh 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which company he recruited in 
his native county, and served in the capacity of captain until the close of the 
war. He participated in the engagements of Fredericksburg, Wilderness, 
Petersburg, Sailor's, Creek and Farmville, Va. After the war he returned 
to agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed, his farm adjoining Fay- 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 777 

etteville. Capt. Greenewalt was married March 9, 1805, to Miss Anna C, 
daughter of John Harmony, and four children were born to their union: Lot- 
tie M., George W. (died at the age of ten years), Milton H. and Carrie Bell. 
Mr. and Mrs. Greenewalt are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically 
he is a Republican; has served as school director nine years; was the first com- 
mander of the G. A. R. Post at this place; is a member of the K. of P., K. of 
R. S. , and A. F. & A. M. , George Washington Lodge, No. 143. 

JOHN HARCHELROAD, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born Dec. 31, 
1814, in Guilford Township, this county. His ancestors came from Germany 
and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , where they followed farming. John. 
Harchelroad, our subject's father, was born in Lancaster County, near Middle 
Creek, and there married Elizabeth Etter, a daughter of Jacob Etter, an old 
pioneer, of German origin. He came to Guilford Township, this county, in 
early life, and owned two farms. He reared six children: Catherine, Mary, 
John, Jacob, Christian and Michael, all of whom married and reared children. 
The parents were members of the Lutheran Church. The grandfather of our 
subject died in Lancaster County in 1833, aged sixty years. John, our sub- 
ject, was educated in Guilford Township, this county, where he farmed until 
1846, when he moved to Greene Township, and here he bought his father's 
farm of 204 acres, which he has since cultivated successfully. He has greatly 
improved the place, on which he has erected a large house and other build- 
ings. In the spring of 1886 he made his home in Green Village, where he 
still resides. In January, 1840, he married in Guilford Township Miss Jane, 
daughter of Michael and Jenny Bittner, natives of Southampton Township, this 
county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harchelroad are as follows: William, 
Mrs. Anna Alison, Michael, Christian, Mrs. Catherine Martin, Abraham, 
Simon, Mrs. Lydia Ashburn and Jessie. In politics Mr. Harchelroad is iden- 
tified with the Republican party, and has filled the office of supervisor for 
many years. 

E. "HARTZELL, M. D. , Fayetteville. The forefathers of this gentleman 
came from Switzerland and settled in Pennsylvania in 1732. The great-grand- 
father, George Hertzell (as the name was then spelled), lived and died in 
York County, and his son George farmed in Adams County, where be died 
at the age of sixty-five years. He married a Miss Brean, who died at the 
age of seventy-two years, the mother of the following named children: George 
J., John, Henry, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan and Hannah. Of these 
George J., the father of our subject, a farmer, died in Menallen Township, Adams 
Co. , Penn. , aged fifty-five years. He was a member of the Reformed Church, 
married to Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick Gelwix. She died at the age of 
sixty-three years, the mother of the following named children: Lebright E., 
Ezekiel, Zephania, Charles A., George, Frederick, Leah, Matilda, Anna and 
Rachel L. Zephania and Frederick are both physicians. Our subject was edu- 
cated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and at the age of twenty one com- 
menced the study of medicine with Dr. David Gilbert. He next went to Phila- 
delphia, where he attended the medical college and graduated from the medi- 
cal department of Pennsylvania College in [1847. The next year he located 
in Taneytown, and one year later moved to Fayetteville, where he has since 
resided, enjoying a good practice. He is a member of Franklin County Medi- 
cal Society. Dr. Hartzell was married twice, first to Matilda Hewitt, who 
died at the age of twenty-five years, the mother of two children : Clayton C. 
and Levina (both deceased). His present wife is Mary A., daughter of Jacob 
Bixler. She is the mother of five children: Milton B., Geor!,"- i J., Alice 
(deceased), Charles A. and Mary E. Dr. and Mrs. Hartzell are members of 

43 



778 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



the Reformed Church; politically he is a Republican. The Doctor's eldest son 
was educated at Pennsylvania College, from which he graduated; he later 
graduated froni Jefferson Medical College, and is now a practicing physician 
in Philadelphia. His second son, George, is married to Bertha Etter, and is- 
a farmer; Charles A. is a medical student. 

A. W. HEINTZELMAN, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born July 11, 
1839, on the old family homestead, in Adams County, Penn. His great 
grandfather came froni Germany and settled in Northumberland County, Penh. , 
where he farmed and died. His son removed to Adams County, where he was 
a prosperous farmer, but suffered losses in the Revolutionary war. He mar 
ried a lady of German descent, and to them were born eleven children, of 
whom Daniel is yet living in Cashtown, Adams Co., Penn. Another son, 
John, married in this county three daughters of Martin Wingert. He 
farmed the old homestead in Adams County, and in 1850 came to this county, 
settling in Fayetteville, where he died. He was a member of the River Breth 
ren denomination; politically an old line Whig, but later a Republican. His 
son, our subject, came to this county when but ten years old, was educated 
here and has always followed agricultural pursuits. February 5, 1863, he 
married Miss Sarah A. , daughter of Joseph Stahl. Their children are Clara 
A. , Mary G. , Larhue, Winfield A. and Joseph. Politically he has always been 
a Republican; is a member of the K. of P. of which he has been past chancel- 1 
lor. 

D. W. HESS, mechanic, of Scotland, was born January 19, 1843, m 
Greene Township, Franklin Co., Penn., a son of Samuel Hess, who was 
born in Washington Township, of which his ancestors, of German origin, 
were old settlers. Samuel Hess married, near Waynesboro, Susan Stover, 
who died in 1855, aged fifty-four years, the mother of the following children, i 
viz. : Mary, Catherine, Susan, Elizabeth and Daniel W. After marriage he 
came to Greene Township, where he farmed and later worked at shoe-making 
He moved to Letterkenny Township, this county, where he resided some years, 
and then settled in Greene Township, between Scotland and Chambersburg, 
where he farmed for twenty years, then moved to New Franklin, Guilfon 
Township, same county. In 1857 he retired, and there died March 2, 1884, 
aged eighty years, ten months and two days. Our subject was educated in thei 
schools of Franklin County, and early in life followed farming. He learned 
the carpenter's and builder's trade in 1865, and the same year located in Scot 
land, Greene Township, where he has since resided. December 20, 1870, he mar- 
ried Miss Susan A. , daughter of Abraham Whitmer, whose mother' s maiden name 
was Elizabeth Shank, and to them have been born five children: Florence M, 
Albert T. , Arie Gertrude, Samuel Edwin and Elsie Mabel. Mr. Hess do< 
much work for the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and employes about fiftee: 
hands. He also has a steam planing-mill 35x45 feet, which he built in 188 1 
Previous to the erection of this mill he rented a building that was burned dow: 
February 22, 1886. He has always been identified with the Republican party 
He and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. 

ALONZO UPPERMAN HOLLAND, M. D., of Fayetteville, was bor: 
September 25, 1839, in the city of Baltimore, Md. His forefathers were 
Scotch, but settled in the North of Ireland, whence they emigrated to Anieric 
The great-grandfather came from Ireland and settled in Maryland, where hi 
was a notary and scrivener, and afterward returned to Europe when 
he died. His son, John U. Holland, was born in Annapolis, Md., where 
died when almost eighty years of age. He was a copper and tinsmith ; was 
popular man and had served as coroner. He took quite an interest in politic; 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 779 

matters, being a Whig in sentiment. He married Anna M. Joins, of Scotch- 
Irish extraction, who died when over seventy years of age, the mother of one 
child — William L. Holland. The latter was born in Annapolis, then the capital 
of Maryland. He was by trade a shoe-maker, and later kept hotel in different 
places; among others at Fayetteville, whence he removed to Seven Stars, four 
miles west of Gettysburg, Penn. , where he died in 1860, aged forty Dine years, 
seven months and nine days. He was a Whig in politics. He married Marga- 
ret Upperman, a daghter of John Upperman, of Lancaster City, Penn. She 
died in Fayetteville, aged seventy-three years, the mother of two children — 
William, who died at the age of fifteen years and Alon/o U. Our subject was 
educated at Baltimore and the Academy at Fayetteville, after which he read 
medicine with Dr. Barrick, of Maryland, and Dr. Senseny, of Chambersburg. 
He then attended lectures at the Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated 
in 1870. He at once located at Fayetteville, where he has since remained and 
has a farm of fifty acres adjoining the town. Dr. Holland is a member of the 
K. of P. , and has passed through all the degrees and filled all the chairs, and 
has three times acted as representative to the Grand Lodge. In politics he is 
a Democrat. 

JACOB HUNSECKER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born January 
22, 1839, in this county. His father, John, was born and educated in Lan- 
caster County, and when a young man came to Franklin County. Here he 
married Lydia Shirk, who died the mother of twelve children: Catherine, 
Abraham, Elizabeth, Jacob, Lydia, John, Solomon, Adeline, Aaron, Leah, 
Daniel and Mary. John Hunsecker is a member of the Mennonite Church. 
of which he was made a minister and is now a bishop. He is still hale and 
hearty, and much respected. Our subject was educated here and married 
Miss Catherine, daughter of Levi HiTrst, of an old and respected family. They 
have three children: Anna, Amanda and Saloma. Mr. and Mrs. Hunsecker 
are members of the Mennonite Church. He has a farm of 205 acres of land 
in good condition and well cultivated, and is a highly successful farmer. 

JOHN S. IMMEL, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born in September, 
1851, on the old homestead, where his father was also born. The Immel fam- 
ily is of German descent, the great-grandfather having come from Germany, 
and settled in Greene Township where he bought a large tract of land, on 
which he died, a member of the Lutheran faith. His son John was also 
born here, and built a part of the present house, hauling the stones with oxen ; 
. he also improved the farm and died here. He was a member of the Lutheran 
Church. His wife was a Miss Barnitz, a native of Maryland, who bore him 
fourteen children, ten of whom arrived at maturity: George, David, Leonard, 
John, Kate, Annie, Michael, William, Jacob and Barnett. Of these John, father 
of our subject, is still living. He married Anna, daughter of Jacob Stauffer, and 
she died October 13, 1883, aged sixty-two years, the mother of four children: 
John S. , Mrs. Emma L. Kieffer, Anna B. and George B. Our subject was 
reared and educated in his native county, and from his youth has been en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits, now farming the old homestead of 165 acres. 
He was married, in this county, December 25, 1884, to Miss Ida E., daugh- 
ter of Cyrus T. Kieffer, of an old family, and of German descent. Mr. Immel 
is identified with the Republican party; his family were formerly Whigs. 
His father has held several township offices. 

JOHN W. IMMELL, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born in 1852 on the 
old homestead in Greene Township, this county. The forefathers of Mr. Immell 
came from Germany and settled in southern Pennsylvania, probably in 
Lebanon County. John Immell, the great grandfather, was born in Lebanon 



780 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, and after his marriage came to this county where he and his wife 
Barbara both died at a good old age. They were members of the Lutheran 
Church, and had four children, John? Jacob, Michael and Elizabeth. Michael, 
who was a trapper in the Rocky Mountains, was killed in an engagement with 
hostile Indians; Elizabeth became the wife of a Mr. Foreman, a commission 
merchant of Baltimore; John and Jacob married two sisters, Elizabeth and 
Susan Barnitz, of an old and respected family of Maryland. John and 
Elizabeth settled on the old homestead, where he died from injuries received 
from the kick of a horse. He and his wife were the parents of fourteen 
children, of whom four — George, John, Leonard and Barnett remained on the 
homestead. George and Leonard died aged about seventy years; Barnett is 
still living at the age of seventy-six years; John was the only one who mar- 
ried. Jacob Immell, the grandfather of our subject, settled in Green Village, on 
a part of the old homestead near where his grandson, John W., still resides. 
Jacob took a deep interest in political matters, and died here in February, 1868, 
in his ninety-third year. His wife died at the age of seventy-one years; eight 
of their children reached maturity and two died in infancy: George W., William 
(father of our subject), Mrs. Elizabeth Embick, Mary A., Mrs. Carolines., 
Wallace, Sarah A. , Mrs. Eveline Hawk, Margaret (wife of Rev. Levi Will- 
iams of York, Penn.). Of these George W. farmed in Guilford Township, this 
county, on a Failing Spring, and died there in 1880, aged sixty-nine years. 
He married Margaret, a daughter of Philip Weaver, a farmer and miller of 
Scotland, and became the father of five children: George W. , Jr., Mrs. 
Mary E. Stauffer, Anna M., Jacob M. (of Philadelphia), and Alice, who died 
at the age of twenty years. He was a prominent member of Chambersburg 
Lutheran Church, of which he was an elder. And was identified with the Re- 
publican party. William Immell, father of John W. , was born in this township, 
and married Miss Elmina Hawk, daughter of Jonathan Hawk. She died May 
23, 1852, the mother of two children: Susan M. , wife of George W. James, a; 
native of Missouri, and a physician in Ray County, that State (they have five* 
children), and John W. William Immell died on the homestead. John W. 
was educated in Green Village and at the Missionary Institute in Selin's 
Grove, Penn. He owns the old homestead of 150 acres, where he resides. 
He was married, September 29, 1886, to Miss L. Alice, daughter of John W. 
Etter, a resident of Scotland, Penn. Mr. Immell is a member of the Lutheran! 
Church, and politically is identified with the Republican party. 

A. G. KAUFFMAN, merchant, Fayetteville, was born May 23, 1849, om 
the old Kauffman homestead in Guilford Township, this county, where Sam- 
uel Kauffman settled in 1845. His ancestors came from Switzerland and set- 
tled in Lancaster County, Penn., where they gained prominence and were well 
known. The grandfather, Christian, a farmer, settled in Franklin County. 
He married Nancy, daughter of Michael Groh, and they had eight children, 
viz. : Christian, Abraham, John, Samuel, Andrew, Henry, Jacob and Maria 
Frantz. Mrs. Kauffman died in 1881, aged over ninety years. Samuel Kauff- 
man was born in this county, and was a farmer in Guilford Township, where 
he had 150 acres. He sold this land in 1882, and removed to Waynesboro, 
where he is a stockholder in the Geiser Manufacturing Company. He married 
Anna Byers, who bore him eight children: Samuel, William, John, Andrew 
G., Mrs. Margaret Yauckey, Mrs. Alice Brechbill, Anna and Emma. Andrew 
G., our subject, was educated in his native county, and in the Iron City Col- 
lege, at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he graduated in the spring of 1873. Then 
returned home and farmed until the fall of 1873. He then bought the gen- 
eral store of Jacob B. Cook, of Fayetteville, which he operated until the fall of 



GEEENE TOWNSHIP. 781 

1875, when he sold out and moved back to the farm. In the spring of 1877 
he moved to Waynesboro, where he kept books for Weaver, Bear & Co. one 
year. In 1878 he again moved to the farm, where he lived until 1880, when 
he purchased the store of Samuel Etter, of Fayetteville. He keeps a general 
store, and also handles the Walter A. Wood harvesting machine. Mr. Kauff- 
man married, March 26, 1S74, Miss Elizabeth C. Brown, a daughter of Jere- 
miah and Martha (Metz) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman are parents of four 
children: Byers M. , Laura B. , Nora Emma and Mary Edith. Mrs. Kauffman 
is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kauffman is a Republican, and in 
the spring of 1883 was elected justice of the peace. 

CHRISTIAN LANDIS, Sh., farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born Jan- 
uary 25, 1816, in Dauphin County, Penn. , and is a grandson of Henry Landis, 
who was of Swiss descent, and many of whose descendants live in Lancaster 
and other counties in Pennsylvania. John Landis, Henry's son, lived and 
died in Dauphin County, eleven miles below Harrisburg. He married Elizabeth, 
a daughter of Jacob Root, a Mennonite minister and a native of Switzerland. 
She died there at the age of seventy years, the mother of three sons and two 
daughters: John, Elizabeth, Nancy, Christian and Moses. She had been pre- 
viously married to John Nisley, the father of Martin and Jacob Nisley. Chris- 
tian Landis was educated in his native county, and came here when twenty- 
seven years old. He married in December. 1845, Susannah Lehman, who died 
the mother of four sons: John L. , Daniel L. , David D. and Christian L. Mr. 
Landis next married Barbara Lehman, a sister of his first wife, and a daughter 
of Daniel Lehman, a Mennonite preacher. Mr. Landis first bought 117 acres 
of land, to which he added from time to time, but which has been divided, and 
he now has about 230 acres. Christian L. , our subject's son, was born April 
29, 1859; was reared and educated here, and farms the homestead. He mar- 
ried November 7, 1883, Miss Anna, daughter of Jacob Martin, and they have 
one child, Adam Landis. In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN L. LANDIS, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born December 9, 
1816, in Greene Township, this county, son of Christian Landis, a na- 
tive of Dauphin County, Penn. He was educated in this county, and here mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Lehman, a daughter of Daniel Lehman, and to them were 
born the following named children: Anna. Lizzie, Amos, Daniel, Katie, Jacob, 
Amanda, Rhoda, Harvey and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Landis are members of 
the Mennonite Church. He owns over ninety-one acres of land in Greene 
Township. In politics he is a Republican. 

DAVID D. LANDIS was born January 27, 1855, on the Landis home- 
stead, where his father, Christian Landis, settled when a young man. He was 
educated in his native county, and has devoted himself to farming pursuits all 
his life. He married, November 18, 1875, Miss Martha, daughter of Abra- 
ham Lehman, and has three children: Abraham L., Rannie L. and Benjamin 
L. Mr. Landis is identified with the Republican party, to the principles of 
which he strictlv adheres. 

REV. SAMUEL D. LEHMAN, Chambersburg, was born March 27, 1831, 
on the old Lehman homestead, in Greene Township, this county, where his 
father, Peter, settled after his marriage, and died August 31, 1875, aged sev- 
enty-six years. Peter was born on the old homestead of his grandfather, 
Daniel Lehman (who came to this county about ninety years ago), and which 
is now the property of Christian Landis. Daniel was a son of Peter, a native 
of Lancaster County, near Manheim, Penn., where the great great-grand- 
father settled on his arrival from Switzerland. The family as far back as can 
be traced were members of the Mennonite Church. Daniel Lehman married 



782 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Nancy Hoover, who died at the age of eighty-seven years. She had nine chil- 
dren who reached maturity: Samuel, John, Daniel, Jacob, David, Nancy, 
Elizabeth, Barbara and Susannah. *Daniel (the grandfather) died in March, 
1847, aged seventy years. He was a minister for many years in his chosen 
church, and always had an influence for good in the community in which he 
lived. He was an invalid the last ten years of his life, having been injured by 
a horse. His son, Peter, married Susan, daughter of Jacob Detwiler. She 
died at the age of fifty-three years, the mother of seven children: Nancy, 
Martha, Samuel D., Barbara, Daniel, John and Susannah. Samuel D. , our 
subject, was educated in the schools of his neighborhood. He married Miss 
Elizabeth, daughter of John Hunsecker, and they have three children: Lydia, 
wife of Michael Hurst (she has one son, Samuel Hurst) ; Peter and Elizabeth. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are active members of the Mennonite Church. He 
was ordained a minister of the gospel May 31, 1885, and follows in his grand- 
sire's footsteps in the good work. 

DANIEL D. LEHMAN (deceased) was born July 21, 1835, in Greene 
Township, this county, a son of Peter Lehman. He was a farmer in early life 
and died on the old homestead, January 22, 1883, where he was also born. 
He owned 113 acres of land on which his widow still resides. December 11, 
1860, he married Miss Catharine Bomberger, who was born September 2, 
1838, near Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Penn. , a daughter of Joseph 
and Sarah (Erb) Bomberger, of German descent. Mrs. Lehman bore her hus- 
band three children : Joseph E. , Anna and Henry B. Daniel Lehman was 
identified with the Mennonite Church all his life. He did his duty everywhere 
and was well known and respected by all who came in contact with him. 

SAMUEL LESHER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born April 17, 
1824, near the old Lesher homestead in Guilford Township, this county. His 
great-grandfather, Sebastian Lesher, came from Switzerland, and settled in 
Lancaster County, Penn. There his son, John, was born and reared a family 
of three boys — Joseph, John and Michael — and with them and his wife, Eliz- 
abeth (Bosler), he came to this county, and bought land near Greencastle in 
Antrim Township. His son. Joseph, lived there some years and then moved 
to Guilford Township, where his father had divided his farm between Joseph 
and Michael. Joseph married Fannie Lehman, who died at the Waynesboro ij 
road in 1827, aged forty-five years. She was the mother of six sons who reached 
maturity: John, Daniel, David, Benjamin, Joseph and Samuel. Joseph i 
married, for his second wife, Mrs. Mary Miller, nee Smith, a daughter of Dan- 
iel Smith, and to them two children were born : Anna and Abraham. The • 
latter bought the old homestead near the Taylor works and still resides there. 
John, the grandfather, died on the homestead about 1839, when nearly eighty 
years of age. He had a farm of over 260 acres and was a prosperous man. 
Our subject was educated in this county, and has followed farming all his life, 
now owning two farms, one containing eighty-six acres, and the other 105; 
also has a tract of twenty-five acres. He married Barbara, a daughter of Petei 
Lehman, and five children have been born to them: Daniel L., Samuel L., 
Elizabeth L. , Peter L. and Mary L. Mr. and Mrs. Lesher are active mem- 
bers of the Mennonite Church; politically he is a Republican. 

JOHN L. LESHER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born October 17, 
1841, on the Lesher homestead, in Greene Township, this county. About six sj 
generations ago his forefathers came to America from Switzerland, and settled 
in Lancaster County, Penn. In 1804 the great-grandfather, John Lesher, came 
to this county, where he farmed and died. His son Joseph was born in Lan- 
caster County and came to Franklin about 1804, before his marriage, and died 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 783 

here at the age of sixty-three years. His wife was Fannie Lehman, daughter 
of Daniel Lehman (her grandfather came from Switzerland in 1728), they had 
six children: John, Benjamin, Daniel, Joseph, Samuel and David, all of whom 
reared families, except the last, who was accidentally killed by falling from a 
barn. Joseph Lesher married for his second wife, Mrs. Mary Miller, who was 
the mother of two children: Abraham and Anna. Joseph as well as his ances- 
tors was a member of the old Mennonite Church. Of his children, Benjamin, 
a minister of the church, resides one mile from Williamson, Franklin County; 
another son, John L., was born in Antrim Township, and farmed there; later 
he moved to Greene Township, where he died aged sixty-three years. His wife 
was Catherine, daughter of John Lehman; she died at the age of sixty-nine 
years, the mother of two children: John L. (our subject), and Mrs. Catherine 
Parret. John L. was educated in the schools of his native county; in early 
life he farmed, and about 1876 commenced milling, which he still follows, op- 
erating the Red Bridge mill. He married, February 11, 1883, Miss Anna F, 
Peckman, of St. Thomas Township, this county. Mr. Lesher has a farm of 
142 acres, which is supposed to be the oldest in the county, having been bought 
by his grandfather from one Ferguson, a Scotch-Irishman, and to which the 
subject's father came in 1836. Mr. Lesher is a Republican. 

JACOB LIGHTFOOT, retired, Fayetteville, was born April 23, 1812, in 
Franklin Township, Adams Co. , Penn. , where he lived until he was twelve 
years old. He then came with his father, William Lightfoot, a blacksmith, to 
Greene Township. The latter was born in York, but died near Mercersburg, 
this county, aged seventy-two years; he was a son of Daniel Lightfoot, a na- 
tive of Germany. William Lightfoot married Esther Smith, who died in 
Greenwood, this county, aged fifty-two years, the mother of the following 
named children: Solomon, William, Ruth, Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, Levi, Cath- 
erine and Margaret. Our subject, who was educated in this county, was a shoe- 
maker for twelve years; followed blacksmithing for forty years, and also 
farmed, but is now living a retired life. He married Elizabeth Peters, who 
-died April 8, 1886, aged sixty-nine years and nine months, the mother of four 
children: S. Jane, who died at the age of nineteen; William; Rosannah, wife of 
Jeremiah Harmon, and Elizabeth, wife of J. Brown. Mr. Lightfoot has been 
an active member of the Church of God for forty years, and has been an 
elder for many years. Politically he is a Democrat. 

DANIEL G. LOWRY, merchant, Fayetteville, was born September 15, 
1853, on the old Lowry homestead, in Quincy Township, this county. His 
paternal grandfather immigrated from England, and settled first in York or 
Lancaster County; afterward he came to Franklin County, where he was a 
prosperous man and well known; he died at the age of seventy years. He 
married Miss Hullinger, who bore him the following named children: George, 
Curtis, John, Jacob, Mrs. Wikert, Mrs. Lowers, Mrs. Dull, Mrs. Wingert, Mrs. 
Keller and Mrs. Knepper; of these, George married Catharine Morter, who died 
at the age of seventy-three years, the mother of eleven children, ten of whom 
reached maturity: Elizabeth, John, Curtis, David, Catharine, Jacob, Tena, 
Hannah, Judith and Daniel G. Our subject was reared in his native town- 
ship, where he farmed tfntil coming to Fayetteville; here he opened a store, 
which he has since conducted; he also handles the McCormick reaper and 
binder. He was married in Ohio, where he resided two years, to Miss Maggie, 
daughter of William Rohan, and she has borne him three children: Nelsie, 
Anna and Blanche. Politicallv Mr. Lowry is a Democrat. 

DAVID MACLAY, M. D. , Green Village, was born January 18, 1852, in 
Greene Township, this county. His father, Charles Templeton Maclay, was a 



784 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 






native of Lurgan Township, this county, and a son of David Maclay. Our 
subject received his early education in the schools of his township, at the 
Chambersburg Academy, and also at the Tuscarora Academy. In 1871 he be- 
gan reading medicine under the preceptorship of his father; later attended the 
University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from that institution in the spring 
of 1875. He located in Green Village, where he has since practiced his pro- 
fession with success. February 14, 1878, he married Miss Mary, daughter of 
Judge Joseph Pomeroy of Academia, Juniata Co., Penn., and whose family 
originally belonged to Lurgan Township, this county. To Dr. and Mrs. Ma- 
clay two children have been born: Charles T. and Joseph P. The parents are 
meznbers of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a member of 
Franklin County Medical Society. 

JOHN W. MAHON, blacksmith, Green Village, was born April 2, 1843, 
in this village. His great-grandfather, Robert Mahon, came front the North of 
Ireland. He was of Scotch descent and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He settled in Southampton Township, Franklin County, where he became an 
extensive farmer. He married a Miss Mahon, and reared one child, Robert, 
Jr. He and wife lived to be very old and were buried in the Presbyterian 
cemetery at Shippensburg. Their son, Robert, was also a farmer, and died on 
the old homestead of 400 acres; also a Presbyterian, and was twice married. 
His first wife was a Miss Leeper, who died young, the mother of two children, 
Robert and Mrs. Elizabeth Potts. His second wife was Sarah Stumbach, who 
is yet living, aged ninety years, and is the mother of David, John, Henry, 
Samuel and Archibald. Of these Robert was a blacksmith. He lived a short 
time in Green Village; in 1844 he came to Scotland, where he died July 14, 
188 1, aged sixty-two years. He married in Chambersburg Miss Jane, daughter 
of William and Catherine (McGuire) Wallace. William Wallace was of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and died here. Mrs. Jane Mahon was born July 30, 1809, in 
Green Village. She is the mother of eight children: Harriet, wife of Dr. 
Charles T. Maclay; Mrs. Margaret Rank; Nathaniel K., Thaddeus M.-f John 
W., Mrs Mary S. Youst, Zacharias T. and Mrs. Cora Etter. Robert Mahon 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; was a Republican, and 
served as justice of the peace for nearly thirty years. John W., our subject, 
was educated in the schools of Chambersburg and the institute at Selin's 
Grove. At the age of twenty he learned the blacksmith's trade. In the fall 
of 1864 he enlisted in the Two Hundredth and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, Company G, having previously served three years in the militia. He 
served until the close of the war and participated in the battle at Fort Stead- 
man and the series of battles of the siege of Petersburg, and a number of other 
engagements. He was in the Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, served aa 
corporal but was never wounded. He has since followed his trade in Scotland, 
doing the iron work for G. C. Markward, carriage manufacturer of that place, 
and usually employs two men. Mr. Mahon has been twice married ; first to 
Katie S., daughter of Jacob Heckman. She died leaving three children: 
Masada Pearl. Lillian Romain, and Arthur Mahon. His second wife is Anna 
Heckman, a sister of his first. They have two children: Ella and Katie. Mr. 
and Mrs. Mahon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; his ancestors 
were old seceders. 

JACOB MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born December 18, 
1816, in Lancaster County, Penn. His great-grandfather came from Germany; 
latter' s son, Abraham, lived and died in Lancaster County. Abraham's son, 
Jacob, was born there and married Esther Newswanger. They moved to Cum- 
berland County, Penn. , where they both lived to a good old age and died, she 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 785 

aged over seventy- seven, and he over seventy-one years. They had eight chil- 
dren: Mary, Esther. Emanuel and Anna (twins), Jacob, Catherine, Abraham and 
Elizabeth. Of these Jacob was educated in Lancaster and Cumberland Coun- 
ties, Penn. , in the German and English languages. He was reared on the 
farm, and has been a successful farmer all his life. He came to Greene 
Township, in 1807, where he owns 1 52 acres of land. He resided in West Penns- 
boro Township, Cumberland County, on a farm of 124 acres, for thirty-eight 
years. He married in that county Miss Lydia, daughter of Adam Staut, of 
a respected family of that county. She died in Greene Township, July 12, 1880, 
the mother of thirteen children: John, Jacob, Joseph, Abraham, Emanuel, 
Adam, Isaac, George, Henry, Levi, Anna, Elizabeth and Sarah. Of these, 
Anna is the wife of Christ Landis. Mr. Martin married for his second wife, 
Mrs. C. Whistler, nee Maury. He is a Republican in politics. 

DANIEL STEWART McGOWAN, M. D. (deceased), was born August 
25, 1808, near Carlisle, Penn., a son of Daniel McGowan, whose father, Dan- 
iel, was of Scotch descent, and emigrated from the North of Ireland. Our sub- 
ject was educated at Dickinson College, and then read medicine under Dr. 
Cummings, of Fayetteville. Later he attended lectures at Baltimore, Md. , and 
graduated in the spring of 1832. He located at Everett, Bedford Co., Penn., 
where he remained a short time; then came to Fayetteville, where he followed 
his profession the rest of his life, and was one of the leading physicians of the 
county. He bought out the practice of his preceptor, who had become a Presby- 
terian minister. He died at forty-seven years of age. Dr. McGowan, although 
the superior of many with whom he came in contact, was of a very approach- 
able manner. He was a Royal Arch Mason. May 6, 1832, he married Miss 
Anna, daughter of John Thomson, whose father settled in Scotland, this 
county, where Mr. Battin now resides. She was born on the homestead Octo- 
ber 22, 1809, and died in Chambersburg, while on a visit to her son, February 
27, 1877. She was the mother of seven children: Theodore, Thomson, Frank, 
Stewart, Hannah T., Anna and Edith. Dr. McGowan was first an old line 
Whig, but later a Republican. The Thomson family are all members of the 
Covenanter Church, of which Dr. McGowan' s eldest daughter is also a 
member. 

EPHRAIM MINICK, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born February 11, 
1834, near Orrstown, Franklin Co., Penn. His grandfather, John Minick, 
came from Germany and settled in York County, where he was a farmer, and 
died at the home of his son Peter, in this county. Peter was born in Cumber- 
land County, and came to Franklin County when a young man. He resided in 
Orrstown, where he was a tailor, a trade he followed all his life. He was a 
consistent member of the Evangelical Church and, politically, first a Whig, 
later a Republican. His first wife was Mary Ebersole, who died leaving four 
children: John, Barbara, Mary and Samuel. His second wife was Juliana 
Strous, who survives him, and is now eighty-five years old. She is the mother 
of the following children : Jacob, Susannah, Elizabeth, Juliana, Ephraim and 
Peter (twins), David and Adam. Peter, the father, died at the age of eighty- two 
years. Ephraim, our subject, was educated in his native county. At the age 
of sixteen he went to Shady Gap, Huntingdon Co. , Penn. , where he remained 
until he was twenty-five years old, learning tanning with his half-brother, 
John. He then went to Perryville, where he followed his trade, and in 1865 
returned to this county, and now carries on his trade and farms near Fayette- 
ville. He was married, in Huntingdon County, to Miss Margaret Peterson, 
who is the mother of six children: John D. W., Hannah M., Peter Strous, 
Jennie, William B. and Julia E. Mr. and Mrs. Minick are members of the 



786 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Methodist Episcopal Church; politically Mr. Minick is identified with the 
Republican party. 

GEORGE W. MOWER, coach-maker, Fayetteville, was born December 
27, 1844, in Fayetteville, Penn., a son of David Mower, a native of Cumber- 
land County, Penn. The ancestors of the Mower family are supposed to have 
been of German origin. David was a wheelwright and came when a young 
man to Franklin County, where he learned the trade in Mowersville; he then 
moved to Fayetteville and worked in one place for fifty years. He was a good 
mechanic, well known and esteemed. He died in February, 1883, aged seventy- 
one years. He married Sarah, daughter of Tobias Ritter, and she is still 
living at the age of seventy-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. David Mower were 
born the following named children : Mary E. , Barbara A. , Samuel A. , George 
W. , Maria C. , William Henry (deceased), Sarah A., John F. and Charlotte W. 
George W., our subject, was reared and educated in Fayetteville; in early 
life he learned his trade, principally wit 1 } his father; also learned coach-making, 
and has followed both trades all his life. He spent one year in Ohio; he mar- 
ried Martha J. , daughter of Daniel Palmer of an old family of the county. 
She is yet living, the mother of five children: Howard S., Wiley P., Leigh 
R. , Reid and an infant girl. Mr. and Mrs. Mower are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. In 1863 Mr. Mower enlisted in the defense of his 
country, in Company D, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served out 
his term, six months. He then enlisted in 1864 in the Eighty-seventh Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, Company K, and served until the close of the war. 
He participated in several engagements, among them the battle of Sailor's 
Creek. He is a member of the G. A. R., Captain Stevens Post; in politics is 
a Republican. 

REV. MARTIN H. OBERHOLSER, P. O. Green Village, was born 
December 2, 1845, on the old homestead in Greene Township, this county. 
His forefathers were Germans, his great great-grandfather having come to 
America, settling in Pennsylvania. So far as known his grandfather, Chris- 
tian Oberholser, a farmer, settled in Lebanon County, Penn., where he died, 
the father of five children: Jacob, Martin, Henry, Christian and John. Chris- 
tian was born in Lebanon County, and came to Greene Township, this county, 
after he was married, and bought a farm of 106 acres. He was a successful 
farmer, and here became a member of the River Brethren Church. Later he 
became a minister, and served for over thirty years. He died August 13, 1872, 
aged sixty-nine years. He was a faithful member, honored and esteemed far 
and wide by all who knew him. He married Nancy Hoover, who also died 
here, the mother of six children, three now living: Christian, Maria (wife of 
S. Zook, now of Kansas) and Christian (wife of A. Wingert). Rev. Christian 
Oberholser married, for his second wife, Fannie Heisey, who is yet living at 
the age of eighty-two years. She is the mother of three children : Nancy (wife 
of H. Musser, of Lancaster County), Barbara (wife of Jacob S. Lehman), and 
Martin H. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native 
county, and was reared on the farm. November 30, 1865, he married Miss 
Rachel Wingert, a daughter of Rev. Aaron C. Wingert. She is the mother of 
eight children, five of whom are living: Fannie, Lizzie, Anna, Aaron and Mar- 
tin. Another child, John, who was the eldest of the children, when at the age 
of sixteen, fell into a reaping machine, and had an arm cut off, expiring soon 
after. At the age of fourteen our subject embraced the principles of the Chris- 
tian faith; then served as deacon four years; was elected minister, in which 
capacity he served for eleven years. He has since devoted his time faithfully to 
the church. He is not a politician, has never voted, but gives his whole labor 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 781 

to the church, and has been an elder or bishop in the church for six years, and 
still holds that office. Mr. Oberholser has added to and improved the home- 
stead from time to time, until at present it embraces 200 acres, a part of which 
was once an Indian garden. Our subject's mother, Fannie Heisey, is a daugh- 
ter of John and Annie (Engle) Heisey, also of German descont. Annie Engle 
was a daughter of John Engle, who emigrated from Germany, and was one of 
those who settled on the Susqitehanna River in Lancaster County, and was the 
founder of the River Brethren Church, of which our subject is such a promi- 
nent member. 

REV. PHILIP H. PARRET, P. O. Chambersburg, was born August 
30, 1842, in Rockingham County, Va., and is of English descent. His grand- 
father, Philip Parret, was a pioneer of that county, where he married, was a 
farmer, and died. His son, Branson M. , was also born in that county, and 
was a very prosperous farmer. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of Jacob Sho- 
walter, of German descent. To them were born nine children: Mrs. Margaret 
A. Hinton (of Sangamon County, 111.). Philip H. , Jacob G. (in Illinois), Bar- 
bara C, Mrs. Nancy V. Young (of Darke County, Ohio), Uriah, Branson M. . 
Jairous S. and Mrs. Sophia E. Custer (of Rockingham County, Va. ). Rev. 
Philip H. was educated in his native State. In early life he commenced farm- 
ing, which he followed until the outbreak of the civil war. He was then con- 
scripted, but at the first opportunity came north, first to Washington County, 
Md. , in May, 1864, and in August, 1864, to this county, where he had friends. 
Here he has identified himself with the county, and farmed ever since. Jan- 
uary 18, 1866, he married Miss Katie, twin sister of John L. Lesher, and two 
children have been born to them: John H. and Leannah L. Mr. Parret has 
taken an active part in church matters, and May 18, 1873, was ordained a 
minister of the Mennonite denomination. He is the owner of thirty-one acres 
of land. 

JOHN PLOUGH (deceased) was born in this county. Being deprived of 
his mother by death when but two days old, his mother' s parents took charge 
of him for a number of years. He was a son of Jacob and Mary (Rife) Plough, 
who had two children: Amanda, wife of Heilman Huber, and our subject. 
Jacob's parents had a family of eight boys and three girls. When the Plough 
mansion farm was sold, Jacob became the purchaser, after which his son 
was again brought back to his father's house. John Plough was educated in 
this county, and became a very successful farmer. At the death of his father 
he became proprietor of the home mansion farm, containing 156 acres. Soon 
afterward he purchased the adjoining farm, containing 111 acres; he was a 
thrifty and successful farmer. He was married at the residence of his father- 
in-law, Rev. James M. Bishop, whose eldest daughter, Emma C. , became his 
wife, February 13, 1868. Three sons blessed their union: Bishop Irvin, born 
April 4, 1869; Merle D' Aubigne, born May 26, 1876; and John Ray, born March 
14, 1884. Mr. Plough was a Republican though not a politician, and just 
before his death he was elected assessor of the township. He was one of the 
best of husbands and fathers, and his death, which occurred March 24, 1885, 
was deeply regretted by all who knew him. He was a regular attendant of 
Salem United Brethren Church, near his home. 

ROBERT A. RENFREW (deceased) was born on the old homestead 
near Fayetteville, Greene Township, this county, where he died in 1874. His 
great-grandfather, Samuel Renfrew, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, came 
here and settled in this county on the place still owned by his descendants. 
He was a farmer and also a miller. Our subject's father was a very wealthy 
man and owned several farms, with which he provided his children. Robert 



788 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

A. married Hannah, a daughter of Samuel Thomson, and a descendant of 
the old Scotch pioneer, Thomson. She died in 1871, the mother of a large 
family, of whom five reached maturity: Mary E., David L., John A., Robert 
M. and Sarah R. John A. married Clara B. Thomson, also a descendant of 
the pioneer, and his children are Augusta, David L. (married to Ida A. 
Breckenridge, and has five children: Clarence H. , Emma V., Flora, Jessie and 
Edna), Robert M. was educated in the schools of his native county, and in 
early life began milling, which he has since followed, and with his sister 
owns the Greenwood or Renfrew mill on the old homestead; married Laura M. 
Newman. His parents were active members of the Covenanter Church, of 
which he is an official member. He is identified with the Republican p arty. 
The Renfrew mill is a saw and grist-mill, runs four stone, two buhrs and two 
hoppers; capacity 250 bushels, and supplies the market and also provides for 
home consumption. The brand is " Greenwood Mills." 

LEWIS M. RINEHART, merchant, P. O. Green Village, was born No- 
vember 27, 1861, in Chambersburg, Penn., a son of Lewis M. Rinehart, a 
native of this county, and who married, in Chambersburg, Miss Hannah 
Ensminger, who is yet living in Green Village. In August, 1861, when the 
nine months men were called for, Lewis M. Rinehart, the father of our sub- 
ject, enlisted in Company G, captain, George G. Miles, One Hundred and Twen- 
ty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; colonel, James G. Elder. 
He served out his term, and participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and 
Antietam, and the skirmish at Shepperdstown, Md. He next enlisted in the 
One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, Company C, Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- 
lery, and was located at Fort Ethan Allen and Fort Martha. It was a pro- 
visional regiment, and was really known as the Second Provisional Heavy Artil- 
lery. He was promoted to sergeant, and took part in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness and other engagements. At the blowing up of Fort Hell, where his. 
regiment lost 600 killed, wounded and missing, he was taken prisoner and 
conveyed to Andersonville ; later he was transferred to Libby, where he died 
in the early part of November, 1864. 

SAMUEL NORTON ROBERTSON, farmer. P. O. Chambersburg, was bom 
March 17, 1853, in Juniata County, Penn. The family are of Scotch origin. 
The grandfather, Win. Robertson, was born in New York, and settled in Burns' 
Valley, Franklin County, where he died. He was a weaver; also owned a 
farm. He married a Mrs. Hamilton, and became the father of ten children. 
Of these, John Robertson moved to Juniata County, where he farmed two 
years, and then bought a farm near Concord, Franklin County, where he re- 
sided twenty-seven years, and died March 22, 1886, aged seventy years. He 
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, with which he united when 
a boy, and politically was a Democrat. He married Eliza Montgomery, of 
Doylesburg, Franklin County, a daughter of John Montgomery. She is yet 
living, the mother of the following children: Mrs. Catherine Anderson, of 
Clarinda, Iowa; John W., of Lawrence, Kas.; Mrs. Anna M. McDonald, of 
Greencastle, Franklin County; W 7 illiam H., of Shippensburg; Samuel N. ; 
Mary E. and James C, near Concord; and Ed. M., of Lawrence, Kas. Samuel 
N. , our subject, was educated at the schools of Concord. McCoysville, Juniata 
County, and at Shippensburg Normal School. In early life he worked on th© 
farm, and then went to Lawrence, Kas., and engaged in the furniture business. 
On his return to Pennsylvania he spent seven successive winters in teaching at, 
Concord and Burns' Valley. He was married, December 29, 1879, to Miss 
Anna J. Blair, of Blair's Mills, Huntingdon County, a daughter of Alexander 
Blair. After marriage he bought a farm of 112 acres in Greene Township* 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 789 

where he now resides. He and his wife are the parents of four children: 
Mary E. , John 13., Bruce A. and Ralph M. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is identified with the 
Democratic party. 

JACOB A. ROHRER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born April 3, 
1850, in Greene Township, this county, on the old homestead. His father, 
John, was born near Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny Township, this county, in 
1803, and died here June 11, 1874. He was a son of Jacob Rohrer, who 
came from Lancaster County. The family is of German descent, the old 
stock having come from Germany in 1749. John, who was a farmer all his 
life, except thirteen years, in which he followed the carpenter trade, married, 
in December, 1844, Catherine, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Boyer. She 
was born July 30, 1813, in Cumberland County, Penn., and came to this coun- 
ty when she was ten years old. To her and her husband were born two children: 
Elizabeth A., wife of A. W. Hoover and our subject. Mrs. Roher is still liv- 
ing and resides with her children alternately, having furnished rooms at either 
place. John Rohrer was a man of quiet manners, but firm in purpose. Our 
subject was married, January 20, 1880, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Henry 
H. Rife, an old settler. They have had one child, Sarepta, born December 1, 
1885, died September 15, 1886. Politically Mr. Rohrer is identified with the 
Republican party, as was also his father. 

SAMUEL S. ROTH, miller, P. O. Fayetteville, was born September 21, 
1858, in Butler Township, near Arendtsville, Adams Co., Penn., on the 
old family homestead. His great-grandfather, with his son, Jonas Roth, 
came from Hanover, Germany, and settled in Adams County, Penn., where 
they farmed and milled, but made their first settlement in York County. Jonas 
married Barbara Kauffman, and both died on the homestead, the parents of 
nine children. Their son Henry married Sarah, a daughter of Jacob Shank, 
and had a family of six children: Samuel S. (subject), Gilmore G. , Harry M., 
Theresa F. , Mary A. and Sarah A (twins). The father is still living on his 
farm in Adams County. Our subject was educated in his native county, 
where he also learned tho miller's trade. He then traveled for six years in 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, 
Colorado, New Mexico, Missouri, and over his native State and Maryland. In 
December, 1885, he returned home, and in April, 1886, he took charge of the 
Fayetteville Mills, owned by his father, who bought the estate of John 
Weaver. Politically, Mr. Roth is a Republican. The Fayette Mills have five 
buhrs and a capacity of fifty barrels per day. They have been refitted, and 
many improvements introduced in the way of bolting and manufacturing 
patent flour. The establishment gives good satisfaction under its present 
enterprising manager. 

ABRAHAM SHERK, farmer, was born in Greene Township, this county, 
close to where he now resides. His ancestors came from Germany, and it is 
supposed the great -great-grandfather settled in Lancaster County, Penn. His 
son, Joseph, came to this county after he was married and settled in Greene 
Township, where his grandson, Jacob Sherk, yet resides. He bought over 
300 acres of land from a man named Mitchell near Green Village. Joseph 
farmed here and died at an advanced age. He was married in Lancaster 
County and reared twelve children; most of his descendants are in the West. 
Of his sons, Abraham settled on the old homestead and married Miss Christine 
Bowman, a daughter, of an old pioneer family. He was seventy -nine years 
old when he died, and was an extensive farmer. His wife was about eighty- 
two years old. They reared seven children, of whom Jacob was born here and 



790 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

farmed on his father 1 s place,' a part <jf which is now owned by John Sherk. 
Jacob married Nancy Garver, who died here at the age of eighty years, the 
mother of four children: John, Abraham (our subject), Annie (wife of William 
Zimmerman), and Benjamin in Illinois. Jacob tilled many township offices, 
among which were those of assessor and supervisor. Our subject was educated 
in this county and reared to farming which he has since followed. He also 
spent several years in Carroll County, Md., engaged in agricultural pursuits; 
also engaged in the lumber business for a short time. He married in October, 
1852, Miss Elizabeth Lawton, and four children have been born to this union: 
Robert, Minnie. Benjamin and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Sherk are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is identified with the Repub- 
lican partv. 

SOLOMON SHIVELY, farmer, P. O. Green Village, was born April 16, 
1810, on the old homestead in Greene Township, this county. The family 
traces its ancestry to French Huguenots who left their native country for Swit- 
zerland, from which place the great-grandfather of our subject emigrated to 
America. He was married and had a son born on the ocean, Jacob, the grand- 
father of our subject. The great grandfather settled in Lancaster County, 
Penn. , where he died at a good old age. He had another son, Henry, whose 
descendants are still living in Lancaster County. Jacob was a carpenter and 
farmer, and lived many years near Shippensburg, where he owned a farm; 
later he moved to near the residence of his son, John, where he built a house, 
and where he and his wife died. They had the following children: Sam- 
uel, John, Jacob, Henry, Daniel, Barbara, Nancy, Elizabeth and another 
daughter, name unknown. Of these, John, a farmer, was born in Lancaster 
County. He married Hannah, daughter of Henry Rhodes. She died at about 
sixty years of age, the mother of six children: Nancy (deceased), Solomon, 
Eliza, John, Daniel, and Rebecca (deceased). John Shively, Sr. ,"came to 
Franklin County about 1806, where his father bought about 250 acres of land, 
of which our subject, Solomon, has 120 acres. John Shively, Sr., was a man 
who took a deep interest in political matters and was a strong Democrat. He 
and his wife were members of the United Brethren Church, and he held several 
township offices. Solomon was educated in this township, and for the last five 
years has lived in Green Village. He has been twice married; first to Rebecca, 
daughter of John Embick. She died in December, 1879, aged sixty five 
vears. She bore her husband twelve children, seven of whom are living: John 
Hannah, Sarah, Harriet James, Jacob and Frank. Of these James is reading 
medicine with Dr. Maclay, of Green Village. Our subject married for his 
second wife, Mrs. Catharine Gontz, nee Embick. a sister of his first wife. Mr. 
Shively is a member of the United Brethren Church, of which he is trustee, 
and politically he is -identified with the Democratic party. Mrs. Shively is a 
member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject's brother, John, read medicine 
with Dr. Richards and attended one course of lectures, but his health failed 
and he died in the Isle of St. Croix, "West Indies. 

JACOB SHIVELY, retired farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born in Greene 
Township, this county, on the old family homestead. His great-grandfather 
came from Switzerland about 1750, and died in Philadelphia, on his arrival in 
this country; he had three sons: John, who never married; Henry, who mar- 
ried and has wealthy descendants living near Lancaster City; Jacob, who came 
to Franklin County, in 1805, and bought 260 acres from David Eby, who had 
a distillery on the place. Jacob married, in Lancaster County, Barbara Linder, 
of Swiss descent, and who died aged sixty-eight; he died at the age of seventy- 
three. They had eight children who reached maturity: John, Jacob, Henry, 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. ' 791 

Daniel, Elizabeth, Nancy, Barbara and Samuel; of these Jacob married, here, 
Maria Rhode, of German descent, who died at the age of forty-three years, 
the mother of five children, who came to maturity. Jacob Jr., married for 
his second wife, Catherine Crider, and died at the age of eighty-eight years. 
He was a farmer and owned half of the homestead, the other half being the 
property of his brother John. He was a Democrat, served as supervisor of 
Greene Township; was a member of the United Brethren Church, and made 
his house a stopping place for ministers of that denomination. Of his chil- 
dren, Jacob, our subject, continues to reside on the old homestead. 

JOHN E. SHIVELY, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born March 31, 
1843, in Greene Township, this county. His forefathers came from Germany 
and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , whence his grandfather, John, came 
to this county. Our subject' s father, Solomon, now lives in Green Village, 
having moved there about four or five years ago, prior to which time he lived 
on his farm, two and one- half miles northwest of Fayetteville. John E. 
Shively educated in the common schools of this county, and early in life took 
up farming, which he still follows, owning a farm of 149 acres, near Fayette- 
ville, on which he resides. He married Susan, daughter of John Lehman, and 
to their union were born nine children: Fannie M., AbbieE., John L. , Re- 
becca A., Benjamin F., William B. , Harry Wallace, Naoma Gertrude and Sol- 
omon Howard, the latter born November 1, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Shively are 
members of the United Brethren Church. Politically he is identified with the 
Democratic party. He is a successful and representative citizen. 

DAVID SHOVER, farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born August 16, 1811, in 
Bloomfield, Perry Co., Penn. His ancestors came from Germany and settled 
in Lancaster County, where his grandfather, Sebastian John Shover, a black- 
smith, was born; the latter settled in Perry County, where the county seat now 
is. He was an industrious man; he married twice, and his first wife bore him 
two children: Jacob and Catherine. His second marriage was with a Miss 
Zimmerman, who bore him the following named children: John, Andrew (a 
miller by trade), David, William, Samuel, Elizabeth, Susannah and Maria. 
John Shover, Jr., was born in Perry County, and died there aged twenty-four 
years. He married, at the age of eighteen years, Miss Susan Barricks, who 
bore him three children: Jacob, Mary and David (our subject). She then mar- 
ried Philip Hackman, to whom she bore two children; she died when nearly 
ninety years of age. Our subject was reared in Perry County, and at the age 
of eighteen, left his stepfather and worked for a farmer until he was twenty- 
three years old; he then married Miss Elizabeth Lauderbaugh, who died Au- 
gust 24, 1881, she bore her husband the following named children: John, Dan- 
iel (in Illinois), Mrs. Eliza J. Ruth, B. Anna, Mary C. , Andrew, David, Will- 
iam and Samuel. Our subject had about $400 when he married, and his wife 
who was industrious and frugal, had also saved some, and together they 
accumulated a modest fortune. Mr. Shover cropped for fifteen years for half 
the produce, and then bought 104 acres of land where he now resides, and has 
accumulated more and more, until to-day he has several farms, aggregating 
about 500 acres, all in Greene Township. He is an active member of the 
United Brethren Church, to which his wife also belonged ; she was a daughter 
of Henry and Christine (Warner) Lauderbaugh. The Warners moved to Can- 
ada and died there. Politically, Mr. Shover is a Democrat. 

JOHN SHOVER, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born July 5, 1835, in 
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, a son of David and Elizabeth Shover, 
the former of whom is yet living a prosperous farmer, the owner of between 
300 and 400 acres of land, and the father of nine children, now living (see 



792 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sketch of Samuel Shover). Our subject was educated in this county, to 
which he was brought when but eighteen months old. He has followed farm- 
ing, and now owns eighty acres of land. He married Miss Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Martin Wingert, of an old family of this county, and their children now 
living are Amos H. , Alice, wife of David Horst (they have three children: 
Nancy E., Harvey and Martha), and Mary Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Shover are 
members of the United Brethren Church. Politically Mr. Shover is a Demo- 
crat, but votes for the best man at all times. 

SAMUEL SHOVER, farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born April 1, 1853, in 
this township, son of David and Elizabeth Shover, the latter of whom died 
aged seventy-two. Their children are John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Ann, Andrew, 
David, William, Mary and Samuel. The father came here a poor man, but by 
persevering industry has become a well-to-do and prosperous farmer. He is 
a member of the United Brethren Church, and politically is identified with the 
Democratic party. Our subject from youth has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in this county, and is now farming his father's place of 114 acres. He 
was married, February 13, 1873, to Miss Nancy Heckman, a daughter of 
Christian Heckman, an old resident of the county, and their children are Ida 
M. , Harvey and Minerva. Mr. and Mrs. Shover are active members of the 
United Brethren Church. Like his father, Mr. Shover is a Democrat. 

W. A. SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Scotland, was born January 8, 1837, in 
Hamilton Township, this county. Hi6 ancestors were natives of Germany. 
His father, Charles, came to this county when a young man, and married Mar- 
garet Anderson; he died in middle life, and his wife at the age of thirty- seven 
years. They had three children: Mary J., who died at the age of twelve years; 
David F. , who died at the age of twenty-four in hospital at Bolivar, Term., in 
the service of his country, and William A. , our subject. He was educated in 
Greene Township, which he made his home all his life. He was left an orphan 
at the age of nine or ten years, and reared in the family of Daniel and Sarah 
Finefrock, until he was seventeen. He then worked out in different parts of 
the county, but mostly in this township. He worked nine years for Jacob Fry, 
an old settler and a good man; two years for J. D. Lehman, and then went to 
Warren County, 111., where he worked twenty-one months, and then returned 
to Pennsylvania, and worked two years for Chris Fry. December 3, 1867, he 
married Miss Nancy, daughter of Samuel Lehman, an old settler. They 
have one son, Harvey L. Snyder. Mr. Snyder has followed farming all his 
life, and owns fifty-five acres. He is a Republican. He and wife are members 
of the Mennonite Church. 

SAMUEL J. SPOONOUR, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born December 
14, 1845, in Greene Township, this county. His grandfather, John Spoonour, 
came from Lancaster County, Penn. , and settled in Greene Township, where 
he died; his son, Samuel, was born and died here, August 19, 1880, at the 
age of fifty-six years, a member of the Lutheran Church; married Elizabeth 
Shober, who died in this township, when young; a member of the Lutheran 
Church. They had three children: George, Samuel Jefferson and Robert. Samuel 
Spoonour married for his second wife Susan Warren, daughter of Isaac War- 
ren, and the mother of three children: Richard, Isaac and Mrs. Isabel Black. 
Samuel J., the subject proper of this sketch, married Ellen J., daughter of 
George W. Henderson, and they have one child, May Spoonour. Mr. and 
Mrs. Spoonour are members of the church. Politically he is a Republican. 

ALEXANDER STEWART, merchant, Scotland, was born September 18, 
1843, in Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Penn., and is the fourth son of Dr. 
Alexander Stewart of that place. He was educated at Shippensburg, and at 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 793 

the age of eighteen years he entered the army, enlisting in Company D, of 
the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania ' Volunteers, at the 
expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in Company K, of the Two Hun- 
dred and First Regiment, and became first lieutenant of his company. He 
participated in the engagements of Antietam, Fredericksburg and others. Af- 
ter the war he removed to Colorado, where he remained three years, engaged 
in active business in the transportation of freight over what were then the plains. 
He then returned to Shippensbm-g and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 
1874 he moved to Scotland, where he continued to reside. His attention is 
largely given io agricultural pursuits, but with these he conducts a large busi- 
ness in the purchase and sale of grain. He was married in Shippensburg, 
Penn. , to Miss Nannie E. , daughter of Dr. Robert Hayes of that place. 

JOHN PRICE WALLACE (deceased) was a native of Lancaster County. 
He died November 20, 1881, on the old Immell homestead, to which he had 
removed after the death of his father-in-law. He was a son of John "Wallace, 
a well known and respected citizen of Lancaster County, Penn. , where the 
Wallace family occupied a prominent place in the community. Our subject 
was educated in his native county, and early in life engaged in mercantile 
business in Lancaster County, making a specialty of dry goods. In 1837 he 
and his brother-in-law, Nathaniel Kinzer, came to this county, and opened a 
general store in Green Village, which they operated for many years, but dis- 
solved partnership some years before the war. Mr. Wallace continued a suc- 
sessfnl merchant until within a few years prior to his death, when he turned 
the business over to his nephew, Thomas Wallace. He was postmaster for 
many years, and held the office at the time of his death. May 25, 1840, he 
married Miss Caroline S. Immell, who was born August 16, 1818, in this town- 
ship, on the old Immell farm, a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Barnitz) Immell 
(see sketch of John W. Immell). Mr. Wallace was a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, in the faith of which he died. Politically he was a Republican, 
and was highly honored and respected in the community. His widow is a 
member of the Lutheran Church. 

HON. J. BURNS WHITE, manufacturer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born 
January 31, 1841, in Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn. His 
forefathers were Scotch and settled in the North of Ireland, whence the 
progenitor of the White family in America came, and settled in Cumberland 
County, Penn. The great-grandfather, John White, moved to Culbertson's 
Row, Greene Township, Franklin County, and there farmed and died. He 
reared a large family. Of these John White farmed and died there. He mar- 
ried a Miss Pomeroy, who bore him four sons and two daughters: John, Eben- 
ezer, Thomas, Samuel, Elizabeth and Mary. John went to Illinois; Ebenezer 
to Ohio; Thomas to Baltimore, Md., where he was an architect; Eliza- 
beth married John Gillen; Mary married Harvey Allen; Samuel married Nancy 
Burns, of Waynesboro, a daughter of Jeremy Burns. She 4 was born in 1811 
and is yet living, the mother of three children: J. Burns White, Emma S. and 
Nannie, wife of Hiram George of Fayetteville. Samuel White died in 1S71, 
aged sixty-three years. He was a manufacturer of woolen goods ; first learned 
the business at Quincy and Waynesboro, and in 1849 came to the Franklin wollen 
mill near Fayetteville (then owned by the Bigham family), which he bought 
in 1855, and which was his property until his death. He was first associated 
with Robert Black but in 1860 he bought out Mr. Black's interest, J. Burns 
White was educated in the public schools, Fayetteville Academy and in West- 
minster College. During the civil war he volunteered and enlisted in Com- 
pany D, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, and at the expiration of his term 



794 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of service he attended college. In the spring of 1865, in response to a call oJ 
the National Government, the majority of the employes in his father's mill en-i 
listed, upon which he left school, came home and assumed control, which he 
has retained ever since. Mr. White married, February 22, 1871, Miss Lizzie 
Byers, a daughter of Frederick Byers of Chambersburg. They have two chil- 
dren, Jennie L. and Samuel E. Mr White is a member of the G. A. li. ; politi- 
cally he is a Republican, and in the fall of 1884 was elected a member of the 
Legislature, a position he has since filled with ability. He takes an interest in 
school matters and served as school director for nine years. 

JEREMIAH S. YAUKEY, merchant, Fayetteviile, was born October 4, 
1849, in the Dutch settlement in Guilford Township, this county. His grand- 
father, a farmer, settled in this county and died in Ohio; his son, Daniel, wasl 
a native of this county, and died here May 19, 1S86, aged seventy-six years, 
eleven months and ten days. He was a successful farmer, but for the last 
five years of his life was blind. He quit farming some twenty years ago, and 
lived in Fayetteviile, one mile from this, where he died at the residence of his 
son Daniel. He married, March 6, 1834, Mary, daughter of Barnhart Sowers; 
she died on the home farm in August, 1863, the mother of five children who 
reached maturity: Daniel, Hezekiah, Jeremiah S. , Hiram (deceased) and Mrs. 
Amanda Miller (deceased). Our subject was educated partly in this- county 
and at the normal school in Strasburg, th ; s county, and Lebanon Valley Col- 
lege, Penn. He was reared on the farm and in early life taught school and 
music. He engaged in the coal business with his brother Daniel at Fayette 
ville Station, on the Mt. Alto Railroad, the same fall after the road was com 
pleted. After one year's absence from the coal business he again engaged in 
it, having in the meantime been engaged in the machine business. In 1876 he*; 
built a warehouse, which he enlarged in 1885, the present capacity being oven 
25,000 bushels. He has an ice trade in Chambersburg. The ice is cut at Cold 
Spring at the foot of the mountain, and is considered of the purest quality. I 
He also engaged in packing and baling hay and straw, and in shipping. He 
is interested in the lumber trade, hardwood lumber, and at his warehouse 
sells lumber, machinery, fertilizers and salt. Last spring he bought a machine 
shop and saw-mill in Fayetteviile, Penn. He is a thorough business man in 
every respect; is a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church; in polit- 
ical matters was formerly a Republican but is now an American. 

JOHN G. YOUST, merchant. Scotland, was born in that place January, 
20, 1832. His grandfather, Jacob Youst, came from Germany when a young 
man, settled in Greene Township, this county, where he farmed, and died on 
the old homestead, aged about forty years. He married a Miss Mary Hile, 
who died about the age of sixty-five years, the mother of three children: Will- 
iam, John and Mrs. Nancy Mahon. John went to Illinois, where he farmed 
and died. William was reared and educated here. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the German Reformed Church, of which he was deacon for many years. 
He farmed near Scotland, and in 1872 went to Fayetteviile, where he now leads 
a retired life. His children who reached maturity are as follows : John G. , Jacob 
(deceased, formerly a druggist of Fayetteviile), Mrs. Mary Besore, Mrs. Wil- 
helmina Claudy, Mrs. Jennie Koser, Mrs. Alice Wilders and David Youst, an 
officer in the United States Army at Plattsburg, N. Y. John G. was educated 
here, and taught school for twenty-seven years. He taught school at the age 
of sixteen years, and was one of the ablest teachers in the county, only teach- 
ing in three places during all that time. He bought a farm near Scotland, 
which he subsequently sold, and then engaged in the mercantile business, in 
1873. He bought out Mr. F. Besore, of the firm of Besore & Sleighter, and 



GUILFOltD TOWNSHIP. 795 

has continued business since, keeping a general stock and meeting with suc- 
cess. August 3, 1857, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of John Furry, an 
old resident of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Youst are members of the German 
Reformed Church at Fayetteville, and the parents of one daughter, Elbe, wife 
of Bennett Oyler. (Mr. and Mrs. Oyler have three children now living: Robert 
Ambrose, Bennett Harper and Mary Jennett). Mr. Youst is a Republican. 
He has filled the office of postmaster for twelve years, and is agent for the 
Adams Express Company at this point. 

JACOB ZOOK, farmer. P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn., January 21, 1823. His great-great grandfather, Abraham 
Zook, came from Germany and settled in Chester County, Penn., where 
he farmed and died. His grandson, Abraham, was born in Chester, but when 
a young man removed to Lancaster County, where he farmed and died. He 
married a Miss Kurtz, of German descent. They had ten children: Joseph, 
Abraham, John, Christian, Noah, David, Fannie, Elizabeth, Phabe and Mary. 
Of these, Joseph came to this county in 1829, and settled in Greene Township, 
where his son, our subject, resides. Joseph was a member of the River Breth- 
ren denomination; he was a fuller in Lancaster County, but followed farming 
here, and had a mill. His first wife was Anna Shock, who died at the age of 
thirty-seven years, when our subject was two and a half years old. She was 
the mother of sis children: John, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph. Mary and Cath- 
erine. His second wife was Catherine, daughter of Jacob Whisler. She died 
in March, 1885, aged eighty-five years. The children of the last marriage who 
reached maturity are as follows: Samuel, Noah, Sarah, Leah and Susannah. 
Our subject was educated at the schools of his native county, and has been a 
farmer and miller all his life. In January, 1849, he married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Martin Wingert. Mr. and Mrs. Zook are members of the River Breth- 
ren denomination, of which he is a minister. He has been a member for 
thirty-five years or more, and was ordained a minister in the spring of 1885. 
He has been identified with the Republican party, but in all local matters he 
votes for whom he considers the best man, regardless of the party. He has 
filled the office of supervisor, and served as school director for six years. He 
has a farm of 145 acres. 



GUILFORD TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN BOWMAN, merchant, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letter - 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., July 11, 1816, a son of John and Bar- 
bara (Lehman) Bowman, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. 
He is the youngest of six children; was reared by his parents on the farm, and 
educated at the district schools. In early life he learned the shoemaker's 
trade, which he followed for half a century; later he retired to the farm, and 
still owns a fine one, consisting of 140 acres, in Greene Township, this county. 
When a young man Mr. Bowman was widely known as a teacher of vocal 
music, and taught singing school several winters in this county. In 1864 he 
removed from his farm to Stoufferstown, and has since been engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. February 14, 1843, he married Elizabeth Nicklas, who was 
born and reared in this township, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Burkholder) 
Nicklas, who were respectively of French and Swiss origin, and whose ances- 
tors were among the early settlers of Franklin County. To Mr. and Mrs. 



790 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Bowman were born eleven children, seven of whom are now living: Mary, wife 
of John Weiger; Sarah; Susan, wife at B. O. Metz; Lydia Ann, wife of Rev. 
S. B. Breidbaugh; John C. , a minister of the Reformed Church; Ella and 
Jacob Z. , a prominent physician in Somerset County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bowman are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been an elder 
and deacon for over forty years. The children are all members of the same 
church. Mr. Bowman is a Republican in politics, never aspired to office, but 
served one term as steward of the almshouse of Franklin County, and declined 
a re-election. He was elected county auditor for a term of three years. 

JOHN H. BUSH, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Antrim Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., June 30, 1835, and is the second son of Abraham 
and Elizabeth (Stuff) Bush. Abraham Bush was born in Antrim Township in 
1808, and was a son of Henry Bush, one of the pioneers of this county. 
Abraham was a successful farmer, and reared to maturity a family of one 
daughter and three sons, the sons all living. He was a life-long resident of 
Antrim Township, and died in 1858. John H. Bush was educated in the 
schools of Antrim Township, and brought up to the pursuits of the farm. At 
the age of eighteen he commenced to learn the cooper's trade, which he fol- 
lowed as a journeyman in Greencastle for some seven years. April 18, 1861, 
he entered Company C, Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
and served out his term.of enlistment; then enlisted in Company B, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in 
all the battles of the regiment; re-enlisted as a veteran in Company D, Two 
Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and soon after was made 
chief musician of the regiment; served until the close of the war; was present 
at the surrender of Gen. Lee, and was mustered out with his regiment at Har- 
risburg in the summer of 1865. He returned to civil life, and October 30, 
1866, married Mary E., daughter of David Keller, a former well known resi- 
dent of Guilford Township, this county. After marriage Mr. Bush resided for 
one year in Antrim Township engaged at his trade, and in 1868 came to Guil- 
ford Township and located on the David Keller farm, where he has since con- 
ducted a fine place. Mr. and Mrs. Bush are the parents of two daughters, 
Jennie E., now the wife of William O. Bixler, and Emma V., a school teacher. 
Mr. Bush served as tax collector in 1878, 1879, and 1880. He and his wife are 
members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

GEORGE S. COOVER, blacksmith, New Franklin, was born in Greene 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., January 21, 1844, and is the only child of 
Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Shearer) Coover. Jeremiah Coover was born in Let- 
terkenny Township, this county, December 24, 1815. His father, George, was 
an early settler of Letterkenny Township, where he spent his days engaged in 
farming. Jeremiah was educated at such schools as the neighborhood afforded, 
and later learned the trade of blacksmithing. In 1848 he came to New Frank- 
lin, and engaged at his trade in the same shop, where his son still conducts the 
business, until 1876, when he retired. He is still vigorous in mind and body. 
Our subject was educated in the schools of Guilford Township, and when eight- 
een years old commenced working with his father at the blacksmithing bus- 
iness. In 1865 he enlisted in Company L, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry, and served until the close of the war; was mustered out at 
Lynchburg, and discharged at Harrisburg, Penn., in July, 1865. On his 
return to civil life he resumed his former occupation with his father until 1876, 
since which time he has successfully conducted the business alone. Mr. 
Coover married Mary C, daughter of Michael E. Harchelroad, a former resident 
of Guilford Township. Mr. and Mrs. Coover are the parents of seven chil- 



GUILFOED TOWNSHIP. • 797 

dren, three daughters aud three sons living. Mr. Coover is a member of the 
G. A. R. , Housuin Post, No. 309. He has served as assessor and school 
director of Guilford Township, and in 1882 was elected jury commissioner. 

JACOB EBERLY, farmer, P. O. Chainbersburg, was born in Chambers- 
burg, Penn. , April 2, 1810, the second son of Peter and Elizabeth (Swain) 
Eberly. Peter was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born October 26, 
1757; came to Franklin County in the spring of 1797, and settled on the place 
now owned by his som J acob. The stone residence and barn near it stood on 
the place when he bought it. He originally bought about 300 acres, since known 
as the "Evergreen farm." Prior to 1822 he had led a retired life for eight- 
een years in Chambersburg; then he removed to the head of Falling Spring, 
and purchased the David Andrews mill, which he operated until his death in 
1835; he reared a family of eight children, of whom four sons survive; he had 
been a stockholder and director in the Chambersburg Bank for many years, and 
a member of the Mennonite Church. Jacob Eberly was educated at the schools 
of the neighborhood, and remained with his parents until his marriage, in 
1829, with Hannah Reed, who bore him ten children, four daughters and two 
sons now living: Catherin, Ann Mariah, Hannah, Emma, John R. and Henry 
J. Mrs. Eberly died January 26, 1855, and October 7, 1856, Mr. Eberly 
married Mary Ann Scriba, who was born July 3, 1817. To this union was 
born one daughter, Mary S. , who died February 5, 1866, at the age of eight 
years. After his first marriage Mr. Eberly located on the home place, and 
conducted it until 1848, when he took up his residence in Chambersburg for 
two years. He operated the first steam saw-mill in the county, which he built 
and owned, and which was situated at the foot of the mountain. He resided 
at the mill for three years, and in 1853 returned to the home place in Guilford 
Township, where he has since resided, occupying a handsome residence, which 
he erected in 1858; he also owns 190 acres of land adjoining the borough. He 
and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been an 
officer and elder for many years; he is also an active temperance worker. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

A. H. ETTER, superintendent of the Franklin County Almshouse, P. O. 
Chambersburg, was born in this county December 22, 1824, a son of Jacob 
and Mary (Henning) Etter, who are of German origin, natives of Pennsylvania; 
they had two children: D. Frank, a prominent physician in Yankton, Dak., 
and A. H. Our subject was educated in the district school, and in early life 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1877 he sold his farm and moved to the 
village of Scotland, this county, and opened a general store, which he success- 
fully conducted for three years. In 1884 he was elected to his present posi- 
tion. In politics he is a Republican, and has held most of the offices in 
Greene Township, and served for a number of years as justice of the peace. 
In January, 1857, he married Mary C. , daughter of Jacob Kyner, of German 
origin, and to this union the following named children were born: Anna Mary; 
Emma K. , wife of William L. Craig; Luther, Lydia Belle, Alexander Stewart 
and Robert H. Mr. and Mrs. Etter are members of the Lutheran Church, of 
which he was an elder for manv years. 

WILLIAM FERGUSON, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Chambersburg, 
was born in Cumberland County, Penn., December 15, 1826, a son of William 
and Margaret (McCoy) Ferguson, the latter a native of Cumberland County, 
of Irish origin. His father, a native of Ireland, of Scotch parentage, came to 
America when a boy and settled near Baltimore, where he worked out by the 
month. When eighteen years of age he came to Cumberland County and fol- 
lowed agriculture. His family consisted of nine children, of whom William 



798 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is the fourth. Our subject was reared by his parents on the farm and acquired 
a common- school education, and from youth has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Franklin 
County, near where he now resides, and now owns well improved farms, which 
he has acquired by industry and energy. In 1858 he married Mary, daughter 
of William and Rebecca Brown, of Scotch origin. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson 
are the parents of three children: William A., Robert G. and Mary E. Our 
subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has 
been trustee. He is a Republican in politics; has served as school director. 

BENJAMIN R. GEORGE, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, was born in Guil- 
ford Township, this county, the youngest child of Henry and Jane (Ross) 
George. Henry George was a native of County Derry, Ireland; immigrated 
to America in 1810, and married a daughter of Adam Ross, who settled, dur- 
ing or prior to the Revolution, on the place now owned by Benjamin R. 
George. Adam Ross was a pioneer, receiving his deed from John Penn, 
the elder, and John Penn, the younger, in 1789, probably settling on the place 
prior to that date, and there he lived and died. He married a daughter of the 
original Benjamin Chambers of Chambersburg in 1777, and died November 
27, 1827. His daughter, Jane, married Henry George, and after marriage 
they located on the Ross honi9 place, where they built their commodious family 
residence in 1844. They reared to maturity a family of two daughters and 
two sons. John, the eldest, engaged in mercantile business in Baltimore in 
1853; Ruhamah R., Mary J. and Benjamin R. all reside on the home place. 
Henry George died June 22, 1874. His widow died May 8, 1876. Our sub- 
ject was educated in the select schools in Fayetteville and at an academy in 
Baltimore. December 17, 1872, he married Lucy, daughter of Joseph Cham- 
bers. They have two children: Sallie Madeira and J. Chambers. Mr. George 
gives his attention to farming. An iron ore bed has been opened on the farm, 
which is now yielding largely. Mrs. George and other members of the family 
are members of Falling Spring Presbvterian Church. 

JEREMIAH W. GEORGE. New" Franklin P. O. One of the honorable 
and industrious pioneer families of Guilford Township was that of Matthias 
George, the progenitor of a numerous and respectable offspring and the fore- 
runner and leading spirit in one of the oldest, if not the oldest Lutheran com- 
munity in Franklin County, Grindstone Hill. On the 11th of August, 1750, 
the ship " Patience," Hugh Steel, captain, arrived in the port of Philadelphia 
from Rotterdam, bearing on it as immigrants desirous of establishing homes in 
the New World, 121 men with their wives and children. One of these passen- 
gers was Matthias George, great-great grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 
Matthias had four sons : Henry, Peter, Adam and Christopher. The first two 
settled on land in Philadelphia County, and worked out their destiny in that 
region. Matthias and the last two located in Franklin County, taking up a large 
tract in the Grindstone Hill region and forming its settlement. To Christopher 
and his wife, Louisa (Smith) George, grandparents of our subject, were born 
one daughter and three sons, viz. : Magdalene, Jacob, Frederick and Sam- 
uel. To Jacob and Hannah (Waldman) George, parents of our subject, were 
likewise born one daughter and three sons: Elizabeth, Jeremiah W., William 
and Jacob F., all living in Guilford Township at the present time. Jeremiah 
W. George, born July 11, 1820. was married, April 12, 1849, to Miss Margaret 
Gift, who was born July 3, 1820. The result of this union was the birth of 
four children: two sons, Edward Benjamin born February 11, 1850, and 
Jacob Martin born September 5, 1854, both living and married, and two 
daughters, Anna Mary, born April 5, 1853, died in 1859, and Hannah Jane, 



GUILFORD TOWNSHIP. 799 

born September 5, 1854, died in 1875. One of the sons, Jacob Martin, c ecu- 
pies the farm which was taken up by his maternal great-great-grandfather, 
Matthias Gift, near the middle of the last century. Mr. Jeremiah W. George 
lives on the farm originally owned by his great-grandfather, Matthias. He has 
retired from active farm life, which was his chosen occupation. His farm 
is a o-ood one, having an excellent quality of land, well supplied with substan- 
tial buildings. During the retreat of Lee's army, in 1863, he sustained heavy 
losses, his home being on the line taken by the immense columns of rebel 
wounded and supply wagons escorted by Gen. Imboden's cavalry. Politically 
Mr. George is identified with the ranks of Democracy, and religiously, with 
the Grindstone Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is one of the worthy 
descendants of an honored ancestry. 

ALFRED HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letter- 
kenny Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , March 10, 1848, a son of Samuel W. 
(a farmer), and Elizabeth (Gipe) Hoover, natives of Franklin County, and de- 
scended from the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. The male members of 
the family have generally been tillers of the soil, although some have been 
professional, and others successful business men. Our subject is the eldest in 
a family of four children, three of whom are now living. He received his edu- 
cation in the district school and from youth up has followed agricultural pur- 
suits. He is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres, on which he 
resides. In 1872 he married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel Heinzelman, of 
German origin, and to this union one child has been born — Leah Emma, now 
(1886) ten years old. Politically Mr. Hoover is a Republican. 

S. S. LEDY, merchant, .Marion, was born in Franklin County, Penn., 
September 3, 1839, second son of Samuel and Catherine (Snider) Ledy. Sam- 
uel Ledy, a farmer by occupation, was born in Washington Township, this 
county, in 1804, and in early life moved to Guilford Township, later to Antrim 
Township, this county, where he resided for thirty years, returning to Guil- 
ford Township in 1886, where he still resides ; he reared to maturity one 
daughter and two sons, of whom two survive: S. S., our subject, and Elizabeth, 
the widow of Samuel Hollinger, residing in Antrim Township, this county. S. 
S. Ledy received a fair education at the public schools of Guilford Township, 
and was engaged in farming on the home place until 1862, when he enlisted 
in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and took part in all the battles up to that of Fredericksburg, 
where he was disabled. He spent some time in the hospital at Washington, 
D. C. , at which place he was discharged from the service on account of dis- 
ability. He returned to Guilford Township, and again engaged in farming 
which he has since successfully followed. In the spring of 1885 he entered the 
mercantile business, purchasing the general store of Mannon & Statler, and is 
now doing an extensive trade. In 1863 Mr. Ledy married Sarah E. , daughter 
of Joseph Hade, a former well-known resident of Antrim Township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ledy are the parents of two children, one son and one daughter: J. 
H. , now a member of the firm of S. S. & J. H. Ledy, and M. Belle, residing 
with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ledy are members of the Reformed Church. 
In politics he is a Republican. He has been school director for many years, 
is postmaster at Marion, and J. H., his son and partner, is assistant postmaster. 
He is still superintending his farm situated a quarter of a mile south of Mar- 
ion, at which place his family reside. Neither of his children is married, and 
J. H. boards with his parents. 

JACOB B. NICKLAS, retired farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in 
Germany, January 11, 1817, a son of Adam, a farmer, and Margaret (Getotc) 



800 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Nicklas, also natives of Germany. Their family consisted of six children, o: 
whom Jacob is the fourth. He grew to manhood in his native country, where 
he was also educated. In 1837 he came to America, and has since resided ir 
Guilford Township, this county, the owner of a well improved farm, on whicl 
he lives. In 1840 he married Sarah, a daughter of John Yaukey, a native oi 
Pennsylvania and a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicklas six children were born 
(five now living) : Jeremiah, killed in the civil war, was a member of the One 
Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Charlotte, wife of John Fisher, 
of Illinois; Sarah, wife of O. D. Miller; Anna Eliza; Joseph, a farmer, and 
Jacob B., who farms the home place. Mr. Nicklas is a Republican, and he 
and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been 
trustee. Their youngest son, Jacob B., was born December 6, 1855, on the* 
farm where he now resides, and was educated in the district schools. He has; 
made farming and cattle breeding his occupation, and has been very success- 
ful. February 18, 1886, he married Sadie, daughter of Henry B. Strock and of 
English descent. Like his father he is a Eepublican. 

FREDERICK J. PFOUTZ, merchant, New Franklin, was born in Guil- 
ford Township. Franklin Co., Penn. , June 15, 1837, and is the eldest child of 
Joseph and Rebecca (Tritle) Pfoutz. He was educated in the public schools: 
of Chambersburg, and clerked in his father's store until the age of fourteen, 
when his father died and he engaged in farming for five or six years. About) 
1857 he commenced school-teaching, which profession he followed until enlist 
ing in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry; was detailed at regimental) 
headquarters, where he served as clerk until the close of the war and was mus- 
tered out at Harrisburg in July, 1865. He returned to civil life and resumed! 
his former profession of teaching in the State of Maryland, teaching in two I 
adjoining districts for nine years. In 1876 he returned to Guilford Township, 
and purchased the property where he still resides, and where he commenced! 
mercantile business, which he has since continued, doing an extensive trade. 
He also devotes much time to acting as clerk at public vendues, and as surveyor, 
which profession he learned from Joseph Snively, Sr. , in 1862. Mr. Pfoutz 
married in that year, Harriet Emma, a daughter of David Pike of Antrim i 
Township, this county, and to this union nine children were born — two daugh- 
ters and three sons now living. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. 
Pfoutz is school director, which position he has held since 1878. 

D. C. RHODES, blacksmith, Stoufferstown, P. O. Chambersburg, was 
born in Franklin County, January 21, 1847, a son of Christian and Martha 
(Metz) Rhodes, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin, 
respectively. In early life Christian Rhodes was a miller, later a farmer; his 
family consisted of five sons and four daughters, of whom D. C. is the sixth 
child. Our subject grew to manhood in his native county, and was educated 
in the district school. At the age of seventeen he commenced to learn the 
blacksmith's trade, which he followed one year. In 1866 he enlisted in the 
United States Regular Army, and served three years, two and a half of which 
he was orderly sergeant of the company which served among the Indians in 
the West. At the close of his term of service he returned to Chambersburg, 
completed his apprenticeship, and has since worked at his trade in Stouffers- 
town. He does all the work on the wagons made here, also on farming imple- 
ments manufactured in the town, and usually employs two blacksmiths. In 
1870 he married Maggie, daughter of Samuel Disert, Sr., who was born in 
Cumberland County, Penn., September 16, 1812, a son of Samuel and Margaret 
(Au) Disert, who were also natives of Pennsylvania and of German and Irish 
origin. Mr. Disert is a prominent farmer in this township. Mr . and Mrs. 



GUILFORD TOWNSHIP. 801 

Rhodes have two children : D. Frank and H. Edgar. Mr. Rhodes is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. . and an active and energetic Republican. 

JACOB C. SNYDER, P. O. New Franklin. This gentleman is a son of 
Peter and Hanna (Cook) Snyder, and was born in Guilford Township, Frank- 
lin County, November 1, 1820. His paternal great-grandfather and grand- 
father were both named Peter, and his maternal great-grandfather and grand- 
father were also named Peter. April 3, 1845, Jacob C. Snyder was married 
by Peter Sahm, D. D. , to Martha Tritle, and to this union have been born 
nine children, viz. : C. Newton, J. Milton, Frederick T. , William A. , J. Ed- 
ward, J. Albert (died September 23, 1855, in infancy), Rebecca Kate, Martha 
Ann and George B. McClellan Snyder. Mr. Snyder has always resided in 
Guilford Township and, as an evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his 
fellow townsmen, it is only necessary to state that he has filled all, or nearly all 
its offices. He was three times assessor and collector of taxes; was school di- 
rector, then auditor, and is now in his fourth term as justice of the peace, 
making a continuous public service of over twenty years. He also served one 
term as mercantile appraiser of Franklin County. His second son, Rev. J. 
Milton Snyder, is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg; was 
also a student for three years in the Theological Seminary of the same place, 
and is now an active minister of the Lutheran Church in Frederick County, 
Md. Mr. Snyder's third son, Frederick T. , is the present register and re- 
corder of deeds of Franklin County, having been elected in the fall of 1884. 

S. W. SOLENBERGER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in 
Guilford Township, Franklin Co., Penn., April 18, 1838, and is the second 
son of John»W. and Elizabeth (Wingerd) Solenberger. He was educated in 
the schools of Guilford Township, and reared to the pursuits of the farm. No- 
vember 17, 1863, he married Lizzie E. , daughter of Jacob Deardorff, a former 
well known resident of Guilford Township. After marriage Mr. Solenberger 
settled on the home place, where he has since remained, occupying the resi- 
dence built by John Wingerd in 1814. To Mr. and Mrs. Solenberger, three 
children were born, all of whom died in infancy. Our subject and wife are 
members of the United Brethren and Dunkard Churches respectively. In 1883 
Mr. Solenberger erected a fine barn on his farm at a cost of $4,000; it is 100 
x54 feet, has a slate roof and perfect ventilation. Mr. Solenberger is an ex- 
tensive and successful breeder of Short-horn cattle. 

JACOB S. STONER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Chambersburg, was 
born where he now resides, February 26, 1845, a son of Isaac and Martha 
(Stouffer) Stoner, the latter a daughter of Jacob Stouffer. Our subject's pa- 
ternal and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of this 
State. Quite a number of the male members of the family have been farmers 
and millers. Isaac Stoner was a farmer, also operated a mill, and was a suc- 
cessful business man. At his death, which occurred in Guilford Township, 
this county, in 1850, and where he spent most of his life, he was the owner of 
200 acres of valuable land in a high state of cultivation. His family consisted 
of five children, of whom Jacob S. is the fourth. The latter spent the early 
years of his life on the farm with his parents, and received his education in the 
schools of the district. At an early age he entered the Frick shops at Waynes- 
boro, and learned the machinist trade, but liking country life better he re- 
turned to farming, and since then has devoted his time to that vocation, which 
has proved successful. He has been twice married: first in 1871, to Miss 
Christiana, daughter of Henry Good, she dying in 1875; he married in 1878 
Miss Kate, daughter of Jacob Strickler. Mr. Stoner has two children by his 
first wife, Alice and Henry, and three by his second, Amos, Frank and Paul. 
In politics he is a Republican. 



802 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JACOB STRICKLER, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Chambersburg, 
was born in Antrim Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , January 23, 1815. His 
parents, Henry (a farmer) and Mary (Price) Strickler, were also natives of 
Pennsylvania and of German origin, and bis paternal and maternal ancestors 
Were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. His father's family 
consisted of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity. Our subject was 
reared on the farm and educated in the schools of Antrim Township, this 
county, and has since devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, at which he has 
been very successful. He owns the well improved, well stocked farm where he 
now resides, and has retired from the active duties of life, having passed the 
management of the farm into the hands of his son Amos, who is the eighth 
child in the family, is married, and makes farming his business. December 
19, 1839, Mr. Strickler married Anna, daughter of Jacob Stouffer, a farmer 
and miller of Guilford Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. Mrs. Strickler is also 
of German origin. She has borne her husband the following named children: 
Henry, a clerk in Waynesboro; Catherine, wife of Jacob Stoner; John, a 
farmer, residing in Frederick County, Va. , married; Abraham, a farmer, resid- 
ing in Peters Township, this county; Mary, at home; Jacob, a merchant in 
Illinois, married; Daniel, also a merchant in Illinois, married; Amos, and 
David, a medical man in Duluth, Minn. 

T. H. WEAGLY, M. D., P. O. Marion, was born near Greencastle, Frank- 
lin Co., Penn., a son of Jeremiah and Anna (Lippy) Weagly, also natives of 
Franklin County. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early 
German settlers of Pennsylvania. His father was a contractor and builder, 
also school-teacher, etc., and has been a magistrate for the past ten years; he 
now resides in Greencastle, Penn. His family consisted of two sons, of whom 
the Doctor is the younger. Our subject's youth was passed on the farm with 
his parents, and he received his early education in the county school; later he 
attended the high school, and then taught with marked success for four years. 
In 1878 he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Grubb, of 
Greencastle, and afterward attended the medical college at Baltimore for a short 
time; then practiced medicine for two years, and in 1881-82 attended the med- 
ical college at Baltimore, Md. , graduating with honor in 1882. That year he 
came to Marion, where his personal accomplishments and professional skill soon 
Won the regard of the community, and he rapidly acquired an extensive and 
lucrative practice, which embraces a large portion of the influential families of 
the town and surrounding country. The Doctor is a member of the A. L. of 
H. In politics he is a Democrat. 

JOHN W. WITHERSPOON, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in 
Guilford Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , October 4, 1843, and is the youngest 
son of David and Massie Ann (Caruthers) Witherspoon. David Witherspoon 
was born in Guilford Township, July 19, 1798, and was the son of James With- 
erspoon, a carpenter by trade, who came to Franklin County about 1780, and 
resided in Greencastle, for a time engaged at his trade; James later (about 
1782 or 1783) purchased and settled the farm which is now the home of his 
grandson, John W. He purchased the 125 acres as it now is, and which was 
partially improved, at a sheriff's sale, and here passed the remainder of his 
life. Here his son* David, also passed his life, and the greater part of the 
family residence was bmilt by him (David) in 1843, and the large and commo- 
dious barn in 1866. David reared to maturity four sons and four daughters, 
the sons and three daughters now living. He was a justice of the peace for some 
years and a member of the Presbyterian Church for seventy years. He was a 
successful farmer and died November 18, 1884. John W. Witherspoon was 



HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 803 

educated at the public schools of Guilford, and also attended the academy at 
Chambersburg for three sessions. He was reared to farming and remained on 
the home place until the spring of 1864, when he enlisted in the United States 
Signal Corps; was stationed with the middle military division under Gens. 
Sigel. Hunter and Sheridan, and participated in the battles at Winchester, 
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, serving until the close of the war. He was 
mustered out with his corps, at Winchester, .Va. , in August, 1805, returned to 
civil life and engaged in school-teaching for three winter sessions, and in the 
spring of 1868 moved to West Virginia, where he was engaged in farming for 
some six years. In 1874 he returned to Guilford Township, and located on the 
farm where he has since resided. January 28, 1875, he married Mary E. 
Mickey, who bore him two daughters and four sons: Robert Ralph, John W., 
Mary E., Florence L., David Erskine and Quin M. Mr. and Mrs. Wither- 
spoon are members of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church; he is a member of 
Housum Post, No. 309, G. A. R. ; has been school director for the township 
for six years. In politics he is a Republican. 

JACOB G. ZUG, retired farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Lebanon 
County, Penn. , September 7, 1830, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Geib) Zug, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. He is the second of live chil- 
dren; was educated in the country schools and chose the occupation of his 
father, that of fanning, which in early life he followed in Lebanon County, 
dealing also in stock. In 1876 he sold his farm in Lebanon County for 
$182 per acre, and bought his present farm for $145 per acre. His land 
adjoins Stoufferstown and is highly prized, being considered one of the best 
farms in Guilford Township. In 1854 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter 
of John Doster, Lancaster County, Penn. , and of German origin. Mrs. Zug 
bore her husband live children, four now living: Cassie, Anna, Daniel and Eli. 
Mrs. Zug died in 1884, a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, 
and Mr. Zug next married Sallie Pottier, also a member of the German Baptist 
Church. Mr. Zug is a Republican, and while a resident of Lebanon County 
held most of the township offices; he served six years as school director. 



HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 

ANDREW BARD, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letterkenny 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , March 27, 1823, and is a son of Andrew and Mary 
(Crider) Bard, natives of Franklin County and of German and English descent. 
His father, who was a farmer, died when our subject was six months old, and 
the latter remained with his mother four years, when he was put out among 
his relatives. He lived with an uncle and a sister until he was sixteen years of 
age, and then worked by the month until he was twenty-six. When he arrived 
at the age of twenty-one he went to Richland County, Ohio, and worked four 
years; then returned, married and located where he now resides, and owns 
eighty-five acres of land. He married, February 27, 1849, Margaret, daughter 
of Jacob and Margaret Deihl. Mr. and Mrs. Bard are the parents of ten chil- 
dren, four of whom are living: William F., Jacob A., John C. and Ella N. , all 
married. The parents are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. 
Bard has held the office of constable twenty-one years, and that of road super- 
visor three terms by election, and was appointed by the court once. He is an 
enterprising citizen of his township and county and is quite a prominent man. 



804 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

PHILIP BERLIN, retired farmer, Chambersburg. was born in that plac( 
September 24, 1814, and is a son of Philip and Mary A. (Coover) Berlin, of Ger 
man descent and natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant in Cham i 
bersburg for about forty years, and operated three stores of dry goods anc 
groceries. In 1827 he was nominated and elected a member of the Legislature 
by the Republican party; he was also director of the first railroad from Harris- j 
burg to Chambersburg. About 1840 he sold out his stores and bought a grist- 
mill and farm adjoining Chambersburg, which he conducted until 1846, 
when he sold out and moved back to Chambersburg, where he died in 1864 at the 
advanced age of eighty-three. He was an active member of the Lutheran 
Church for about sixty years. Philip Berlin, Jr., was reared in Chambers- 
burg, where he received his education. When his father bought the mill and 
farm he conducted both as long as he owned them. In 1846 he moved to 
where he now resides, and owns 150 acres of land, on which he made some fine 
improvements. He was married in April, 1842, to Miss Eliza Besore, and 
they are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living — five daughters 
and two sons. Mrs. Berlin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Mr. Berlin is a Republican in politics. He was an active farmer up to a few 
years ago, but is now living in retirement and his son is conducting the farm. , 

JOHN H. BLAIR, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Westmore- 
land County, Penn., May 18, 1844, and is a son of James and Jaue (Humes) 
Blair, former a native of Ireland, latter of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish 
descent. James Blair was a farmer, an occupation he followed in Westmore 
land County until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1875. John H. Blain 
lived in Westmoreland County, Penn., and farmed until 1878. He taught' 
school for five terms, and in the spring of 1878 moved to where he now resides, , 
and where he owns 370 acres of land in two tracts, part of which was inherited! 
by his wife. H$ visited the centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, remaining five 
days. Mr. Blair married, December 26, 1872, Anna E. Shields, who bore him I 
six children, five of whom are living: Ida M., Sarah J., James S. , Ray and am 
infant daughter (Scott H. is deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of\ 
the Central Presbyterian Church at Chambersburg. He has held the office of 
school director for several years; has been judge of election and inspector, assess- 
or and director in Franklin creamery. He is quite an extensive stock raiser, 
making a specialty of Short-horn cattle, and horses. He has an interest in an> 
imported Percheron horse, which is valued at $2,000. Politically he is a 
Democrat. 

GEORGE CHRIST, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Washing- 
ton County, Md. , December 10, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Louisa Christ, 
natives of Germany, and who came to Baltimore in 1840. and thence to Cham- 
bersburg, where they lived several years and Peter Christ followed his trade, that 
of shoemaking. He then moved to Washington County, Md. , and lived five 
years; then to where George now resides, where he bought a farm of 214 acres, 
and remained here about eleven years. He is now living in Guilford Town- 
ship, this county. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his 
parents until he was thirty years of age, when he purchased 150 acres of the 
home place, and has since lived here with the exception of a few years. He 
married, January 22, 1878, Margaret J. Hoffman, and to them six children 
were born, five now living : Louisa M. , Anna M. , Henry G. , Sophia A. and 
Etha J. (Louis, the second born, is deceased.) Mr. and Mrs. Christ are 
members of the Catholic Church at Chambersburg. He has held the office of 
supervisor and also that of school director. 

DAVID EBY, miller, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letterkenny Town- 



HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 805 

skip, Franklin Co., Penn., December 1, 1830, and is a son of Jacob and 
Martha (Snider) Eby, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His 
cn-eat- grandfather was born in Germany. Jacob Eby, after his marriage, moved 
to Guilford Township and kept a hotel for seven years on the Baltimore and 
Charnbersburg pike (when stages ran from Baltimore to Chambersburg), and 
he used to stable from twenty-five to thirty teams in one night. In 1840 he 
moved two miles west of Chambersburg, on the Bedford and Chambersburg 
pike, and kept hotel twenty-two years; bought 120 acres of land and lived there 
until 1853, when he moved to Chambersburg, where he bought property and 
here lived until his death, which occurred April 19, 1881. He was four times 
married; his first wife bore him seven children, his second, two, and his fourth 
one. David, the eldest, was reared on a farm and remained with his parents 
until twenty- seven years of age, when he was married; he went to St. Thomas 
Township and lived on the farm of his father-in-law, Jacob Detrick, four years. 
In 1863 he moved to his father' s farm, where he remained until the spring of 
1865, and in the spring of 1864 his barn was burned by the rebels, at the same 
time Chambersburg was burned, on pretext of his having hauled John Brown's 
goods to Sheppardstown and Hagerstown. He had six horses taken from him 
in 1862, and his father lost eight horses and a barn and all the grain that had 
been garnered. In 1863 David had taken from him eleven head of cattle and 
all his feed. He was drafted in 1865 and paid $1,200 for a substitute. In 
1870 he bought the grist-mill he is now running and has thirty-one acres of 
land, which he farms in connection with the running of the mill. In the fall 
of 1872 he built a large two-story brick house at a cost of 13, 700. He was mar- 
ried October 12, 1858, to Mary Detrick, and they are the parents of six chil- 
dren: Harry C. , George D., Amos S. , Howard S., Annie M. and Mattie. 
Mr. Eby has held the office of school director and school treasurer. He is one 
of the prominent men of Hamilton Township, and is a public-spirited citizen. 
In 1876 Mr. Eby was appointed chief marshal of Hamilton Township to repre- 
sent the centennial of his. district. Both he and his wife are generous and 
good, giving to the poor in time of need. 

JOHN FOUTZ, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , February 19, 1836, and is a son of Jacob and 
Mary (Swigert) Foutz, natives of Franklin County, and of German descent 
His father, who was a farmer by occupation, and which he followed in St. 
Thomas Township, died in 1848. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and 
was fourteen years of age when he began life for himself, and worked out by 
the month until he was married. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he 
followed for about five years; then bought a farm in St. Thomas Township 
and lived there about five years; then sold out and rented one year. In 1868 
he bought the place where he now resides, consisting of seventy acres, and 
here he has since lived. He was drafted in Company C, One Hundred and 
Twelfth Pennsylvania Artillery, in 1862, and served nine months. He was 
married in 1854 to Leah, daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Miller) Etter, na- 
tives of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Foutz are the parents of seven children: 
Jacob, Susanna, Mary, John, Ellen, Harry and Charlie. Mrs. Foutz is a 
member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Foutz is a Democrat. 

JOHN A. GROVE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Franklin 
County, Penn., January 16, 1856, and is a son of John and Margaret (Lin- 
' ninger) Grove, natives of this county, and of English descent. His father, 
John, was a farmer, an occupation he followed until about four years ago, 
when he moved to Chambersburg, and is now living a retired life. Our sub- 
ject was born and reared where he now lives, and remained with his parents 



806 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

until twenty-four years of age, when he was married, April 27, 1880, to Luella> 
daughter of Solomon and Ann (Baker) Holler. After marriage he moved on 
one of his father's farms, a short distance below where he now resides. Mr. 
and Mrs. Grove have two children: Clarence E. and Verba E. 

HENRY KEEFER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , May 22, 1822, and is a son of Abraham and Su- 
san (Price) Keefer, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His father 
was a farmer, an occupation he followed until his death, which occurred in 
March, 1864, on the farm adjoining where he was born. Our subject's grand- 
father was ninety-six years of age at the time of his death. Henry remained 
with his parents until he was twenty years of age, when he commenced for: 
himself. He farmed with his father ten years on shares; then bought the 
farm, consisting of 140 acres, on which he lived until 1864. But during his 
residence here he bought another farm of seventy-three acres. In the spring 
of 1864 he bought 176 acres, on which he moved, and here has since lived. 
He now owns 452 acres; also a tract of seventeen acres of timber land, a 
house and lot in Sandy Hook; another tract of timber land of fifteen acres, and 
one of 224 acres, also of timber. He owns a half interest in a steam saw-mill, 
and a third interest in 1,200 acres of timber land. March 12, 1844, Mr. 
Keefer married Elizabeth Weist, and they are the parents of ten children, seven 
of whom are living: Jerome H. , Levina, Henry D. , C. W., Daniel H., Wesley 
G. and Emma V. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer are members of the German Re- 
formed Church. Mr. Keefer is an intelligent and enterprising citizen. 

WILLIAM B. KEEFER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Cum- 
berland County, Penn. , November 27, 1837, and is a son of Samuel and Han- 
nah (Martin) Keefer, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a native off 
Berks County, Penn. , and moved to Cumberland County when quite young, , 
where he remained until 1840, when he removed to Franklin County and lo- 
cated in Guilford Township, where he rented a farm until the spring of 1849. . 
He then moved to where our subject now lives, where he bought a small farmi 
and lived until his death, which occurred December 11, 1875. William B 
was reared on the farm, and remained with his parents most of their lives. In i 
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth i 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He participated! 
in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Va. , and was mustered 
out at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He returned home and has been i 
engaged in farming arid carpentering ever since (the latter he learned when 
quite young). He was married October 1, 1863, to Margaret McDonald, and 
five children have been born to them: Mary, Ellen, Anna, Ida and William E. 
Mr. and Mrs. Keefer are members of the United Brethren Church. 

WILLIAM KIMPEL, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Bavaria, 
Germany, February 14, 1830, and is a son of John and Catherine (Drep) Kim- 
pel, natives of Germany. John Kimpel was a shoemaker by trade, which he 
followed until coming to the United States. In May, 1842, he with his family 
bade farewell to their fatherland, took passage at Bremen and, after a voyage 
of eight weeks, arrived at Baltimore; thence they moved to Adams County, 
Penn. ; thence to Baltimore, Md. ; lived there from spring to fall, and then, in 
1848, moved into Franklin County and he bought a small farm near Cham- 
bersburg, where he lived until his death in November, 1884. William Kim- 
pel was reared on a farm, and started in life for himself when twenty-two years 
of age. He worked out until 1864, spending one year in Ohio. In 1864 he 
bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of eighty-five acres, on which 
he has since resided. He married, May 17, 1854, Catherine Miller, who has 



HAMILTON TOWNSHir. 80? 

borne him ten children: Mary M. , Catherine, Elizabeth, Martha, Louisa, John 
W., Edward, Ambrose, Elouises and George. Mr. and Mrs. Kimpel are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church of Chambersburg. 

JACOB KRIDER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , November 1, 1811, and is a son of Henry and 
Fannie (Oner) Krider, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His 
great-grandfather came from Germany. His father was a farmer, an occupa- 
tion he followed all his life. His grandfather located in Lebanon County, 
where Jacob's father was born. He came to Hamilton Township in an early 
day, where he bought a farm and lived until his death, which occurred in 1844. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until he was 
twenty- foiu* years af age, when he married and located in St. Thomas Town- 
ship, where his father had willed him a farm of 177 acres of land, and there 
he lived until 1863, when he moved to where he now resides. He built a grist- 
mill on his farm in St. Thomas Township, and operated it so long as he lived 
there. He owns twenty- five and a half acres of land where he now resides. 
He married, March 15, 1836, Christiana Howard, who bore him twelve chil- 
dren, only one now living, Fannie, married to J. W. McLeery. (They reside in 
St. Thomas Township, this county. ) Mr. Krider has held the office of director 
of the poor and supervisor, and is one of the old pioneers of Franklin County. 
He has been an active business man, and is now enjoying the fruits of his in- 
dustry. The Indians were still on the land when his grandfather settled in 
this county, and Mr. Krider says that he has heard his father say that it waa 
not safe to be out alone. 

FREDERICK MISH, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letter- 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., October 11, 1810, and is a son of 
John and Margaret (Waller) Mish, natives of Pennsylvania. John Mish was a 
farmer by occupation, which he followed the greater part of his life. In 1812 
he moved to St. Thomas Township, this county, where he bought 281 acres of 
cultivated land and eighty-one acies of mountain land; in 1827 he moved to 
Guilford Township, where he bought a farm and lived six years; then sold out 
and moved to his farm in St. Thomas Township, where he lived until his 
death in 1842. Our subject then farmed the old homestead until 1848, when 
he sold it to the heirs and moved to the northern part of Hamilton Township, 
and bought a farm where he resided until 1871; then moved to where he now 
resides, and where he owns 100 acres of land. He married, October 15, 1835, ' 
Mary A. Coble, and six children were born to them, five living: Charlotte E., 
Jeremiah L., George W., John F. and Jacob W. Mrs. Mish died in 1857, 
and in 1869 Mr. Mish married Prucilla (Newman) Knaue. He has held the 
offices of road supervisor and school director, and is numbered among the old 
pioneers now living in Franklin County. He is ranked among the prominent 
men; has been an active business man and a good farmer, and is esteemed by 
all who know him. He owns a tract in the northern part of Hamilton Town- 
ship of 285 acres and fifteen acres of mountain land. 

GEORGE REED (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Penn. , April 9, 
1819, and was a son of Casper and Barbara (Stake) Reed, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and of German descent. George was quite young when his father died, 
was reared on a farm and worked around on farms until he was married; he 
then cropped for his father in-law for about four years; then entered the tan- 
nery of William McLean, where he worked for seventeen years in Amberson' a 
Valley ; he then worked at Doylesburg for the same party and here was fore- 
man for eighteen years, being engaged in the tannery business for about 
thirty-five years. He also carried on a country store in Doylesburg for seven 



'808 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years, while he was working at the tannery business. In 1881 he moved to 
where his widow now lives, and thsre bought eighty-two acres, which Mrs. 
Reed still retains. He was married in December, 1842, to Barbara M. Stake, 
Who bore him nine children: Margaret J., married to C. J. Eckenrode; Eina- 
line, married to K. P. Rosenbury; George W. , married to Lillian Farce, re- 
siding in Chicago; Howard C, married to Catherine Widney; Reuben, mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Long; Almira E., married to George B. Henderson; James 
E., married to Jennie Jeffries; William A., married to R. Eckenrode, and Mor- 
row Mc. , who operates a steam saw-mill, threshing machine and huller. Mr. 
Reed died May 14, 1883, a consistent member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church. 

SAMUEL S. REISHER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Penn., August 5, 1843, and is a son of Daniel S. and Nancy (Hu- 
ber) Reisher, natives of this county, and of German descent. His great- 
grandfather, on his father's side, was of German descent, and his ancestors in 
this county are traced back a long way. His great-grandfather was the second 
inhabitant of Chambersburg. His grandfather served as justice of the peace 
in Chambersburg for about thirty years. His father attended Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle, until he was twenty years old, when he married and located 
on a farm in Hamilton Township, where he lived ten years; then moved to 
Greene Township where he remained five years; then moved to Chambers- 
burg, where he is now living a retired life. Samuel S. was reared on a 
farm and remained with his parents until nineteen years of age; then 
enlisted in the service of his country, August 5, 1862, in Company D, One 
Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served 
six months, and was discharged at Philadelphia on account of disability. On 
his return from the war he farmed the homestead for five years, then bought 
the farm of ninety-nine acres where he now resides. He was married March 
9, 1865, to Sarah Miller, and they are the parents of twelve children, eight of 
whom are living: Daniel H, Minnie G., William S., Ella, Benjamin, George, 
Nancy A. and Mary E. Mrs. Reisher is a member of the Reformed Church. 
Mr. Reisher has held the offices of township auditor, inspector of elections, 
and has been school director for twelve years; has also served as census enu- 
merator, and is now holding the office of county auditor. Mr. Reisher is one of 
the prominent men of Franklin County and a substantial and thrifty farmer. 
Politically he is a Democrat. 

JOHN N. SNIDER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Lurgan 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 6, 1815, and is a son of Nicholas and 
Catherine (Howard) Snider, natives of Franklin County, and of German 
descent. His grandfather on his father's side came from Germany. Nicholas 
Snider was a scythe-maker by trade, which he followed until 1818, when he 
moved to Guilford Township, this county, and bought a saw and grist-mill, 
which he conducted until his death in 1838. Our subject was reared on a 
farm, remaining with his father until his death ; he then rented the farm for 
one year afterward. His stepmother bought property in Marion where he 
moved and resided one year; then he married and located in Hamilton Town- 
ship, where he bought 179 acres of land, on which he resided ten years. He 
then sold out and bought 116 acres, where he now lives, and on which he has 
made all the improvements, showing that Mr. Snider is an industrious and en- 
terprising citizen. He married, February 3, 1842, Barbara, daughter of Jacob 
and Martha (Laman) Deihl, a native of Franklin County. Mr. and Mrs. Sni- 
der are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living : Martha, married 
to Samuel West; Catherine; Margaret, married to Benjamin Gruner; Cyrenius, 



LETTEEKEXNY TOWNSHIP. 809 

married to Jacob C. Waggoner; Mary, married to Henry K. Baker; David C. , 
married to Emma Baker; Laura J., married to Calvin Etter, and John M., 
married to Annie Kuhn. The parents are members of tht> Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Snider now holds the office of road supervisor. He is one of the active 
men of Franklin County, and has witnessed the development of improvements 
for seventy years. He is one of the oldest settlers in Hamilton Township, and 
is esteemed very highly by all who know him. Politically he is a Republican. 
ZADOC WOLFE, miller, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Antrim Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., April 28, 1832, and is a son of Henry H. and 
Rachael (Hood) Wolfe, natives of Maryland, and of English descent. His 
grandfather Hood participated in the Revolutionary war. His father, Henry 
H. , came to Franklin County in 1832, and located in Antrim Township, where 
he followed milling for about sixteen years. He then moved back to Maryland, 
and operated in the milling business for one year, then returned to Franklin 
County, where he followed milling the remainder of his life, a business in 
which he was thoroughly practical; he died about 1865, the father of fourteen 
children, seven of whom are now living, four sons and three daughters : Tobthia, 
George, John, Jose, Zadoc, Catherine and Henrietta. Zadoc Wolfe was brought 
up to the miller' s trade, and served under his father until twenty-one years of 
age, when he rented a mill at Mercersburg, and his father lived with him and 
worked for him until he died. He conducted the mill at Mercersburg about nine 
years, and then rented Rankin' s mill, near Greencastle, which he operated two 
years; thence moved to McAuley's mill, which he operated eight years. In 1872 
he bought the mill property he is now operating from H. M. White, for which he 
paid $5,000. He also bought a small farm adjoining of forty acres, but has 
sold it, for which he paid $2,200. He also owns a still-house in connection 
with his mill, but is not operating it at present, and in addition to his other 
business he carries a stock of groceries and notions. Mr. Wolfe is a practical 
miller, having been brought up in the mill from early youth, and is a thorough 
business man. His son, Jose E., has charge of the mill, and is also the miller. 
Mr. Wolfe was married August 21, 1856, to Mary C. Pensinger, a daughter of 
Jacob, Jr., and Mary Pensinger. Our subject and wife are the parents of seven 
children, five of whom are living: William F. (married to Nettie Over), Jose 
E., Mary E., Jacob S. and Emma G. Jacob Pensinger, Jr., father of Mrs. 
Wolfe, was one of the early settlers of Franklin County, and was tbe father of 
ten children, four of whom are living: William, John, Thomas and Mary C. 
He resided at Greencastle for many years, but later moved to Camp Hill. He 
was engaged in farming near Greencastle all his life. He died at the age of 
ninety-one years. 



LETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN BESORE. farmer. P. O. Upper Strasburg, was born February 5, 
1810, on the old homestead of his father. His great-grandfather, Peter Besore, 
was born in Switzerland, came to America when a young man, and settled in 
Lancaster County, Penn., where he farmed; his son, Peter, was born in Berlin, 
York Co., Penn., and married Rachel Likener, of French descent, who lived 
to be seventy years old and died in this county, whei-e the husband had bought 
a farm in Letterkenny Township, on which he died. They were the parents 
•of the following named children: Adam, William, Moses, George, Peter (father 

45 



810 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of our subject), Balser, Mrs. Rachael Wright, Mrs. Elizabeth Beard, Mrs. Peggi 
Dice and Mrs. Hannah Huber, thev mother of Judge Huber. Peter Beson 
(father of this family) was first a member of the Lutheran Church, but later o: 
the Methodist Episcopal, and the first Methodist meeting in the township wai 
held at his house. He also served in several of the county offices, and was. 
commissioner of the poor many years. Subject's father, Peter, was born irj 
York County February, 9, 1779, and was bat four years old when he came 
to Franklin County. He was a farmer, and owned the place where our sub- 
ject now resides, and which consisted of 202 acres. He married Elizabeth, 
a daughter of John Schleichter, of an old pioneer family. She died at the 
age of sixty-six years, and her husband at the age of seventy-five. Thej 
were parents of the following named children, now living: John (our subject), 
Mrs. Elizabeth Berlin, Mrs. Lydia Oyler, Mrs. Leah Metz, Hannah, Mrs. Re 
becca Huber, of Martinsburg, and George Besore. Rachel, Peter, William and' 
Amos K. are deceased. The parents were members of the United Brethrer 
Church. The father was a Democrat, and served as supervisor of his township. 
Our subject was educated in the early schools of the county, and has all his life 
been a successful man. He now has a farm of 202 acres, and owns half of 121 
acres. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, a Democrat, politi-i 
cally, and cast his first Vote for Andrew Jackson. 

GEORGE W. BESORE, farmer, P. O. Upper Strasburg, was born inj 
Letterkenny Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , May 4, 1829, a son of Peter and 
Elizabeth (Schlichter) Besore, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. 
His paternal grandmother could speak both German and French. His great 
grandfather came from Switzerland, and settled in York Comity, where h 
lived several years. He then came to Franklin County, and bought a farm i 
Letterkenny Township, where he lived until his death. Our subject's grand 
father, Peter Besore, was born in York County, Penn. ; moved to Frankli: 
County, Penn. , where he lived, engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death 
Peter, subject's father, followed farming also, in Letterkenny Township, an 
owned before his death 526 acres, which has since been divided among hisi 
heirs. George W. was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until 
they both died. He and his brother, John, then operated the three farm 
until 1861, when our subject built on the farm where he now resides and move 
to it. He married in December, 1859, Mary C. , daughter of John and Eliza 
beth (Karper) Rife. Mr. and Mrs. Besore are the parents of three children 
John R. , William H. and Jennie E. Mr. and Mrs. Besore are members of th 
Lutheran Church at Upper Strasburg. He has served one term each as audi 
tor, assessor and judge of elections. He owns 166 acres of well improve^ 
land, and a large two-story brick house and fine barn. In politics he is a Dem 
ocrat. 

LANDIS A. BESORE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letter 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., May 22, 1848, a son of Peter and Mag 
dalena (Landis) Besore, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Hii 
great-grandfather came from Switzerland. His grandfather, Peter, was 
farmer and lived where John Besore now resides, he was also a slaveholder 
and one of the early settlers of this county. Subject's father was born in 181 
and reared on his father's farm. He was a prominent man in the county 
at the time of his death owned two farms aggregating 450 acres. Landis A, 
was reared on a farm and remained at home until he was twenty- four yean 
old, when he married, located where he now resides and remained three years 
then bought a property on the Green Village road, where he resided five years 
during which time he was not engaged at anything particular on account of il 



LETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP. 811 

health. In 1874 he moved back to his present place, and now owns 275 acres, 
of which sixty-live is in heavy timber. May 29, 1872, he married Mary, 
daughter of Henry Stouffer, and seven children have been born to them, six 
now living: Mamie E., Emma L., Kate A., Daisy B., George M. and Alice G. 
Mrs. Besore is a member of the United Brethren Chnrch. Our subject also 
engages to some extent in stock raising. 

JOHN S. BRAKE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letter- 
kenny Towbship, Franklin Co. , Penn. , December 13, 1825, and is a son of 
John and Catherine (Schlichter) Brake, natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger- 
man descent. His grandfather, Christian, came to Franklin County at a very 
early day, the exact date not now known, but probably over 100 years ago. 
He settled where John S. now lives, and bought 1 10 acres of land, the greater 
part of which he cleared. The Indians were at that time very numerous, and 
he experienced all the hardships of the pioneer, but after years of hard work 
saved enough money to buy another farm (where Jacob Schlichter now resides) 
moved on it, and there remained until his death. Our subject's father, John, 
was born and reared where our subject now lives. He was a farmer, and com- 
menced for himself when only seventeen years old, working hard until he 
saved enough money to purchase a farm; at one time he owned 320 acres. He 
was the father of five sons — John S. , Solomon, Jacob (deceased), Jeremiah, 
Christian (deceased) — and two daughters, Magdelena and Catharine. John S. , 
the fourth in the family, was born on the farm where he now lives. He re- 
mained with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, when he began to do 
for himself. He married and settled on his father's farm, but in 1852 moved 
on the homestead where he has since lived, and owns 104 acres. December 
17, 1850, he married Malinda, daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Grove) 
Foltz, and four children have been born to this union, all of whom are now 
deceased Mr. and Mrs. Brake are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He has served as auditor two terms, and supervisor two terms. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

SOLOMON BRAKE, retired farmer, P. O. Keefers, was born in the 
house where he now lives, in Letterkenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., 
April 23, 1828, a son of John and Catherine (Schlichter) Brake, natives of 
Letterkenny Township and of German descent, our subject's great-grandfather 
having come from Germany. Subject's grandfather, Christian, came to Frank- 
lin County some time in the eighteenth century and located in this township, 
where he owned two farms. Here he lived and followed agricultural pursuits 
until his death. John Brake, father of our subject, was born July 2, 1795, 
on the farm where Jacob Schlichter now lives. He was drafted in the war of 
1812, but paid his tine, being then only seventeen years of age. When a 
young man he moved to where his son, Solomon, now lives and, in partner- 
ship with Frederick Deck, bought 300 acres of land, which they afterward 
divided, Mr. Brake taking the buildings and 1 00 acres of land. He lived here 
until his death, which occurred quite suddenly of apoplexy in 1858. He was 
one of the prominent men of the township. Solomon has always romained 
on the homestead, owns 400 acres of valuable land, and has made some fine 
improvements within the last few years. A part of the house in which he re- 
sides is built of hewed logs, and was erected by a Mr. McConnell over 100 
years ago. It is very old fashioned, but perfectly sound and well constructed. 
August 22, 1882, Mr. Brake married Sarah B. Wineman, and one child has 
been born to them, Frank W. Mr. Brake has now retired from active business, 
has his work done by hired hands, and rents out on shares. 

JOHN A. DICE, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Letterkenny 



812 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Township, this county, October 5, 1833, a son of Michael and Sophia (Ash- 
way) Dice, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His grandpar- 
ents came to Franklin County in an early day and settled in Letterkenny 
Township, where the grandfather engaged in distilling until his death. Our 
subject's father, Michael, was a farmer (owning two farms), which occupation 
he followed until his death in May, 1870. His widow died in August, 1873. 
He was a strong Democrat, had held minor offices in the township, and was a 
prominent man. John A. was reared on the farm and remained at home 
until twenty-three years of age, when die went to Summit County, Ohio, and 
was absent one year engaged on a farm. On his return he remained four years, 
then married and located on his father's farm in Hamilton Township, where 
he remained one year. March 22, 1862, he moved to where he now lives and 
has since resided on this place; has made a great many improvements, and built 
a large barn and addition to his house. During the war he was troubled a 
great deal by the rebels, but succeeded in saving his horses from being taken by 
hiding them in the bushes. In January, 1861, he married Elizabeth (Snider) 
Musselman, and four children were born to this union: Martin S. , John F., 
David and Eliza. Mrs. Dice died August 8, 1881. Mr. Dice owns 165 acres 
of land, where he now lives, 191 acres in Hamilton Township, also 128 acres, 
and seventy-two acres of mountain land. He has held the office of school 
director, assistant assessor, auditor, etc., and is an intelligent and enterpris- 
ing citizen. He has erected good buildings on all his farms. 

ABRAHAM R. HOOVER, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Chambersburg, 
was born in Letterkenny Township. Franklin Co., Penn. , April 19, 1846, a 
son of Henry O. and Lydia (Rabuck) Hoover, natives of Pennsylvania and of 
German descent. His grandfather, Christian Hoover, born in Lancaster 
County, Penn. , came to Franklin County in an early day and settled in Let- 
terkenny Township, where he purchased a farm and followed agricultural pur- 
suits until his death in 1867. He was a minister and bishop of the River 
Brethren denomination for many years. Our subject's great grandfather came 
from Germany to America when quite a young man, and his father was born 
near Pleasant Hall, where he remained with his parents some years after ar- 
riving at manhood. He then moved to Lurgan Township, where he still re- 
sides and owns a farm of 200 acres. Abraham R. was reared on the farm 
and remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he married 
and settled on the homestead farm and remained ten years. In 1878 he moved 
to where he now lives, and owns 271 acres of clear land and sixty-six acres of 
mountain laud, and has made all the improvements since living here, except 
building the house. In May, 1882, he engaged in the dairy business and has 
since conducted it. He keeps from twenty-five to thirty-five cows and young 
stock, manufactures butter, cheese, etc. , and has a ready sale for all he can 
make for the home trade. He manufactures about 1 40 pounds of butter and 
150 pounds of cheese a week, which is of the very best quality. He also deals 
in poultry, having a very extensive poultry house, getting from 125 to 135 eggs 
a day during the egg season. He also deals extensively in swine and stock of 
all kinds. Mr. Hoover married, August 22, 1867, Mary, daughter of Henry 
and Catherine Clippinger, and seven children were born to this union, five of 
whom are living: Abbie V., Annie I., Henry C, Isaac S. and Anthony H. 
Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Hoover, were married on a rainy day and took the early 
train at Shippensburg ; thence to Monmouth, 111. ; thence to Burlington Iowa, 
and Indiana and were absent eight weeks. Returning home, Mr. Hoover 
settled down to work, at which he has since remained. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover 
are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is superintendent of 
the Sunday-school, trustee and class leader. 



LETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP. 813 

HEILMAN S. HUBER, farmer and stock raiser, P. 0. Chambersburg, 
was born in Lebanon County. Penn., April 10, 1837, a son of John and Mary 
(Heilman) Hnber, natives of Lebanon County, and of German descent. His 
great-grandfather was the lirst of his ancestors to settle in Franklin County, 
over 100 years ago. The house is still standing which he erected, and bears 
date 1798. It is bnilt of stone, two stories in height, with eight rooms. The 
barn is also standing, built of solid stone. He took up about 400 acres of 
land, and traded a gun to the Indians for the farm on which our subject now 
resides, because there was a spring of water on it. This farm next passed into 
the hands of our subject's grandfather, Benjamin, who married a Miss Risser, 
bought the property and lived on it until 1845, when he sold it to his son John, 
and moved to a small farm adjoining, where he resided until his death. Our 
subject's father lived on the farm until the spring of 1888, when he moved to 
Chambersburg, where he has since lived a retired life. He owned at one time 
250 acres of good land. Heilman S. was reared in Lebanon County until eight 
years of age, when he moved with his parents to Franklin County, who settled 
where he now lives. He remained with them until he was thirty years of age, 
when his father moved to town, and our subject then took the place and farmed 
it on shares for eight years, but had previously bought one-half. He lived on 
the old homestead until the spring of 1876, when he moved to where he now 
resides, and where he had previously erected a large, two-story, brick build- 
ing and barn at a cost of about $5,000. It is beautifully located with neat 
surroundings. Mr. Huber owns 250 acres, and knows how to farm to make 
money. He employs four regular farm hands, and has three sets of buildings 
on the farm in which his employes live. He deals in fine graded stock very 
extensively, raising horses and cattle, selling off in the spring and buying again 
in the fall. He was married, February 28, 1808, to Amanda Plough, daugh- 
ter of Jacob Plough, and four children were born to their union, one living, 
Harry H. The family attend the services of the United Brethren Church. Mr. 
Huber is one of the prominent men of the county, and a substantial farmer. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN B. KAUFMAN. (See biography under Chambersburg, page 055. ) 
WILLIAM S. KEEFER, farmer, P. 0. Reefers, was born in Letterkenny 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., December 22, 1825, a son of DeWalt and Re- 
becca (Beard) Keefer, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Scotch- 
Irish descent, respectively. Our subject's great-grandfather. Abraham Keefer, 
was born in Darmstadt, Germany, which country he left with four sons for 
America, arriving in Berks County, Penn., with three sons (one having died 
on the passage out), and there resided until his death. Subject's grandfather, 
Christian Keefer, was born in Berks County, Penn. , but moved to this county 
when about twenty-one years of age. He and his brother. DeWalt, settled at 
Strasburg. which they named after the German city. He laid off the town, 
sold the lots, but followed farming himself. He also fought in the Revolution, 
having held some commission in the service. In 1811 he moved to where Cy- 
rus T. Keefer now lives, and with his brother, Abraham, bought 1,000 acres of 
land, and as their sons grew up it was divided into six farms, which were given 
to the sons. Oar subject's father, DeWalt, was given the homestead, where 
he lived until his death. He was quite a prominent man and held a number of 
the township offices, serving as county commissioner one term. He owned 
three farms, amounting to 800 acres, and died in 1800. William S. was born 
and reared on the farm where his brother Cyrus now lives. He was the eldest 
of the family, and remained at home until thirty years of age, when he moved 
to where he now resides, and purchased 214 acres of cleared land and 150 



814 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

acres of timber. He now owns another farm of 138 acres, known as the Kar- 
per farm, in Letterkenny Township,, and a tract of 10,000 acres in Hardy 
County, Va., nearly all timber of an excellent kind, principally pine; there are 
also some tine grazing fields. Mr. Keefer is one of the prominent men of the 
county, and served as enrolling officer for three years and a half. May 14, 
1852, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Reed) Eberly. 
To this union four children were born, two now living: Jacob R., married to 
Miss Immell, and AnnaE., wife of Clayton Keefer. Mrs. Keefer died in 1865, 
and in 1867 Mr. Keefer married Eliza Huber, who bore him four children, 
three of whom are now living: Elberta, Hileman and Moses. They are 
all members of the church. The Keefers were among the early settlers of 
Franklin County, the Indians being still numerous when the grandparents 
came here In 1877 Mr. Keefer and his brother-in-law, H. S. Huber, began 
importing- heavy draft horses. Their first was a Scotch Clydesdale, and 
soon after an English cart horse. In 1879 he imported a Suffolk Punch 
horse, which has taken the premium at the State fair held at Philadelphia and 
every other fair at which he was entered. The agricultural report of the State 
fair of 1884 says: " To the stallion 'Tip Top,' owned by W. S. Keefer, of 
Chambersburg, Penn. , was awarded fhe first prize as well as the highest 
award for the best three colts on exhibition, under four years, the get of ' Tip 
Top. ' This magnificent horse, brought over by Charles Board, of England, 
in 1879, and shown at the first exhibition of the society in the main Centennial 
Building in that year, now returns, after having received his development, to 
claim the first honors of his class." 

CYRUS T. KEEFER, farmer, P. O. Keefers, was born in Letterkenny 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , on the place where he now resides, Octo- 
ber 4, 1830, a son of De Walt Keefer. (For ancestral history, see sketch of 
W. S. Keefer.) He is the fourth in a family of nine children, five of whom 
are now living: William S., Mary J., Cyrus T. , Isaac and Augustus. Our 
subject was reared on the homestead, where he remained until the age of 
twenty-seven years, when he married and bought the farm where F. Dice 
now lives, consisting of 1 54 acres, and on which he resided for six years. He 
then traded it for another farm, where his brother, William S. , now lives, and 
resided on it three years. In the spring of 1866 he moved to the homestead 
farm, where he now lives and where he has since remained, and owns 184 acres 
of the tract. May 6, 1856, he married Lydia A. Britton, and six children 
have blessed this union: William B. , Ida E. (wife of John S. Immell), 
Grant Dewalt, Mary J., Cyrus E. and Carrie G. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer and 
children are members of the Reformed Church. He has served as school di- 
rector one term. During the civil war he was excused from service. He was 
elected as a member to the Legislature from the county of Franklin in 1886. 

JAMES P. KELL, farmer, P. O. Upper Strasburg, was born in Letter- 
kenny Township, this county, February 7, 1852, a son of James and Eliza 
(Shields) Kell, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The grand- 
father, James, kept a hotel where our subject now resides, for a number of 
years, but later followed farming. Subject's father was born in Strasburg, 
this county, out moved to the farm when he was about three years old and 
lived on it all his life. James P. remained with his parents until his father's 
death. He then married and lived on the lower farm, now the property of 
William Zullinger, for three years. December 21, 1876, he married Martha 
Zullinger, who has borne him three children: Frederick, Alice and James R. 
Mr. and Mrs. Kell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is at 
present school director of his district, and trustee, class leader and steward of 
the church in Strasbursr. He owns 117 acres of land where he lives. 



LETTEEKENNY TOWNSHIP. 815 

DAVID SCHLEICHTER (deceased) was born in Lancaster County, 
Penn. , April 8, 1784, a son of John and Barbara Schleichter, of German 
•descent. He was the eldest in a family of five children: David, Elizabeth, 
John,' Catherine and Jacob, all of whom are deceased. When David was quite 
young his parents moved to this county and settled on the place now occupied 
by John Myers, where the father bought a farm, built a cabin and lived for 
some years. Indians were then very numerous, as also were wild animals, the 
howling of wolves being often heard around the cabin. The father served as 
a soldier in the Revolution under Washington, and died in 1802 on the farm 
now occupied by Jacob Lidig. His widow died in 1838 aged eighty years. 
He was one of the first settlers in this county, and endured all the privations 
of pioneer life. David, our subject, was a cooper, which trade he followed in 
early life, and was eighteen years of age at his father's death. In 1816 he 
bought the farm where his daughters now live, and built on and improved it 
until it is now one of the finest farms in Letterkenny Township. The land 
was patented and contained 278 acres, which was divided into three farms. 
He married Catharine, daughter of Nicklas Ashway (died in 1814), and she died 
April 21, 1837, aged forty-four years. He was the father of four sons and four 
daughters: William (deceased), John (married to Elizabeth Brubaker), Bar- 
bara, Catherine (deceased, her death being caused by injuries received in a 
runaway), David (deceased), Leah, George N. (deceased) and Mary J. Bar- 
bara, Leah and Mary J. all live together on the homestead and own 293 acres. 
These three sisters have made many improvements on the place, and have a 
fine house and barn, which they built since their father's death. Too much 
cannot be said in praise of their enterprise. They have accumulated quite a 
fortune and live in ease and comfort. Our subject died September 3, 1868, 
beloved by all who knew him. He was a large landholder, having owned four 
large farms in Letterkenny Township. He was drafted in the war of 1812, 
but paid a fine and did not enter the service. He remembered seeing, when a 
little boy, George Washington at Strasbivrg. 

DAVID SLICHTER, Jr. (deceased), was born November 25, 1814, in 
Letterkenny Township, this county. His father, David Slichter, Sr., was a 
representative citizen of the county and highly respected. Our subject was 
educated in his native county and followed farming. June 10, 1848, he mar- 
ried Miss Mary Jane Croft, a daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Ross) 
Croft, natives of this county. The grandfather, David Croft, was born on the 
3d of August, 1765, and settled in Hamilton Township, this county, near 
Emanuel Church, where he died December 18, 1845, aged eighty years, four 
months and fifteen days. His son, Abraham Croft, was born on the same place, 
where he also died April 16, 1885. He was well known, and respected for 
his honesty; was eighty-three years old at the time of his death, and had never 
been on a moving train. To our subject and wife the following named chil- 
dren were born: William Croft, Edgrar Franklin, Emma Catherine, Charlotte 
Rebecca and Minnie May. Two weeks after marriage Mr. Slichter moved to 
the farm where his widow now resides. The place where he died contained 
160 acres, and he also owned thirty acres in another tract and 220 acres in 
Bear Valley; he died February 19, 1878. He was a contributing member of 
the United Brethren Church, fc Politically he was a Democrat, and was well and 
favorably known. Mrs. Mary Jane (Croft) Slichter is a member of the United 
Brethren denomination. One of the children, Charlotte R., is the wife of 
David J. Rife, who resides on the homestead, and carries on farming; they 
have one child, Edgar Brallier Rife. 

DAVID B. WINEMAN, farmer, P. O. Upper Strasburg, was born in 



816 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Metal Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , February 14, 1815, a son of Matthew 
and Catherine (Bock) Wineman, the former a native of Wittenberg, Germany, 
and the latter of Waynesboro, Penn. When Matthew was two years old 
he left Germany with his parents, and after a voyage of nine months arrived 
in America. They located in Path Valley, Metal Township, this county, where 
the father (our subject's grandfather) had a large vineyard. He died at the 
age of ninety-one years, and used to tell how, when a resident of Germany, 
he had seen Napoleon' s army pass through his native town on its way to Mos- 
cow. Matthew was reared in Metal Township until 1861, when he moved to 
Letterkenny Township, where he lived until 1871, then moved to Cumberland 
County, where he still resides, now seventy-two years of age. He was the 
father of nine children, seven of whom are now living: Elizabeth, wife of 
Wilson Hockenberry; Catherine, wife of Abraham Kaufman; Mary; Nancy, 
wife of John McCallan; Maggie, wife of John Trot (they reside in Kan- 
sas); Sarah, wife of Solomon Brake, and David B. George was killed at 
Gettysburg, July 4, 1863. He had enlisted in 1861 for three years, and 
had participated in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. David 
B. was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until twenty-five 
years of age, when he married and settled on the farm of sixty-five acres 
where he has since lived. In October, 1869, his marriage took place with 
Sarah B. Kaufman, who has borne him five children, three living: John, 
Jacob and Jennie (twins). Maggie and Abraham are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wineman are members of the German Baptist denomination. He is exten- 
sively engaged in gardening and also in trucking. He served as treasurer 
three terms, assessor one term, and school director three years; has been dea- 
con of his church and is now minister, having been elected such by the voice 
of his church in May, 1879, and is still serving. 

REV. GEORGE R. ZACHARIAS, farmer, P. O. Upper Strasburg, was 
born in the city of Reading, Penn., September 20, 1823, a son of George and 
Mary (Siedel) Zacharias, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-French de- 
scent. His great grandfather was born in Alsace (then in France), immi- 
grated to America when in the prime of life, and located near Reading, where 
he followed farming until his death. Our subject's grandfather also born in 
Reading, was a farmer, owning two farms, and died there in 1829 of lockjaw. 
Subject's father, George, was born in Reading and remained with his parents 
until he became of age, when he served two years at the miller's trade, at 
which he afterward worked three years. He then married Mary Siedel, moved 
to Reading and carried on distilling about four years ; he then moved to Union 
Township, Berks County, near Mount Airy, where he was four years engaged 
in farming. He then bought a property along the mountain and engaged in 
the manufacture of iron for eighteen years; then moved back to Reading, 
where he resided two years; then to a farm near that city, where he died in 
1862. He was the father of ten children, five living: George R. ; John, a. 
resident of Wisconsin; Henrietta, Elizabeth and Caroline. He and his wife 
were consistent members of the church, he of the German Reformed and she of 
the Lutheran. Our subject was about two years old when his parents moved 
from Reading and he remained with them until twenty-one years of age, when he 
started in life for himself. He attended Marshall College, Mercersburg, for 
six years, taking the regular course and graduating in 1852. He studied with 
a view of fitting himself for the ministry, but his health failed and he returned 
home, where he remained one year engaged in boat building. He then began 
to learn the trade of machinist, but the firm with which he was engaged, 
failed and he had to give up after six months. In 1854 he went west and after 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 817 

traveling a good deal located in Hardin County, Iowa, and engaged for three 
years at the carpenter's trade and erected several buildings on the frontier. 
At that time he says game and wild animals were very numerous, and pan- 
thers iised to howl around his house. This structure was 8x0 feet, six feet 
high, boarded on three sides with slabs, and having the fourth side made of 
prairie hay. Mr. Zacharias traveled in the West until he had no money left. 
Stopping one night at a place he got work, and when he left the State he 
owned 1.400 acres of land and thirty town lots, and had $400 in money. Re- 
turning home he again entered the seminary at Mercersburg and remained 
eighteen months, but his health again failed and he returned home. In 1860 he 
was ordained in to ministry of the German Reformed Church, moved to Stras- 
burg and preached two years; he then married and located where he now re- 
sides and where he bought 226 acres of land. May 7, 1863, he married Mary 
E. (Speck) Bigler, who has borne him two children, twins: Sarah E. and 
Rosa B. Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias and family are members of the German Re- 
formed Church. He owned 180 acres adjoining Strasburg, which he sold. 
He now owns a house and lot in Strasburg; they live on a farm within a mile 
of that place. In politics he is a Republican. 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 



DAVID BEAM, farmer, P. O. Mowersville, was born December 11, 1828, 
in Adams County, Penn. , eldest son of Samuel Beam, a native of Lancaster 
County, Penn. , who married Christina Cashman, by whom he had eight chil- 
dren: David, Samuel, George P., Susan C. , Maiy J., Sarah, Rosana and Su- 
sana (twins). Our subject was reared on a farm and has since followed agricult- 
ural pursuits. October 12, 1854, he married Susan, born in Adams County, 
Penn., June 28, 1827, a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Patterson) Cashman, 
the former a son of William Cashman, and the latter a daughter of Samuel 
Patterson. The Cashmans are of German descent; the Pattersons of Scotch- 
Irish. After Mr. Beam' s marriage he lived one year in that county, when he 
removed to Cumberland, where he farmed two years. He then came to this 
county, and followed agriculture seventeen years for Mrs. Reybuck, and in 
1880 located on the farm he now owns, and which was formerly a part of the 
Daniel Snoke farm. Mr. Beam, by careful industry, has secured a good 
home. He is the father of five children: Sylvester E., Luther, Priscilla, 
Lillie B. and Maggie. Luther is a farmer in Cumberland County; Priscilla is 
the wife of John Kohn, residing in this township; Lillie B. resides in Path 
Valley, the wife of Thos. Hammond; Maggie is the wife of Jerry Clippinger of 
this county. Mr. Beam is a Republican and a member of the United Brethren 
Church. 

JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, merchant, Roxbury, was born October 7, 
1838, in Culbertson's Row, Southampton Township, this county, and was 
reared in this township. His father, Joseph, also a native of Southampton 
Township, was a son of John Breckenridge. Subject's mother's maiden name 
was Nancy Machon, and both sides of the family are of Scotch-Irish descent. 
John Breckenridge, a farmer by occupation, when a young man served 
in the Revolution, and was also a soldier in the war of 1812. He died 
in 1842. His children were as follows: Joseph, Martha, Elizabeth and Mary. 



818 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Martha became the wife of Hon. John Oit; Elizabeth became the wife of John 
Johnson; Mary became the wife of James Brown, of Cumberland County. 
John came to this township when three years of age, and was reared on a 
farm. September 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Third Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, served three years and was honorably discharged December 16, 1864. 
He was in the following battles: First battle of Williamsburg; Savage Station, 
Where he was orderly for Gen. Hooker on the seven days' fight; South Moun- 
tain, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Chancerlorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. After his return home he en- 
gaged in butchering in Mowersville; then moved to Roxbury and served three 
years as constable. In the spring of 1868 he married Melinda C. Zellers, a 
native of Cincinnati, a daughter of Dr. Zellers, and afterward moved to Cin- 
cinnati, where he resided two years. He has three children: William, Zenia 
and Nora. Mrs. Breckenridge had one brother, Louis, who served in the civil 
war. Our subject returned to Mowersville in August, 1873, served as consta- 
ble, and then removed to Roxbury in 1875, and carried the mail one year 
from Roxbury to Dry Run, serving as constable in the meantime. He then 
engaged in merchandising at this place until the spring of 1886. He is a 
Democrat; has served as auditor six years, constable five years and is now su- 
pervisor. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., No. 262; I. O. O. F., No. 
562; McAllister Encampment; K. of P., No. 262, Lockland, Ohio, and also of 
the American Mechanics. 

HENRY CLIPPTNGER, retired farmer, P. O. Mowersville, was born 
here on the homestead farm, now owned by Adam Reese, April 25, 1819. His 
father, Henry Clippinger, was born in Northampton County, and came to Ship- 
pensburg when sixteen years of age with his father, Anthony. The latter 
settled in Lurgan Township when his son, Henry, was about thirty years old. 
Our subject's father married Elizabeth Koontz, and by her had eight sons and 
two daughters, viz. : Margaret (deceased), Elias (deceased), Daniel (deceased), 
Solomon, residing in Newburg; Elizabeth, residing near Chambersburg, the 
wife of John Zook; Henry; Anthony (deceased); Peter, a resident of Florida; 
John in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, and Jacob in Monmouth, 
111. Henry remained on the homestead until he was nineteen years of age, 
then removed with his father to the place he now owns, known as the Withrow 
farm. He was married here, in 1844, to Catherine Hollar, daughter of Henry 
and Catherine (Cormany) Hollar, the latter a daughter of Jacob C. Cormany. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Clippinger eight children were born, viz. : Mary C. , wife of 
Abraham Hoover, residing near Chambersburg; Ann E., wife of John Mower 
of Mowersville; Martha J., wife of C. M. Fickes; Reuben T., a resident of this 
township; Josephine K. , deceased wife of Samuel Fouse; Silas A., in this 
township; Emma M., wife of William Hefflefinger of Newville, and Samuel 
E., a traveling salesman. Mr. Clippinger was actively engaged in farming 
until 1873, when he made a sale and has since rented his farm. He is a direct- 
or of the Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Company and was one of its charter 
members. He is a member of the Church of God in Newburg. Politically he 
is a Prohibitionist, though formerly a Republican. He has filled some offices 
of trust in the township. 

DANIEL COVER, farmer, P. O. Lurgan, was born in Hopewell Town- 
ship, Cumberland Co., Penn., February 1, 1825. the eldest son of John and 
Elizabeth (Niill) Cover, latter of whom is now (1886) eighty-four years old. John 
Cover was born October 16, 1802, in this township; his father, Abram Cover, 
came from the lower counties and finally settled in this county. Mrs. Elizabeth 
(Null) Cover' s father was Jacob Null, who married Elizabeth Mowery. They 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 819 

reared four sons and two daughters: George, John, Jacob, William, Elizabeth 
and Jane, all of whom reared families. Abram Cover, the grandsire of Daniel, 
married Elizabeth Woods, of Scotch-Irish extraction; he and his wife reared 
six sons and two daughters: John, Abram, William, David, Jacob, Hugh, 
Polly and Elizabeth. John, the father of Daniel, followed distilling for many 
years, but finally gave his attention to farming. He removed to Cumberland 
County, where he lived a few years and then returned to this county and died 
during the war; his widow is yet living. He reared a family of seven sons and 
one daughter: Daniel, William, John, Jacob, Joseph, Hugh and Zachariah 
and Jane. AVhen our subject was about ten years of age he came to this county 
with his parents; remained at home until the age of twenty-four years and 
taught school several years. He married, October 11, 1848, Elizabeth Grove, 
who was born in Southampton Township, Penn., July 20, 1830, a daughter of 
Abraham and Catherine (Gabel) Grove. After marriage Mr. Cover lived one 
year in Cumberland County, and then returned and has since been a constant 
resident of this township and Southampton ; located on his present farm at the 
close of the war, near the Center Church, having 140 acres. The farm was 
formerly the Grove farm, and on it Mr. Cover has put many improvements. 
To him and his wife were born eleven children, eight of whom lived to be grown: 
Mary E. , wife of John M. Michael, of Letterkenny Township ; John A. , who 
resides near South Bend, Ind. ; William A., mei'chandising in Southampton; 
Sarah C. , wife of W. A. Baer, partner with William A. in the store at Mongul ; 
Daniel E., who resides in Jacksonville, Cumberland Co., a tinner; Joseph 
D., who carries on the homestead; George M. , who met with a sad fate on 
June 12 near the homestead — he was frightfully mangled by a circular saw, 
resulting in his death the day following — he was a member of the United 
Brethren Church, highly esteemed in the community, and met his fate with 
resignation and fortitude ; and Isaac B. , the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Cover 
are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is one of the trustees, 
and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. In politics he is a Democrat. 

HUGH C. COVER, proprietor of the Roxbury Hotel and mail agent, 
Roxbury, was born in this township, May 22, 1844, the seventh child and 
fifth son of John and Elizabeth (Null) Cover. August 8, 1861, he enlisted in 
Company H, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served out the time of his en- 
listment — three years. He then re-enlisted, became a veteran, and served 
until the close of the war, participating in all the engagements of his regiment. 
He returned from the service without a scratch, and his comrades say of him 
that ' ' he was as good a soldier as ever straddled a horse. ' ' On his return 
home he turned his attention to farming pursuits. In the fall of 1806 he mar- 
ried Anna M. Nickles, born in Letterkenny Township, this county, August 
27, 1849, a daughter of William and Catherine (Myers) Nickles. William 
Nickles came from Germany to this county in 1827, and engaged in milling; 
afterward turned his attention to farming, and finally moved to Shippensburg. 
He was born August 25, 1803, and his wife, Catherine, March 7, 1813. She 
died in 1884. They reared a family of eight children. After marriage our 
"subject moved to near Orrstown, Southampton Township, where he remained 
until the fall of 1876, when he came to Roxbury, where he has since resided. 
For sixteen years he has been mail agent. He took a contract in 1870 to run 
the mail between Shippensburg and Upper Strasburg, and this he continued to 
do for six years. In 1876, upon his arrival here, he ran the line from Ship- 
pensburg to Dry Run for four years; then took a contract from Roxbury to 
Dry Run, which he has since conducted. In 1879 he took charge of the Lur- 
gan Hotel (licensed), which he has since conducted with credit to himself and 



820 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to the satisfaction of his guests. He hg,s nine children: Clarietta, William H.,. 
Maggie O, Hugh A., Mary J., Izora E., John C, George R. and Malind E. 
Mr. Cover is a sound Democrat, a member of Pomeroy Post, Gr. A. R. , No. 
295. He served as constable at Strasburg. He and family are connected with 
the Lutheran Church. 

JOSIAH FICKES, farmer, P. O. Roxbury, was born May 12, 1812, at 
York Springs, Huntington Township, Adams Co., Penn., a son of Daniel 
Fickes, whose father, John Fickes, Esquire, was the founder of York Springs. 
The Fickes family are of German descent. The great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject came from Germany prior to the Revolutionary period, and settled in what 
is now Adams County. He was by trade a weaver, and later followed farm- 
ing. He was shot by an Indian while plowing. His wife was out in the field 
and saw the murder of her husband. She had with her a little dog, and hid 
in a hollow log; fearing the dog would bark and reveal her hiding-place, she 
placed her apron over its head, and though the Indians passed over the log 
they failed to find her. Esquire Fickes reared a family of six sons and four 
daughters, all of whom settled in this portion of the State and reared large 
families. Josiah's mother, nee Margaret Albert, was a daughter of John 
Albert, and she and her husband reared seven children to maturity. Their 
names are John, Mary, Jacob, Moses, Josiah, George, Gibson — all now deceased 
except Josiah. All settled in Adams County, Penn. , and engaged in farming, 
except Jacob, who was a blacksmith. Josiah was reared a farmer and remained 
at home until he was twenty-five years of age, working for his father. Octo- 
ber 31, 1837, he married Elizabeth Ann, daughter of David and Ollie (Bercaw) 
Demaree, former a tanner by trade. Her grandfather came from France, and 
her grandmother Bercaw from Wales. After marriage he cropped for about 
ten years, and then purchased a farm at York Springs, and remained here 
until the spring of 1857, when he came to Lurgan Township, having here pur- 
chased a farm the fall previous. He has been quite successful in his business, 
now owning three large farms, two in this township and one in Letterkenny 
Township, and very desirable property in Orrstown, Southampton Township. 
He has reared a family of nine children, many of whom are widely scattered: 
David, resides in Iowa City; Calvin, in this township; Cidonia C, in Kansas, 
wife of Chas. Kinen; Anna, wife of James H. Maclay, in this township; Will- 
iam, in Chicago; Mary R., in Southampton Township, the wife of C. McCol- 
lough; Martha E., wife of T. J. McCollough, in Southampton Township; 
Alberta J., single, at home, and John A., in San Francisco, Cal. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fickes are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat, and 
has served in nearly all the offices of the township. When the county stood 
400 majority Republican, he was nominated for commissioner, and came within 
one vote of being elected. He also was nominated as director of the poor. 
He has never sought office, but suffered his name to be used under protest. 

JAMES F. GEYER, merchant, Mowersville, was born in Horse Valley, in 
Letterkenny Township, this county, September 8, 1858, the second son of 
David and Leah (Leedy) Geyer, the latter born February 19, 1835, in this 
county, a daughter of Jacob Leedy, a soldier in the Mexican war. David 
Geyer was a native of Path Valley, this county, born October 25, 1811, a son 
of John Geyer, and died April 15, 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. David Geyer were- 
born three sons and five daughters, now living: George W., James F., Ida 
M., Jacob A., Alice V., Anna B., Jennette C. and Lillie. Alice V. and Ida 
M. are deceased. Our subject was brought up on the farm, of which he and 
his brother George took charge after the death of their father. November 1, 
1880, our srdrjeet opened up a store ia the hotel building, and carried on the 



LUitGAN TOWNSHIP. 821 

business until April 1, 1885. He then sold the goods to his brother George, 
and removed to Strasburg, where he built a house. After a year's residence 
here he came to Mowersville in March. 1886, and engaged in business. He 
formed a partnership with McClellan Miller, under the firm name of Geyer & 
Miller (they succeeded Frehn & Colomon). They carry a stock of general 
merchandise, and are doing a good business. Mr. Geyer was commissioned 
postmaster in April, 1886. He is unmarried. In politics he is a Democrat 
and a member of the Lutheran Church. 

MACLAYS OF LURGAN. " The history of the Maclays is one which 
we doubt if any family in the State can produce the like. They have been hon- 
ored with high positions, but none of these were bestowed unworthily; their 
talents, transmitted from generation to generation, merited each. A list of all 
the offices to which they were appointed by Government or elected by the peo- 
ple can not be made but a partial one shows two members of the family were 
judges; two served terms in the United States Senate; two served three sessions 
in the House of Representatives of Congress; six were members of the Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania for twleve years, and twelve and more county offices were 
filled by them. Three were soldiers; two fell while fighting bravely in the wars 
for the liberty of America, and one displayed the greatest heroism by contend- 
ing desperately against the foe after being galled with fearful wounds. In all 
these preferments their course of action was determined by a high sense of pa- 
triotism and marked by the sternest principles of right and justice. Not the 
slightest discredit was ever cast upon one of them, either while serving as offi- 
cers of government or as private citizens, and their descendants can reflect upon 
their lives and deeds with a pride not unjustified and stimulated not falsely. 
Tenure of office was not accompanied with vain glory, and they returned to 
private life with the unaffected simplicity of manner they had always maintained. 
By marriage they acquired an extensive connection with some of the most promi- 
nent families of the State, many of whose members were eminent as jurists 
and legislators. Their genealogical tree has many branches, and each has 
borne rich fruit, though none surpasses those bearing the Maclay name. 

1 ' The first member of the family of whom we have any record was Charles 
Maclay, Baron Fingal. Charles Maclay 1 , by his first marriage, had three sons. 
The name of his wife has not come down to us. By this wife their issue was: 
(I) Owen, an officer in the army of James II, followed the fortunes of that royal 
personage, remained a bachelor and died in France; (II) Charles, an officer in 
the same army (was killed in a duel with a French officer in Dublin); (III) 
Henry, also an officer in the royal army (fell in the battle of Boyne, 1690). 
Charles 1 by a second marriage with a Miss Hamilton, a Scotch Protestant, had 
but one child, a son called John. John 1 had three children: (I) Eleanor (mar- 
ried Mr. Johnston; they remained in Ireland); (II) Charles 3 , born in 1703 
(married Eleanor Query), and (III) John 2 , born in 1707 (married Janet McDon- 
ald). Charles Maclay 3 (John ~. Charles 1 ), born in 1703 in Ireland, married 
Eleanor Query in 1733. Charles and his brother John (married to Janet Mc- 
Donald) sailed for America May 30, 1734. Both families had young children, 
one fourteen months old and the other twenty days. Both were sons, called 
John. 

"It is stated that Owen Maclay, son of Charles Maclay, Baron Fingal (by 
his first wife), returning from France, desired to take Charles( his nephew), to 
that country and educate him, and let him know what estates belonged to him; 
in case of a revolution he could lay claim to estates and title. The father of 
Charles would not consent without a guarantee that his son would be brought 
up in the Protestant faith. To this Owen would not accede, returned to France 



822 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and dying, left estates, etc. , to strangers. Among the earliest settlers of 
Hopewell Township, Chester County, now known as Lurgan Township, Frank- 
lin County, were the two brothers, Charles and John, both natives of Antrim 
County, Ireland, who, with their descendants, took an active and influential 
part in the executive councils of their State and Nation. 

"Charles married in Ireland, in 1733, Eleanor Query, daughter of William 
Query of the County of Antrim, Ireland. They sailed for America May, 1734. 
Their children were (I) John, born in 1734, married Jane Dickson. (II) Will- 
iam, born in 1737, married Mary Harris. (Ill) Charles, born in 1739, mar- 
ried Mary Templeton. (IV) Samuel, born in 1741, married Elizabeth Plunket. 
(V) Eleanor, born in 1750, married John Maclay. 

" John Maclay 3 (John 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1707, in Ireland, married Janet 
McDonald. They came to America with Charles and his wife in 1734. They 
had issue: (I) Jno., born 1748, married Eleanor Maclay. (II) Charles, born 
1750; went to the war in 1777 with one hundred men all six feet in height. At 
the battle of Crooked Billet, May, 1778, he was killed with most of his com- 
pany, who refused to surrender. The killed and wounded were gathered by 
the enemy, thrown into a heap, covered with straw and fired. Thus perished 
some of the bravest spirits of the Cumberland Valley. (HI) Elizabeth, born 
1752, married Col. Samuel Culbertson. Their descendants include Rev. 
James Culbertson, of Zanesville, Ohio. Their daughter, Mrs. Jno. Rhea, the 
widow of Gen. Rhea, who was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania for 
several sessions. 

"Jno. Maclay 4 (Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born 1734 in Ireland, just 
twenty days prior to the sailing of his parents for America. His parents first 
settled in New Garden, Chester County. After living eight or ten years 
there, moved to Lurgan, Franklin Co., Penn. Jno. married Jane Dickson, 
December, 1755, daughter of David Dickson and Catherine Greenlee. The 
Dickson family, also Greenlee's, came to America with the Maclays in 1734. 
Dicksons and Greenlees, after living some years in Lurgan, moved to North 
Carolina. Jno. Maclay 4 was appointed a provincial magistrate in 1760, and a 
member of the provincial conference held in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, 
June 18, 1776. Afterward served as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly 
for several terms. His ability is attested by the fact that he, one of the set- 
tlers in the extreme western part of Cumberland County, was chosen by the 
people of the more thickly populated eastern portion of the county to repre- 
sent them also in that conference, which declared that they, on behalf of the 
people of Pennsylvania, were 'willing to concur in a vote of Congress declaring 
the United Colonies free and independent States.' Mr. Maclay' s bearing on 
this occasion probably had much to do with his success in after life, in being 
appointed to positions of trust and honor. He was much respected for his re- 
ligious views and manifested his great interest in the affairs of the church by 
officiating for a long time as a ruling elder in Dr. Cooper's church at Middle 
Spring. He died at his home, April 4, 1804. ' ' The children of Jno. Maclay 
and Jane Dickson were (I) Charles, born 1757; married Susannah Linn. 
(II) Catherine, born 1760; married William Irwin. (Ill) David, born 1762;, 
married first, Eleanor Maclay; secondly, Eleanor Herron. (IV) William 2 , born 
1765; married Margaret Culbertson. (V) Samuel 2 , born 1767; married Marga- 
ret Snodgrass. (VI) Eleanor, born 1769; married Capt. David McKnight. 
(VII) Jane, born 1774; died unmarried. (VIII) Jno., born 1776; married 
Hannah Reynolds. 

"William Maclay 1 (Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1737, married 
Mary Harris, daughter of Jno. Harris, founder of Harrisburg. They had issue. 



LURGAN TOWNSHir. 823 

" William, the second son, was probably the most able of all the sons of 
Charles Maclay, and was certainly the most highly honored with official posi- 
tion and the widest known. He was born Jnly 20, 1737, and received his 
early education from Rev. John Blair, mentioned before. He read law and 
was admitted to the bar, in York, April 28, 1760, but never practiced his 
profession, entering, instead, the service of the Penns as deputy surveyor of 
Bucks County, then embracing the whole northwestern portion of the State. 
In 1772, when Northumberland County was organized, he was made prothono- 
tary and clerk of the courts, and after holding these offices for six years he 
was, in 1781, elected to the Assembly, and from that time forward, as member 
of the supreme executive council, Indian commissioner, etc, he was a con- 
trolling factor in molding the Legislature and settling the land titles of Penn- 
sylvania. His extensive knowledge and great executive ability were fittingly 
acknowledged in his election, in 1788, to the United States Senate in company 
with Robert Morris, the great financier of the Revolution, these two being the 
first senators elected from Pennsylvania. Here, in the Senate, Mr. Maclay 
achieved a reputation which woiild have made his name a household word for 
succeeding generations had not the great Thomas Jefferson, by reason of his 
superior training in affairs of state, overshadowed it by the force of his mighty 
intellect. The principles upon which Jefferson based the political party which 
now honors him as its founder, were announced to his colleagues and to the 
country, John Blair Linn asserts, by the speeches and the votes of Mr. Ma- 
clay while in the Senate and before Jefferson had returned to this country 
from France. Although only two years in the Senate, so vigorously were his 
Democratic ideas propounded that one year after his retirement from that body 
the opposition element to the Federalists united under the party name Demo- 
cracy. Mr. Maclay, firm in his Democratic opinions, frequently bewailed the 
troublesome etiquette and formality attendant upon the administration of Pres- 
ident Washington, and his daily journal testifies to his abhorrence of the 
state dinners to which he was of necessity compelled to go, and to which he 
most strenuously objected because of the strict decorum to be observed and the 
restraint from conversation put upon all on such occasions. Besides indicat- 
ing his total want of sympathy for the customs which ordained that a ' dead 
silence ' almost should be observed at a dinner table, his journal conveys a 
good idea of the menu. In it he wrote, August 27, 1789, in reference to a 
dinner at the President' s : 'It was a great dinner and the best of the kind I 
was ever at. The room, however was disagreeably warm. First were soup, 
fish, roasted and baked meats, gammon, fowl, etc. This was the dinner. The 
dessert was fruit, apple pies, puddings, etc. ; then ice cream, jelly, etc, ; then 
watermelons, muskmelons, apples, peaches and nuts. It was the most sol- 
emn dinner I was ever at. ' Mr. Maclay' s great ability and independence of 
spirit were demonstrated by the fact that only the ablest of the Federalist 
leaders dared measure swords with him in debate, and by his objection, plainly 
stated, to the presence of the President in the Senate during the transaction 
of business and his outspoken opposition to his policy in the immediate pres- 
ence of Gen. Washington. Mr. Maclay after his retirement from the Sen- 
ate served for«a session, until his death, April 16, 1804, as a member of the 
Legislature from Dauphin, to which county he had removed after his marriage, 
in 1774, to Mary Harris, the daughter of the proprietor of Harrisburg. 

" The children of William Maclay and Mary Harris were (I) Jno. Harris, 
born in 1770. (II) Elizabeth, born in 1772. (Ill) Eleanor, born in 1774; 
married William Wallace. (IV) Mary, born in 1776; married Samuel Awl, 
(V) Esther, born in 1778; married Dr. Henry Hall. (VI) Sarah, born in 1781; 
married Jno. Irwin. (VII) Jean, born in 1783; married Jno. Lyon. 



824 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Charles Maclay 4 (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), bora 1739; married 
Mary Terupleton; left no issue. " Mt Maclay was very domestic, and enjoyed 
a quiet life in contrast with his brothers. He was no politician, but spent his 
time visiting the sick and in doing good. He was a great friend to the In- 
dians. An incident shows the regard and esteem, or reverence it might be 
called, in which he was held by them. He was sitting one day on the steps of 
his home, in contemplation, with his Bible on his knee. Suddenly there 
emerged from the thick forest in front of him two Indians carrying guns in 
their hands. It was evident to him the Indians saw him, and it was too late 
to effect concealment; so, remaining seated, he watched their quiet approach 
until a spring thirty or forty yards distant was reached. There they halted, 
with evident signs of not knowing what to do. He beckoned them to approach. 
They did so, and partook of his hospitality joyously; after which, with signs 
demonstrative of their gratitude, they retired, and ever after lived on terms of 
friendship with the kind old gentleman, never allowing any of their tribe to 
commit depredations on his farm, whilst they were burning houses all around 
him. He died September 8, 1834, ninety-six years of age." 

Samuel Maclay (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1741; married 
Elizabeth Plunket, daughter of Dr. William Plunket, granddaughter of Jno. 
Harris, Sr. ' ' After Mr. Maclay filled all the offices the people of Northum- 
berland County could elect him to, he was sent to the United States Senate 
in 1802, from which he was retired only by his resignation in 1809. His sons, 
inheriting strongly of their father' s greatness, became prominent men. Whilst 
Samuel Maclay was in the United States Senate he was eected speaker of the 
House, and signed his own certificate. He served several terms in Congress; 
also elected to the State Senate, of which body he was also chosen speaker .in 
1801, and again in 1802. He was a marksman of great local celebrity, and 
excelled all in the western part of the State, having won several prizes from 
Logan, the Mingo chief, hitting off-hand a mark the size of a Spanish dol- 
lar at the distance of 100 yards. He died in September, 1811." 

Children of Samuel Maclay and Elizabeth Plunket: (I) William Plunket, 
born in 1774; married Jane Holmes and, secondly, Sallie Brown. (II) 
Eleanor 2 , born in 1777; married David Maclay. (Ill) Charles, born in 1779; 
died in 1807. (IV) Esther, born in 1782. (V) Jane, born in 1786; married 
Dr. Joseph Henderson, Lewistown. (VI) Jno., born in 1789; married Annie 
Dale. (VII) Samuel, born in 1792; married Margaret Johnston. (VIII) David, 
born in 1794; married Isabella Paterson. (IX) Robert Plunket, born in 1799; 
married Margaret Lashells. 

Jno. Maclay 5 (son of Jno. Maclay 3 and Janet McDonald) married Eleanor 
Maclay, who was a daughter of Charles Maclay and Eleanor Query. They 
had issue: (I) Samuel, born 1762. (II) Charles, born 1764. (Ill) Elizabeth, 
born 1766; married William Reynolds. (IV) Mary, born 1769; married first 
David Edgar, Baltimore; second, Jno. Clendenin. (V) Eleanor, born 1782; 
married J. Smith. Their children reside in Peoria, 111. (VI) Jane, born 
1785; died unmarried. (VII) Catherine, born 1787; died unmarried. (VIII) 
Jno. M. , born 1789; was in the war, and fought heroically in the battle of 
Chippewa in 1814 and Lundy's Lane, July 25, 1814. (IX) William, born 
1791. (X) Robert, born 1793; had five sons in the ministry. Robert, the 
youngest son, formerly of the Chinese and now of Japan mission, married, 
in China, a lady who went from America to China as a missionary. They had 
issue. They sent their children to New York to be educated. After their 
education was completed they returned to Japan. 

Charles Maclay 5 (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born 1757; married 



LUEGAN TOWNSHIP. 825 

Susanna Linn, daughter of William Linn and Jane McCormick, of Lurgan. 
Charles and his wife, soon after their marriage, moved to Urbana, Ohio. They 
had issue: (I) Charles, born 1789. (II) Jno., born 1791. (Ill) Elijah, born 
1794. (IV) James Linn Dickson, born 1797; died 1816. (V) Jane. 

Catherine Maclay (Jno. 3 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born 1760, in Lur- 
gan; married William Irwin; they removed to Lexington, Ky., 1784. They 
had two sons (surname Irwin): Jno., born 1785; Stephenson, born 1787. 

David Maclay (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born 1762, in Lurgan; 
died 1839. He was a man of tine literary attainments, and found more 
pleasure in the perusal of his well selected library and in his home and family 
than in the political caldron of that period. He consented to serve two terms, 
from 1812 to 1814, in the Assembly or Legislature of this State; beyond this 
never could be induced to accept office. He was twice married; first to his 
cousin, Eleanor Maclay (daughter of Samuel Maclay and Elizabeth Plunket), 
in 1795. They had issue: (I) Samuel, born 1797; died in infancy. (II) 
Jane, born 1799; died in infancy. (Ill) Betty, born 1801; died in infancy. 

David Maclay married secondly, 1806, Eleanor Herron, daughter of Jno. 
Herron and sister of Rev. Francis Herron, of Pittsburgh. Their issue: (I) 
Jno. Herron, married Margaret Hemphill. (II) David, unmarried; served 
two terms in the Legislature of Franklin County, from 1851 to 1852. (Ill) 
; Jane Eleanor, first married Jno. McGrinley, of Adams County; second, 
Judge Pomeroy, of Juniata County. (IV) Dr. Charles Templeton, of Green 
Village, Franklin County. (V) Francis Herron, resides in Missouri. (VI) 
James Herron, died unmarried. (VII) Mary E. , married Samuel McClure; 
removed to the West. 

Dr. Charles T. Maclay is still living in Green Village. His son, Dr. David 
Maclay, is married to a Miss Pomeroy, daughter of Judge Pomeroy, of Juniata 
County, Penn. 

Lydia Maclay, daughter of Dr. Charles T. Maclay, is also residing with her 
father. 

Annie married Rev. Mr. Shannen; resides in Mount Holly, Penn. 

William Maclay 2 , fourth child of (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), was 
born in Lurgan Township, Franklin Co., Penn., March 22, 1765. "What 
might be called the family heritage of office descended unto William, for we 
find he was a member of Assembly in 1807 and 1808, and was afteiward the 
representative of the district in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Congresses, sit- 
ting as a member of those bodies at the sessions from 1815 to 1819. He was 
subsequently appointed one of the associate judges for the district composed 
of Adams, Cumberland and Franklin. With the religious proclivities of his 
forefathers, he was eminent in the church and held the position of ruling el- 
der for years. Whatever office he was nominated for, whether judge, Assem- 
bly, Congress, or any of the county offices, he was always elected. Mr. Ma- 
clay was a large, muscular man, six feet, two inches in height, but very pleas- 
ant and affable. He was married Dec. 22, 1789, by Rev. Jno. Craighead, to 
Margaret Culbertson, daughter of Alexander Culbertson, one of Ihe best 
known families of the county. He died Jan. 4, 1825." 

William Maclay and Margaret Culbertson. They had issue: 

Mary Sharpe Maclay, born in 1790; married Jno. King, of Chambersburg, 
Penn. , about 1816 ; died 1850. Jno. Maclay, born in 1792 ; married Jane Findlay 
Jane, born in 1794; married Gen. Samuel Dunn. Eliza C. , born in 1796; mar- 
ried, first, John Dunn, second, Jno. Graham of Pittsburg, Penn. : died in 186 — 
Catherine, born in 1799; married Dr. Jno. Geddes. Alexander, bcrn in 1801- 
married Mary McNaughton. William, born in 1803; married Mary Palmer; 

46 



826 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Margaret, bora ia 1805; married James W. Burbridge, of Pittsburgh. James 
Ross, born in 1807 ; died in Pittsburgh. Charles S. , born in 1809 ; died un- 
married. Eleanor, born in 1812; married Cyrus D. Culbertson. David, born 
in 1814; died at Carrick Furnace. 

Mary Sharpe Maclay and Jno. King. They had issue: 

Samuel, died in infancy. Margaret, died in infancy. Sarah A. , married 
J. Ellis Bonham, a prominent lawyer of Carlisle, Penn. (they had two children 
that died in infancy). Mary Eleanor is still living in Chambersburg. Louisa 
died unmarried. Emma L. married J. McDowell Sharpe, a prominent 
lawyer in Chambersburg. They had issue: 

Jno. King, born 1858, died July, 1859; Rosa McDowell, born 1859, died 
in 1861; Jno. McDowell, died an infant; Walter King, born December 23, 
1863, is still living. 

Jno. Maclay 7 (William 2 , Jno. 4 , Charles 3 ," Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in Lur- 
gan, Franklin County, 1792; married, in 1819, Jane Findlay, daughter of 
Col. Jno. Findlay, of Chambersburg. They had issue: 

William Irwin, born in 1820; married Sarah Stackhouse. 

Mr. Maclay married, secondly, Anna Maria Gleim. They had issue: (I)' 
Annie, born in 1834; married Fisk Gore. (II) Jno. King, born in 1835; died 
in 1836. (Ill) Martha, born in 1836; died in 1854. (IV) Jno. Gleim, born 
in 1840. (V) Cyrus Culbertson, born in 1842; married Laura Miller. (VI) 
Edgar, born in 1844; married Blanche Murphy. They are living at Helena, 
Mont. 

Catherine Maclay (sixth child of William Maclay and Margaret Culbert- 
son), born in 1799; married Dr. Jno. Geddes, of Newville, Penn. ; died in 
Williamsport, 1873. Their issue: 

(I) Dr. Jno. Peebles, died in 1870. (II) William Maclay, married Eleanor 
Fisher; died in 1872. (Ill) Laura C, still living in Williamsport. (IV) 
Charles King, married Sarah Sproul, daughter of Henry Sproul, and niece of 
Chief Justice Grier. (V) Rev. Williamson Nevin, resides in Williamsport. 

Samuel Maclay 2 (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1767, in Lur- 
gan Township; married Margaret Snodgrass. They had issue (surnamed 
Ewing, Willis and Smith). 

Eleanor Maclay 3 (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in Lurgan in; 
1769: married Capt. David McKnight. They had issue (surnamed McKnight). 
After the death of their parents the sons moved to eastern Tennessee. 

Jno. Maclay 6 (Jno. 4 , Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1776; died in 
1852, whilst on a visit to his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Brownson, at Washington, 
Penn. ; he was married to Hannah Reynolds. Mr. Maclay represented Cum- 
berland County in the Legislature for several terms. They had issue: (I) 
Hannah, married Prof. William Nevin, of Franklin College, at Lancaster, one 
of the most thoroughly educated men in the State and a writer of unusual 
force. (II) Ellen, married Rev. James I. Brownson, D. D., of Washington 
College, Pennsylvania. (Ill) Abby Catherine, married Benjamin Sterrett, of 
Cincinnati. (IV) Levinia, married Alexander Plumer, resides in Peoria, HI. 
(V) Charles B., married Sidney Irwin, of Mercersburg. They now reside in 
Peoria, and have issue: 

Eleanor Maclay (William, Charles 3 , John 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1774; mar- 
ried William Wallace (a lawyer in Harrisburg), son of Benjamin Wallace and 
Elizabeth Culbertson. 

Eleanor Maclay and William Wallace had issue (surname Wallace): (I) 
Mary Elizabeth, born in 1807 ; married the Rev. William R. Dewitt, of Har- 
risburg. (II) William Maclay, born in 1808, died in 1877. (Ill) Rev. Jno., 



LUKGAN TOWNSHIP. 827 

born in 1810; married Sarah Cochran. (IV) Irwin Maclay, born in 1813; 
married Elizabeth Heed. 

Esther Harris Maclay (William, Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born in 1778; 
married Dr. Henry Hall. They had issue (surname Hall): (I) William Ma- 
clay, born in 1801; married Ellen Williams. (II) Mary, born in 1802; mar- 
ried George Washington Harris. (Ill) Catherine, born in 1804; married 
Judge Garrick Hall ; they left but one child, Garrick Mallory. 

Sallie Maclay (William, Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), married Maj. Jno. Ir- 
win. *They had issue: (I) Mary Maclay, married Edmund Paterson, second 
Kichard Bryson. (II) Henrietta, married Samuel Purviance. (Ill) Jane, mar- 
ried Robert McClelland. (IV) George, married Ann Bryson. (V) William 
Maclay, married Mary Edmonston. (VI) Ellen, married Dr. Caleb Brinton, of 
West Chester, and had issue. Some of their descendants (Dr. Brinton, Jr., 
and family) are living in West Chester. 

William Maclay Hall (Esther, William, Charles 3 , Jno. 2 , Charles 1 ), born 
in 1801; married Ellen Campbell Williams. They had issue: (I) William 
Maclay, born in 1828; married Ellen Cramer. (II) George, born 1831; mar- 
ried Louisa Miller; secondly, Lucretia Allen. (Ill) Louis, born 1833; mar- 
ried Eliza Warford. (IV) Catherine Julia, born in 1835, married Nathaniel 
B. Hogg, of Pittsburgh. (V) Mary, born in 1837; married Col. Francis Jordan ; 
resides in Harrisburg. (VI) Ellen, born in 1846; married James Herron 
Crossman, living in New York City. They have issue: 

William Maclay Hall (William Maclay Hall, Esther 1 , William 1 , Jno., 
Charles), was born November 3, 1828, in Lewistown, Penn. He received a 
thorough preparatory education, and graduated from Marshall College, Mer- 
cersburg, in 1846, being the valedictorian of his class. He read law with 
William Lyon, of Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1849; be- 
gan practice at Bedford, and soon achieved honorable distinction in his pro- 
fession. In January, 1865, he was appointed by President Lincoln judge ad- 
vocate with the rank of major, and served one year. In 1868 he served on a 
commission to revise the statutes of the State of Pennsylvania, with Judc?e 
Derrickson and Wayne MacVeagh. Upon the death of Judge King, in Jan- 
uary, 1871, Gov. Geary appointed him president judge of the Sixteenth 
Judicial District, then comprising the counties of Bedford, Somerset, Franklin 
and Fulton, and at the October election he was elected to the same position for 
the term of ten years. After declining a renomination, Judge Hall quitted the 
bench on the 1st of January, 1882. Throughout the entire term of Judge 
Hall, the business of the district was great, and an unusually large number 
of cases of importance was adjudicated. During his administration very few 
reversals of his decisions were made. Since leaving the bench he has not been 
actively engaged in his profession. 

Judge Hall married Ellen Rowan Cramer, September 9, 1859, of Cumber- 
land, Md. They had issue surnamed Hall : (I) Catherine Julia, born Feb- 
ruary 12, 1862. (II) William Maclay, born September, 1864. (Ill) George 
Louis, born 1867. (IV) Emily Rowan, born 1870. (V) Nathaniel B., born 
1872. (VI) Eleanor Maclay, born 1874. (VII) Richard Cecil, born 1882. 

Owing to the fact that this history of the Maclays was prepared for the 
history of Franklin County, we have confined ourselves to those born in the 
county and properly belong to it. If we have introduced any one living out- 
side of the county we have been compelled to do so in order to make the gene- 
alogy clear. 

For the remainder of the history and genealogy of the Maclays we refer to 
" Pennsylvania Genealogies," by Dr. William Egle, 1886. 



828 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOSEPH MOWER, coachrnaker, P. O. Mowersville, was born in that 
place December 28, 1814. John Mower, his father, the pioneer of the name 
in this county, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., a son of George 
Mower, a native of Germany. John was a wagon-maker, and came here 
in 1814; married Savena Souer, and by her had eleven children: Catherine, 
Polly, Joseph, Sallie, John, Simon, David, Henry, Lavina, Sabina and George. 
He died in March, 1865, in his seventy-fifth year. His wife died in the Febru- 
ary previous, aged about seventy-four. Seven of the children above mentioned 
settled in this and Cumberland Counties. Henry resides in Kansas; Joseph 
learned the wagon-making trade with his father, and after he became of age 
began on his own account, starting in the coach-making business in 1837, and 
•continuing until April, 1864. He then took as partners J. M. Deihl and J. H. 
Snoke, and did business under the name of Mower &Co. until 1866, when his 
son William, returning from the war, was taken into the company. In 1867 
Mr. Deihl left the firm, the others remaining until July, 1868, when Mr. 
Snoke retired, and Andrew H. Rice took his place. In December Mr. Rice 
retired, and the firm became Joseph Mower & Son (William), and thus con 
tinned until 1873, when William retired, and our subject continued the busi- 
ness until 1874. He then associated with John Slichter, and the firm became 
Mower & Slichter, and so continued until 1877, when Mr. Slichter retiring, 
Mr. Mower's other son, Aquila, became a partner, and the business was 
known as Mower & Son until 1879, in which year Aquila died. Another son. 
Ford W., who had already been interested in the business, took his place, and 
the firm became once again Mower & Son. Mr. Mower, however, has lately 
retired, and John carries on the business. October 20, 1836, our subject mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Adam Shoemaker, the well-known wagoner. Mrs. 
Mower died in 1853, the mother of six children: Keziah J., Nancy, John, 
William, Joseph R. and Mary E. Keziah and Joseph died young; Nancy is 
the wife of Michael Kohr; Emeline is the wife of Alfred Burkh older. Mr. 
Mower married for his second wife, Catherine, born in Perry County, Penn., 
Jamxary 17, 1830, a daughter of John and Barbara (Brandt) Ratkfon; by this 
second marriage there were eight children, five living: Joanna, wife of John 
Slichter; Lizzie J., wife of Samuel Foust; Ida C, Ford W. and Ella N. 
Aquila died September 24, 1879, aged twenty-three years, four months and 
twenty-three days; two children died young, Alexander B. and Joseph D. 
Mr. Mower was prominent in the first movement toward founding the Lurgan 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company; was made president of the same, and has 
ever since been identified with it as president. He is a member of the United 
Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. 

JOHN L. REBUCK, P. O. Roxbury, is the eldest son of Daniel Rebuck, 
who was born in Dauphin County. Penn., March 4, 1788, and who was a son 
•of Henry Rebuck, a native of Germany. Henry came to this country when 
quite a young man, and to him and his wife, Barbara (Longenecker) Rebuck, 
were "born the following named children: John, Peter, Henry, Daniel, Abram, 
Samuel, Jacob, Nancy, Eve and Barbara. Nancy married John Shuler and 
settled in Richland County, Ohio; Eve married John Lutz and settled in Middle 
Spring, Cumberland County, Penn. ; Barbara married John Whistler; all the 
boys settled in this county except John and Peter. Daniel married Hannah, 
a daughter of Abram and Mary (Landis) Grove, the latter a daughter of John 
Landis. After Daniel's marriage he located on a farm now on Paxton's Run, 
nearly two miles east of Roxbury, near the State road. He remained on this 
farm until his death, December 9, 1859. He and his wife reared six children 
to maturity, viz.: John L. (subject), Abraham, Mary J., Barbara A., Henry 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 829 

C. and David, all residents of this township except Henry, who resides in Hous- 
ton, Tex. Mary J. is the wife of Solomon Sentuian, and Barbara is the wife 
of Cyrus E. Stach. John L. remained on the farm until he was nineteen years 
of age and for nine years engaged in clerical labor, a portion of the time in 
Ohio. He located on the homestead farm on Paxton Run in 1856, and has 
since had charge of the homestead interests. He is a member of the A. F. & A. 
M. and of the I. O. R. M. , and has been township auditor. In politics he is a, 
Democrat. The family attend the services of different churches. 

SAMUEL LAWRENCE SENTMAN, retired farmer, Roxbury, was born 
in Montgomery County, Penn., June 29, 1803, and removed with his parents 
to Chester County when an infant. His father, Lawrence Sentman, was a native 
of Wurtemberg. Germany. When sixteen years of age he entered the Revolution- 
ary Army in the place of his father who was drafted : served out his time of enlist- 
ment and went a second time as a substitute. When eighteen j ears old he was 
drafted, again entered the service, participated in six campaigns, and remained 
until the end of the war. After the war he bought a farm in New 
London Township, Chester County, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
He was twice married and by his first wife had five children; by his second, 
nee Mary Henry, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Peter Henry, he 
had seven, all of whom lived to be men and women: Samuel L. , David, Solo- 
mon, Robert, Charles, Sarah A. and Rachel. David was a farmer and settled 
in Wooster, Ohio; Solomon was a Lutheran minister; Robert, a farmer, settled 
in Lancaster County; Charles settled in Drake County, Ohio; Sarah A. mar- 
ried Matthew Guy and moved to Darke County, Ohio; Samuel L., at the age 
of twelve, hired out at 20 cents a day, and worked at whatever he could 
find to do. He obtained a fair education for the time, and when sixteen years 
of age began teaching, which he followed five years, in the meantime improv- 
ing his own education. He was a great and very successful hunter. While 
in Perry County he married Elizabeth Eckert, a native of Cumberland County, 
Penn., and a daughter of Jonas Eckert, a farmer. About 1825 he bought a. 
farm in Cumberland County, Penn., which he conducted until 1835, when he- 
removed to Carlisle, and here remained two years. His reason for leaving 
Cumberland County was that he had built a good barn which he a second time 
filled, and this was struck by lightning. Mr. Sentman' s business plans being 
thus disarranged, and Carlisle having adopted the free school system, he con- 
cluded to move there in order to give his children advantageous educations, and 
leave the farm in charge of a trusty old laborer. A year later our subject sold this 
farm for over double first cost. While in Carlisle he clerked in a store with a 
view to learning the business. In the spring of 1838 he went to Newville,. 
purchased a stock of goods and engaged in merchandising for some two years. 
He then sold out to his partner and went to Newburg, where he built one of the- 
best residences in the place and remained about ten years. While there, in 
1846, he purchased property at Roxbury, a tannery, and started it in order to 
get his son, Solomon, into business. Soon after the tannery was accidentally 
fired and destroyed. Mr. Sentman rebuilt it and madp it a success. He moved 
here about 1849 and brought a large stock of fine goods with him. and engaged 
in business for about five years. In the meantime he purchased a farm which, 
needed improving, and as the store business became dull he closed out and 
gave his attention to farming. Mr. Sentman speculated considerably and most 
successfully in buying, improving and then selling farms. In 1865 he bought 
a farm in good order near Dover, in Delaware, containing Hllh acres, which 
in the summer of 1886 he sold, taking nine brick houses in West Philadelphia 
in part payment. His wife died March 16, 1872, leaving nine children, viz..:. 



830 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mary A., Elizabeth, Solomon, Samuel, Andrew, Catharine, Henrietta, Sarah 
A. and Emma J. Mary A. married Samuel Taylor and located in this town- 
ship; Elizabeth married Adam Shoemaker of this county; Solomon settled in 
Roxbury; Samuel in Altoona, he served in the late war; Andrew died in 1838; 
Henrietta is the second wife of Adam Shoemaker; Emma J. is the wife of Henry 
Cryder. Mr. Sentman married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Zearfoss 
nee Elm. Politically Mr. Sentman is rather liberal, though inclining to Re- 
publican ideas, and in religion affiliates with the Reformed Church. Through 
life he has been very persevering, and never allowed himself to be discouraged 
by any loss, taking the view, " it was so ordered; Thy will be done." He is 
vigorous and hearty and attends to his farm duties personally. 

SOLOMON SENTMAN, tanner, P. O. Roxbury, was born in North Mid- 
dleton Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., March 14, 1829, eldest son of Sam- 
uel L. Sentman, one of the well-known business men of this county whose 
sketch appears in this volume. Our subject came to this township in the 
spring of 1847, and engaged in the tanning business, which he still follows to 
some extent. He married, November 6, 1862, Mary J. Rebuck, a daughter of 
Daniel and Hannah Rebuck, the latter a daughter of Abraham Groves. Mr. 
Sentman has two children living, William D. and Daniel L. ; two died in infancy. 
Our subject is not a church member nor a sectarian, but contributes to the sup- 
port of the gospel. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the I. 
O. O. F., No. 419, also of McAllister Encampment, No. 267, I. O. O. F., the I. 
O. R. M., and also the R. C. T. , No. 150; he has passed all the chairs, and has 
been secretary for thirty years. He owns the land for five miles in Gunter's 
Valley, with a beautiful stream, well stocked with trout, passing lengthwise 
through it, and the portals of the Twin Tunnels of the Southern Pennsylvania 
Railroad are on his land. He was not drafted during the war of the Rebellion, 
but sent a substitute for three years. 

MORROW R. SKINNER, farmer, P. O. Roxbury, was born in Roxbury, 
this county, January 5, 1848, the third son and fourth child of M. R. Skinner, 
one of the descendants of Stephen Skinner, of Path Valley, this county, and 
Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Skinner, one of the descendants of Philip Shoemaker, of 
this township. He was reared in the village, and in the spring of 1872 began for 
himself in the mercantile business. In 1874 he took in J. A. Stitt as partner, who 
conducted the store while our subject carried on the stock business, and for several 
years was engaged in bringing stock from Kentucky, being among the first to 
make a business of importing stock from that State, continuing in that line until 
1884, and has not entirely given up the business yet. October 26, 1871, he mar- 
ried Emma C. Tritt, a native of Cumberland County, Penn. , and a daughter of 
Samuel and Juliana (Heagy) Tritt, the latter a daughter of John and Polly 
(Hemminger) Heagy, all of Cumberland County. (The Heagy s were natives of 
Adams County.) Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have three children living: Cora Ann, 
Daniel Bruce J. and Effie C. (Minnie died in infancy.) Mr. Skinner conducts his 
farm and mill, and is connected with stock raising. He was a candidate for 
sheriff of the county, and has been supervisor for some years. Mrs. Skinner 
is a Presbyterian, while Mr. Skinner leans toward the faith of his father, that 
of the Methodist Protestant denomination. 

A. F. SNOKE, secretary of the Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 
Mowersville, was born March 4, 1844, in Newton Township, Cumberland 
Co. , Penn. ; his father, Christian Snoke, was born in the same county 
January 22, 1811, a son of John and Hannah (Whistler) Snoke, the latter a 
native of Lykens Valley, Penn. John Snoke was of German descent and a 
bishop in the Dunkard Church. The mother of our subject was Anna, daugh 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 831 

ter of John and Doratha (Landis) High, natives of Berks County, Penn., the 
former a son of John High, and the latter a daughter of Michael Landis. 
Mrs. Snoke was born June 4, 1813, in Mifflin Township, Cumberland County. 
Christian Snoke had the following brothers: Andrew, Samuel, Emanuel, John, 
David, and one sister, Hannah. Our subject, Aaron F., was reared at home un- 
til eighteen years of age; then came to Mowersville and worked for Joseph 
Mower, with whom he learned the coach -making business and remained until 
he was thirty years of age. In the winter of 1874 he was elected director of 
the Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was also made secretary of the 
same, which position he has since held. He has been twice married; first, 
December 24, 1867, to Sarah Shoemaker, a native of this township and a 
daughter of David and Elizabeth (Baker) Shoemaker. She died April 12, 
1881, leaving six children: Charles B., Lulu L., William B., Clarence H, 
Nellie M. and Mary A. His second marriage was with Lizzie Foglesonger, 
daughter of David and Catherine (Noftsker) Foglesonger. This union has 
been blessed with one child — Errol F. Mr. Snoke is a member of the United 
Brethren Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian. Politically he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

CYRUS E. STACH, farmer, P. O. Lurgan, now located at the Center, was 
born March 14, 1835, in the southeast part of this township. His father, 
Gideon Stach, born near Strasburg, this county, a carpenter by trade, was a 
son of Michael Stach, an early resident of Letterkenny Township, this county. 
"Gideon married Catherine, daughter of John Rhone, whose wife's name was 
Magdelena Gezerman. Cyrus E. was a mere lad when he moved with his 
parents to Letterkenny Township and worked with his father at his trade, 
which he thoroughly learned, and after attaining his majority carried on busi- 
ness on his own account, taking contracts, etc., continuing in the same line for 
several years. He assisted in rebuilding Chambersburg after the fire, being 
•employed on some of the prominent structures in that city. In the spring of 
1868 he came to Center, and purchased a part of the Michael Reed farm, upon 
which there were no buildings, and the land of which was impoverished and run 
down. He has erected all the buildings, planted the orchard, and the land is 
now in an excellent state of cultivation. Mr. Stach is prosperous and 
happy. February 21, 1860, he married Barbara Ann, a native of this town- 
ship, born May 8, 1836, a daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Grove) Rebuck. 
Mr. Stach has two children: Wilson M. C, an adventurer in the far West, 
prospecting in mines, and Howard Lester, at home on the farm. Mr. Stach 
has three brothers and two sisters living and located as follows: Stephen, a 
real estate and loan agent, in South Bend, Ind. ; Isaac, a farmer, in Hunting- 
don County, Penn. ; Amanda, in the northern part of the State, the wife of Ed- 
ward Bowen; Gideon, in Knox County, Neb., and Susan, a resident of South- 
ampton Township, this county, the wife of John Killinger. McGinley, an- 
other brother (now deceased), located in the township, in October, 1862, and 
left a family of children. 

O. P. STOEY, M. D., Roxbury, comes of a family of physicians. His 
great-grandfather, William, who spelled his name "Stoy,"was a native of 
Germany, a highly educated man, a minister, and settled in Lebanon, Lebanon 
Co. , Penn. Later he returned to Germany, where he spent seven years as a 
student. On his return to America he became quite eminent in the science of 
medicine. He had a son also named William, who became a physician, and 
two of his sons became physicians. One of the latter also had a son, a physi- 
•cian, who is now practicing his profession in Chicago, 111. Our subject was 
•born in Middlesex Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., March 7, 1856, the 



832 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

fourth son and sixth child born to George W. and Rachel (Rimer) Stoey, the 
latter of niece of Gov. Ritner. Our subject received good school advantages, 
and when about nineteen years of age began studying medicine, read with Dr. 
Hiraru McGowan, of Harrisburg, graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 
June, 1880, and received his diploma in the spring following. He also has 
several certificates of excellence and of graduation in other courses. After his 
graduation he came to Roxbury, where he has since remained, and built up an 
excellent practice. He was married in 1879, to Anna Long, a native of Cum- 
berland County, and to them have been born four children: John Eskridge, 
Oliver Paul. Clara Mabel and George Wilbur. 

ELIAS STOUFFER, retired farmer, P. O. Mowersville, was born Decem- 
ber 20, 1821, in Hopewell Township, Cumberland Co. , Penn., and when about 
two years old removed with his parents to this county, where he has since re- 
sided. His father, Jacob Stouffer, is a native of Cumberland County, and a 
son of Jacob, who came from Lancaster County and made a settlement in 
Hopewell Township; he reared the following named children: Abraham, Chris- 
tian, Jacob, Peter, John, Nancy, Betsey, Barbara, Catherine and Fannie. 
About 1823. Jacob Stouffer, father of our subject, moved to this township and 
made a settlement in the eastern part thereof, where he remained about twenty- 
five years. He then moved to the western part of the township, where he still 
resides, aged ninety-three years. His wife was Sarah Bullinger, a native of 
Lancaster County, Penn., who died in August, 1871. He reared the following 
named children: Elias, Peter, a carpenter in Hopewell Township; Henry, a 
farmer in Ohio, near Youngstown; Jacob, on the homestead in this townships 
Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Harshey of this county ; Barbara A. , wife of Joshua 
Hoffman of Cumberland County; Margaret, wife of Samuel Laughlin of this 
county; Nancy, Catherine, wife of John Rhone in Southampton Township, 
and Fannie, deceased wife of George Henry of Cumberland County. Elias 
was reared on the homestead farm, where he lived continuously until the spring 
of 1883, when he abandoned farming and built a residence on the southwestern 
part of the farm, where he has since resided, renting the farm. March 8, 
1849, he married Barbara A., a native of Hopewell Township, Cumberland Co., 
Penn., and a daughter of David and Barbara (Over) Lesher. Mrs. Stouffer 
died December 23, 1881, the mother of the following named children: Mary 
A. , wife of Willis Hafer, in Southampton Township ; John, a farmer, in Wis- 
consin; Emma, deceased wife of John Keeny; David, Lincoln, Charles, and 
Andrew in Wisconsin; Isaiah, in Southampton, farming; and Flora, at home. 
Mr. Stouffer married for his second wife Margery Rhoades, of Cumberland 
County, eldest daughter of Mathias and Sarah (Finkey) Rhoades, the latter a 
daughter of William Finkey. By this last union, Mr. Stouffer has one child, 
Harry M. Mr. and Mrs. Stouffer are members of the United Brethren Church. 
Politically he is a Republican. He is the owner of 110 acres of land. 

D. D. SWANGER, merchant and justice of the peace, Lurgan, was bom 
in Letterkenny Township, this county, September 16, 1838. He was reared 
to agricultural pursuits and at the age of twenty -one commenced teaching, 
which he followed successfully for twenty winters, farming during the sum- 
mer seasons. In 1868 he purchased land in this township, and since 1879 
has been continuously engaged in agriculture. February 19, 1863, he mar- 
ried Mary E. Long, born November 23, 1843, in Lurgan Township, daughter 
of David and Catherine (Shoemaker) Long. Mr. and Mrs. Swanger have six 
children: David B., Harry D., William E., Anna N., D. Wilbur and John 
D. Mr. Swanger was elected justice of the peace in 1872, and has since 
served. He has also served as constable, and assessor of the township, and as. 



LURGAN TOWNSHIP. 833 

director in the Lurgan Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Since 1879 he has been 
engaged in merchandising (farming at the same time). Mrs. Swanger is post- 
mistress at Lurgan, having been commissioned April 26, 1886, when the office 
was instituted. Our subject's father, Henry Swanger, born in Lurgan Town- 
ship, April 1, 1816, married Malinda Barnhart, who was born in Amberson's 
Valley, this county, June 18, 1818, a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Taylor) 
Barnhart. Mr. and Mrs. Swanger reared a family of eight children : Daniel 
D. , Mary A. , Elizabeth A. , Nancy C. , Margaret M. , Susan C. , John P. and 
Sarah J. The family attend the services of the United Brethren Church. In 
politics our subject is an ardent Democrat. 

SAMUEL TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Mowersville, was born at Sulphur 
Springs, in Amberson' s Valley, this county, November 7, 1819, the youngest 
of five boys and two girls of Casper and Isabella (Matthews) Taylor. At the 
age of seventeen, he went to Strasburg, this county, where he clerked four 
years for Mr. McClellan. After leaving the store he went to Amberson's Val- 
ley, and worked two years in the factory with his brother George. He then 
clerked two years at Dry Run for William Piper; then one year in a large store 
in Springfield, Ohio. In the spring of 1846 he returned to his parents and 
commenced farming in the Valley. He kept a boarding-house at Sulphur 
Springs for two years during the summer months. November 14, 1851, he 
married Mary Ann, eldest daughter of S. L. Sentman of Roxbury, this county. 
After marriage he continued keeping the boarding-house until 1856, when he 
moved to Southampton Township, where he farmed until 1861 on Adam Shoe- 
maker' s farm. He then purchased his present farm, formerly owned by P. 
M. and J. Huffman, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits actively until 
1882. Mrs. Taylor died May 31, 1876, the mother of five sons and three 
daughters: Samuel W., now an attorney in Springfield, Ohio; John M., a 
farmer; Robert H., a graduate of Lafayette College, preparing for the min- 
istry; George E., in Iowa; Franklin E., a teacher in the high school at Spring- 
field, Ohio; Clara I., wife of Jacob F. De Haven of this township; Mary E., 
wife of A. O. Bishop in Greene Township, this county, and Emma, wife of 
John Goachenauer. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
Middle Spring; is director and general agent of the Lurgan Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company, and has served as postmaster for three years under Repub- 
lican administration, and served five years as county auditor. 

ESROM D. WEAVER, tailor and justice of the peace, Roxbury, was born 
June 10, 1828, in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland Co. , Penn. His father 
Dr. Benjamin Weaver, born in Lancaster County, Penn. , was a son of Moses 
Weaver who came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County. The maiden 
name of Dr. Benjamin Weaver's wife was Nancy Hull; she was a native of 
Frederick City, Md. ; to her and her husband twelve children were born, few 
of whom reared families. Jacob served in the civil war, going out from Ohio. 
Dr. 'Benjamin, who was a physician, followed his profession in Cumberland 
County, near Churchtown, and died many years ago. Esrom D. is the youngest 
of the family. He left home at the age of eleven years, and worked out on a 
farm. At sixteen he learned the tailor's trade at Churchtown, Cumberland 
County, and then went to Mechanicsburg, where he worked at his trade until 
the spring of 1850, when he came to Roxbury and set up a business here, 
which he has since continued. He was elected justice of the peace in the 
spring of 1850, when he came to Roxbury and set up in business here, which 
he has since continued. He was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 
1867 and served continuously since. July 30, 1849, he married Susan Frank- 
lin, a native of Mechanicsburg and a daughter of John and Catherine (Longs- 



834 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

dorff) Franklin. To this union eleven children were born, seven living, viz. : 
Albert, William, Edgar, Samuel, Charles, Katie, Martha. All of the boys 
are tailors; Albert, Charles and Samuel are in Shippensburg; the other two 
in Newville, Cumberland County. For thirty-four years, Mr. Weaver has 
been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, having held official rela- 
tions with the same during that time; was 4 steward, class leader and Sunday- 
school superintendent. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of Path 
Valley Lodge, No. 419, I. O. O. F. On the Weaver side of the family there 
are $75,000,000 due them in Holland, which they are now litigating for, and 
hope soon to come into possession of. 

HON. JOHN F. WOODS, merchant, Roxbury, is a native of Cum- 
berland County, Penn., born in Mechanicsburg. He came to this county in 
1853, and for four years engaged in the confectionery business on a small 
scale. He then conducted a general store under the firm name of J. F. Woods 
& Co. for five years. In 1877 he associated with J. Bleckenridge under the 
firm name of Woods & Bleckenridge. Mr. Woods was married November 1, 
1868, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Mary Hamilton. Our subject and 
wife have five children living: Clara J., Lydia, John, Josephine and Blanche. 
In politics Mr. Woods is a Democrat; in 1883 he represented the county in the 
State Legislature. He has also held several township offices. He is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., No. 419, and of the I. O. R. M., No. 150. 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 



R. M. ALEXANDER, M. D., Fannettsburg, was born in Shirleysburg, 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., March 12, 1846, a son of Randall Alexander and 
grandson of Col. William Alexander, a former resident of this county. At 
the age of twenty he began the study of medicine with Dr. William P. 
McKnight; attended his first course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, 
graduating at the University of New York, and in 1870 located at Fannetts- 
burg as the successor to Dr. John Campbell. He married, in 1871, Mary J., 
daughter of James X. McGaughy, of Fairfield, Adams Co., Penn., and three 
children have been born to this union: James N., Frank and William A. 
Dr. Alexander and family are members of the Presbyterian Church in Lower 
Path Valley. He is a very successful physician; is a member of the school 
board, and in politics a Democrat. 

JOSEPH B. ALEXANDER, farmer and trader, P. O. Willow Hill, was 
born December 18, 1848, in this township, the eldest son of Watson Alexander, 
who was born in this county in 1824, and married Elizabeth Brown, whose 
parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Cramer) Brown. Watson Alexander died 
January 1, 1879, his widow April 9, 1882. Three sons and three daughters 
were born to this union, viz. : Joseph B., Nancy E., Mary S., Martha J., John 
S. and James K. Nancy E. is now Mrs. C. McDonald, of Bradford, Penn. 
Mary S. resides in Fannett Township, this county, the wife of John Stewart. 
Joseph B. married, in February, 1874, Paulina T. , daughter of Michael and 
Elizabeth (Pomeroy) Gamble, and shortly after marriage moved to Clarion 
County, Penn. , in the oil region, where he operated successfully for two years 
in the products of that locality, and afterward located where he now resides, 
being engaged in farming and stock raising. The children of our subject and 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 835 

"wife are Carrie E., Matthew G. , Jessie M. , Mary E., Bertha Frances and Jo- 
seph Case. The family attend the services of the Presbyterian Church. In 
politics Mr. Alexander is a Democrat. 

MICHAEL CROMER, conductor on the Southern Pennsylvania R. E, P. 
O. Chambersburg, was born in Peters Township, this county, April 24, 1828, 
the fourth son and seventh child of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reed) Cromer, the 
former a son of John Cromer, and a native of Lancaster County, the latter 
a daughter of Michael Reed. Our subject at the age of eighteen left home 
and went to Mercersburg, where he learned the carpenter' s trade and followed 
the same until he was thirty-five years of age. At that time he began rail- 
roading on the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and has since continued the busi- 
ness. He began as a brakeman ; then became conductor on a freight train, and 
finally received the post of conductor on a passenger train, and as such has 
served for fifteen years. In January, 1850, he married Sarah J. Shafer, a 
native of Mercersburg, and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Ensminger) 
Shafer. She died Septembers, 1880, the mother of the following named chil- 
dren: Kate, wife of Charles McKinstry; Ella, wife of Samuel Snyder, resi- 
dents of Chicago; Jennie, wife of Frank Shirk, of Lancaster County, Penn., and 
Sue, wife of Harry AVeidlich. of Mercersburg. It can be said, and truthfully 
too, of Mr. Cromer, that he was, in his time, the best manipulator of the old 
Armstrong reaper or grain cradle who has ever made a record in the United 
States. In the summer of 1858 he, near Mercersburg, from sun to sun, cut 
twelve and one-half acres of wheat, making 365 dozen and 262 bushels of 
wheat. This was done in the presence of a vast crowd of interested spectators. 
The ground was measured by a regular surveyor and sworn to by twelve men. 
Mr. Cromer attends the services of the Lutheran Church. 

JEROME DETRICH, farmer and merchant, P. O. Willow Hill, was born 
December 4, 1834, in Antrim Township, this county, a son of John and Cath- 
erine (Tolhelm) Detrich. Our subject was thirty-four years of age before he 
left the parental roof. About that time, December 24, 1868, he married Sarah 
A., daughter of George and Sarah (Harrnan) Sarbaugh. After one year's res- 
idence in Antrim Township subsequent to his marriage, he moved to his pres- 
ent place of residence, Willow Hill, and engaged in farming, which he has 
since followed. In 1880 he formed a copartnership with Charles Fleming, 
and engaged in merchandising. After four years, this partnership was dis- 
solved and he then associated with his present partner, Mr. Bock, under the 
firm name of Bock & Detrich. Mr. Detrich is collector of the township; is a 
member of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is the 
father of five children: Harry W., Morris N., George E. and Sarah C. (twins), 
and John H. Mr. Detrich' s parents are still living, as are also their thir- 
teen children. 

FRANK W. ELLIOTT, farmer, P. O. Metal, is the only surviving male 
representative of the Elliott family, who were, with the exception of the Walker 
family, the earliest residents of Path Valley. Francis Elliott, his grandfather, 
came here, and in November, 1761, bought out a squatter's claim, for which 
he paid £500 English money. Here he stopped and located, but was twice 
driven off by the Indians ; the first time he returned to Chester County, Penn. , 
where he had come from; the second time he was driven to Fort Loudon, 
"whence he returned, and was not again molested. Archibald Elliott, brother 
of Francis Elliott, served as first lieutenant in the Continental Army during the 
Revolutionary war, and some of the Continental money, in which he was paid, 
is still in the possession of our subject. Francis Elliott, the pioneer, married 
Joanna Wallace, a daughter of William Wallace, who had a son, a sea captain. 



836 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Our subject's mother was Isabella Hall Beatty, formerly of Ckambersburg, 
of Irish descent. She had three sisters: Mary, Catharine and Margaret* 
and one brother named James, who removed to Tennessee. Her father's 
name was Henry Beatty, and her mother's maiden name was Isabella 
Hall. They came here from Ireland. James Elliott was the father of 
our subject, and his brothers were Archibald, William and John, who 
died bachelors. James continued a permanent resident of the homestead 
until his death. He died in 1878, at the age of eighty-nine years and 
seven months. He was an excellent citizen, and an exemplary Christian 
of the Presbyterian denomination, of which he was for many years an official 
member. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died a pensioner of the 
same. Politically he was first a Whig, and later a Republican, and though a 
man of firm convictions he was not a partisan. Frank W. was born May 26, 
1838, and has always been a resident of the old homestead. July 5, 1859, he 
married Margaret Witherow, a daughter of John Witherow. Mrs. Elliott died 
in August, 1879, leaving four children: Samuel B., James B. , Mary F. and 
Maggie W. June 16, 1880, our subject married Maude, a daughter of Will- 
iam Hewitt, and has three children: Isabella E., William H. and Archibald 
W. Mr. Elliott is a Presbyterian. 

JOHN S. FLICKINGER, M. D., P. O. Fannettsburg, was born in the 
old mansion house situated two miles north of Fannettsburg, the youngest but 
one of seven children, and only son of Joseph Flickinger, who was born near 
Lancaster. Penn., in 1789, his father, John Flickinger, having emigrated from 
that county to Franklin County, and after residing a few years near Geencastle, 
located in Path Valley. They were of German descent. The Doctor's moth- 
er's name was Nancy Statler, said to be of French extraction, and a lady of 
rare Christian virtues, as all testify who knew her. Our subject, after pur- 
suing his studies for several years at Marshall College, Mercersburg, Penn., 
commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John C. Richards, of Chambers- 
burg, where he remained three years, graduating in medicine at Pennsylvania 
College, Philadelphia, March 8, 1850. Though inclined to go South the Doc- 
tor yielded to the wishes of his father and sisters (now all deceased), and located 
at his father's house in Path Valley, where he built up a large and lucrative 
practice. Dr. Flickinger was married, October 16, 1867, to Miss Jennie 
McAUen, whose ancestors were Scotch-Irish (Presbyterians), a people noted 
for energy, force of character, etc., and to our subject and wife have been born 
two children: Joseph M. and Edith S. " Centrebrook " is the name of Dr. J. 
S. Flickinger' s very desirable home, situated in Metal Township, two miles, 
north of Fannettsburg and ten miles north of Richmond, the terminus of the 
Southern Pennsylvania R. R. It is in the center of Path Valley, one of the loveliest 
spots of that beautiful vale. The farm on which the home stands was surveyed 
in pursuance of a warrant dated May 14, 1755. The old mansion house was 
frame, and is near to, and east of the Doctor's present residence. The house 
was on the property when John Flickinger, the grandfather of the Doctor, 
purchased it. The land is limestone, adapted to wheat and corn, surface gen • 
erally level, though more or less hilly toward the creek. Three lovely springs 
come gushing up here and there from the fields; and one beautiful stream, 
called ' ' Marsh Run ' ' flows gracefully through the entire farm, and finds repose 
in the grand old (west) Conococheague. From 225 acres the farm has pro- 
duced in one year as much as 1,200 bushels of wheat and 1,500 bushels of corn. 
The property has come down in regular descent from John Flickinger (grand- 
father of the Doctor), who purchased it from one Mr. Chillison, in 1797, and 
by whom it was originally taken up. 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 837 

JACOB FLICKINGER (deceased), was born June 26, 1816, on the same 
farm he died on, near "Willow Hill ; a son of John and Polly (Alexander) Flick- 
inger, whose sons were Alexander and Jacob. Jacob was reared on a farm. 
He kept hotel in Fannettsburg four years, kept store in Fannettsburg four 
years and during the remainder of his life he was engaged in farming. March 
21, 1839, he married Lavina Klippinger, who was born June 6, 1818, young- 
est daughter of Anthony and Mary (Hess) Klippinger, natives of Berks County, 
Penn. Mr. Flickinger was highly esteemed in the community in which he 
resided. He was an upright citizen, an accommodating neighbor, and a con- 
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed away November 11, 
1884. His widow still resides on the farm, which contains 160 acres and 
which is under her supervision and management. The following children were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Flickinger: Edgar M., Mary E., William, Anna M., 
Albert A. and Clara S. Albert A. and Clara S. are at home; Mary E. is the 
wife of McGinley Wilhelm; Anna is the wife of George Shearer, and all are 
residents of this township. 

DAVID FLICKINGER, farmer, P. O. Fannettsburg, was born in Octo- 
ber, 1829, on the homestead farm, the eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Snively) Flickinger; the former, born May 21, 1792, died March 12, 1851; 
the latter born December 16, 1797, died July 14, 1873. Our subject removed 
to the farm he now owns in 1862, and the same year married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of James and Eilza (Clippinger) McCurdy, both members of old families 
of this county. Mr. Flickinger has 158 acres of land. 

JOHN E. JONES, farmer, P. O. Richmond Furnace, is descended from John 
Jones, who came from England as a soldier in the service of the British Gov- 
ernment. He finally desei-ted that army and joined the Continental, with which 
he served until the close of the struggle which resulted in American independ- 
ence. He bought 200 acres near Cowan' s Gap, and there lived until his death at 
the age of one hundred and four years. He reared a family of sons as follows : 
John, James, Jacob, Joseph, Jesse and Samuel. John and Samuel settled here, in 
Path Valley. John A. ,the father of our subject, was born in what is known as Cul- 
bertson Row, and married Sarah McElvey, a daughter of William McElvey, of 
Scotch-Irish descent. He died in 1868 aged eighty-three years, the father of 
twenty-four children. Our subject, a resident of this county, was born in Sep- 
tember, 1820, and grew up on the farm. December 23, 1843, he married 
Elizabeth A. , daughter of David and Mary (Plunkard) Little, and by her has 
ten children — seven sons and three daughters: George E., a Presbyterian min- 
ister, residing in Baltimore; David, on a part of the old homestead; John H. , 
a resident of Chicago; Mary J., wife of Oliver Yeater; Agnes, wife of Robert 
G. Jones; Oliver F. and Harvey W. , in Kansas City, Mo. (Oliver is a physi- 
cian and practices his profession in that city, and Harvey W. is practicing law); 
Carrie B., married to James McCormick; James M. , a postal clerk ; Lincoln, a 
farmer. Mr. Jones owns about 350 acres of land, a part of the old homestead. 
In politics he is a Republican. The family attend the services of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

THE McALLENS. " The family belonged to the old Scotch clan Camp- 
bell, and the meaning of the name is ' son of Campbell, ' or rather ' son of 
Colin. ' The leader or captain of the clan was McCallen or McCallum, and 
at the breaking up of the clan they all took the name of McAllen, omitting, 
some of them the one ' c ' , except one who took the name of the clan 
' Campbell. ' He became the Duke of Argyle in Scotland, and Lord Lome, the 
present duke's son, is the son-in-law of Queen Victoria, his wife being the 
Princess Louise. The family took a prominent part in military affairs, and for 



838 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

their services in suppressing the Irish were given an estate at Down Hill,, 
seven miles from Londonderry. This was just after the battle of Boyne Water, 
which occurred July 1, 1690. Some of them removed to Ireland and took 
possession of the estate and brought with them their old body guard, whom they 
kept as long as they lived and were able to support them. They were very 
clannish, and as long as they remained in Ireland they kept the Scotch blood 
pure, going back to Scotland to get wives when they wished to marry. After 
about forty years' residence in Ireland some of them came to America and set- 
tied near Harrisburg, Penn. , in about the year 1730, and the farm now occu- 
pied by Hon. Simon Cameron is thought to have been originally taken up by 
these McAllens. Robert McAllen and wife took up the first land, it is believed;: 
his name, besides being found in the land office at Harrisburg, is on an old 
record of a Presbyterian Church that was located at or near Derry, a few 
miles from Harrisburg. From here the descendants of the family scattered 
to Adams, perhaps then or soon after York, County, near Gettysburg, some 
remaining at Harrisburg. From the family that came to near Gettysburg the 
Franklin County, as well as the Butler County McAllens descended. John 
McAllen, the writer's grandfather, was a son of John McAllen of near Get- 
tysburg. He located in Fannettsburg, Metal Township, Franklin County, 
about the year 1794, and bought large tracts of land and set about improving 
it at once by erecting houses and barns upon it. He built and burned brick 
kilns, from which he constructed a number of large brick houses, one of which 
was erected for and kept as a hotel for many years and enjoyed a large patron- 
age. This house is and has been occupied for the past twenty-one years by 
his oldest son, John Franklin McAllen; another brick edifice adjoining the 
above is occupied by his youngest son, William S. McAllen; both these houses 
are equal and superior to many of the modern buildings of to-day. He also 
erected four mills, two saw-mills and two flouring-mills, all of which are in 
successful operation at the present day. Thus it will be seen that he gave 
great impetus to the spirit of improvement at that early day. In addition to 
the improvement of large bodies of land, he had in an adjacent valley (Horse 
Valley) about 1,200 acres of land valuable for its bark timber, on which he 
was about to erect a large steam tannery, but about this time, July, 1840, he 
took suddenly sick and died. Thus ended the life of a good and useful man 
who did more to develop the resources of his neighborhood than any other 
score of men in his day. He was married twice, first to a Miss Margaret Ged- 
dis, and second to a Miss Sarah Skinner, my grandmother, and left living 
within my recollection, John F. McAllen, Thomas W. McAllen, Robert W. 
McAllen, William S. McAllen and Sarah Jane McAllen (now the wife of Dr. 
J. S. Flickinger). 

" John F. McAllen, the eldest child, inherited his father's business ability, 
and to the present day is what his father was to his day and generation. He is a 
considerable land owner, and raises great numbers of fine stock, and has invested 
a large fortune in the way of improving his lands and mill properties. He has 
been a public benefactor, giving employment to the workingmen of his neigh- 
borhood. He married Miss Elizabeth Moody Nimmon (my mother, one of the 
best of women, and, to my mind, the best of all women; but God took her at 
the age of fifty, and her children shall never cease to mourn their loss of her). 
The names of their children are John Adams, Thomas Franklin and Robert, 
Franklin (both of whom died in infancy), Margaret Jane (now Mrs. Geo. W. 
Park), Sarah Lillias (now Mrs. Wm. E. Harris), Eliza Bell and Elizabeth Nim- 
mon (both of whom died in infancy), Anna Mary (now Mrs. S. A. Walker), 
Wm. West and Grace Nimmon. He married for a second time Nancy J. Wine- 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 839 

man; children: Frank, Archibald and Donald. The oldest son in the 'John' 
branch of the family, has been called John for several generations. The 
writer's (John A. McAllen's) mother once told him that his grandmother Mc- 
Allen had told her that he was either the fifth or seventh generation in which 
the oldest son was called John, and I think she said in this country. The 
writer now has a son John three years old November 17, 1880. 

" Robert W. McAllen was my father's next eldest brother. He was a briga- 
dier-general of militia before the war of the Rebellion, and during the war was a 
lieutenant- colonel of the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry. He was a very popular man, and kind to the needy; he 
died about 1867 from disease contracted in the service. He married twice. 
His first wife was Miss Isabella Campbell of Fannettsburg; his second wife 
was Miss Isabella Wilhelm of Metal Township. He left four sons: by the first 
wife, John Howard and Thos. Campbell, and by the second wife Robert W, 
and William. 

" Thomas Wilson McAllen, the third son, is married to Mrs. Margaret Mc- 
Gaughey, formerly a Miss Horner, of near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn. 
His only living child is Robertta M. McAllen, a graduate of Wilson College, 
Chambersburg, Penn. He resides on a farm of upward of 400 acres adjoin- 
ing the town of Fannettsburg. This farm was once the property of his father, 
John McAllen. 

" Wm. S. McAllen, the youngest son, was married to Miss Clementine Kyle, 
December 26, 1860, the eldest daughter of David Kyle, who in his day was a 
prominent business man of Fannettsburg, Penn. Mrs. Clementine McAllen 
died August 24, 1881, leaving her husband and five children to mourn her loss. 
The oldest of the children is Margaret Kyle McAllen, a graduate of Wilson 
College, Chambersburg, Penn. ; the second daughter, Sadie Maud McAllen, is 
now (January, 1887,) in her senior year at Wilson College. Jno. W. Kyle 
McAllen is the oldest son, and Norman W. is the youngest of the two boys; 
Jean Clementine is the youngest of the family. Father and children all live 
together in the old homestead. From about .the years 1858 to 1865 he was 
engaged in merchandising, but for a number of years past has been engaged 
in superintending his farm, etc. 

" Mrs. Sarah Jane McAllen Flickinger, the only living daughter of Jno. Mc- 
Allen, is the wife of Dr. John S. Flickinger. They reside two miles north of 
Fannettsburg. They live privately in the midst of their farms in elegant ease, 
dispensing the hospitality of their home to their friends and all comers. The 
Doctor is a retired physician who has enjoyed a large and successful practice. 
They have two children: Joseph McAllen, who is in attendance at Chambers- 
burg Academy, and Edith S. , a student of Metzgar Seminary, at Carlisle, Penn. 
They all have been Presbyterians from the earliest days until recently. 
John F. McAllen withdrew from that denomination and joined the Methodists. 
John A. McAllen, the writer of this sketch, withdrew from the Presbyterian 
Church and became an Episcopalian about three years ago — soon after marry- 
iDg a Miss Blanchie M. Crawford, of Virginia, whose father, William H. Craw- 
ford, now of Knoxville, Tenn., is a full cousin of the late Mrs. Frank Craw- 
ford Vanderbilt, second wife of the late Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. 
Dr. Arthur, the father of the late ex-President Chester A. Arthur, and the 
McAllens, of Counties Down and Tyrone, Ireland, are cousins. The members 
of the family have always been well-to-do, and generally take a leading place 
in their neighborhoods. 

" John A. McAllen is a gradtiate of Union University Law School, Albany, 
N. Y. , and a lawyer. He is the founder of the Path Valley News, at Fan- 



840 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

nettsburg, Penn. , a paper which, considering its location, has met with phe- 
nomenal success, much due to his wife? s assistance as an adviser. " 

WILLIAM H. McCORMICK, farmer, P. O. Fannettsburg, was born De- 
cember 31, 1826, the eldest son of Robert and Elizabeth (Harvey) McCormick. 
His grandfather came from the North of Ireland, and settled in Path Valley 
prior to the Revolution. Our subject moved with his parents when he was 
three years old to Indiana County, Penn., where he lived until 1850, in which 
year his father died. William Harvey, the maternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject, settled on the farm now owned by the latter, who inherited the place. 
In December, 1851, he married Margaret Parks, a native of Path Valley, and 
a daughter of John and Margaret (Witherspoon) Parks. Mr. McCormick has 
240 acres here, upon which he has erected the best of buildings, etc. , and has 
a farm of 163 acres two miles from'Chambersburg. He has three sons living: 
Robert H. , James W. and William B. (three children died young). Mr. and 
Mrs. McCormick are members of the Presbyterian Church. He gives his at- 
tention to farming and stock raising. 

MAJ. JAMES McCURDY, farmer, P. O. Willow Hill, was born in this 
township on the farm he now owns, December 4, 1807. His great-grand- 
father, Arthur McCurdy, a Scotchman by birth, moved from the land of his 
nativity to County Antrim, Ireland, and immigrated to America prior to the 
Revolution. He settled in Pennsylvania, and from him are descended four of 
the name: John, James, Robert and Hugh. James and Hugh settled in this 
county, John in Virginia, and Robert in Adams County, Penn. The subject 
of this sketch is of the third generation in America of the same name, James 
being the name of his father as well as that of his grandsire. His father was 
born in this township in 1770, and married Mary Brown, a daughter of Allen 
Brown. He died in 1822 aged fifty-two years. The following are the names 
of his children: Anna, Margaret, James, Jane and Stephen O. , all of whom 
reared families. Stephen O. located in Fannettsburg, this county; Anna mar- 
ried John Alexander; Margaret married James Rankin, and settled in Clarion 
County, and Jane married John Casey. James, our subject, located on the 
homestead, where he has remained up to the present writing, having engaged 
in farming. He married Elizabeth Klippinger, daughter of Anthony and 
Mary (Hess) Klippinger. For several years Maj. McCurdy was employed in 
the mill which his grandfather built, and afterward engaged in farming. 
During the days of militia and general training he held important positions in 
the State militia, was brigade inspector of the Second Brigade of the Eleventh 
Division of Pennsylvania Militia. Five children have been born to him: Mar- 
garet, wife of John Wolf of Fannett Township, this county; Stephen O., An- 
thony K. ; Elizabeth and Mary, wives of David and A. S. Flickinger, re- 
spectively. Anthony K. and Stephen served in the civil war, returned home 
unscathed, and are now residents of the township. Mr. McCurdy has for 
many years been identified with the Presbyterian Church, and is an official 
member of the same, as was his father before him. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. 

MAJ. J. S. NIMMON, farmer, P. O. Fannettsburg, was born in Shippens- 
burg, Cumberland Co. , Penn. , the eldest son of Adam Nimmon, also a native 
of Cumberland County, a son of George Nimmon, a soldier in the Revolution 
and a native of Belfast, Ireland. The latter' s wife's name was Adams, and 
she was of Quaker stock. He was a farmer, and reared two sons, Adam and 
John; the former settled in Cumberland County, Penn.; the latter in Craw- 
ford County, Ohio. Adam Nimmon, our subject's father, married Mary Mor- 
ris Skinner, by whom he had four children, only one now living; he was a 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 841 

farmer, but in his younger days followed wagoning, and finally settled in Ship- 
pensburg, where he died in 1843, aged sixty-seven years; his widow died sev- 
eral years after. Our subject left home and began working for his uncle, a 
tanner, at $4 per month; learned the tanner's trade, and subsequently carried 
on the business for himself for several years. When the civil war broke out 
he was among the first to volunteer, and enlisted in Company B, Capt. Deob- 
ler, Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served three 
months; then entered the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served a short 
term, when he was promoted to first sergeant, and subsequently to first lieu- 
tenant; later was commissioned captain, and at the battle of Five Forks was 
commissioned major. He served until September, 1865, being detained after 
the close of the war to settle up the affairs of the regiment. That same fall 
(September, 1865,) he came to Fannettsburg and engaged in merchandising, 
at which he continued for five years; then sold out to Mr. Wineman and 
located where he now resides, and has since been engaged in farming. His 
wife, Sarah, daughter of Joseph Flickinger, died in 1876, leaving one child, 
John S. Maj. Nimmon is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM NOBLE (deceased) was descended from the family of that name 
that has been indentified with the history of Path Valley since 1773. In that 
year his grandfather, John Noble, and Elenor, his wife, removed from a farm, 
which he had .>wned contiguous to the borough of Chambersburg, td"Path Valley, 
and purchased and lived upon the farm on which Carrick Furnace stands, until 
his death, which occurred March 30, 1799. His wife was a Miss Patterson and 
bore him four sons and two daughters. The sons were Johnston, Joseph. Solo- 
mon and John; Joseph and Solomon served a term in the Revolutionary Army ; 
the latter died of camp fever. The daughters were Elenor and Mary. Elenor 
married Samuel Witherow; Mary married Alexander Walker. Joseph Noble, 
the father of the subject of this sketch, settled on this farm in the spring of 
1787, and William was born here in September of the same year. Joseph 
Noble married Susanah McClelland, who bore him the following children: John- 
ston, Ruth, John, William, Joseph, Mary and Susanah. John and Joseph both 
served during the entire war of 1812. William, the subject of this sketch, died 
September, 1874. He was the father of six children, all of whom are still liv- 
ing; four of them still occupy the paternal estate. The children are Martha 
B., Ruth, Lucy, Augustus J., William R. and Mary Susan. Ruth Noble mar- 
ried John McClelland of Westmoreland County. Lucy married John H. Blair 
of Huntingdon County. William R. married Miss Sarah Wilhelm, and has one 
son, Samuel, and two daughters, Myra and Lucy. His children bid fair to 
inherit the ancestral acres. William Noble was a remarkable man in many 
respects, remarkable for his memory, for his love of reading and for the kind 
of reading that particularly interested him. Among these were ' ' Locke on 
the Understanding." "Dick's Theory of a Future State," etc. The Nobles 
were Scotch-Irish, and John Noble, Sr. , was a native of Ireland. The subject 
of this sketch, as well as his brothers and sisters, were remarkable for their con- 
servatism, even to the retaining of the provincialisms and pronunciations of 
their forefathers. 

GEORGE W. SHEARER, farmer, P. O. Willow Hill, was born October 
23, 1851, on the old homestead, where he now resides one-quarter of a mile 
north of Willow Hill. His father, Jacob Shearer, was born January 1, 1801, 
a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Buzzard) Shearer. He married Agnes, a daugh- 
ter of William Campbell, and located on the farm now owned by George W. , 
where he died October 5, 1867; his widow died January 12, 1881. They reared 
five children to maturity: Maria E., Josephine, Anna, Jacob F. and George W.. 

47 



842 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

all residing in the county. Our subject has remained on the homestead, 
which he took charge of at the time of his father's death, and February 10, 
1876, married Annie, daughter of Jacob and Lavina Flickinger. Mr. Shearer 
is a member of the school board, and a member of and elder in the Presby- 
terian Church (elected in 1885), in which his father was elder. Politically he 
is a Republican, with which party his father was also identified, and though 
firm in his convictions was no partisan. Mr. Shearer owqs 120 acres of land. 
They live on the property which once belonged to Mrs. Shearer's great-grand- 
father, Alexander, who sold his farm to Mr. Shearer' s paternal grandfather. 
JOHN E. SPECK, hotel-keeper and farmer, P. O. Fannettsburg, was born 
July 27, 1843, in Letterkenny Township, this county, a son of Joseph an<f 
Mary Ann (Early) Speck, both reared near Strasburg, this county. The former, 
born in 1812, died in 1880: the latter, born in 1821, died in 1882. The grand- 
father was Adam Speck. Our subject in early life was thrown upon his own 
resources, and at the age of eighteen began driving stage on the Chambersburg 
and Mt. Union line, and continued thus until 1863, when he enlisted in Com- 
pany D. Twenty-first Pensylvania Cavalry, and after his discharge, in June, 
1865, resumed stage-driving on the same old route, until the following year. 
Later he went to St. Louis, where for several years he engaged in railroading, 
running as express checkman. In 1869 he came to Clearfield County, Penn. , and 
after a short period he engaged in the lumber district, subsequently in farm- 
ing on shares. He then purchased 100 acres, which, after several years' 
successful cultivation, he sold advantageously, and, for two years, engaged 
in the hotel business at Burnt Cabins. In 1885 he purchased the ' ' Isaac 
Taylor farm" of 140 acres, two and one-half miles from Shade Gap 
and in 1886, took charge of the Mansion Hotel at Fannettsburg. In Jan- 
uary, 1866, he married Matilda Laird, who was born June 21, 1843, in Shade 
Valley, a daughter of William and Bridget (Maloy) Laird, the former a son of 
Hugh Laird of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Speck six children were born: 
Laura, Jennie, Mary A, Ralph, Edith and Jessie (twins). Mrs. Speck died 
after a short illness, June 20, 1886. She was a good Christian, full of faith 
and hope, and her charity had no equal. She took great pains in the welfare 
of her family. In politics Mr. Speck is a Democrat. The family attend the 
services of the Catholic Church. 

WALKER FAMILY. Among the early settlers of Path Valley, whose 
descendants are still residents there, are the Walkers. Alexander Walker, with 
his family, came from the North of Ireland in 1737, and settled in Chester 
County, Penn., remaining there until 1761, when they removed to Path Val- 
ley and settled on the land still owned by John D. Walker, Esq. , including, at 
that time, the farm of W. J. Park and lands of W. S. Harris. Alexander 
Walker had five sons: John, Robert, Samuel, James and David. In the sum- 
mer of 1762, the Indians began to be troublesome. James, while on his way 
home from the fort at Loudon, was taken prisoner by them (an account of 
which is found elsewhere in this history). On the night of March 22, 1763, 
the Indians burned their barn and shot their horses after they escaped from 
the burning building. In the barn when burned was a quantity of threshed 
wheat, and their descendants in the valley still have some of this burned and 
blackened wheat in their possession. During the Revolution one of the sons, 
Samuel, served as a lieutenant in Capt. Noah Abrams' company, and Rob- 
ert was a private in the same company, while the other boys served various 
terms of enlistment. Alexander, the father of the family, died May 1, 1775, 
his wife, Mary, having died the previous year. Of the sons, Samuel married 
Mary Noble, and remained on the mansion farm. John married a Miss Mc- 



METAL TOWNSHIP. 843 

Gkiire, and David a Miss Elliott. Both families moved to Huntingdon Coun- 
ty, near Burnt Cabins. James and Robert were not married. Robert died in 
1778 and James in 1788. The family of Samuel (the grandfather of the pres- 
ent families of Walkers living there) were Mary, who was married to Robert 
Walker, a cousin, and moved to Indiana County, Penn. ; John who never mar- 
ried; Alexander married to Mary Connell; Eleanor, married to Robert Ram- 
sey; Margaret, married to James McConnell; Samuel, married to Martha Mc- 
Connell; and James, married to Ann Skinner. John D. Walker, Esq. (son 
of Samuel), now living on the mansion farm, was married to Miss Emma 
Campbell of Illinois. Capt. John H. Walker, a son of James Walker, carries 
on the tannery built by his father in Fannettsburg, in 1822. The descend- 
ants of Alexander W T alker live in Fountain Green, Hi. , while other branches 
of the family live in Indiana and Washington Counties and in the Western 
States. 

HON. JOHN H. WALKER, proprietor of the tannery and captain in the 
late war, was born in Fannettsburg, Penn., April 27, 1834, and learned the 
tanner's trade with his father, attending the public schools and a select school 
at Fannettsburg. His father, James Walker, had learned his trade in the 
same town, with Judge Maclay. When his father died, our subject was but 
fifteen years old, but at that early age he took charge of his father' s business 
and settled up the estate. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was cap- 
tain of a military company called the Washington Blues. This was the oldest 
company in this part of the State, being the succession of the one that went to 
Canada in the war of 1812, under Capt. Samuel Dunn, who afterward became 
a brigadier-general. The Washington Blues tendered their services under 
the President's first call for three months' men, our subject being captain of 
the company. At the expiration of their term, Capt. Walker returned home, 
and at the organization of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, he raised Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylva- 
nia Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded by a musket ball in the right 
shoulder at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. ; was also struck by a piece of 
shell in the right arm at Chancellorsville. He was in all the engagements in 
which his regiment participated in the Army of the Potomac during its term. 
The captain's company was mustered out with the regiment in the last of 
May, 1863, and he returned to Fannettsburg where he resumed his business of 
tanning. During the rebel raids that followed, he, at the suggestion of the 
military commander of this department, Gen. Couch, enrolled a company of 
"rangers " which the General desired should be held in readiness to block- 
ade and defend the mountain passes, and promptly, on the arrival of a mes- 
senger sent by the General, they proceeded with their rifles and axes and 
blockaded the passes at the top of the Kittatiny Mountain, overlooking the 
Cumberland Valley, and held their position until the rebels left the county. 
Part of the company at the same time, under command of Captain Sam 
Walker, went for the same purpose to the defense of the narrow defile, 
then known as the "Dug Road," near Fort Loudon. In 1868 he was 
nominated and elected Republican representative to the Legislature by the 
people of Perry and Franklin Counties. Capt. Walker was not a candi- 
date, having refused to accept the nomination, but after that event, at the 
request of his friends, he accepted. Our subject was married, December 
11, 1856, to Miss Caroline Elliott, a native of near Ickesburg, Perry Co., 
Penn., a daughter of Robert and Mary (Linn) Elliott, also natives of Perry 
County. Robert Elliott was associate judge of Perry County and a man of 
more than ordinary ability. He was nominated by the Republicans for Con- 



844 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

gress, but the district being Democratic he was defeated. Mr. and Mrs. 
Walker have live children: James A., a jeweler in Valparaiso, Ind. ; Mary 
C. , wife of A. 'W. Pomeroy, of Pomeroy & Mackey, merchants, Chambers- 
burg; William EL, Charles L. and Samuel E., assisting their father in busi- 
ness. Capt. Walker is commander of Robert Elliott Post, No. 526, Gr. A. R., 
Spring Run. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, as are 
their daughter Mary C, and sons, James A. and William H. The Captain 
has been an elder in this church a number of years. 

ROBERT WENTZ, P. O. Richmond Furnace, is the trustworthy engineer 
who runs on the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad from Chambersburg to Rich- 
mond, and in which calling he has had an experience of twenty-one years. He 
was born October 16, 1844, in the city of Lancaster, Penn., a son of Henry 
and Hannah (Wisner) Wentz. At the age of nineteen he began to learn engi- 
neering, commencing as a fireman, and after three years' arduous application 
he was promoted to the position of engineer, which he has since held. His pres- 
ent run is from Richmond Furnace to Chambersburg, making two trips 
each day and having his home in Richmond. In 1874 he married Lizzie Mul- 
lan, daughter of John and Elizabeth (McGuire) Mullan. Mr. Wentz is a 
member of Monterey Lodge, No. 242, I. O. O. F., and of Washington En- 
campment. 

JACOB B. WINEMAN, merchant, Fannettsburg, is a grandson of George 
Wineman. who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1772. In 1817 this 
George Wineman came with his family to America, and settled in Fannetts- 
burg, subsequently locating farther up the valley, where he died aged ninety- 
one years. His son, Henry Wineman, father of Jacob B. , was born in 1811. 
His mother's maiden name was Christina Waggoner. Henry Wineman mar- 
ried Catherine Hite, and located on the farm he owns in 1849, being a portion 
of what is known as the " Riddle Tract." Our subject was born January 1, 
1843, the third son of his parents, with whom he remained until maturity, his 
boyhood being spent on the farm. Being clever and adroit with the use of 
tools he took up the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for about four years. 
He came to Fannettsburg in January, 1873, and began merchandising, which 
he has carried on successfully, keeping a general stock of goods and also a 
livery in connection with his other business. In January, 1866, he took charge 
of the office as postmaster. His wife, Etta, is the daughter of John and Ada- 
line (Kearsey) Ramsey. Her paternal grandfather was Robert Ramsey, whose 
wife was Eleanor Walker, all of this county. Jacob Kearsey was her maternal 
grandsire and his wife was Jane Bigler, of Newville, Cumberland Co. , Penn. 
Mr. Wineman has two children, Warren and John N. 

E. J. ZOOK, M. D., Fannettsburg, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., 
March 6, 1841, a son of David M. (a farmer) and Rebecca (Byler) Zook, also 
natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father' s farm and later attended 
the National Normal School, Ohio, where he graduated in 1874. He then be- 
gan the study of medicine and subsequently attended the medical college at 
Philadelphia, receiving his diploma from that institution in the spring of 1878. 
After practicing one year in his native county he came to Fannettsburg as the 
successor of Dr. Flickinger, and here has since enjoyed a good practice. He 
was married, in January, 1880, to Rebecca J., daughter of William and Ann 
(Cook) Huey, and a native of Mifflin County, Penn. Two children have been 
born to this union: Grace A. and William D. Dr. Zook is a member of the 
Presbvterian Church; in politics a Republican. 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 845 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF MER- 

CERSBURG. 

GEORGE W. ATHERTON, lawyer, Mercersburg, was born in Antrim 
Township, this county, April 18, 1857. His education was obtained at Zeig- 
ler's Academy, Greencastle, and at Millersville State Normal School. He studied 
law with the well known hrm of Brewer & "Winger of Greencastle and Cham- 
bersburg, and was admitted to the bar May 5, 1883. In October of that year 
he came to Mercersburg and established himself in business, and has since had 
an enviable practice for so young a lawyer. His paternal grandsire, Thomas 
Atherton, was born in Cumberland County, Penn. , and came to this county in 
1819, settling first at Waynesboro; six years later he bought a farm in Antrim 
Township on which he lived fifty-three years; he was married to Catharine 
Guitner, who bore him two sons: Caleb and John. Of these John married 
Mary E. Lenherr, who became the mother of three children: George W., David 
T. and Mollie D. John Atherton was one of the brave soldiers who lost their 
lives in defense of their country, a rebel bullet laying him low at the recapture 
of Fort Steadman. The Atherton family have been noted educators, and our 
subject is the third generation engaged in teaching. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. 

REV. GEORGE W. AUGHINBAUGH, D.D., is a native of Chambersburg. 
In the spring of 1841 he entered Marshall College, Mercersburg, and graduated 
in 1844. He was valedictorian on that occasion — the highest honor then con- 
ferred upon the student. The late Rev. John W. Nevin, D.D. , LL. D. , was 
president of the college, and at his hands the class of 1844 received their first 
degree in the liberal arts. Soon after his graduation, Mr. Aughinbaugh ac- 
cepted a position tendered him in the preparatory department. Here he taught 
four hours a day and at the same time pursued his theological studies. In 
1846 he was unanimously called to the vacant pastorate of Emmitsburg, Md. , 
and after consultation with Dr. Nevin, he resigned his position in the prepara- 
tory department and entered upon pastoral work. After serving the people 
of Emmitsburg acceptably for a period of ten years, he resigned and opened 
a classical school in Bedford, Penn. In 1859, he removed to the valley of 
Virginia, where he preached the gospel for a time, and then assumed the 
charge of a female seminaiy at Orkney Springs. In 1861, when Virginia se- 
ceded f torn the Union, he seceded from Virginia and returned to his native 
State. Here he again entered upon pastoral work. In 1864, impelled by a 
sense of duty, he resigned his pastoral charge on the banks of the Delaware, 
and accepted the presidency of Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio; but after a 
year's residence there, consideration for the health of his wife and family in- 
duced him to return once more to his native State. Unanimously recalled to 
the field he had left vacant in 1864, he again settled down to pastoral work, 
hoping to end his days in the midst of the kind people he was then serving. 
In this, however, he was disappointed. In December, 1872, he was called to 
the presidency of Palatinate College, Myerstown, Penn., and such was the 
pressure brought to bear upon him to accept, that he could not resist the call. 
In the spring of 1873 he removed to Myerstown where he labored until June, 
1881, when he resigned the presidency of Palatinate College, removed to Mer- 
cersburg, and reopened Mercersburg College. All things considered, he has 



846 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

here met with encouraging success, and there is good reason to hope that the 
day is not far distant when the lecture rt)oms, once occupied by some of Penn- 
sylvania' s most gifted sons, will again be tilled with students. Dr. Aughin- 
baugh was married twice. His tirst wife was Miss Mary L. Higbee, of Burling- 
ton, Vt. , sister of Rev. Dr. E. E. Higbee, the present State superintendent 
of public instruction in Pennsylvania. She died in September, 1867. His 
second wife, to whom he was married in November, 1872, was Miss Emma K. 
Keely, of Rosedale, Penn. 

WILLIAM D. BOYD, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg. Joseph Boyd, the 
great-grandfather of this gentleman, came from Scotland prior to the Revolu- 
tionary war, and located at Lancaster County, Penn. Becoming tired of the 
monotony and lack of business which prevailed there at that time, he moved to 
Dauphin County. Penn., where he relinquished an idea he had formed of re- 
turning to his native land, and bought land in that county. T.t is related that 
when he expressed his determination to return to Scotland, that one of his 
neighbors offered him in exchange for his overcoat 600 acres of choice land, 
which he declined. Our subject has a musket which belonged to this great- 
grandfather, and which was carried during the Revolutionary war by one of 
the neighbors, and which was loaned to the State of Pennsylvania, he receiv- 
ing a bond of £5 3s, which was to be paid in case the gun was lost. 
Joseph Boyd's initials were carved on the cartridge box ornamenting the 
stock, to identify it, and after being carried through the whole war, the gun 
was returned to the owner aud the bond surrendered. Joseph Boyd died soon 
after the war. His son, William, born January 5, 1778, came with his wife 
Martha (Cowden), whom he had married March 6, 1802, to Cumberland 
County, settling one mile and a half southwest of Newville, and there they 
lived and died. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters: Eliz- 
abeth, James O, Joseph, Edward O, William, Matthew B., Mary and Mar- 
tha, of whom four survive. William (father of our subject) was born February 
27, 1815, and came to this county in company with his brother James, in 1834, 
and pm-chased the present farm and adjoining tract in partnership with him. 
At that date one could ride from his farm to Mercersburg shaded by forest 
trees even on the sunniest days. William Boyd was an energetic, enterpris- 
ing man; his elegant farm was cleared, and the fine buildings were all erected 
by himself; he erected a spacious brick residence in 1852, and the next year 
was united in marriage to Catharine Lackens. Their domestic life was com- 
menced and continued under the most favorable circumstances, and they lived 
and died in the mansion which was one of the finest in its day. This couple 
reared a family of three children: Jennie D., William D. and James L., all of 
whom reside under the roof which has been hallowed by so many successes and 
pleasures. The eldest son died in infancy. 

MRS. MARY A. BRADLEY, Mercersburg. The early history of the Brad- 
ley family will be found in the sketch of John A. Witherspoon. who married 
Hetty, a daughter of Samuel Bradley. His father settled where Johnston 
Bradloy now resides, in 1804, and a part of the old mansion, still habitable, 
was used as a block-house when the Indians were yet troublesome. John 
Bradley wedded Jane McCurdy, whose father, James McCurdy, came to this 
country prior to the Revolutionary war, and whose lands were purchased 
direct from the English Government. Mrs. Mary A. Bradley is a daughter of 
William Metcalfe, one of the pioneer merchants of Mercersburg, who during 
his lifetime was one of the most enterprising men of the borough. Tom Scott, 
the celebrated railroad king, was for a number of months clerk in his store. 
Mr. Metcalfe was a native of Yorkshire, England, and was the architect of his 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 847 

own fortunes, accumulated in this country. He built the Baltimore and Pitts- 
burg pike, and was otherwise engaged in public improvements. The wedding 
of his daughter, Mary Agues Metcalfe, with Samuel A. Bradley was celebrated 
December 17, 1860. Ten years later Mr. Bradley's death was caused by the ac- 
cidental discharge of a gun while he was hunting; four sons are left to inherit 
his name: John L., Edgar M., William A. and James W. The first named 
will devote his attention to veterinary surgery; Edgar M. is a dealer in stock 
in Nebraska. 

DAVID CARSON and JEAN (OLIVER) CARSON were of Scotch ances- 
try, but both born in the North of Ireland, he in 1750, she in 1760. In 1784 
he emigrated to America and immediately settled at Greencastle, Penn. He 
afterward visited Ireland, and on July 28, 1788, there married Jean Oliver. 
The same year he returned with his bride to Greencastle, where both continued 
to reside until death. He died September 10, 1823, and she died August 5, 
1839. 

The quaint certificate of good character brought to this country in 1784 by 
Mi\ Carson, and signed by the ' ' dissenting clergyman and other mhabitons 
of the Parish of Donaghadee and neighborhood of Londonderry, Ireland, ' ' and 
the ecpially quaint marriage certificate of David Carson and Jean Oliver certify 
that they ' ' were bred and boru of honest dissenting parents devoted to ye 
covenanted work of ye Reformation. ' ' Hence their piety, both by iuheritance 
and by reason of their own convictions, was of that earnest, sturdy sort which 
characterized the followers of John Knox. They were covenanters "after the 
most straightest Sect ' ' of that religion, but at Greencastle placed themselves 
under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Young, of the Associate Presby- 
terian Church, whose death occurring in 1803, he was succeeded by the Rev. 
John Lind. Under the care of these earnest and learned divines, the family 
of David and Jean (Oliver) Carson received not only ministerial instruction, 
but decided educational advantages. Their intelligence and moral worth com- 
manded the highest respect and confidence of the community in which they 
lived. They were not in affluent circumstances, but by industry and frugality 
prospered sufficiently to educate and qualify their children for positions of use- 
fulness and influence in life. 

WILLIAM CARSON, eldest child of David and Jean (Oliver) Carson, was 
born at Greencastle, Penn., in 1789, and died at Chillicothe, Ohio, January 
31, 1840. When a youth he was trained to mercantile pursuits at Greencastle. 
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, enlisting in Capt. Roberson's company 
of Pennsylvania militia; for a short period associated with James Watson, 
under the firm name of Carson & Watson; he engaged in mercantile business 
at Greencastle. In 1816 he settled at Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, where he 
soon became an honored, influential citizen and successful merchant. By rea- 
son of his superior intelligence and sterling honesty, no man in Ross County 
in his day was held in higher esteem. It is well authenticated that his neigh- 
bors so confided in his integrity and fairness of judgment as frequently to 
cease litigation, submit to him points at issue between them, and settle them 
in accordance with his decision. 

On November 30, 1824, he married at Chillicothe, Eliza Faulkner Claypool, 
a lady of refined tastes, and of whom much good is reported. She survived 
her husband for many years. 

In vigorous, matured manhood, when deeply interested and taking influen- 
tial part in public matters, social, political and commercial, at the flood tide 
of a successful business career, Mr. Carson was cut off from this life by a 
shocking accident, On January 31, 1840, when returning from Frankfort, 



848 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ohio, where he had established a branch in connection with his Chillicothe 
business, his horse took fright; he was 'thrown from his carriage and his skull 
fractured, causing his death in a few hours. 

The record of the children of William and Eliza (Faulkner) Carson is as 
follows: Abraham, born February 10, 1826; died October 7, 1827. . . .William, 
born November 25, 1827; he is a graduate of Oxford College, Ohio, and of 
the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; now a leading physician of Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio Eliza F., born August 27, 1829; died February 25, 1863. . . . 

David, born August 19, 1831; now a resident of Missouri; an iron manufac- 
turer. . . .James O, born in February, 1834, graduated from -Oxford College, 
Ohio; he was an attorney at law at Omaha, Neb., where he died August 21, 
1859. . . .Jane Oliver, born July 30, 1836; now wife of Hon. Samuel F. Mc- 
Coy, Chillicothe, Ohio .... Erskin, born April 16, 1838, was a soldier in the war 
of the Rebellion, a member of the Seventy-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteers; 
he was seriously wounded at second Bull Run battle, August 30, 1862, from 
which he has yet a suppurating wound; he was elected clerk of Ross County, 
Ohio, in 1863, and served three years; he is now a resident of Hillsboro, Ohio, 
and agent of the O, W. & B. Railroad. . . .Mary Alice, born October 1840; 
now resides at Washington, D. C. 

THOMAS CARSON, second son of David and Jean (Oliver) Carson, was born 
at Greencastle, Penn. , August 6, 1791, and died at Mercersburg, Penn., April 
26, 1857. His education was not classical, but was so thorough in the En- 
glish branches as to qualify him to become an instructor of others, and it was 
in this capacity that he was first employed. After teaching school for some 
years, he learned the business of hat manufacturing, and subsequently en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits, at Mercersburg. Afterward he was elected 
magistrate, at which he served for many years, with great acceptance to the 
people. His most valuable service to the public, however, was as a legislator, 
he having served ten years in the Senate and House of Representatives, of 
Pennsylvania. He was a member of the House four years in 1834-35, 
and again in 1843-44. He was twice elected to the Senate for terms of 
three years each. His first term, covering the years 1845-47, and his sec- 
ond term the years 1851-53, and during his last term as senator, he was 
elected speaker of the senate. In regard to his career as a legislator, the 
following has been publicly said : ' ' His sterling integrity and uniform fidel- 
ity to all official duties intrusted to him stamp him as one of the few public 
men in our commonwealth, who are proof against all the seductive influences 
of public life — one whose large abilities and clear perceptions are overshad- 
owed by his modest demeanor, and freedom from the arts of the popular poli- 
tician. ' ' In public life he was distinguished as an earnest advocate of the doc- 
trine of protection to American industry, and of a system of free schools. 
He was an admirer and strong supporter of Henry Clay, and was devoted to 
the principles of the old Whig party. 

On March 23, 1815, he was married to Agnes King at Mercersburg, Penn. 
She was born and reared there, and was a niece of the Revolutionary patriot, 
Rev. Dr. King, long known and honored in connection with the early history 
of the Presbyterian Churches of the Cumberland Valley. She died in the sum- 
mer of 1862, having survived her husband five years. The children of Thomas 
and Agnes (King) Carson are as follows: Eliza Jane, born at Mercersburg, 
Penn., March 23, 1816; married Richard Bard; died at Allegheny City, Penn., 
in winter of 1860-61. . . . Washington King, born at Mercersburg, Penn., July 4, 
1817; married Mary C. Johnston; was trained to mercantile pursuits in the 
store of his uncle, James O. Carson, at Mercersburg; settled in Baltimore, 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 849 

Md. , in April, 1844, where be is still a prominent merchant; he was well 
known there as an active Abolitionist and " Black Republican, " so much so, 
that he was warned by secession acquaintances, to leave the city, after the 
riot of April 19, 1801, when the Union troops were tired on during their pas- 
sage through Baltimore on their way to the capitol .... Thomas, born at Mer- 
cersburg, Penn., January 26, 1819; married Sarah J. Leiper, of Philadelphia, 
in 1844; for some years was a merchant in Chillicothe, Ohio; removed to 
Philadelphia about 1853, where he still resides. . . ."William, born at Mercers- 
burg, Penn., November 7, 1820; married Louisa Ward of Philadelphia, died at 
Chillicothe, Ohio, October, 1877 .... Margaret Emeline, born at Mercersburg, 
Penn., January 26, 1822; married Thomas Johnston; now living in Lawrence 
County, Penn. . . .David Erskine, born at Mercersburg, Penn., March 18, 1827; 
died at Baltimore, Md., May 3, 1862. . . . Rosannah Mary, born at Mercersburg, 
Penn., November 9, 1828; married William Maxwell Wood, of the United States 
Navy; died at Owings Mills, Md., June 22, 1885. 

ELIZABETH CARSON, only daughter of David and Jean (Oliver) Car- 
son, was born at Greencastle, Penn., in 1793; died November 26, 1851. 

JAMES OLIVER CARSON, third son of David and Jean (Oliver) Carson, 
was born at Greencastle, Penn., on February 4, 1796, and died at Mercersburg, 
Penn. , on June 14, 1870. During a long and active life he was prominent in 
the business and industrial life and development of southern Pennsylvania. 
He was for many years an associate judge of Franklin County, and a man of 
influence and power in the section of the county in which he resided. He was 
a man of stern but sterling qualities of character, of strong convictions and 
decided opinions, of unflinching moral courage, of excellent executive ability, 
and as a disciplinarian in the family and in business he had few superiors. 
His education was such as the schools of his native town afforded. At about 
the age of seventeen or eighteen he left his home and entered the service of 
John and Hugh Kennedy, at Hagerstown, Md. , as a clerk. This firm' s busi- 
ness operations, which included mercantile, milling and other interests were 
the most extensive in the State of Maryland, at that time outside the city of 
Baltimore. The Messrs. Kennedy were not only enterprising business men of 
marked ability, but were highly cultured Christian gentlemen, one of them, 
John, being an accomplished Latin, Greek and Hebrew scholar. It was in 
this school, with such men as instructors, that Mr. Carson received his business 
training. He always esteemed it a kind providence which cast his lot with 
them upon leaving the parental home. Until married, his home at Hagers- 
town was in the family of Mr. John Kennedy, by whom he was taught to speak 
Pennsylvania German with fluency, as if "to the manor born," an acquire- 
ment which through life proved to be of great value to him in his business. 
Soon after reaching his majority he was admitted to an interest in the mercan- 
tile branch of the business of John & Hugh Kennedy, and continued in busi- 
ness with them until 1826, when he moved to Mercersburg, where he resided 
the remaining forty- four years of his life. 

The considerations which suggested and induced his leaving Hagerstown at 
that time, may at this period be regarded as unique. His business was pros- 
perous, his social relations satisfactory, but his church connection (Associate 
Reformed Presbyterian) did not satisfy his mind and conscience. He believed 
that church was growing lax in doctrine, not ' ' contending for the truth once 
delivered to the saints, ' ' and for that reason decided to remove frorn Hagers- 
town and locate where he could enjoy church privileges in connection with a 
communion whose testimony for the truth accorded with his own views. In 
these days of rationalism and the "new religion," he will be regarded by 



850 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

many as a very narrow minded man upon questions of religious doctrine, but there 
can be no doubt of the conscientious sincerity of his belief. Since he always 
had the courage of his convictions upon issues both secular and religious, his 
decision to leave Hagerstown and the reasons therefore, were entirely consistent 
with his character. After deciding to make a change, he for some time bal- 
anced in his mind between making Baltimore City or Mercersburg his future 
home. The scale was turned in favor of the latter by the fact that an Associ- 
ate Presbyterian Church was established there, and that he would be within 
easy reach of his widowed mother, then still living, at Greencastle. On the 
2d of January, 1821, he was married to Rosanna Marshall White, by the Rev. 
John Lind, at Hagerstown. Her great-grandfather, John White, who was an 
Englishman, came to this country about 1725 and settled in New Jer- 
sey. Her grandfather, Peter White, in early manhood settled in Washington 
(then Frederick) County, Md. , and look up a large body of land then known 
by the names of ' ' End the Strife, " " Whiskee, ' ' and ' ' Toddy, ' ' and situated 
on both banks of the now historic Antietam Creek. 

There he married Margaret Stull, by whom he had eight children. The 
oldest, Sarah, married John Wagoner, and was the mother of Mrs. John Ken- 
nedy. Another daughter was the mother of Rev. Edward Geary — a Presby- 
terian divine, who for many years lived and recently died in Oregon — and of 
John White Geary, a soldier in the war with Mexico, the first mayor of San 
Francisco, a general in the Union Army in the war of the Rebellion, and for 
two terms governor of Pennsylvania. Another daughter was Mrs. Dursilla 
Holt, for many years a bed-ridden cripple, who made her home with Mrs. Wag- 
oner at "End the Strife." And still another was Mrs. Watts, who moved 
' ' west to Pittsburgh. ' ' The sons of Peter White were Isaac Stull — who married 
Miss Rench of Washington County, Md. , and was for two terms high sheriff 
of that county ; two other sons who died single after ' ' sowing a crop of wild 
oats, ' ' and John White. The latter was a soldier in the war of the Rev- 
olution, and the father of Mrs. James O. Carson. He married Ellen Williams, 
who was of Welsh ancestry, and settled in the Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland 
County, Penn. , where Mrs. Carson was born on May 2, 1791. She died at Mer- 
cersburg on September 24, 1879. About 1805 or 1806 she traveled on horse- 
back from Westmoreland County to Hagerstown to make her home with her 
aunt, Mrs. Sarah White, widow of John Wagoner, who lived at the old 
homestead of Peter White ("End the Strife "). She lived with this aunt until 
May, 1818, when upon the death of her cousin, Mrs. Margaret Wagner, wife 
of John Kennedy, she entered his family and took charge of his house. Thus 
she and Mr. Carson became members of the same household. 

On the 15th of November, 1817, an Associate Reformed Presbyterian 
Church was organized at Hagerstown under the pastorate of Rev. John Lind. 
On the roll of those joining that organization and uniting with the church 
upon profession of their faith, are the names of Rosanna Marshall White and 
James O. Carson. Of the communion service the next day, November 16, it 
is recorded that it was the first ever held and celebrated there in the English 
language. Mrs. Carson was equally a friend to the rich and the poor. To 
know that others were in distress or need quickened her pulse and gave out- 
ward action to her sympathy. She was a Christian wife and mother in the 
most comprehensive meaning of those endearing titles. In her eighty-ninth 
year she was gathered to her fathers, and until within two hours of her en- 
trance into heavenly rest her intellect was clear and bright as in the prime of 
womanhood. 

The field of Mr. Carson' s business operations was not one that offered oppor- 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHir. 851 

tunitv for colossal transactions, yet bis energy and sagacity created business of 
no mean proportions, wben bis surroundings and tbe period of bis activity are 
considered. After leaving Hagerstown, in 182G, tbe center of bis business 
operations was bis country store at Mercersburg! tbe stock of wbicb embraced 
everything from needles and grindstones to silks and satins, from jews-harps 
and fiddle-strings to fine laces and broadcloth. Tbis business, multiform in 
its details, and probably as extensive as any of a mercantile character in the 
county at that period, was the center but not the limit of his operations. 
While managing it he owned and conducted a paper-mill at Cove Gap, estab- 
lished a branch store, owned farms, built and operated a Hour-mill in Well's 
Valley, Fulton County; was a large dealer in agricultural real estate, buying, 
improving and selling many farms; was executor and administrator of numer- 
ous estates, and later owned and, in connection with his son David, operated 
a steam flour-mill at Mercersburg. In tbe midst of bis enterprising, earnest 
business life he did not forget or neglect his duty to his family, to his church, 
or to the community in which he lived. In bis family, in the training of his 
children during their earlier years, he practiced the same exacting discipline 
which characterized his business methods. He was especially diligent in per- 
sonally instructing them in that system of worship and faith set forth in the 
" Westminster Confession and Catechism," which, with his whole soul and 
mind, be believed to be the very essence of divine, infallible truth. Under 
such discipline his children during childhood and youth respected and loved 
him, but experienced restraint in his presence. Wben they reached years of 
discretion he became their congenial companion and confidant. The rigid rules 
of bis household relaxed and the sterner features of his character softened as 
he grew cheerfully and gracefully old. These changes were manifest to the 
outside world, but were most marked in his own home. His devotion and lib- 
erality to the church of his choice, his sincere belief in divine authority for her 
doctrine, and his love for her ordinances, maybe inferred from tbe considera- 
tions already noticed, which prompted and induced him to change his home 
and business from Hagerstown to Mercersburg. 

All public enterprises, especially educational, which aimed to promote the 
general welfare of the community in which be lived, be advocated with charac- 
teristic energy, and contributed largely to their success. One of the helpful 
ways in which he served that community was by promptly recognizing the in- 
dustry, energy and honesty of worthy young men outside of his own family 
connection, and aiding them with money and by counsel to establish themselves 
in business. One of those thus helped thirty- five years ago, when interrogated 
sixteen years after the death of Mr. Carson with a view to learning some facts 
for this sketch, closed tbe interview, the tears trickling down his cheeks, with 
this expression : "I just tell you, you can' t say too much that is good about 
Mr. Jimmie O. Carson. He took bold of me and made a man of me. When I 
wasn't worth 50 cents he loaned me 1300, and gave me a letter of credit to 
Philadelphia, that got me all tbe iron and other material to start my little 
machine shop." Tbis is but one of many instances in which it was Mr. Car- 
son' s delight to make the rough places smooth for those who were honest and 
industrious but needing help. He aimed to aid such, not by that charity 
which begets dependency and beggary, but to aid them to help themselves, and 
thus develop in them self-reliance and true manhood. 

Mr. Carson had little taste for public life or ambition for political prefer- 
ment. He, however, took an active interest in all political and other issues 
whether to be settled by the ballot or otherwise. When such issues had a moral 
phase he became especially active and earnest. He was an ardent anti- Mason, 



852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and exerted all his powers in opposition to Masonry during the years this ques- 
tion played so large a part in Pennsylvania politics. This was the period com- 
mencing about 1829, and continuing until after the election of Ritner as gov- 
ernor and the legislative investigation of Masonry. He was equally as ardent 
an anti-slavery man, taking a most active and decided part in opposition 
thereto. As an instance of this, about the year 1838, an anti-slavery lecturer 
named Blanchard came to Mercersburg, but failed to secure a room in which 
to speak. Upon coming out of one of the churches he was mobbed by a crowd 
composed largely of Southern students of Marshall College, then located at 
Mercersburg. Mr. Carson, with others, without weapons, faced the mob, and 
by force of character and moral courage quelled it and rescued its victim. The 
community was for some time afterward much excited over this occurrence, 
and much bitter feeling was engendered by it. Mr. Carson lost no opportu- 
nity of denouncing the mob and those who sympathized with it. He contin- 
ued a Whig until that party ceased to exist, and then became a Republican. 
During the Rebellion he was active in raising troops and furnishing supplies 
for the Union Army. When the rebels were in southern Pennsylvania three of 
their pickets rode one day into Mercersburg. They were fired upon by three 
Union soldiers, who were concealed in the Diamond of the town. One of the 
rebels was killed, and the horse of another was shot from under him. The 
dismounted rebel ran and turned the corner at which Mr. Carson's house was 
situated. Mr. Carson at once gave chase, calling lustily 4 ' surrender, surren- 
der!" The rebel finding himself hotly and closely pursued, stopped, threw up 
his hands and surrendered himself, his carbine and sword to the old gentle- 
man whose only weapon was a walking stick. 

In 1856 Mr. Carson was nominated by the Republican party for associate 
judge. The election resulting in a tie vote in the county, he was appointed 
to that position by Gov. Pollock. He was afterward elected to it in 1861, 
serving until 1866. He was offered the nomination as candidate of the Repub- 
lican party for the State Legislature, but he declined it on the ground that he 
could spend his time more pleasantly and profitably with his family, and that 
there were others quite as well qualified to serve the public. 

The record of the children of James O. and Rosanna M. Carson is as fol- 
lows: Ebenezer Erskin, born at Hagerstown, Md., November 4, 1822; died 
at Hagerstown, Md., -February 1, 1823. . . .David, born at Hagerstown, Md., 
March 23, 1824; married Mary E. Patterson in September, 1845; died at Bal- 
timore, Md. , September 13, 1862; at the time of his death he was a soldier in 
the Union Army, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry .... Ellen Jane, born at Hagerstown, Md. , April 
12, 1826; married Duncan James McNaughton in September, 1845; died at 
Mercersburg, October 1, 1881 ... .Elizabeth Erskin, born at Mercersburg, 
Penn., March 18, 1828; married Thomas Clarkson Grove in 1852; died at 
Mercersburg, July 1, 1869 .... James White, born at Mercersburg, Penn., 
February 12, 1830; married Rebecca M. Darrah, December 15, 1857; settled 
in Philadelphia in 1849, where he has since resided, engaged in mercantile and 
manufacturing pursuits. . . .John Lind, born at Mercersburg, August 30, 1832; 
married Mary Masters Ruely; settled in Nebraska in 1856, where he estab- 
lished the first banking house in that (then Territory) State, and has since 
resided and been engaged at banking there. 

REV. DAVID CARSON, fourth son of David and Jean (Oliver) Carson, was 
born at Greencastle, Penn., October 25, 1799, and died at Canonsburg, Penn., 
September 25, 1834. Largely through the influence of Rev. John Lind, un- 
der whose pastoral care he spent his youth, he decided to devote his life to 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 853 

the work of a Christian minister, and it was under his instruction that he pre- 
pared himself for entering Jefferson College, at Cannonsbnrg, Penn. , where he 
graduated in 1819. During his college life he made public profession of his 
faith in connection with the Associate Reformed Church. About that time, 
Mr. Carson experienced great perplexity and distress of mind by reason of the 
bitter controversy in the church of his choice, on the subject of open commun- 
ion, a controversy which resulted in the withdrawal of a large portion of it, 
which united with the General Assembly Presbyterian Church. This state of 
mind seems to have caused him to hesitate for a time in carrying out his pur- 
pose to enter the ministry. He, however, entered upon a course of theological 
etucly, which he prosecuted at the seminary of the Associate Reformed Church 
at New York, during the winters of 1820-22. The following winter, 1822-23, 
he continued his studies at the seminary of the Associate Presbyterian Church 
at Philadelphia, under Rev. Dr. Banks, chiefly with a view to perfecting him- 
self in Hebrew, Dr. Banks being at that time esteemed one of the most emi- 
nent Hebrew scholars in America. During the latter year, after a long and 
severe mental conflict, he decided to connect himself with the Associate Pres- 
byterian Church, better known as Seceders. After passing through the 
usual trials he was licensed to preach the Gospel, October 8, 1823, by the Asso- 
ciate Presbyterian Presbytery of Philadelphia. Under the rules of that 
church, licentiates on probation for the office of the ministry were required 
to itinerate as missionaries for at least one year. This service he seems to have 
performed with great acceptance, as during the year of his itineracy he re- 
ceived five or six calls from parishes scattered through nearly as many States. 
He accepted that from the parish composed of the congregations of Big 
Spring, Pistol Creek and Munroe, Blount Co., Tenn. , giving these congrega- 
tions the preference, because he believed them less likely to secure a pas- 
tor by reason of their isolated position. He was ordained to the work of the 
ministry and installed pastor of those congregations, October, 1824, where he 
labored for about ten years. In 1827 he was married to Jane, daughter of 
James and Elenor (Corran) Gillespie, who were connected with one of his con- 
gregations. Her family was one of great respectability, her father being a 
man of superior intelligence and of commanding influence in Blount County. 

Mr. Carson was a man of fervent piety and attained high rank as a scholar. 
His intellectual endowments were of a high order and in respect to mental and 
moral qualities he was distinguished among his associates at college and among 
his ministerial brethren. In his public ministrations he displayed marked 
ability. His delivery was not rapid but distinct and emphatic. He had a 
noble voice, strong, clear, but not harsh, which he modulated according to his 
own will, now lowering it to a whisper distinctly audible throughout the church, 
however large, and in an instant raising it to ringing trumpet tones. In Octo- 
ber, 1833, the Associate Presbyterian Synod of North America elected him 
professor of Hebrew, Biblical antiquities, chronology and church history in the 
seminary of that church, then located at Cannonsburg, Penn. This position he 
accepted, resigned his pastoral charge in East Tennessee, and in the spring of 
1834 removed with his family to his expected field of labor. There he received 
a call from the Associate Presbyterian Congregation of Washington, Penn. 
and accepted intending to discharge the duties of both professor and pastor. 
He did not live to enter upon the duties of his professorship. His excessive 
labor in his widely scattered charge in East Tennessee; the journey with his 
family of over 600 miles by private conveyance which brought him to Can- 
nonsburg — the fatigue of which was greatly increased by the care of a num- 
ber of negroes who had been manumitted by their master and committed to his 



854 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

charo-e to be settled in the free States — enfeebled his naturally robust and vig- 
orous constitution. Soon after reaching his new field of labor he was pros- 
trated by disease and medical skill proved unavailing. In the prime of man- 
hood, in the zenith of his usefulness he passed away from earth, his death being 
in every way worthy of the devoted Christian life which had preceded it. 

The record of the children of Rev. David and Jane (Gillespie) Carson is as 
follows : Rev. David Walker Carson, D. D., born in Blount County, E. 
Tenn. , October 21, 1830, graduated from Jefferson College in 1847, was 
licensed January 7, 1851, and ordained October 5, 1852. He was pastor 
at Service, Beaver Co., Penn., from 1852 to 1877; now and since 1877, pastor 
at Buro-ettstown, Washington Co., Penn. Rev. James Gillespie Carson, 
D. D., born in Blount County, E. Tenn., February 11, 1833, graduated 
from Jefferson College in 1848, licensed in June, 1855, ordained in Novem- 
ber, 1856. He was pastor at Buffalo and Cannonsburg, Penn., until 1869; 
now pastor and professor of homiletics and pastoral theology in the seminary 
of the United Presbyterian Church, at Xenia, Ohio. 

H. G. CHRITZMAN, M. D., Welsh Run, was born in Harrisburg, Penn., 
in 1835; son of Henry and Margaret (Ziegler) Chritzman. He received an 
academic education and studied the languages under a private preceptor. Un- 
der the tutelage of Dr. William Grubb of Greencastle, Penn. , he acquired 
considerable knowledge of medicine and in the autumn of 1857 matriculated at 
the medical college, Philadelphia. Penn. , graduating from there in 1859. He 
began practice at Keedysville, Washington Co. , Md. , remaining until the late 
war of the Rebellion, when he became contract surgeon in charge of the sick 
and wounded of Best' s United States Battery, on the Potomac, continuing until 
after the battle of Antietam. In November, 1863, he was commissioned assist- 
ant surgeon of the Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, and in October, 
1864, was commissioned surgeon, with rank of major, of the Fifty-seventh 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and the same year was assigned brigade sur- 
geon of the Second Brigade, Third Division of the Second Army Corps, Maj.- 
Gen. A. A. Humphries commanding, continuing in that position until the close 
of the war. During the time of his service as assistant surgeon he was assigned 
to duty in the District of Columbia, in charge of Geesboro Point camp of 
dismounted cavalry, which formed the nucleus of what afterward became the 
noted Geesboro General Hospital. During his term of service, in 1863, 
he married Miss Emma A. , daughter of Joseph Newcomer, of Baltimore, Md. 
Although possessing all the skill and education necessary to place him at the 
head of the profession in a large city, Dr. Chritzman, at the solicitation of 
his wife, who desired a home in the country, in 1865 located at Welsh Run, 
this county. Success has attended his efforts and he has not only established a 
large and lucrative practice but has gained a meritorious position in the social 
and political world. He is ex-president of the Franklin County Medical So- 
ciety, a permanent member of the American association, likewise of the State 
association. In 1874 Dr. Chritzman was chosen by the Republicans to repre- 
sent them in the State Legislature, but was defeated by a majority of seven 
votes in Franklin County. In 1884 he was again a candidate and elected, and 
his record has given him a most enviable prominence in the Republican party 
in his county and State. To Dr. Chritzman and wife were born four children 
of whom three are living: Nellie, wife of John S. Brewer; Harry Brant and 
Clarence Armor. The eldest two obtained a classical education in Mercers- 
burg College, and Harry completed his at Lafayette College, of Easton, Penn., 
is now reading medicine with his father and will complete his medical educa- 
tion in the near future. The Doctor has his home in one of the most fertile 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 855 

regions of the State, and is living in a style suitable to the trae country gen- 
tleman of modern times, surrounded by books, music and a social family ; and 
the delights of his home are appreciated by the many city friends who find 
there a cordial host and hostess to make them welcome. Hon. H. G. Chritz- 
man was again nominated by the Republican party as their candidate for Leg- 
islative honors in May, 1886, and was re-elected by a largely increased major- 
ity in the November following. 

JACOB B. CUSHWA, farmer, Mercersburg. In 1827 John Cushwa, a 
native of Washington County, Md., was united in marriage with Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jacob and Mary M. (Angle) Brewer. Jacob Brewer, Sr., was 
one of the pioneers of Montgomery Township and his land was carefully 
selected by Botzyergoll, an Englishman, who lived where Jacob Freeze now 
resides. A patent for part of the present Cushwa farm was obtained by Jacob 
Brewer, who was not only one of the first settlers but also one of the most en- 
terprising men of his day. Many relics, such as arrow-heads, stone hatchets, 
etc., have been found on this farm, which show it to have been one of the fa- 
vorite hunting grounds of the Indians. It is well watered with a never-failing 
spring. Jacob Brewer reared eleven children, who became people of note. 
By marriage the Brewers are related to the Camerons. In 1846 John Cushwa 
purchased the farm from Jacob Brewer, and for many years was a prominent 
man in this township; he was a firm friend of the celebrated Dr. Philip 
Schaff, the noted Biblical authority, who spent many of his leisure hours on 
the old farm. John Cushwa died in February, 1886, his wife in 1883. They 
reared five children, four living: Mrs. Amanda Martin, D. Oscar, Jacob B., 
Eliza J., Anne (married to Simon Crambaugh, died leaving no issue). Our 
subject was married to Laura Brener, of Knox County, 111. , and by her has 
one son and two daughters : John, a medical student, Alice and Mabel. Mr. 
Cushwa enlisted in 1862 in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was in Humphrey's division; he 
received a wound at the battle of Fredericksburg which is a perpetual re- 
minder of his gallantry while on the field. The Cushwa family have been 
noted for their Union sentiment, and for liberality to all projects that advanced 
the best interests of the community. 

REV. WM. M. DEATRICK, was born January 22, 1823, in Adams 
County, Penn. His parents were Nicholas and Margaret (Miller) Deatrick. 
He entered the preparatory department of Marshall College at Mercersburg, 
Penn., in 1842. Two years later he was admitted into the Freshman Class and 
graduated from said college in September, 1848. In 1851 he graduated from 
the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in the United States, then 
located at Mercersburg. He was regularly licensed to preach the gospel in 
August, 1852, and on the following Christmas was ordained to the work of the 
Christian ministry and installed pastor of the Huntingdon charge, Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1856, he became pastor of the Yellow Creek charge in Bedford 
County, Penn. , which he served with acceptance for almost seven years. In 
December, 1862, he was called to the Friend's Cove pastorate, in which he 
labored successfully for upward of twelve years. In April, 1875, he moved to 
Mercersburg, and entered upon his duties as financial agent of Mercersburg 
College, to which he had been called. In 1880 he was chosen President of the 
Board of Regents of Mercersburg College, which position he has since held and 
continues to occupy. He is also President of ' ' The Society for the Relief of 
Ministers and their Widows of the Reformed Church in the United States," 
which was chartered in 1810. He has served as the Stated Clerk of the Synod 
of the Potomac since its organization in April, 1873, and likewise of the Mer- 



856 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

cersburg Classis for the period of thirty consecutive years. Since 1875, he 
has also been the treasurer of the Board of Education of said Synod and also of 
the said Classis from 1872 to this time. These positions of trust show the 
esteem and confidence in which he is held by his fellow churchmen. In 1852 
Rev. Deatrick was united in holy wedlock with Miss Harriet Peyton Sohn, 
daughter of J. Conrad and Ann (Ranson) Sohn. She was a native of Virginia, 
her maternal ancestiy being related by marriage to Gen. George Washington, 
the first President of the United States. Mrs. Deatrick died August 3, 1884. 
Three children have blessed the union of our subject and wife: William Wilber- 
force, Edward Ranson and Anna Margaret. The sons are graduates of Mercers- 
burg College, and the daughter of the female department of the same institu- 
tion. Both sons are likewise graduates of the Theological Seminary of the Re- 
formed Church at Lancaster, Penn,, and have been ordained to the work of 
the holy ministry. Rev. W. W. Deatrick, the elder of the two, and intermar- 
ried with Emma J. Balliet, of Milton, Penn., is Principal of the Clarion Col- 
legiate Institute, at Rimersburg, Clarion Co., Penn., with which he has 
been connected since January, 1884. Rev. E. R. Deatrick is the efficient pas- 
tor of the Woodberry Mission, Baltimore, Md. 

JOHN ECKERT, coachmaker, Mercersburg, was born January 29, 1837, 
in Kreuznach, Prussia. In 1855 he came to America, landing in New York 
City January 27 of that year. His brothers, Charles and Jacob, and sisters, 
Mrs. Mary Shaffer and Mrs. Catharine Mosser, had preceded him, and were 
engaged in business at Mercersburg, Penn. Our subject at once apprenticed 
himself to Cornelius Louderbaugh, who carried on an extensive coach shop, 
and so attentive was he to business, and so expert did he become, that Mr. 
Louderbaugh employed him for thirteen consecutive years. In 1862 Mr. 
Eckert enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Soon after his return from service he was 
drafted, but was excused. A short time after this he re-enlisted, this time in 
Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and 
served until the close of the war. He is one of the heroes who fought at Chan- 
cellors ville, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and in numerous other engagements. 
After peace was declared he returned to Mercersburg, Penn. , formed a part- 
nership with his former employer, and four years later purchased the shop 
and good will of William Guyer, and has continued alone to this date. Mr. 
Eckert is one of Mercersburg's self-made men and owns one of the live 
business enterprises of the place. June 27, 1861, he was wedded to Mary E., 
daughter of Robert and Mary A. (Duncan) Parker. Robert -Parker is living 
with his daughter (Mrs. Eckert) and has reached the ripe age of eighty-three 
years. Mr. Eckert has been for a number of years a member of the Reformed 
Church. He has served as a member of the town council. 

REV. JOSEPH H. FLEMING, Welsh Run, was born in Belleville, Mifflin 
Co., Penn., June 18, 1841; son of James and Betsey E. (Wills) Fleming. He 
was reared on a farm and received his classical education at Jefferson College, 
from which he graduated in 1865. The next year he entered the Allegheny 
City Theological Seminary, graduating in 1869. The following year he was 
ordained evangelist by the Northumberland Presbytery and placed in charge 
of the Presbyterian Church at Centralia, Columbia Co., Penn. Two years later 
he received a call from the Robert Kennedy Memorial Presbyterian Church, at 
Welsh Run, which was accepted, and for thirteen years he has been the be- 
loved pastor of that charge. This is one of the early churches of the county, 
and the pioneer Christians used to worship in it, coming for miles on foot or 
horseback for the purpose, and carrying their guns to protect them from the 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 857 

attacks of Indians who were troublesome at that period. (A history of this 
church from its organization will be found elsewhere in this volume.) In May, 
1874, our subject was married to Maggie F. Boylo of Pottsville, Penn., and the 
young couple corutnenced their domestic life in the parsonage on Welsh Run, 
where many happy days have been spent, and whore their hearts have been 
gladdened by the birth of live children. The opportunity for education is good 
even in this small village. Kennedy Academy, erected in 1875 by Elias D. 
Kennedy and presented by him to the church, was managed for several years 
by Rev. Fleming, but the patronage decreased by reason of removals, etc., 
and the school is now temporarily suspended. Our subject has been an 
indefatigable worker, and during his pastorate has increased the membership 
of the church from twelve to sixty odd members exclusive of deaths and re- 
movals. 

BANNER GRAVES, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg. The great-grandfather 
of this gentleman came from New Jersey and settled in Bedford, now a part of 
Fulton County, Penn. About 1786 his son, John, was twice married and by 
his first wife had the following named children: Samuel, Joseph, Banner and 
Mary. His second marriage was with Annie Mann, who bore him one son, 
Denton. This couple resided on the paternal homestead, and what is some- 
thing remarkable, the father, grandfather and great- grandfather are all buried 
in that hallowed ground which is now owned by Col. Chestnut, near Mason 
and Dickson's line. The son of John Graves, Samuel, born November 28, 1796, 
was married September 16, 1827, to Mary Swigart who was born February 10, 
1802, a daughter of George Swigart who came from Lancaster County, Penn- 
sylvania, about 1800. George Swigart purchased the farm, called "Pleas- 
ant Hill," now owned by our subject, and with his young wife made 
all the improvements, and here reared and educated a family of seven 
children. To-day none of the name of this family reside in the State. Mrs 
Mary Graves was born, reared, married, lived, died, (aged seventy-one) and is 
buried on this farm; she was the mother of five children, of whom two passed 
the age of childhood: George S. , who died at the age of seventeen, and Ban- 
ner, who was born May 23, 1842. July 25, 1863, our subject enlisted in 
Company K, Twenty- first Pennsylvania Calvalry serving mostly in Pennsylvania. 
After his return from service he engaged in farming and fruit growing. 
January 1, 1866, he wedded Mary J. Swigart of St. Thomas Township, this 
county, a great-granddaughter of Christian Swigart, who came originally 
from Germany and was remotely related to the mother of our subject. Five 
children graced this union: Harry, Clara, Mac, Bert and Dick, all of whom are 
living. January 11, 1874, the first Mrs. Graves passed away, and June 26, 
1884, our subject married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and. Susan (Nazer) 
Buterbaugh; of Welsh Run, this county. To this union were born two chil- 
dren: Mamie R. , who died when five months old, and Jacob Russel. Banner 
Graves is a member of Mt. Pisgah Lodge, No. 443, A. F. & A. M., and Mar- 
shall Lodge, No. 333, I. O. O. F. He is a man of enterprise and culture. In 
politics he is a stanch Democrat. The family are members of the Reformed 
Church in Mercersburg. 

REV. HENRY HARBAUGH, D. D., was born October 28, 1817, at the 
foot of South Mountain, in the northeastern part of Franklin County, Penn. , 
near the boundary of Maryland. His birthplace is a substantial two- story, 
double-front stone house, at the old Hagerstown and Gettysburg road. 
Yost Harbaugh, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a 
Swiss, who, with his family, came to America in 1736, and first settled in 
Maxatawny Valley in Berks County, Penn., midway between Reading and 

48 



858 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Allenton. They were members of the Reformed Church in Switzerland, and 
they and their descendants continued in her communion. In 1743 they moved 
to York County, on Kreutz Creek, as you go from Columbia to York. Jacob, 
the third son of Yost Harbaugh, on his marriage in 1761, moved to the north- 
western part of Frederick County, Md., into a small valley, which, because he 
was one of the first settlers, took the name of ' ' Harbaugh' s Valley, ' ' which it 
still bears. Jacob' s son George, being the tenth child, on his marriage, settled 
in Franklin County, Penn. , on what is known now as the "Harbaugh Home," 
as above located. He is the father of Henry Harbaugh. Henry Harbaugh' s 
mother was of German descent, born in Lancaster County. Her paternal name 
was Snyder, originally spelled Schneider. Her parents moved to Washington 
County, Md. , when she was six years old. Harbaugh was a Pennsylvania Ger- 
man by birth. His parents were Christians, members of the Reformed Church. 
Their children were baptized in infancy and received religious training. When 
Henry was yet a boy, Rev. F. A. Scholl, then pastor of the family, on giving good- 
bye at the front door after a pastoral visit, laid his hand on Henry' s head and said 
to his father, ' ' This boy ought to become a minister of the gospel. ' ' That re- 
mark had the effect of a call from God to the boy; from that day forward he was 
obedient to the call. When about fifteen years old he was instructed in the 
Christian faith by Rev. G. W. Glessner, then his pastor, in the use of the 
Heidelberg Catechism, and in due time was received into full communion with 
the Reformed Church at Waynesboro by a public profession of his faith in the 
rite of confirmation. Until in his nineteenth year he continued on the farm ai 
home, though he felt a strong impulse to study, and he availed himself of every 
opportunity to cultivate his mind. Fond of working in wood he, for a time 
wrought at the trade of a millwright. But his desires lay entirely in anothe: 
direction. He wished to go to school, to take a college course, to prepare fo:! 
the ministry. But his father did not comprehend the aspirations that wen 
struggling in his bosom, and gave him no encouragement. By and by th 
youth got his parents' consent to visit some relatives in Ohio, and to see! 1 
work there. He soon found employment. He wrought at building milk 
Meanwhile he kept one object steadily in view, a college course, the ministry 
He turned every chance to account for study. While working at a mill n 
selected a bolting-chest for a study, secured candles, shut himself in it, an 
while his fellow workmen were spending their evenings in idleness an 
folly he pored over his books. When he had earned nearly $200 his en 
ployer failed, and he lost all. But he kept right on. He worked, taugl 
school, gave lessons in singing, husbanded his savings for three years, an( 
in 1840, with some funds in his pocket, he applied for admission into tl 
freshman class in Marshall College, then at Mercersburg, Penn. He passe 
through the freshman and sophomore classes, and spent the third year in stud; 
ing theology. Meanwhile his father saw the bent of his son' s mind and can 
to his help. In 1843 Mr. Harbaugh was licensed to preach, and settled 
Lewisburg, Penn. , where he labored seven years, serving a number of congr 
gations and building a new church. Just before entering on his work here 1 
was married to Miss Louisa Goodrich, of Carroll County, Ohio, who died 
the spring of 1847, as also did a child a few weeks old, thus leaving him ai 
a little daughter alone. In the fall of 1848 he married Miss Mary Louis 
daughter of James F. Linn Esq. , of Lewisburg, Penn. , who still survives hii 
Ten children were born to them, four of whom preceded their father to t ■> 
heavenly home. At Lewisburg Mr. Harbaugh began his career as a writer i ' 
theological reviews, church papers, etc., and as an author. In 1849 he pu 
lished his first book, " The Sainted Dead." In 1850 he founded the "Guai 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 859 

ian," a monthly magazine devoted to the young, " without funds and without 
patronage;" edited it himself for seventeen years, and it is still published. In 
1850 he accepted a call to the First Reformed Church at Lancaster, Penn., 
where he labored for ten years, and built one of the finest churches at that time 
in the denomination. In 1851 he published a second book, " The Heavenly 
Recognition," and in 1858 the third volume, " The Heavenly Home." Other 
books followed as, " The Lord's Portion;" in 1855, "Union with the Church, '* 
"The Birds of the Bible," beautifully illustrated; in 1857, " Schlatter's Life- 
and Travels," and "The Fathers of the Reformed Church," two volumes; in 
1858, " The True Glory of Woman," "A Book of Poems;" in 1800, "The 
Golden Censer." During these ten years he had a large charge to look after, 
with all the duties this involves. In 1800 he accepted a cail to St. John's. 
Reformed Church, Lebanon, Penn. In 1801 he issued another book, "Hymns 
and Chants." In October, 1803, he was elected by the synod to the office of" 
professor of systematic and practical theology, in the seminary of the Re- 
formed Church then at Mercersburg, Penn. He entered on his duties January 
1, 1804. He died at the end of 1807. His inaugural address on Christologi- 
cal theology was published in book form. As professor in the seminary he 
wrought out a full course of lectures on dogmatics, itself a work of immense 
labor; and a full course lectures on practical theology, and on catechetics, and 
on cultus, and on the pastoral work. These lectures contained matter enough 
for a good sized octavo volume in each case. Then he prepared lectures on 
homiletis, on symbolics, on the history of reformed dogmatics, and on the 
' ' Heidelberg catechism. ' ' The mere mention of these topics gives no adequate- 
conception at all of the labor involved. During this time he preached almost 
every Sunday, wrote for various periodicals, and edited the Guardian until 
January, 1807, when he undertook to revive and edit the Mercersburg Review. 
In 1807 he published " The Child's Catechism," and " Youth in Earnest." 

He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Union College, 
New York, in 1800. During the last fifteen years of his life his Synod and 
Classis made constant demands on him for special work, which he cheerfully 
did. He was associated with almost all the important boards and committees. 
He was the prime mover in the celebration by the whole church, in 1803, in 
Philadelphia, of the 300th anniversary of the formation and adoption of the 
Heidelberg catechism, and was chiefly instrumental in making the jubilee a 
success. He originated the first Reformed Church almanac, and afterward 
anmially prepared the reading matter for it. Harbaugh was a poet. Much 
of his prose has a rich poetical vein pervading it. He wrote some hymns that, 
will live on in the worship of the church. He is the first Pennsylvania Ger- 
man poet of abiding merit. As Hebel, the Alemannian bard, embodied the 
patois of his country in immortal verse, so Dr. Harbaugh embodied the Penn- 
sylvania German in poems that will not die. After his death they were 
gathered up and published in book form. As a preacher, Dr. Harbaugh was 
fresh, instructive, sympathetic, full of unction and power. In his pastoral 
work he was a faithful shepherd to the sheep, and he folded the lambs in his 
arms. As an author, his books were well received, passing through many 
editions, and they are still eagerly read. In the summer and fall of 1807 a 
shadow gathered over his brain and gradually prostrated him. But he trusted 
in God and was not afraid. He awaited his Master's good pleasure. One day, 
toward the end of his life, when invited to take some nourishment, he said: 
"You have called me back from the golden gates." On the 28th of Decem- 
ber, 1807, he fell asleep in Jesus, aged fifty years and two months. His body 
lies buried in the yard of the Reformed Church at Mercersburg, Penn. , where* 



800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

an appropriate monument marks his grave. There has been no death in the 
Reformed Church in this country that caused such universal sorrow. 

LEWIS H. HENKELL, farmer, P. O. Clay Lick. In 1834 John \V| 
Henkell, with his wife, Mary (Hisey), came from Hesse Cassel, Germany, to 
America, landing in New York. Subsequently they came to Baltimore, and in 
1837 settled in Guilford Township, this county, near Mt. Alto, and about two 
years later purchased a tract of mountain land, which Mr. Henkell sold in 1841 
to his brother Jonas, remaining on William Beyer's farm, however, ;mtil 
1845, when they moved to the Chambers farm near the old Irvin mill, which 
he purchased four years later together with the farm adjacent. The mill now 
standing was erected in 185(5, the old one having burned down the previous 
year. John W. Henkell was an enterprising man and purchased other prop- 
erty. In 1864 he secured the woolen-mill now owned by William Adams, 
but in a short time thereafter moved to Carroll County, 111., where he yet lives 
at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, the only survivor of eight brothers, 
five of whom came to America. The death of Mrs. Mary Henkell occurred at 
the Hayes farm in 1847; she was the mother of four children: Lewis H , Eliza- 
beth, Catharine and Mary. In 1849 John W. Henkell was again married, this 
time to the widow of Samuel Byers, by whom there was no issue. Lewis H. 
Henkell was born February 9, 1835, near the Maryland line in Virginia, at a i 
fishery on Pope Creek, where his parents were then employed. He was mar- 
ried March 30, 1858, to Catharine, daughter of William and Catharine (Zook); 
Angle, who are representatives of one of the first families in Montgomery Town- 
ship, and whose coming here dates back more than a century. Nine children 
have graced this union : William, a graduate of Lafayette College; Mary C. 
(deceased); Clara V., wife of George W. Bohrer; George B. Mc. , boiler-maker 
in Omaha, Neb. ;Ella, milliner in Greencastle, this county; Blanche, a teacher in 
the public schools; Lewis E. ; Nettie and Henrietta, at home. Our subject served 
as lieutenant of cavalry of the Twenty-first Pennsylvania during the Rebellion; 
is one of the jury commissioners and has filled numerous township offices. He 
is a Democrat by instinct, and a man of repute in his township. 

REV. J. WILLIAM KNAPPENBERGER, Mercersburg, was born in 
Westmoreland County, Penn., July 31, 1848; son of S. Knappenberger, Sr., 
a member of one of the old families of Westmoreland County. Our sub- 
ject's early education was obtained in the academy at Delmont, Penn., which 
he attended in the summers, and in the vicinity of which he taught during 
the winters. At that time he had no thought of becoming a minister. Hav- 
ing completed his preparatory course in the autumn of 18G9, he entered 
Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn., graduating in 1873. 
The same year, he entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church 
in the United States, at the same place. During the summer vacation of 1874 
he taught in the Livermore Academy, and in 1875 at Sewickly Academy. He 
graduated from the Theological Seminary in May, 1876, was then examinee 
and licensed to preach by the Westmoreland Classis of the Reformed Church, 
at Mount Pleasant, in June of that year, and the following July received a 
call from the Salem change, near his birthplace. Owing to ill health, his or- 
dination and installation were deferred until November 9, 1876. Ten months 
later he received and accepted an invitation to occupy the vice-principal's 
chair of the Greensburg Female Seminary. After remaining there one year he 
determined to visit the Old World, and in June, 1878, started on his voyage to 
Europe, visiting England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and 
France. Returning to America in September, he received and accepted a call 
from Zion Reformed Mission Church, at East End, Pittsburgh, Penn., enter- 



3d 



MONTGOMEltY TOWNSHIP. 861 

' ing on his pastoral duties January 1, 1879, and where he remained until Novem- 
ber 1, 1883. He married Miss Ellen L. Smith, of Meridon, Conn., on 
<J ime 11, 1879. He entered upon the duties of the Mercersburg charge, in 

' Franklin County, November 1, 1883, to which he had been called the pre 
vious September. Our subject is a talented gentleman and has added largely 

' to the church membership. Ho is universally respected and esteemed by his 

people. 

WILLIAM LACKENS, farmer, P. O. Welsh Run. The grandfather of 

.... 
this gentleman came from Ireland at a very early date, bringing his wife with 

' him. Although born in Ireland the Lackens wore of pure Scotch blood and firm 
adherents of the Presbyterian faith. They settled near Chambersburg, Penn. , 

; about 1760, and reared several children. Of these children John Lackens, 

■ who was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1784, married Anna M. , second 
daughter of Jacob Shaffer, of German descent, but a native of this county. 
The young couple settled near where our subject now resides. John Lackens' 
education was acquired in the schoolhouse in which Enoch Brown and ten 
children were massacred by the Indians. John, operated a mill, now owned 

; by Fred Speck, in 1809. and later several other mills. John Lackens was lib- 
eral in all things, advocating whatever advanced public interests. He was an 

: honest, industrious man, a leader among the people and a stanch member of 
the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife reared a family of nine children — 
six daughters and three sons — of whom John R. , who resides in Lexington, 
Ky. , and our subject alone survive. John Lackens' first wife died in 1827, 

| and he subsequently married Mrs. Rebecca (Smith) Angle, who bore him one 

' son, George, now residing at Waynesboro, Penn. In 1 841 the death of John 
Lackens occurred, his second wife having preceded him March 17, 1838. 
William Lackens was born December 13, 1811, in Welsh Run. He was at first 

' a miller, then learned the shoemaker's trade, and since January 2, 1828, has 

: been one of the leading shoemakers here, and although seventy-five years of 
age still works at the bench. He was married November 15, 1838, to Eleanor 

, J. Mackey, and since then they have resided on the run near his birthplace. 
They have five children living and four deceased: John W. , married to Amanda 
Metz, residing at Fostoria, Ohio (have five children) ; Mary C. , wife of John M. 

! Stahl (have two children); Mrs. Sarah E., wife of David Hayes (have five chil- 
dren); Annie R. and George, both unmarried. All have been well educated 

' and the deceased were persons of acknowledged repute. Fourteen grandchil- 
dren greet the coming of their grandparents, who are yet full of energy and 

; life. 

WILLIAM C. LANE, M. D., Mercersburg, was born on the site of the 
First National Bank, at Chambersburg, Penn., in 1825, son of Dr. Nicholas 
B. and Eliza (Hetich) Lane. His ancestors came from Holland at an early 

1 date and settled' near Lititz, Lancaster Co. , Penn. Samuel Lane, grand- 
grandsire of our subject (by trade a millwright), was the first of this name to 
settle in Franklin County, locating near Funkstown, where he farmed and for 
many years operated a mill which still stands. Samuel Lane was married to 
Barbara Bittinger, who bore him four children: Nicholas B. , Mary, Julia A. 

, and Elizabeth, none of whom now survive. Nicholas Bittinger, father of Mrs. 
Lane, signalized himself during the Revolutionary war by his ardency as a 
member of the Whig party; was a soldier belonging to a Cumberland County 
regiment, and was captured by the British at Fort Washington. Samuel Lane 
was the first superintendent of the Mont Alto Iron Works, and under his man- 
agement they were erected in 180S. His only son, Nicholas B. , was taught 
surveying by John Fianegin, one of the noted civil engineers of his day. 



802 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

When sixteen years of age Nicholas B., in 1818, commenced the study of med- 
icine under Dr. S. D, Culbertson, of Chambersburg, with whom he remained 
until he entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 
1822. In 1824 he formed a partnership with Dr. Alexander T. Dean, then 
located at Chambersburg; and, later, with Drs. Bane and Culbertson. By 
reason of removal, the partnership was dissolved and Dr. Lane continued in 
practice alone in that city for twenty years, or. until his death, April 15, 1853. 
As a physician, surgeon, a gentleman and a Christian, his life was character- 
ized by modesty and courteous demeanor. He contributed largely to the lead- 
ing medical journals, and advocated with liberality every advance toward re- 
form and progress in the healing art. There were a number of children born 
to Dr. Nicholas B. Lane, and his wife, seven of whom reached mature years: 
William C, Samuel G., Thomas H. , Augustus H. , Catharine A., Sarah H. and 
Maria E. The eldest two sons were pupils of their father and graduates of 
the University of Pennsylvania, Samuel G. graduating in 1849 and William 
C in 1851. The other sons are now engaged in mercantile business at Pitts- 
burgh. In the fall of 1851 Wi'liam C. Lane went to Greensburg, Westmore- 
land Cotmty, and four years later to Mendon, Adams Co. , 111. , at which place 
he met and was afterward married, in 1857, to Miss C. A. Wakeman, a native 
of Wheeling, W. Va. Two years later he returned to Pennsylvania, and has 
since practiced his profession in his native county. Of the eight children born 
to the Doctor and wife, five are living: Thomas W. , on the staff of the Phila- 
delphia Public Ledger; George H. , a clerk in the Cumberland Valley Railroad 
office at Chambersburg; William A., clerk for Messrs. J. W. Rearick & Co. ; 
Samuel H. and Cornelia A. , completing a classical education at Mercersbnrg 
College. Dr. William C. Lane was surgeon in the One Hundred and Twenty- 
second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, during the war of the Re- 
bellion, and afterward served as surgeon of the board of enrollment of the 
Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania the last year of the war. In politics he is 
Republican. 

THOMAS McAFEE, Mercersburg. Mark McAfee, the grandfather of our 
subject, came from the northern part of Ireland accompanied by his brother 
Thomas, far back in the eighteenth century, but the exact date cannot be as- 
certained, settled at Irishtown, Dear Campbellstown, St. Thomas Township, 
this county, and was married to a lady who bore him ten children. By trade a 
mason, he left behind him numerous evidences of his skill, among which may 
be mentioned all the stone bridges on the Conococheague between Fannetts- 
burg and Williamsport, Md. ; the bridges on the National pike between Han- 
cock and Cumberland; the old stone Presbyterian Church at Church Hill, 
of which the old cemetery is all that remains to show where once a congrega- 
tion worshiped, and who were one by one laid to rest beneath its sacred soil. 
He also built the Reformed and Lutheran Churches at Mercersburg. The chil- 
dren born to Mark McAfee and wife were as follows: Mark, William, James, 
John, Thomas, Margaret, Mary, Rachael. Jane and Eliza. Of these, Mark, 
born in 1804, married Susan Snyder of this county, and had ten chil- 
dren: Thomas, Mary E., Nancy A, James, John and Jennie, all born in 
Peters Township; John, William and Thomas, born in St. Thomas Township, 
and M. Scott (the youngest son), born in the old hotel in Mercersburg. Mark 
McAfee was engaged f° r some time in teaching; was afterward elected consta- 
ble of St. Thomas Township; later was manager of Pott & Beaver s Iron 
Works at Valley Forge, in Peters Township ; then managed the iron works for Col- 
James Bard, the purchaser, remaining with him as manager until the furnace 
was closed. October 1, 1846^ Mark McAfee rented the old brick hotel, which 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHir. 863 

was destroyed by fire April 29, 1884, when he began business in Mercersburg, 
and conducted a popular hotel there until his death in 1865. In 1860 the hotel 
property was purchased by Thomas McAfee and his mother, and, until its de- 
struction by fire, was the popular hotel of the borough. In the autumn the 
sons of Mark McAfee purchased the fine property (erected and owned by James 
Buchanan, Sr. , father of President James Buchanan, and later owned by Hon. 
James O. Carson), which had been handsomely fitted up, and stands to-day 
second to no hotel in Franklin County in the elegance of its appointments or 
courtesy of its proprietors. The brothers rank among the wealthy bachelors of 
Montgomery Township. They own over 800 acres of land, and are all domiciled 
beneath the same roof, living comfortably, making money, and feasting their 
guests on the best viands afforded in the markets. In politics the McAfees may 
justly claim to be leaders in Montgomery Township; are lifelong Republicans, 
and since the birth of the party have been at the front in every campaign. 
Thomas McAfee was elected burgess in 1871, and re-elected two consecutive 
terms; has been a member of the council for years, and in 1882 was elected a 
member of the school board, and from 1883 to June 1, 1886, served as presi- 
dent of the board. Thomas and James McAfee are dentists by profession, 
which for a number of years they followed. M. Scott is a practical coachmaker, 
and for several years did business in Mercersburg, Penn. He married Louisa 
Hofley, who bore him two sons, John M. and Thomas A. 

WILLIAM McKINSTRY, a native of the city of Belfast, Ireland, was the 
progenitor of the McKinstry family, of Mercersburg. In 1792, when about 
eighteen years of age, he immigrated to America, and landed at New Castle, Del. 
Remaining in that town for a short time, he proceeded to the city of Philadel- 
phia, in which he designed permanently to reside. His residence there was, 
however, of short duration, for he was driven away by the epidemic of yellow 
fever, which raged with unexampled violence and fatality during the following 
year. He sought refuge in Lititz, Lancaster Co. , Penn. , in which his abode 
was also very brief. He next moved to Frederick City, Md. , but, meeting 
with little encouragement to remain there, he soon began a weary walk to one 
of the distant Western States. Mercersburg lay on his route, and to it he came, 
with all his worldly possessions tied in a handkerchief, which was suspended 
from a stout hickory staff resting on his shoulder. But, if his share of this 
world's goods was small, he had almost a superabundance of what was of in- 
finitely greater value — a stout heart and indomitable perseverance. He remained 
overnight in Mercersburg, lodging at a hotel kept by Peter Whiteside, in the 
house on the northwest corner of the public square, now owned and occupied 
by Mr. Charles H. Fallon, intending, on the next morning, to resume his jour- 
ney. He chanced, however, to meet at Whiteside's hostelry, a couple of resi- 
dents of ' ' The Corner' ' also named McKinstry, but in nowise related to 
himself. The strangers became interested in the ingenuous youth, and finally 
induced him to remain in Mercersburg. This event occurred about 1796. His 
first occupation in his new and permanent home was that of a clerk in a coun- 
try store. He was faithful, industrious and economical, and was thus enabled 
to save something from his humble earnings. This money he judiciously in- 
vested in real estate, which, at that date, was comparatively low in price, but 
which gradually appreciated sufficiently to enable him to embark in mer- 
cantile business. He did this by purchasing the store of James Buchanan, the 
father of the late President Buchanan. It may be said incidentally that, to the 
end of his life Mr. McKinstry found in President Buchanan a warm and sin- 
cere friend. During the war of 1812 he removed the store, which he bought 
from the elder Buchanan, to Uniontown, Fayette Co. , Penn. But, preferring 



864 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to live in Mercersburg, he returned to that place and resumed business in the 
stone house, on the northeast corner of the public square, which he had previ- 
ously built about 1810, and in which he successfully conducted a large business 
until 1822, when he retired from all mercantile pursuits. He then bought a 
tract of land about a half mile south of Mercersburg, known as the ' ' Shannon 
Farm," to which he added an adjacent farm, east of the town, belonging to 
Dr. William Magaw, a citizen of Mercersburg, and who was in 1775 surgeon of 
"Col. William Thompson's battalion of riflemen" in the army of the Revo- 
lution. On this large farm of some 330 acres, he built a large and imposing 
mansion house, barn and other necessary farm buildings, to which he gave the 
somewhat unique name of •' Lastly Hall. " He resided on this farm until 1841, 
and brought it into a high state of cultivation, and finally sold it to the late 
Adam Hoke for the sum of $32,000. In the year just mentioned, Mr. McKin- 
stry moved into Mercersburg, and began the improvement of the town by the 
erection of the large brick buildings on the northeast corner of the public 
square, as well as many other brick houses in different localities. In 1851 he 
bought a part of the ' ' Judge Smith farm, ' ' west of the town, adjoining the 
borough limits, on which he also erected large and substantial buildings, and 
which he highly improved by intelligent cultivation. This fine farm is now 
owned by his son, William D. McKinstry. Mr. McKinstry had a passion for 
building, and during his life erected more buildings than probably any other 
individual in Franklin County. 

About 1815 he was appointed justice of the peace by the governor of Penn- 
sylvania. He filled that position creditably and acceptably until his resigna- 
tion of the office in 1840. He contributed largely in money and influence to 
building the macadamized road from Waynesboro, by way of Mercersburg, to 
McConnellsburg, in Fulton County. In 1814, during the last war with Eng- 
land, he was a member of a company of cavalry commanded by Capt. Patton, 
and marched with it to Baltimore to aid in the defense of that city. In 1832, 
in company with Col. James Reeside, the great mail contractor of that day, 
he established a four-horse coach line from Frederick City, Md. , then the ter- 
mination of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, by way of Hagerstown, Mercers- 
burg and Bedford, to Wheeling, Va. This project was in opposition to the 
lines of stages run on the National road. 

In 1831 Mr. McKinstry saw a statement in a newspaper that the Theological 
Seminary of the German Reformed Church and the High School of the same 
denomination located at York, Penn., desired to change their location, pro- 
vided the new place was eligible and held out sufficient inducements in the 
shape of money to purchase land and erect suitable buildings to warrant the 
removal. Always an earnest friend of education, he promptly wrote to the 
trustees of these institutions and urged their removal to Mercersburg, and of- 
fered inducements for such removal that ultimately proved satisfactory to the 
church. His own contribution toward the permanent establishment of 
Marshall College, in Mercersburg, was large, and freely given. After many 
years of usefulness and renown, those in authority, with a strange exemplifi- 
cation of Punic faith, removed the famous school, which he was largely instru- 
mental in establishing, to the city of Lancaster. In 1842 Mr. McKinstry es- 
tablished the first newspaper published in Mercersburg. It was called the Vis- 
itor, and is still published under the name of the Weekly Journal. Mr. Mc- 
Kinstry represented Franklin County during two terms, from 1838 to 1840, in 
the Legislature of Pennsylvania. His term of service embraced that excit- 
ing episode in our political history called the "Buckshot war," in which the 
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, Charles B. Penrose and other prominent gentlemen 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 865 

were conspicuous. Politically, Mr. McKinstiy was a Democrat of the strictest 
sect. He was active and prominent in his party, and was deeply interested in 
the general politics of the day. He was long a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and continued in that faith until the end of life. He was a man of 
singular decision of character. Temperate, prudent, industrious and self- 
reliant, he was wholly the architect of his own fortune. In his long and use- 
ful life he sought counsel solely from his Creator and his own acciirate judg- 
ment. Finally, after a brief illness, he died at Mercersburg on the 23d of 
April, 1861, after reaching the patriarchal age of ninety-one years. 

In 1798 William McKinstry was married to Miss Mary McGinly, of Frank- 
lin County, Penn. After sharing her husband' s early struggles with fickle for- 
tune, and. likewise, his successful triumphs over the oppositions and obstacles 
of early life, for a period nearly equaling that allotted by the Book of Life to 
human existence, this beloved wife and affectionate mother soon followed her 
husband to a higher and holier existence. Mrs. McKinstry only survived her 
lifelong partner a few weeks, and died, in the full hope of a blessed immor- 
tality, on July 14, 1861, aged eighty-five years. William and Mary Mc- 
Kinstry had seven children who reached the age of maturity — five sons and two 
daughters, all of whom were born in Mercersburg. Robert, the eldest, born 
June 19, 1800; John born February 4, 1802; Eliza, born April 18, 1806; 
Maria, born November 3, 1808; William D., born December 11, 1812; James 
W., born August 28, 1814; and Alexander, born March 10, 1817. Robert 
McKinstry received the ordinary education of the day, and was brought up to 
mercantile business in his father' s store. John McKinstry received a clas- 
sical education, and was a student of Cannonsburg College. He and his 
brother Robert were associated in the dry goods business; first at Chambers- 
burg, Penn., in 1827, and, at a later date, at Mercersburg. Subsequently, they 
moved to Pittsburgh and engaged in business in that city. Attracted by the 
business advantages of the South, they moved to Florence, Ala. , and, about 
the year 1831, they located in Yazoo County, Miss. They now engaged 
largely in merchandising and in the purchase of cotton and in cotton planting, 
and had stores at Benton and Yazoo City. They were prosperous and success- 
ful in their business and amassed considerable wealth, which, unfortunately, 
was nearly all lost in the great financial crash of 1837-38. John Mc- 
Kinstry' s health now being seriously impaired by the climate of the South, he 
determined to return to Pennsylvania, and accordingly started for home. He 
proceeded only as far as the city of Natchez, Miss., where, after a short ill- 
ness, he died January 29, 1839. 

His brother, Robert McKinstry, re-embarked in business in Missouri. He 
went to New York to purchase goods in 1849, and was taken sick and died July 
6, of that year. James W. McKinstry was a student of Princeton College, 
New Jersey, and was graduated from that institution in 1835. Choosing 
law as his profession, he began its study in the office of the Hon. John Sar- 
geant, of Philadelphia. He was admitted to the bar in 1837, and, following 
the example of his brothers, he also went to the South and located in Yazoo 
County, Miss. Here he remained in the successful practice of his profession 
until failing health also drove him northward. He traveled by steamboat to 
the city of Pittsburgh. Ill and exhausted, he left the boat, and died there, 
May 26, 1840, a strange fatality with a remarkable concurrence of circum- 
stances thus similarly ending the lives of three brothers. 

Alexander McKinstry learned the art of printing, and was editor and pub- 
lisher of the Mercersburg Visitor. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, and, 
after his return spent the remaining years of his life in farming. He died 
August 26, 1860. 



866 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Eliza McKinstry was married, November 30, 1839, to the Rev. Leander 
Ker, a chaplain in the United States Army, who was stationed at Fort Leaven- 
worth for seventeen years, finally resigning his commission in 1858, and re- 
turning to Pennsylvania. He was a chaplain in the Confederate Army during 
the Rebellion, and died in South Carolina in July, 1873. Mrs. Ker died sud- 
denly in Mercersburg, on April 8, 1882. 

Maria McKinstry was married to Henry Shafer, of Washington County, 
Md. , who died in 1840, leaving two sons, Henry and Robert, now residing in 
Illinois. Mrs. Maria Shafer died at Macomb, 111., on May 15, 1882. 

William D. McKinstry, the subject proper of this sketch, received a clas- 
sical education under the instruction of the Rev. Robert Kennedy, a popu- , 
lar and efficient instructor, and was also a student at Hagerstown Academy. 
He entered into mercantile business in 1831, at Frederick City, Md. In 
1833, after disposing of his store in Maryland, he was induced by his'brothers 
to go to Mississippi, and assist them in the management of their extensive bus- 
iness operations. Soon, however, he launched into mercantile life on his own 
account. Returning to Hagerstown he was married, on the 1 1th of August, 
1836, to Miss Margaret Schnebly, daughter of Daniel Schnebly, of Hagers- 
town, Washington Co. , Md. In the fall of the same year he returned to Mis- 
sissippi with his wife, and remained there until the spring of 1842, when 
impaired health compelled him also to return to Pennsylvania, resigning his 
position as cashier of the Benton & Manchester Railroad and Banking Com- 
pany. On his return to his native town he engaged in merchandising in 1845, 
and continued in active business until 1874. During these years he had other 
vocations, among which were his duties as cashier of the Mercersburg Saving 
Fund, in 1854. In 1857 he was elected treasurer of Franklin County by the 
Democratic party, by which party he was often nominated for various offices. 
Mr. McKinstry is now, as he has ever been, one of Franklin County's most 
useful and honored citizens. His acquirements are varied and extensive, and 
he is fully apace with the progress of the age. He is an omnivorous and inde- 
fatigable reader, and makes extensive incursions in the wide realm of general 
knowledge. He is, of course, a most public-spirited man, and is always zeal- 
ous in all efforts for the improvement of his native town and the welfare of its 
people. As a kind friend, a genial and hospitable gentleman, of the old school, 
if you please, Mr. McKinstry is unsurpassed, if equaled, either here or else- 
where. His sound judgment makes him a wise and judicious counselor, and 
while his advice is never obtruded, neither is it withheld from those who desire 
to profit by it. Mr. McKinstry has seven children who have arrived at years 
of maturity — six sons and one daughter. William E. , born in Yazoo County, 
Miss., December 4, 1841, received a mercantile education, and assisted in 
conducting his father's business until the latter retired, and then continued 
in the agency of the Adams Express Company, at Mercersburg.* James W. 
was born in Hagerstown, Md., September 22, 1842, and was educated in part 
at Franklin and Marshall Colleges, at Lancaster, Penn. , and Princeton Col- 
lege, New Jersey. He engaged in mercantile business, and was married, at 
Mercersburg, in September, 1872, to Miss Caroline Hurst. Soon after his 
marriage he m^ved to Canton, Fulton Co., 111. Claudius B. was born in Mer- 
cersburg April 13. 1845. He graduated at Princeton College, in 1865, and 
read law in the office of Hon. John McDowell Sharpe, of Chambersburg. He 
was admitted to the bar in 1867. and in 1868 located in St. Louis for the 
practice of his profession. In 1873 he removed to Chicago, 111. , and from 
there wsnt to Goodhue County, Minn. , where he now resides. Howard L. 
McKinstry was born in Mercersburg, June 14, 1847. He received a classica. 



MONTGOMEEY TOWNSHIP. 807 

education, and read medicine in the offices of Dr. A. H. Senseny, of Charn- 
bersburg, and Dr. H. Lenox Hodge, of Philadelphia. Ho graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania in 1S70, and practiced his profession for a short 
time in Mercorsburg. He then located in Chicago, 111., in September, 1871. 
He did not remain long in that city, but moved to South Evanston, 111. In 
1873 he settled in Zumbrota, Goodhue Co., Minn., and has succeeded to a large 
and lucrative practice. He was married, in Baltimore, Md. , in December, 1871, 
to Miss Mary Broderick. Charles R. McKinstry was born November 8, 1849, 
and was educated at the high schools of his native town. For several years 
he was employed as a salesman in a dry goods store, and moved from Mercers- 
burg to Chicago, in 1884, and is now engaged in merchandising on his own 
account in that city. Edward P. McKinstry was born at Mercersburg April 
28, 1851, and received his education at the high schools of the town. For 
some years ho engaged in farming, but is now in the grocery business in Lan- 
caster, Penn. , in which city he located in 1883. Mary McKinstry, only daugh- 
ter of William D. McKinstry, was born in Mercersburg, and received her edu- 
cation at Wilson Female College, of which she is a graduate. 

Mrs. Margaret McKinstry, wife of William D. McKinstry, was stricken 
with apoplexy in the spring of 1881. Although she measurably recovered 
from the attack, yet the accompanying paralysis continued. She remained an 
invalid, confined to her room, with more or less suffering, which she bore with 
-Christian resignation and uncomplaining submission to her Master's will, until 
He released her from her sufferings and took her to her home in heaven on the 
1st of April, 1885. 

GEORGE W. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Clay Lick. Jacob Miller was 
born in Berks County, Penn., and came to what is now known as "the Cor- 
ners," in this county, when twenty years of age. His father, who came from 
Germany, reared a number of children in Bei'ks County, Jacob and his brother 
William being the only ones of which any information can be obtained. 
Jacob Miller was born in 1791. and after coming to this township learned black- 
smithing, becoming one of the best known smiths in the county. For sixty 
years he was an active business man. His (Jacob's) wife was Catharine, daugh- 
ter of George Swigart of this county, and their family, who have since nearly 
all immigrated to the West (principally to Illinois), was composed of three 
daughters and four sons: Daniel D., Catharine, May, George W., Samuel S., 
•Jacob F. and Elizabeth. The two remaining in this county are Mrs. Cath- 
arine Pensinger and our subject. The father died in 1880, at the ripe age of 
eighty-nine. The mother died in 1805. George W. Miller was born in 1829, 
and from choice has engaged in farming. In 1852 he was united in marriage 
with Elizabeth Hawbecker, and their married life was commenced on a farm ad- 
jacent to his present home. One year later they removed to Maryland, and six 
years after returned to this township and purchased a nice farm near Clay 
Lick. Sarah C, the oldest daughter was born where her parents began 
housekeeping. Mary A. , Calvin H. and William T. were born in Maryland, and 
Annie E. , Emma S. , Samuel S. and Harry H. on the old mansion farm. Sarah 
C. is now the wife of Clayton Angle; Mary A. married Samuel Elliott; Emma 
is Mrs. Jacob Royer, and Calvin wedded Clara Shoemaker, of Fulton County, 
111. Our subject during his business life has been honored with nearly every 
official position that could be conferred by his township — served three terms 
as assessor, one as supervisor, one as auditor, and frequently as judge and in- 
spector of elections. He is an old school Democrat and his sons follow in his 
footsteps. Mr. Miller's first wife died September 28, 1881, and April 27, 
1886, he was again married, this time to Miss Annie, daughter of Jacob Bohrer, 
one of the oldest and most prominent men in the valley. 



868 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOHN F. PENSINGER, miller, Mercersburg, is a grandson of Jacob 
Pensinger, Sr. , who came from Lancaster County, Penn. , about 1810, and 
settled on a farm near Greencastle, this county. He was at that date married, 
but his children, Jacob, John, Henry, George, David, Nancy, Elizabeth and 
Rosannah, were born in this county; four are living. Of these George married 
Christiana Ruthrauff, whose parents also resided near Greencastle, this county, 
and who came frorn Germany about the same time that the Pensingers arrived 
from Lancaster County. George Pensinger enlisted in Company D, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in 1862. By trade a miller, 
he operated the Martin mills for thirty years, after which his son William suc- 
ceeded him. He and his wife were parents of twelve children: William and 
Mary, born near Greencastle; Catharine, Margaret, Elizabeth, Maria, George, 
Jacob, John, Luther, Abram and Emma, born at the old mill. Jacob, John 
F. and William volunteered in the spring of 18(33 in Company K, Twenty-first 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. All participated in the battles fought at 
Cold Hai-bor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Reams Station, Dinwiddie Court 
House, Farmanville, Appomattox, and in many other engagements. John T. 
Pensinger was born October 5, 1848, in this township. He learned the mill- 
er's trade of his father, and that of millwright with M. Hays of Mercersburg. 
Since 1870 he has given especial attention to the millwright business, erecting 
the grist-mills for Everhart & Bro. , of Newport, Penn. ; A brain Reams at Fort 
Hunter, Dauphin Co. , Penn. ; and four in Chambersburg for C. Burkharts, 
Kerlin & Znllinger. W. F. Eyster & Bro., and M. C. Stoner & Co., respectively. 
In 1874 hemarriel Louisa, daughter of Christian and Maria Shaffer, by whom 
he has five children: Hays, Mary, Ida, John and George. In February, 1886, 
Mr. Pensinger was elected burgess of Mercersburg. He has filled other 
officer of trust serving three years as director in the public schools, and in 1884 
as auditor of Franklin County. He is a prominent local politician, Repub- 
lican, and one of the best known men of his age in Franklin County. He is 
a member of McCollough Post, No. 497, G. A. R. ; also member of Brownson 
Camp, No. 132, S. V. The family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. 

S. JOHNSTON RANKIN, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg. Jeremiah Rankin, 
the great-grandfather of our subject, cam 3 from Scotland, or Belfast, Ireland, 
(just when cannot correctly be ascertained, but it was long prior to the war of 
the R3volution). He obtainel pateats for about 800 acres of land, which 
property was afterward divided into four farm3 and inherited by his four sons: 
Jeremiah, David, Jam?s anl Archie. Jeremiah (grandfather of our subject) 
was born in the stone mansion erected more than a century ago, and which is 
to day one of the most imposing residences in the valley. He married Mary 
Clark, born in this township, and they began their domestic life on the pater- 
nal homestead, which by his father had been converted from forests to quite a 
nice farm, but which he himself much improved. Jeremiah and Mary Rankin 
had four children: Maria, Nancy, Esther and Clark. Maria became the wife 
of Samuel Johnston, who was born and reared in this county, and had no peer 
in business or socially; Nancy is the wife of John Inibrie, of Beaver County, 
Penn. ; Esther is the wife of Alexander Johnston. Clark Rankin was born in 
1800, received a practical education, and then learned civil engineering, in 
which profession he became one of the experts of the day. He also trans- 
acted a great deal of business for his neighbors, who came to him on account of 
his superior judgment and education. He married, March 27, 1828, Elizabeth 
Watson, of Greencastle, Penn. , and three sons and three daughters graced this 
union: Mary J., Rebecca V., S. Johnston, John W., Esther and Jeremiah C. 
The death of Clark Rankin occurred in June, 1866, and that of his widow in 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 869 

April, 1875. Only the heirs of two of Clark Rankin's children aro now living. 
Jeremiah, married Annie, daughter of Dr. Huber, of Gettysburg, Penn., 
who bore two children: Maria L. and Mary J. S. Johnston, our subject, was 
born June 5, 1833, in this township. He was married, March 17, 1868, to 
Miss Elizabeth H. , daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Witherow) Knox of 
Adams County, Penn. She graduated from Sunnyside Seminary and from the 
State normal school, Millersville, and then taught school until her marriage. 
To this union were born two children: Elizabeth Watson and an infant daugh- 
ter (deceased). Elizabeth W., who will complete her education in the near 
future, is now attending Mercersburg College. The Knox family originally 
came either from Belfast, Ireland, or Scotland. Samuel Knox (the great- 
grandfather of Mrs. Rankin) married Polly Hopkins, and their son, Dr. Samuel 
Knox, was born while they were crossing the ocean. Dr. Knox, wedded 
Margaret Hodge, who bore him three children: Rev. John Knox, D. D., 
Rebecca and Samuel, the father of Mrs. Rankin. Mr. and Mrs. S. Johnston 
Rankin commenced their married life under the most favorable auspices, and 
he is now the inheritor of the original Rankin estate, possessing the same busi- 
ness enterprise and crodiality of manner that have always made the name 
famous in the county. 

WILLIAM REED, farmer, P. O. Welsh Run. John Reed was born in 
Berks County, Penn., in 1780, came to Franklin County, Penn., about 1798, 
and for ten years lived at the old mill now owned by Z. David and William 
Hays. During this time he had formed the acquaintance of and married Mary 
Seibert, also a native of Berks County. To this union were born eleven chil- 
dren, of whom Mary (wife of David Niswenger), William, Samuel (residing in 
California, unmarried), Sarah (widow of Jacob Sword), Catharine (wife of 
John Whitmer) and George (married to Miss Newcomer) are living. In 1808 
John Reed came to Mercersburg, this county, where he engaged in his trade 
(mason), and the material for the large stone house now used as a hardware 
store by Mr. Riesner was quarried from the hills and the building was erected 
by him during this time. Three years later he purchased the farm recently 
bought by his son from Buterbaugh's assignees. John Reed built a stone barn 
in 1820 which was destroyed by fire, and in 1885 this structure was rebuilt by 
his son. He subsequently bought a farm (in 1821) on "Locust Level" near 
the Maryland line. Here his first wife died in 1833, and he subsequently mar- 
ried Mary Creigh, a widow with seven children. John Reed died in 1848, and 
his remains are interred in Stecks Cemetery. William Reed was born in this 
township, February 15, 1817. He commenced farming on his present farm 
March 1, 1839, and has been very successful financially. He was married to 
Sarah Niswenger, by whom he has six children: Mary, widow of John Sword; 
Eliza; William, married to Mary Fetters ; John, married to a Holmes; Cath- 
erine, wife of David M. Negley, and Christian W. , married to Anna Shartle. 
Onr subject has filled numerous township offices. He is a stanch Democrat, 
and has considerable influence in his party. 

JOHN A. RHOADS, farmer, P. O. Clay Lick. William Rhoads was born 
in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1779, and was married March 16, 1815, to 
Jane Rutter, who was born May 10, 1799. They remained in Lancaster 
County until 1837, when they moved to the farm, now the property of their 
son, in this township, then known as the "George Chambers farm," and 
which was formerly owned by a Mr. Huston. The house, a substantial double 
log structure, built more than a century ago, is still standing, and in it is the 
old-fashioned chimney place in which the blazing logs crackled and burned for 
so many years. By its side sits the old grandmother, who, in her eighty- 



870 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

seventh year is still hale and cordial and possessed of an astute memory which 
verifies many important facts contained # in this history. Eight children were 
born to Mr. Rhoads and his wife: James, married to Elizabeth Rankin;, 
Hanford, who died unmarried; George, married to Mary, daughter of James 
Patterson; Hetty, who died unmarried; D. Clemson, who died unmarried; John;. 
Prances J., married to Baker McClellan; and Jacob R. , a gallant soldier dur- 
ing the late civil war, captured at the battle of the Wilderness, and died in the 
prison pen at Andersonville. All are now deceased but John, born in this town- 
ship September 14, 1831. He was drafted in 18(35, in Company K, Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until close of the war. In 1869 John Rhoads 
was married to Miss Elizabeth E., daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Keefover) 
Young, of Upton, this county. Their domestic life was commenced in the 
old mansion which has been hallowed by so many pleasant associations, and 
there were born William H. , John R. , Mary J. , George W. , Adam G. , David 
Z. , Fanny G. Our subject has ranked among the foremost business men of 
this township for integrity and industry since his business life began. He has 
been three years connected with the public schools as director, and has always, 
been foremost in promoting educational and social interests. He inherits the 
mansion farm, and his aged mother finds a pleasant home with him. An 
old arm chair, long past its hundredth anniversary, graces the spacious sit- 
ting-room in which a happy and intelligent family of children congregate when 
the work of the day is done. 

MARTIN L. STECK, coachmaker, Welsh Run, was born in Montgomery 
Township, this county, near Welsh Run, January 10, 1835, son of George and 
Nancy (Whitmore) Steck, the latter probably born near the birthplace of her 
son in 1794. George Steck for many years carried on a blacksmith shop near 
Welsh Run, and was one of the most enterprising men of the place. Six chil- 
dren were reared at the old smithy: Philip R. , Elizabeth, Nancy, Susanna, 
Martin L. and Mary. Our subject learned his trade with Jacob Hightman at 
Fairview, Washington Co., Md., and then entered into a partnership with that 
gentleman. After about ten years spent in this business at Fairview and at 
the old homestead in this county, Mr. Steck engaged in farming in Maryland 
for a few years, after which he came to Welsh Run and purchased lands on 
the site of the old smithy which had flourished several years prior to his com- 
ing. He erected new buildings, and for the past thirteen years has engaged 
quite extensively in the manufacture of buggies, wagons, etc. , and has also one 
•forge devoted to general blacksmithing. He manufactures about forty bug- 
gies, a number of other wagons and carriages, annually, and usually employs 
six workmen. This is the chief manufacturing enterprise of Welsh Run, and 
has won for Mr. Steck a merited reputation. In 1856 he married Lydia T., 
daughter of John and Catharine (Lantz) Payne, natives of Middleton, Freder- 
ick Co., Md. Of the ten children born to this union eight are living: Ida A. 
C. ; Florence A.; Luther R. , married to May R. Keyser; Alda E., wife of 
John K. Graham; Lillie F. ; L. Ella; W. Clarence and Nellie B. All the 
children have received classical educations at Kennedy Academy. Lillie F. is 
now completing a course at the State normal school in Millersville; Ida A. C. 
finished at Shippensburg Normal School, and has taught several terms in the 
public schools. They form an interesting family, and are an honor to the old 
families from whom they are descended. 

JOSEPH WINGER (retired), Clay Lick. Joseph Winger, one of the best, 
known men of this township, came from Lancaster, Penn., and settled in this 
county in 1839, purchasing the woolen factory now owned by William Adams, 
and the next year a farm two miles distant; a few years later he disposed of 



MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. 871 

these interests and purchased a part of the Bradley farm near the Mercersburg 
turnpike. He married Esther Buckwalter, born in Lancaster County, Penn. , 
in 1812, who bore him sixteen children, nine of whom married and had fam- 
ilies of their own, and four still reside in this county : Sarah ; Elizabeth, wife 
of Jacob Lewis (they live in Frederick, Md.); Anna M. , married to John Sto- 
ver (they live in Pleasanton, Cal.); Benjamin F., an attorney, married to 
Maggie Byer; and Elam B. , married to Elizabeth Stover (ho is connected with 
the Freeport machine shops, in Freeport, 111., where he resides), were born in 
Lancaster County, Penn. Catharine, Joseph W., married Margaret Irwin 
(he resides in Lincoln, Neb. , is a heavy land owner, and, at present, a real es 
tate agent); Lydia; Esther A., wife of J. H. Angle; David; Emma C. , widow 
of J. B. Seacrest; John N. ; Lucy, wife of W. Rush Gillin, an attorney; Cal- 
vin W. ; Jacob Melville and Albert C. , were born in Montgomery Township, 
this county. Darius Buckwalter and Karl Michael Winger, the maternal and 
paternal grandfathers, were born in Zurich, Switzerland, the former of whom 
immigrated to Lancaster County, Penn., in 1725, the later in 1736. In 1853 
Joseph Winger came to Clay Lick, having purchased a farm adjoining the vil- 
lage the previous year, and engaged in mercantile business. Though numerous 
changes have been made in the ownership of the store up to this date (1886), 
the Wingers have always been whole or part proprietors. Jacob Melville Win- 
ger purchased his brother's interest in 1876, and in August, 1884, took as a 
partner J. Frank Angle, and the firm is now Winger & Angle. Mrs. Esther 
(Buckwalter) Winger died September 17, 1868. Mr. Winger has been for many 
years one of the most enterprising men of this township; he was a large dealer 
in stock, and has amassed a competence; is very sprightly, though now in 
his eightieth year. To the Wingers is due the establishment of the postoffice 
here about 1858. In politics our subject is a Republican. During the late 
war of the Rebellion, Joseph Winger was captured by the Confederate troops 
under "Jeb" Stuart, and conveyed to Libby prison, where he was held as 
hostage for six weeks. The rebels at that date also captured a lot of his stock, 
and helped themselves to what they wished of the goods in his store. Having 
some money in his pocket he fared somewhat better than many other prison- 
ers in that vile pen, and a number of men who are living to-day have him to 
thank for bread purchased and distributed by him at that time. 

JACOB MELVILLE WINGER, postmaster and merchant, Clay Lick, was 
born in 1852 on the old Bradley farm near the Mercersburg turnpike; he was 
united in marriage in 1879 with Catharine Lesher, and to this union have been 
born three children: Mary (deceased), Eva K. and Jacob Melville, Jr. 

JOHN A. WITHERSPOON, farmer, P. O. Upton. The early history of 
the Witherspoon family may be read in the sketch of James Witherspoon. 
Our subject was born in 1842 on his grandfather Little's farm. He was pre- 
pared for college at Mercersburg Academy, but after spending a year in the 
West returned to his native State and engaged in farming. In 1866 his 
father purchased the Irwin farm, and John A. came with him, remaining there 
until his marriage, February 26, 1874, with Hetty E., daughter of Samuel and 
Mary H. (Johnston) Bradley, when he assumed the management of the farm, 
which he has since continued. The Bradleys have quite an interesting history 
in this township. Samuel Bradley, a native of Ireland, came to Dauphin 
County more than a century ago; he was married in that county to Hetty 
Armstrong, and several children were born to them there, and before they 
came to Franklin County. Samuel Bradley was born in 1802, and his parents 
moved to Montgomery Township, this county, settling on the farm now owned 
by Johnston Bradley, in 1804. Samuel Bradley and wife were parents of 



872 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

seven children: Johnston, Van F., Hetty E., T. Oswald, Kerie A., Matthew 
H. and S. Chalmers (deceased). AH, reside in the county but Rev. Matthew 
H. Bradley, who has charge of Mount Pleasant Church, Westmoreland Coun- 
ty, Penn. To our subject and wife five children have been born: Mary G. , S. 
Bradley, J. Edgar, Frederick W. and James R. Mr. Witherspoon has served 
the township and county in official positions, and is at present director of the 
poor, elected in 1884. He takes delight in agriculture, and is one of the 
most prosperous farmers of his neighborhood. He and his wife are Presbyte- 
rians of the strictest type, and are representatives of the original family faith 
(on both sides). They are descendants of the earliest settlers in this valley. 
In politics Mr. Witherspoon is a Republican. 

JAMES W. WITHERSPOON, bank cashier, Mercersburg, was born March 
18, 1844. His father, James Witherspoon, was the son of John Witherspoon 
whose father was the first of this name to settle in Franklin County and lived 
near Cbambersburg more than a century ago. He (John) married Nancy 
Scott and their children, four in number, were James, Eliza, Mary and Mar- 
garet, all born on the old farm in this township, where their parents lived a 
long lifetime. James, the son of John and Nancy (Scott) Witherspoon, mar- 
ried Mary Little, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, daughter of John 
Little, also a native of the Emerald Isle, and who came with her parents to 
America when eighteen years old. The parents of our subject were both de- 
scended from old Scotch-Irish stock and were firm believers in the Presbyte- 
rian faith, the tenets of which were religiously observed by them through life, 
and their children still remain true to the faith of their ancestors. James and 
Mary (Little) Witherspoon had two sons: John A., married to Hetty Bradley, 
resides on the paternal homestead, and James W. Our subject's education 
Was received at the Mercersburg Academy. Then for a number of years he 
remained on a farm prior to making Mercersburg his permanent location. In 
April, 1878, he accepted the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank of Mer- 
cersburg, which he has creditably filled, and under his able management what 
was formerly a poorly paying investment now returns good dividends. As a 
business man Mr. Witherspoon has proved himself a success. He was married 
December 8, 1886, to Carrie, daughter of Mariot Hays, of Mercersburg, Penn. 
In politics Mr. Witherspoon is a Republican. He is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

GEORGE W. WOLFE, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg, was born in Maryland, 
in 1815, and came to Franklin County, Penn., in 1825, with his parents, who 
settled near Mercersburg at what was then the John McDowell mill, now owned 
by Adam Rider. Henry H. Wolfe, his father, was by trade a miller and for a 
dozen years operated the mill. Our subject learned the trade of his father and 
when twenty-one years of age went to Antrim Township, this county, where he 
rented Worley' s mill ; four years later he was elected constable, and the follow- 
ing year moved to Middleburg, Penn. , where he managed a general store for 
five years, and also a smithy and butcher shop, besides attending to his offi- 
cial duties. In 1846 he came to Mercersburg, having already secured quite a 
competence by industry and frugality. He made several j udicious investments in 
the borough and has also desirable property in Chambersburg, Penn. , and Hagers- 
town, Md. He is owner of thirty houses and lots in Mercersburg, five farms 
in Montgomery Township, two farms in Antrim Township, two farms in Peters 
Township, 500 acres of timber land in Warren and Peters Townships, and a 
fine house and lot in Chambersburg, all in Franklin County, Penn., and two 
houses and lots in Hagerstown, Md. , and his income from all sources ranks him 
among its wealthiest men. He suffered severe losses during the late war 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 873 

of the Rebellion, losing twenty-seven horses and three fine mules besides 
cattle. Jeb Stuart took his first lot of horses from his farm during his 
memorable raid through the valley. During the war he was a stanch Union 
man. He did a great deal of scouting and was one of the bravest in defense 
of this neighborhood. He is the hero of the celebrated incident in which a 
rebel soldier and his horse were killed and another made prisoner in this bor- 
ough, and during Imboden's raid he saved the lives of ten colored men by 
secreting them in his loft. Democratic to the core, he has, in a Republican 
township, tilled numerous official positions in all of which he has served faith- 
fully and with increased honor to his name. 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 



APPLETON BERGER, machinist and wood worker, P. O. Foltz, was 
born in Franklin County, Penn. , February 19, 1853, a son of David and Sarah 
Jane (Shepler) Berger, also natives of this county, the former of whom died 
May 13, 1885; the latter is still living at Cove Gap. In the last named place 
our subject was reared, and his father being a millwright by trade, he com- 
menced to learn the same, but soon drifted into other lines of mechanical work, 
until he has acquired a general knowledge of mechanism which has given him 
a wide reputation for being an expert workman in wood and all kinds of met- 
als. He opened a shop in 1880 for the repair and manufacture of machinery, 
which he has since conducted. An engine, built by him, is now used in the 
shop of Poff enberger Bros. , and machinery is brought to him to be repaired 
from as far as ten miles around. Mr. Berger was married, in Franklin County, 
June 7, 1883, to Miss Emma S. Greenawalt, a native of Franklin County, a 
daughter of John and Susan Greenawalt. They are both living in Franklin 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Berger are the parents of one child, Edna. Mr. Ber- 
ger is a member of the Reformed Church, Mrs. Berger of the Lutheran. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

HENRY BLACK, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, the second son and third child 
of the Hon. J. Black, was born in Somerset, Penn. , in 1842. His early life 
was passed in the city schools, where he obtained the rudiments of his educa- 
tion, which he completed by a course of study at the Morgantown Academy in 
West Virginia. He studied law with Mr. Chapman, an attorney of York, and 
after being admitted to the bar he practiced at Salt Lake City, and afterward 
at Chambersburg for a time. When a boy he spent some time in Europe, and 
attended school at Frankfort-on-the-Main. He settled on the place where he 
now resides in 1870; his farm of 247 acres is the one formerly owned by Pres- 
ident James Buchanan. Mr. Black was married, in 1879, to Mary Van Tries, 
who has borne him two children: Henry Van Tries and Mary F. The family 
do not attend the services of any particular church. In politics Mr. Black is 
a Democrat. 

CAPT. R. J. BOYD, of the firm of Boyd & Frye, dealers in general 
merchandise, Upton, was born in Adams County, Penn., January 4, 1834, and 
is a son of John and Catherine (Catren) Boyd, the former of whom, a native of 
England, died in 1834; the latter, a native of Ireland, is yet living, in the 
eighty-fifth year of her age. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the 
district schools, where he received the rudiments of his education, after which 
he entered the preparatory department of Marshall College, Mercersburg, and 



874 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

completed the preparatory course. He then engaged as clerk in Mercersburg 
for a short time, and in 1853 located in Upton, establishing himself in a general 
mercantile business, forming a partnership with George Cook, with whom he 
did business until 1859; from the latter date until 1861 he was associated in 
business with John B. Cook. In 1861 the first partner retired and the firm 
continued under the name of Cook & Boyd until 1867. In 1863 Mr. Boyd en- 
listed in Company K, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was 
immediately chosen to command the company. He served a month longer than 
his enlisted time (six months), and was honorably discharged. Upon his return 
to civil life he resumed his former business relations. In 1867 his present 
partner came into the firm, and the name became Cook, Boyd & Co. , and from 
1871 to the present time, Boyd & Frye. Capt. Boyd was elected commissioner 
of the county in 1871 and served three years. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., Marshall Lodge, Mercersburg. He married, May '29, 1856, Susan 
C. White, who has borne him eight children, six now living. E. M., Mary J., 
Bessie K. , Robert C. , John U. and Estella W. ; Thomas A. and Anna are de- 
ceased. The Captain and Mrs. Boyd are exemplary members of the Reformed 
Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

JACOB B. BRUMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Williamson, was born in Wash- 
ington County, Md., June 23, 1818, a son of David and Eva (Kisecker) Brum- 
baugh, both natives of the same county and State. When Jacob B. was nine 
years of age his parents moved to Franklin County, Penn., and settled in 
Antrim Township, where they resided until their death, the father dying in 
1843 and the mother in 1845. Our subject was reared to manhood in Frank- 
lin County, which has since been his home, and where he has followed agricult- 
ural pursuits. January 1, 1856, he married Miss Rebecca Clopper, a native 
of Washington County, Md. , and a, daughter of Samuel Clopper. To this 
union seven children were born, six of whom are living: Mary Catharine, wife 
of Hamilton Shrader, resident of Franklin County; Snively S., residing in 
Rockford, 111.; Ida Louisa; Elias Guilford; Annie Eve and Eliza Jane. 
George Washington Andrew Jackson Brumbaugh died September 4, 1884. 
Mr. Brumbaugh purchased his present farm in the spring of 1873 and moved 
on it. He has 170 acres, over 150 of which are under cultivation. Politically 
he is a Democrat. Mrs. Brumbaugh and family are members of the German 
Reformed Church. 

J. H. DEVOR, physician and surgeon, Fort Loudon, is a native of Fan- 
nett Township, this county, and a son of Amos M. Devor, a member of one of 
the old representative families of this county. In his boyhood his parents re- 
moved to Metal Township, where his early life was passed. In the district 
schools he obtained the rudiments of his education, which was afterward de- 
veloped by a course of study at Shippensburg Normal School, where he took a 
scientific course, and graduated in 1880. Previous to going to, and while at 
the college, he taught six years in the schools of St. Thomas, Montgomery and 
Metal Townships, this county. His last teaching was at Mercersburg, where 
he was principal of the public schools. As an educator the Doctor has. won 
laurels. In 1882 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- 
more, Md., took the full course of lectures, and graduated in 1885. In April 
of that year, he located in Fort Loudon, where he has devoted himself to the 
demands of an increasing and remunerative practice. The Doctor is a genial 
gentleman, a favorite, professionally and socially. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. 

HENRY ETTER, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in Peters Township, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , on the place where he now resides, March 2, 1835, a son 



/ 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. ST 5 

of George and Sarah (Miller) Etter, also natives of this county, the ancestors 
of Mr. Etter having come to the county in 1792. The place where his grand- 
father settled was the site of an old fort which had been used in times of Indian 
warfare for the protection of the whites. George Etter (father of our subject) 
died March 12, 1804; his wife, April 1, 1837; both were buried inEtter's cem- 
etery, near the home farm. Our subject was reared in Franklin County, which 
has always been his homo. April 6, 1858, he married Miss Anna Glaser, 
also a native of this county, daughter of Adam and Catharine (Glee) Glaser, 
both of whom were born in Germany, where .they married, and then came to 
the United States. They settled in this county, where the mother died; the 
father is still a resident of the county, living at Lemasters. Mr. and Mrs. Etter 
are the parents of five children: George M. , William Henry, Sarah Catharine, 
James Calvin and Benjamin Franklin, all of whom are now living except 
George M. , who died December 21, 1875. Sarah Catharine married A. B. 
Kamsey, a teacher at Lemasters. Mr. and Mrs. Etter are both members of 
the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Bepublican. The farm owned by 
Mr. Etter, and on which he now resides, contains about 220 acres all under 
cultivation. 

DANIEL GLASER, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in Peters Town- 
ship, Franklin Co. , Penn. , April 4, 1847, a son of Adam and Catharine (Glee) 
Glaser, both natives of, Werfritz. District of Schlichtern, Hesse-Nassau, Prus- 
sia, when they were married. Later they immigrated to America, and settled 
in Franklin County, Penn. Here the father still resides at Lemasters Station ; 
the mother died June 5, 1880, aged seventy years, four months and eleven 
days, and was buried at Waddell Cemetery, east of Mercersburg. Our sub- 
ject was reared in Franklin County, and has always made it his home. He 
was married in same county, January 30, 1808, to Miss Mary E. Lehmaster, 
who died September 11, 1880. By this marriage there were six children, 
three now living: David Rush, Anna Belle and Charles B. ; the deceased are 
Sarah E. , Mary C. and Elizabeth R. Mr. Glaser married for his second wife, 
December 21, 1882, Miss Emma R. Greenawalt, a native of Franklin County, 
and a daughter of Jacob and Henrietta (Swigert) Greenawalt, both born in 
Franklin County, the former of whom died in 1879; the latter is living in this 
township. Mr. and Mrs. Glaser are the parents of one child — Cora E. Mr. 
Glaser has 109 acres of the home place, of which about 125 are under cultiva- 
tion. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He served in 
the Ninety-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the last year of the 
war. 

CONRAD HARTMANN, farmer, P. O. Williamson, was born near Slickster 
Starfritz, near Hesse Cassel, Germany, December 20, 1830, a son of Conrad and 
Elizabeth (Claeser) Hartmann. He was reared to farm life and resided in his 
native place until he was twenty years of age, when he embarked at Brem en 
on the ship Augusta, for America, and after a stormy passage of six weeks and 
two days, arrived at Baltimore, in April, 1852. He there engaged to work by 
the month for a man who lived outside the city, and with whom he remained 
two months. He then came to Pennsylvania and located in Franklin County. 
The first three years he worked by the month, and the next three by the day. 
March 28, 1858, he married Miss Mary Long, a native of FuJton County, Penn., 
a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Wright) Long, also from Starfritz, landing 
in America in 1835. He then bought four acres in Antrim Township, and farmed 
for four years, also working by the day. He next bought seventy-two acres of 
land in Peters Township, which was covered with timber and underbrush, but 
which he commenced improving, and to-day there is no better cultivated farm 



870 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in Franklin County. It is divided into eight fields, each separated by a sub- 
stantial stone fence, and the entire farm surrounded by a fence of the same 
description. In August, 1864, Mr. Hartmann enlisted in Company D, Two 
Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the 
Army of the Cumberland, in Gen. Hartranft's division. He was in the oper- 
ations which l-esulted in the fall of Richmond, his principal engagement being 
Hedge's Run and the capture of Petersburg. On May 21, 1865, he partici- 
pated in the grand review at Washington, D. C. As an incident of his mili- 
tary career, it may be stated that when Gen. Grant gave the order for one man 
in each brigade to be sent home On a complimentary furlough of twenty-five 
davs with pay and rations, Mr. Hartmann was the one selected from his brigade 
out of 3,000 men. He was discharged at Harrisburg, June 5, 1865, and re- 
turned to his family. He and his wife are the parents of ten children as fol- 
lows: Lizzie, wife of Aaron Hawk of Peters Township; Moses, married to 
datharine Ommert, and residing at Lemaster Station; John Peter, Annie Mary, 
William McCoy, Henrietta, Ida May and Forence Irene. They had also two 
children who died: Nettie Jane and Carrie Alverna. Mr. and Mrs. Hartmann 
and their oldest five children are members of the Reformed Church at Upton: 
Moses, John P. and William McCoy, are members of Brownson Camp, No. 
132, at Mercersbxirg. Mr. Hartmann is a member of McCollough's Post, No. 
497, Mercersburg. In politics he is a Democrat. 

JACOB HASSLER (deceased) was bom May 13, 1788, in York County, 
Penn. ; and is a son of Joseph and Anna Mary Hassler nee Roemer, the latter name 
distantly connected with Count Roemer of one of the cantons of Switzerland. 
Joseph settled with his family near St. Thomas, this county, when Jacob, Sr. • 
was a small boy. There the latter was reared and learned the carpenter' s trade, 
which he followed in connection with cabinet-making during life. He mar- 
ried, April 11, 1815, Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Hannah Kieffer, an 
■old family of Letterkenny Township, of whom mention is made elsewhere. Mrs. 
Hassler was born March 17, 1798, and bore her husband ten children — seven 
now living: Mrs. Frances Ann, wife of Abraham Kieffer; Rev. J. Hassler, of 
Fort Loudon; Hannah Mary, widow of Prof. G. W. Ruby, of York, Penn.; 
Charlotte, wife of Rev. P. C. Prugh, Butler, Penn.; Jane E., wife of N. 
Ohmer, of Dayton, Ohio; Etta M., wife of Rev. James Wilson, Erie, Penn. ; 
Daniel Kieffer Hassler, Dayton, Ohio, John P. Hassler, the eldest son, died 
in Carlisle in 1877; two children died in childhood — George Washington and 
Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Hassler were members of the Reformed Church, in 
' which he was an active elder. He was an energetic man, a good mechanic, 
.built many of the largest houses in Mercersburg, and was universally beloved 
:and respected by all who knew him. To his church he was liberal, and was 
one of the four men who gave $500 each in raising the $10,000 pledged 
by the town toward the erection of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed 
'Church, at Mercersburg, in 1835. He died July 29, 1848, and his widow in 
August, 1856. 

Rev. Jacob Hasslek, pastor of St. Peter's Reformed Church, Fort 
Loudon, was born in Mercersburg, August 25, 1824, and is the fifth child and 
third son of Jacob Hassler, Sr. His boyhood was passed in his native 
village, and in its schools he obtained the rudiments of his education. In 1840 
'he entered Marshall College at Mercersburg, from which he graduated in 1845, 
after which he was tutor in a private family in Maryland for a year. He en- 
tered the Theological Seminary in 1846, from which he graduated in the fall 
«of 1849. For six months he traveled as agent for the church' s publication 
Jfooard", in August, 1850, he became pastor of the St. Thomas and Loudon 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 877 

charge, and the following December was ordained a minister, and for eight 
years, until August, 1858, labored in this charge. He then accepted a call 
from the Reformed Church, at Martinsburg, Penn., where belabored five years, 
and during that time St. John's Reformed Church was erected, together with 
Blair County Institute, a seminary of learning of which Mr. Hassler was for 
a time principal. In October, 1803, he removed to Shippensburg, where he 
labored in the ministry irntil 1808; thence went to Boonesboro, Aid., where he 
remained until September 1, 1873. During his ministry there the church 
membership greatly increased, and a new church building was erected at a 
cost of $16,000. In 1873 he removed to Mercersburg and organized the 
Mercersburg Female Seminary, which was conducted successfully until April, 
1881. During the same time he was pastor of the Loudon and Fannettsburg 
churches, his place of residence being at Mercersburg until November, 1884, 
at which time he removed to his present place of residence, the old home- 
stead of his father-in-law, P. Stenger, at Loudon. He is possessed of* good 
literary ability, and has contributed largely to magazines and church papers. 
December 25, 1855, Mr. Hassler married Matilda, second daughter of P. 
Stenger of Conrad, who has borne him three children: Rev. Edgar Schaff 
Hassler, St. Clairsville, Perm., of the Reformed Church; AVm. Stenger, and 
Miriam Adelaide. Blanche L. Ault, the daughter of Rev. John Ault, once a 
pastor of Loudon, and chaplain of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry makes her home with Mr. Hassler. 

JOHN HAWK, farmer, P. O. Williamson, was born near Myerstown, Leb- 
anon Co., Penn., February 5, 1811, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walborn) 
Hawk, also natives of Lebanon County. When our subject was four years of age 
his parents moved to Franklin County and here resided until their death. The 
father died December 23, 1820, and the mother in 1857; the former is buried 
at Greencastle, and the latter in tho German Reformed churchyard in St. 
Thomas Township. Our subject was reared in Franklin County, and well 
remembers the time when the fine farm land in the vicinity was covered with a 
large' growth of timber. January 17, 1843, he was married in Greencastle, 
this county, to Miss Mary Hege, a native of Franklin County, and a daughter 
of John and Maria (Lesher) Hege. To Mr. and Mrs. Hawk seven children 
were born, three now living: John, who married Miss Ida Brewer (resides in 
Peters Township, this county); Aaron, who married Miss Lizzie Hartman (also 
resides in this township), and Fannie, wife of David Coble (resides in St. 
Thomas Township). The deceased children are as follows: Elizabeth, Sarah, 
Anna Maria, and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Hawk departed this life in April, 
1877, and was buried in the family burying ground, where her parents also lie. 
Mr. Hawk is a Republican politically, a member of the German Reformed 
Church. He has led an active life, and for nearly three-quarters of a century 
has been indentified with Franklin County, of which he is a highly respected 
citizen. He has 400 acres of land, two-thirds of which is under cultivation. 

JOHN HILL, cooper and farmer, P. O. Foltz, was born at St. Thomas, 
Franklin Co., Penn., August 27, 1830, a son of John and Susan (Newcomer) 
Hill, former of whom, also a native of this county, resides at St. Thomas; the 
latter died February 24, 1807, and is buried in the graveyard of the Reformed 
Church at St. Thomas, St. Thomas Township. Our subject was reared in this 
county and has always made it his home. At the age of sixteen years he com- 
menced to learn the cooper's trade at Loudon with Joseph Allsip, and finished 
under him. In 1859 he started a cooper shop at Charlestown, this county, 
and has continued in the business there ever since. In 1881 he erected a saw- 
mill near Cove Gap, and has conducted it since. He has shipped large quan- 



878 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tities of bark to Lancaster and other points. He was married at Mount Par- 
nell, this county, December 3, 1857, to Miss Susan Jane Seylar, a native of 
Franklin County, and daughter of Frederick and Sarah Seylar, who both died 
in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill eight children were born, six of whom 
are living: Ida; John Frederick, who married Susan Truax, and resides at 
Charlestown, this county; Laura Virginia, wife of Calvin Houpt, resides in 
Charlestown; Carrie; Albert Clinton, married Mary Keefer, also resides at 
Charlestown; and Bruce. The deceased are Ellsworth and Ralph. Mr. Hill 
has about 785 acres of land lying in Peters and Warren Townships, and is 
probably the largest landholding farmer in this township. In politics he is a 
Democrat. Mrs. Hill is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Mercersburg. 

ISAAC HOLLENSHEAD, distiller, P. O. Foltz, was born in Belfast 
Township, Fulton Co., Penn. , August 11, 1880, a son of James and Mary 
(Millott) Hollenshead, who were also born in Belfast Township, where the 
father died and where the mother still resides on the old homestead. Isaac 
was reared in Fulton County, and there resided until 1863, when he entered the 
service of his country in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, serving ten months. He then returned home but 
soon again enlisted in the Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- 
fantry, Company D, and served until the close of the war. He was in the engage- 
ments at Fort Steadman and in the operations about Petersburg and vicinity 
that resulted in the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was 
discharged at Harrisburg, and returned to Fulton County. He worked by the 
day one year, and in 1867 moved to Cove Gap, and two years later started in 
the distillery business in partnership with A. J. Unger. Six years later this 
partnership was dissolved, and since then Mr. Hollenshead has continued 
alone. The daily capacity of the distillery is twelve bushels and thirty-three 
pounds, and the ordinary run is up to that limit. Mr. Hollenshead married, 
in Fulton County, October 11, 1853, Miss Matilda Correll, and they have two 
children living: Sylvester and Joseph, latter married to Clara McFadden, re- 
siding in Franklin County. Mr. Hollenshead has eighty-four acres of land, 
but does no farming himself. 

SAMUEL HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in Franklin 
County, Penn., June 24, 1850, a son of Michael and Susan (Etter) Hoover, 
also natives of this county, with the interests of which the Hoover family have 
been identified for three generations. His father is still a resident of Frank- 
lin County, but his mother died about 1880. Here our subject was reared and 
has always resided. He was married in May, 1875, to Miss Fannie Lehmaster, 
a native of this county, and a daughter of David and Nancy Lehmaster. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hoover are the parents of five children: David L., Lizzie Susan, 
Mary Frances, Henry L. and Samuel. Mr. Hoover has 147 acres of land, 
and all but ten acres of it is improved. Politicallv he is a Republican. 

THOMAS C. JOHNSTON, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg, was born in Peters 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., October 9, 1829. His parents, Alexander M. 
and Esther R. (Rankin) Johnston, were born in Franklin County; both died 
in the spring of 1870, and are buried in Fairview Cemetery. His ancestors 
came from Scotland, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. , where some are 
buried; others removed in 1794 to lands in Franklin County, Penn., which had 
been purchased many years previous. Their remains rest in Slate Hill Grave- 
yard, about two miles east of Mercersburg. Thomas C. has always made his 
home in Franklin County. He w r as married in Cannonsburg, Washington Co. , 
Penn., November 19, 1857, to Miss Margaretta R. Templeton, a native of that 
place, and a daughter of David and Eliza M. Templeton. Mr. and Mrs. John- 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 879 

ston were reared in and are still adherents of the Associate Presbyterian 
Church. In politics he is a Republican. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren: A. Moncrieff and Ella E. Mr. Johnston has about 300 acres of land, of 
which 160 are under ciiltivation. He has retired from active pursuits, but 
still resides on the farm property. The patent of the property was given in 
1740 by the Penns, John, Thomas and Richard, then proprietors of the prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania. Quality Run, which flows between Peters and Mont- 
gomery Townships, has its source near, and several of the springs from which 
it commences, are on Mr. Johnston's farm. 

SAMUEL H. JOHNSTON, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in Adams 
County, Penn. , December 27, 1837, a son of James and Nancy (Rankin) John- 
ston, natives of this county, former of whom died January, 2, 1878; the lat- 
ter is yet living in Fulton County. Our subject is the seventh in a family of 
eight children; was reared to manhood in Fulton County, and there resided until 
1877. He then moved to this county, and purchased the property on which he 
now resides. He was married, in Franklin County, January 10, 1870, to Miss 
Elizabeth McDowell, a native of this county, and a daughter of Alexander and 
Margaret (Bard) McDowell, her ancestors having been among the early settlers 
of Franklin County. Her great- grandmother was captured by the Indians in 
the early days of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of four 
children: Nannie and Maggie (twins), James McDowell and Mary. Mr. John- 
ston has about 200 acres of land, nearly all under cultivation. He enlisted in 
1863 in Company H, Twenty- first Pennsylvania Cavalry; was assigned to the 
Army of the Potomac, and served one year in the service in the Schuylkill coal 
regions, where his company were assigned. In 1864 he was mustered out at 
Harrisburg, and returned home. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN KRINER, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born January 20, 1836, in 
Franklin County, Penn., on the farm where he now resides, a son of Jacob and 
Barbara (Over) Kriner, former of whom was born in Lancaster County, latter 
in Franklin County. They were married in Franklin County, and here the 
father died in February, 1858; the mother is still living in this county. Here 
our subject was reared to manhood, and November 1, 1860, married Miss Cath- 
arine Rebecca Haulman, a native of Franklin County, and a daughter of Jacob 
and Mary (Alleman) Haulman, latter deceased, former a resident of this county. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Kriner eight children were born, six of whom are living: 
Barbara Ellen (married to Jackson Gerhardt; they reside in Franklin County), 
Catharine Elizabeth (married to Andrew Miller, of the same county), Oma 
Frances, Keziah Rebecca, Hannah Mary and Jacob Wesley. The deceased 
are John Ramsey and an infant. Mr. Kriner has 123 acres of land, of which 
all but fifteen acres are under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Kriner are members 
of the Reformed Church. 

JACOB KRINER (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Penn. , May 26, 
1843, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Over) Kriner, both natives of this county, 
where the mother still resides; the father died about 1856. Jacob was reared 
to manhood in Franklin County, where he was married December 23, 1869, to 
Miss Kezia Stinger, also a native of this county, a daughter of Jacob and Mar- 
garet (McCutchen) Stinger, the former of whom, a native of Berks County, 
died about 1868; and the latter, a native of Franklin County, died in March, 
1879; both are buried in Loudon Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Kriner were the 
parents of two children: Margaret Catharine and Barbara Ellen. Mr. Kriner 
departed this life at his home, December 7, 1881, and is buried in St. Thomas. 
Mrs. Kriner has 116 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. 



880 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mr. Kriner was a member of the Reformed Church, of which his widow is still 
a member. 

JACOB R. LAM ASTER, farmer, 'P. O. Lemasters, was born in Franklin 
County, Penn. , July 5, 1842, a son of John and Jane E. (McCurdy) Lamaster, 
both natives of Franklin County, where they were married, and where the 
father died June 5, 1857 (he is buried in the graveyard of the Reformed Church 
at Ft. Loudon) ; the mother resides in Loudon. Our subject was reared in 
Franklin County, and February 6, 1864, married Miss Mary Jane Beaver, a 
native of this county, a daughter of John Beaver. Her parents died in this 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Lamaster were the parents of four children, two of 
whom are living: Seth and Mamie; the deceased are Myrtle and Jennie. Mr. 
Lamaster has 151 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. 
Mrs. Lamaster died February 12. 1877, and is buried in the graveyard of the 
Reformed Church at Loudon. Mr. Lamaster married, the second time, No- 
vember 10, 1886, Miss Sadie E. Little of Clay Centre, Clay Co. , Kas. , a native 
of Concord, this county, born May 23, 1851. In politics our subject is a Dem- 
ocrat; is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

W. O. LANTZ, physician and surgeon, Lemasters, was born in Marion, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , in 1856, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Myers)Lantz, 
old settlers of this county. His boyhood was passed in a manner common with 
the sons of farmers. In the district schools he obtained the rudiments of his 
education, which was afterward supplemented by a course of study in the select 
schools. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching, which he followed 
eight years, principally in Franklin County. He began reading medicine under 
Dr. George R. Kauffman (at Kauffman Station), who was his preceptor for 
some time. He entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1879, 
which institute conferred on him its diploma of graduation in 1882. Immedi- 
ately after he located at Lemasters, where he has since devoted himself to the 
demands of an increasing and remunerative practice. The Doctor is a member 
of Franklin County Medical Society; is a member of the I. O. O. F., Marshall 
Lodge, No. 233; in politics a Republican. He was married in 1882, to Miss 
Rebecca Shull, daughter of George S. Shull of Guilford Township, this county, 
and has one child, Bessie Shull. The family attend the services of the Lu- 
theran Church. 

DAVID LEMASTER (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Penn., a 
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Reidenower) Lemaster, both natives of this coun- 
ty. He was reared in Franklin County, which was always his home, and 
March 25, 1847, he married Miss Nancy Meyers, also a native of Franklin 
County, a daughter of Jacob and Polly (Sniveley) Meyers, natives of Cumber- 
land and Franklin Counties, respectively, and both of whom died in this coun- 
ty. To Mr. and Mrs. Lemaster were born five children, two of whom are 
living: Clara Anna, wife of J. Monroe Light, married October 10, 1882 (they 
reside in Peters Township, and have one child living — Sadie May; another, 
Samuel Lemaster, died); Fannie, who married Samuel Hoover, and lives at 
Church Hill. The deceased children are Mary, wife of Daniel Glazer; Jacob 
and Samuel (twins). Mr. Lemaster died in March, 1876, and is buried at 
Etter's Cemetery, near Lehmaster's Station. Mrs. Lemaster has seventeen 
acres of land. She is a member of the Hoover Church. 

BENJAMIN LESHER, retired farmer, P. O. Williamson, was born in 
Guilford Township, Franklin Co., Penn., April 2, 1815, a son of Joseph and 
Franie (Lehman) Lesher. The former was born in Manheim Township, Lan- 
caster Co. , Penn. , and the latter in Greene Township, this county. Both died 
in this county, the former on November 12, 1857, and the latter on December 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 881 

30, 1827. Our subject was reared in this county, and the only time he spent 
out of it was one year in Ohio. He was married in Chainbersburg, Penn. , 
January 7, 1841 , to Miss Elizabeth Hege, a native of Peters Township, Frank- 
lin County, and a daughter of John and Maria (Hege) Lesher, both of whom died 
in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lesher are the parents of four children, two of 
whom are living: Isaac, who married Lillie Porter, and lives at Chambers- 
burg, Penn., and is in the hardware business; Jeremiah, who married 
Elizabeth Haller, and lives with Mr. Lesher (he carries on farming operations). 
The deceased are Katie, who died December 22, 1880, aged nearly twenty-five 
years, and an infant, who died July 14, 1842. Mr. Lesher has 200 acres of 
land, about 150 of which are under cultivation. He is now seventy-one years 
of age, and has a distinct recollection of dates of events occurring half a cen- 
tury ago. He was ordained a minister of the old Mennonite Church June 8, 
1850, at the church north of Chanibersburg, by Bishop Abraham Roth. In 
politics he is neutral. Mr. Lesher' s great-grandfather, Casper Lesher, and 
his brother, Balshaser, were miners in Switzerland, and were brought to 
America when young lads by some of their friends. Balshaser was lost, it 
was supposed captured by the Indians; Casper, in process of time, was mar- 
ried to Miss Buchanan, by whom he had two sons, Michael and John, and died 
in 1760, when John was four weeks old; Michael Lesher lived in Lebanon 
County, Penn., and died in 1830 without issue; John Lesher married Elizabeth 
Basler, of Lancaster County, Penn., by whom he had three sons: Joseph, 
John and. Michael. In 1804 he moved to Franklin County, and settled on a 
tract of land of 280 acres one and a half miles south of Chambersburg, which 
is still in the possession of some of his descendants. His wife died in 1823, 
he surviving her sixteen years. Joseph had six sons by his first wife: John, 
Daniel, David, Benjamin, Joseph and Samuel, all deceased except Benjamin 
and Samuel. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Miller (Smith), by whom he 
had one daughter, Anna (deceased), and one son, Abraham. Our subject's 
great-grandfather, John Lehman, came from Switzerland via Schaffhausen on 
the Rhine, in early years, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. His son 
Daniel married a Miss Shelley, by whom he had two sons: John and Daniel, 
and five daughters: Anna, Susie, Maria, Barbara and Elizabeth. His wife 
died, and he then married Maria Newcommer, by whom he had four sons: 
Christian, Peter, Abraham and Samuel, and three daughters: Magdalena, 
Ester and Franz. Daniel moved to Franklin County, Penn., in 1778, and set- 
tled on the farm now owned by his granddaughter, Mrs. Sollonia Horst, one 
and a half miles northwest of Chambersburg, along the creek, where he built a 
fulling-mill, and carried on farming and fulling home-made cloth for the set- 
tlers. He died in 1804, and is buried in what is called the Wingerd grave- 
yard, a short distance northwest of the present toll-gate. He was a minister 
of the old Mennonite Church, and with others was instrumental in building a 
house of worship on the site where the Mennonite Church now stands, north 
of Chambersburg, on the Philadelphia pike. His widow survived him sixteen 
years, and is buried at his side. 

ARCHIBALD B. McDOWELL (deceased) was born October 20, 1837, in 
this county, a son of Alexander and Margaret (Bard) McDowell, both natives 
of Franklin County, where they also died. Our subject was reared in this 
county, and here he always resided. April 28, 1859, he married Misa 
Margaretta McKinnie, a native of Franklin County, and a daughter of Robert 
and Eliza (Waddell) McKinnie, both natives of this county, where they spent 
their lives and died, the former about 1882, and the latter about 1854. Mr. 
and Mrs. McDowell were the parents of eight children, six of whom are liv- 



882 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ino-: Alexander Bard, Anna Belle, Robert Smith, Mary Jane, William Beattj 
and Thomas Creigh. James Dunlap and an infant are deceased. Mr. Mc- 
Dowell died November 12, 1884, and is buried in the Waddell Cemetery. He 
was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. McDowell is a member of 
the same denomination at Mercersburg, as are all her children except the 
youngest. She has about 130 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. 
In politics Mr. McDowell was a Republican. 

DANIEL D. MEYERS, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in this county 
May 22, 1850, a son of John S. and Mary (Hollinger) Meyers. John S. was 
a native of Adams County, Penn. , and came to Franklin County when he had 
reached the age of about twenty-seven years ; his wife was born near Waynes- 
boro, Franklin County, and they are now living near Welsh Run, Montgomery 
Township, this county. Our subject was reared in his birthplace, and has 
always made Franklin County his home. At the age of eighteen years he 
began learning the milling trade with his father, at which he worked for several 
years. In the spring of 1876 he gave up milling and began farming, which 
he has since followed. He was married in Franklin County, near Clay Lick 
Hall, November 7, 1872, to Miss Susan Hoover, a native of Franklin County, 
and a daughter of John and Nancy Hoover. Her parents both died in this 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers were the parents of nine childre n, of whom 
eight are living: John, Elam, Anna Mary, Emma, Amos, Aaron, Fannie and 
Ida; Ezra died in 1875. Mr. Meyers has 160 acres of land, 140 of which are 
under cultivation, with substantial buildings, etc. He is a member of the York 
Brethren Church. 

MELCHI MEYERS, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in this county, 
September 7, 1858, a son of Abraham and Eliza (Shartle) Meyers. His father 
was a native of Adams County, and died in Franklin County, August 20, 1881. 
His mother is still living in Franklin County. Our subject was reared in this 
county, where he received his education, and has always made his home. He 
Was married, September 23, 1879, to Miss Katie Breechbill, a native of Frank- 
lin County, and a daughter of Christian and Nancy Breechbill, the latter 
deceased, the former residing in this county, a preacher of the York Brethren 
denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers are the parents of three children: Nor- 
man, Elmer and Enos. Mr. Meyers has 161 acres of land in Peters Township, 
all under cultivation. He and his family are members of the York Brethren 
Church. 

W. P. NOBLE, physician and surgeon, Upton, was born in Fannettsburg, 
Franklin Co., Penn., in 1845, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Aikins) 
Noble, natives, the former of Franklin County, the latter of Adams County, 
Penn. His early life was spent in the district schools, in which he obtained 
the rudiments of an education, and afterward entered the Tuscarora Academy 
at Academia, Penn. , where he completed his literary course in a few years of 
study, and also taught one year. Leaving school temporarily, he enlisted, in 
1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served his enlistment of nine months. He was in the battles of 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, receiving in the latter engagement two slight 
wounds, one in the left eye and the other in the right foot. He was honora- 
bly discharged in 1863, and, upon his return to civil life, resumed his studies, 
which he completed in 1866. He then read medicine under Dr. A. H. Senseny, 
a prominent physician of Chambersburg, who was his preceptor until after 
graduating. In the fall of 1867 he entered Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
delphia, which institution conferred on him its diploma of graduation in 1869. 
In June of the same year he began practicing at Gieeacastle, where he re- 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 883 

mained until December 27, 1871, the time of his location at Upton, where he 
has since devoted himself to the demands of an increasing and lucrative prac- 
tice. The Doctor served three years as school director; was elected coroner, 
but did not qualify. He is a member of the Franklin County Medical Society, 
also of the State medical society, also a life member of the alumni associa- 
tion of Jefferson Medical College. He married, November 24, 1870, Alice S. 
Fleming, and they have three children: Howard F., Anna Belle and Sarah 
Maude. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. The family attend the services 
of the Methodist and Lutheran Churches. 

JOHN P. OVER, farmer, P. O. Lemasters, was born in Peters Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., August 12, 1888, a son of Christian and Eliza (Pheil) 
Over, former of whom, a native of Franklin County, died August 19, 1883; 
the latter, a native of Dauphin County, died April 12, 1875. Our subject was 
reared in Franklin County, and has always made it his home. November 22, 
1860, he married Miss Mary Schneider, also a native of this county, a daughter 
of Jacob and Nancy Schneider. Her parents removed to Illinois from this 
county, and there her mother died; her father is still living in thai State. Mr. 
and Mrs. Over are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living: Chris- 
tian Elmer, lives in Carroll County, 111. ; Anna Rebecca, * married to William 
Gilbert, and resides in Pennsylvania; Emma, wife of John Clark, lives in 
Peters Township; Jacob; John Calvin; Abraham Oliver; George Willard; Mary 
Catherine and James Garfield (Eliza Jane is deceased). Mr. Over has 100 
acres of land, of which about ninety are in cultivation. Mrs. Over is a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Over is a Republican. 

CAPT. JAMES PATTON (deceased) was the progenitor of the Patton 
family in this county. He was Scotch-Irish by birth, and settled on 299 
acres of land in this township, which came into his possession by two 
warrants, one dated 1744, the other 1786. This tract of land is the site of 
Fort Loudon; the land at that time was in Antrim Township, Lancaster 
County, and is now the property of J. H. Hoerner. About the time of the 
issue of the warrant, in 1744, Mr. Patton settled on the land, and there 
he lived and died. He had five children: Robert, James, Rebecca, Elizabeth, 
and Matthew. Matthew Patton was born on the old homestead, where he was 
reared, and where he lived during his life. He was twice married; first 
to Anna McFarland, who bore him five children: James (deceased), Robert, 
John, Jane C, and Mary Ann (deceased). His second wife was Susan Sea- 
burn, who bore him three children: Elias, Andrew J. (deceased) and 
Rebecca M. He was an associate judge of the county a number of years, and 
besides held the office of justice of the peace. He was a gentleman of good 
executive ability, sound judgment and good business tact. He raised a 
company of cavalry for the war of 1812, but owing to a disagreement in re- 
gard to dismounting the men and making foot soldiers of them, the company 
was disbanded and returned home. Mr. Patton was successful in business, 
and accumulated considerable property ; in politics he was a Democrat. He 
died June 25, 1845; his widow, October 1, 1863, aged sixty-three years. 
Both were members of the Presbyterian Churcb, and took an active interest in 
religious works. During the latter years of their lives they were connected with 
the Reformed church, because there was no Presbyterian organization or 
privileges of worship. 

Elias Patton, retired farmer, was born on the old homestead, March 
26, 1823, and is a son of Matthew Patton. He was reared on the farm, and 
in the subscription schools received a practical education. At the age 
of twenty three he began life for himself. In April, 1846, he married Ellen, 



884 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughter of George and Jane (McClellan) Cason. old settlers. After his 
marriage he located on the homestead where he lived for many years. (He- 
has resided in the township all his life.) He retired to private life in 1878, 
settling in Fort Loudon, where he resides surrounded by all the comforts of 
life. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, to which they 
have been devoted for many years, and take an active interest in religious mat- 
ters. Mr. Patton owns 160 acres of good land well improved and in a good 
state of cultivation, and has also fine village properties, He has been emi- 
nently successful in life and is one of the wealthy and influential men of 
the township. To him and his wife have been born six children, five now liv- 
ing: George C, Susan Ann., Rebecca M. , James and Ella H. ; Jane is de- 
ceased. Mr. Patton is a Democrat in politics. 

JACOB POFFENBERGER, blacksmith, P. O. Foltz, was born in Fred- 
erick County, Md. , November 8, 1850. His parents, Jacob H. and Barbara 
(Reidnour) Poffenberger, were born in the same county and State, where they 
were also married. In 186*2 they came to Franklin County, and here remained 
four years, then moved to Fulton County, and thence, after two years, came 
back to Franklin County, locating at Cove Gap, where the father died June 
15, 1873. He is buried in Mercersburg Cemetery; the mother still resides at 
Cove Gap. Our subject is the seventh of nine children. When the family 
lived in Fulton County he commenced to work at the blacksmith trade, which, 
after coming to Cove Gap, he adopted as a business. His father being a 
blacksmith, from him our subject learned the trade. After his father's death, 
Jacob and his brother, George F., continued the business, and they still con- 
duct it. They have a foundry and general repair shop, where they employ five 
or six hands. They do all kinds of casting and repair work and -handle agri- 
cultural implements. They have about 248 acres of mountain land and about 
six acres which they farm. November 7, 1878, Jacob Poffenberger married 
Miss Delia Berger, a native of Cove Gap, and a daughter of David and Sarah 
J. Berger. Our subject and wife are members of the Lutheran Church at 
Mercersburg. 

MICHAEL RYDER, Sr. , retired carpenter and farmer, Fort Loudon, was. 
born in Lancaster County, Penn. , May 13, 1798, and is a son of Michael, Sr., 
and Saloma (Wortz) Ryder, natives of Pennsylvania. His boyhood was passed 
on the farm, and he had little or no opportunity for securing an education. In 
the seventeenth year of his age he was bound out to serve an apprenticeship at 
the carpenter's trade, which he followed eight years. In 1824 he married Mary, 
daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Longenecker) Ryder, and after his marriage 
resided in Peters Township for two years, then removed to Fannett Township, 
where he purchased a farm on which he lived fourteen years, after which he 
purchased a farm near London, on which he settled and lived until 1875, when 
he removed to town, and has since lived a life of retirement in the enjoyment 
of the fruits of his hard earned labor. He began life with small means, only 
about $2,000 in all, and has been eminently successful, prosperity attending 
his every effort. He is yet the owner of 139 acre3 of cultivated land, and 
has given his children a good start in life. The children, eight in number, are 
named as follows: Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary A., Adam N. , John A , Anna, 
Michael W. and Catherine. All are married and gone from the parental home 
except the youngest, Catherine, who still resides with her aged parents. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ryder in early life were members of the Reformed Church, but when 
they located in Fannett Township there was no organized Reformed Church 
there, and they united with the Presbyterians. After settling here they 
became connected with the Reformed Mennonite Church. Mrs. Ryder was. 



PETERS TOWNSHIP. 885 

born near Greencastle, Franklin County, August 26, 1804. Adam Ryder, 
father of Mrs. Ryder, was born in Lancaster County, Penn. , and settled in 
Antrim Township, this county, in 1803, where he followed his trade, smithing, 
for a number of years; later he purchased a farm in Peters Township, where 
he lived the remainder of his life. He was a hardworking man, universally 
respected by all who knew him. He was the father of seven children: Mary, 
Anna, Eliza, Michael, Leah, Catherine and Benjamin L. He died in 1857, 
aged seventy- eight years; his widow died in 1864 at about the same age. 

MICHAEL RYDER of A, a farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Lemasters, was 
born in this county, August 6, 1831, to Adam W. and Catherine (Schenck) Ryder, 
both natives of Lancaster County, Penn. , the former of whom died April 27, 
1884, the latter July 6, 1877, and both are buried in the Mennonite graveyard, 
near Upton. Our subject was reared in this county, and here has passed his 
life. He was married in Chambersburg, this county, December 29, 1863, to 
Miss Jennie Fritz, a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Cressap) Fritz, the former 
of whom died in this county in May, 1874, and the latter in October, 1868. 
Both are buried in the Little Cove churchyard. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Ryder 
purchased his present home farm about a mile south of Lemasters, and moved 
on it in the spring following. To him and his wife four children were born, 
two living : Ella May and William Emmert. The deceased were both infants. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ryder are members of the Lutheran Church at Mercersburg. 
Mr. Ryder owns over fifty-eight acres of land in Peters Township, all 
improved, and he raises cattle and horses. Politically he is a Republican. 

PETER STENGER, of Conrad, was born in Peters Township, this coun- 
ty, March 18, 1795. His father was of German birth and settled with his 
family in this locality some time previous to the birth of Peter ; he had two 
daughters and six sons; he died in 1831; by occupation he was a farmer and 
tavern-keeper; his first wife was Martha Rhodarmer, the mother of his chil- 
dren; his second wife was Mrs. Christiana Shearer, nee Markle. John, a son 
of Conrad, served in the war of 1812. Peter Stenger lived in Peters Town- 
ship all his days, and in early and middle life followed farming, but in 1836 
he established himself in a store at Loudon until 1852. He served as assessor 
of the township; was a member of the Reformed Church. In business he 
succeeded admirably. He married Christiana Shearer, who bore him six chil- 
dren, who grew to manhood and womanhood, viz.: Harriet, wife of H. E. Hoke 
of Chambersburg, Penn. ; Matilda, wife of Rev. Jacob Hassler, Loudon, 
this county; George M. ; William S., secretary of State; Martha Ann, de- 
ceased wife of John H. Hoerner; and Hannah Mary, wife of John A. Diehl, 
Marion, Penn. Mr. Stenger died in 1885; his wife in 1875, aged sixty-nine 
years and two months. Both were members of the Reformed Church. George 
M. Stenger was born in Peters Township, this county, July 1, 1837, and 
received the rudiments of his education in the district schools, entering Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn., in 1854, and taking the full 
course, graduated in 1857. After that he studied law under Reilly & Sharpe, 
of Chambersburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. He practiced a few 
years and then devoted himself to mercantile business in Chambersburg for 
two years and a half, and since then has resided in the vicinity of Loudon, 
where he leads a retired life. He has held some of the township offices. He 
married Charlotte Hassler, and both are members of the Reformed Church. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

W. A. TROGLER, farmer, P. O. Mercersburg, was born in Franklin 
County, Penn., January 28, 1840, a son of Gottleib and Christine (Kopp) 
Trogler, natives of Schondorff, Wurtemberg, Germany, where they were mar- 



886 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ried; in 1832 they came to America, settling in Frauklin County, Penn. The 
former was born August 4, 1802, and died here March 1, 1871; the latter was 
born September 4, 1798, and died December 17, 1884. Both are buried in the 
Lutheran Church graveyard at Loudon. Oar subject was reared in Franklin 
County, and has always made it his home. He was married in this county, 
January 6, 1870, to Miss Susannah Martin, native of Franklin County, and a 
daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Butterbaugh) Martin. Her parents are both 
living; her grandparents on her mother's side are dead; her grandfather, Jacob 
Martin, is also dead, and all are buried in the same graveyard at Welsh Run, 
this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Trogler nine children were born, six of whom 
are living. They are Harvey Ellis, Ida May, William Elmer, John Calvin, David 
Edgar and Mary. The deceased are Milton Ellsworth, Minnie Grace and an 
infant unnamed. Mr. Trogler has about 645 acres of land and is the largest 
landholding farmer in Peters Township. He first enlisted in August, 1862, in 
the nine months' service, in company D, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Fifth Army 
Corps, Gen. Meade. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was trans- 
ferred to the One Hundred and Second Regiment Infantry, Sixth Army 
Corps, Gen. Wright; served through the war, and was discharged in July, 1865. 
He was in the battle of Fredericksburg, was wounded at Burnside's mud 
march, etc. , participated in the movements which resulted in the fall of Rich- 
mond and the surrender of Gen. Lee, and also took part in many minor engage- 
ments and skirmishes. Mr. Trogler was reared in the Lutheran faith. 

AARON J. UNGER, distiller, P. O. Foltz, was born near Smithsburg, 
Washington Co., Md., December 21, 1841, a son of David and Mary (Oswald) 
"Uno-er, also born in that county and State, where they were married. 
When Aaron J. was in his fifth year they moved to Franklin County, first lo- 
cating about three-quarters of a mile from Waynesboro, and in October, 1853, 
they moved to Cove Gap, where the father died August 28, 1862; he was 
buried in Mercersburg Cemetery. The mother resides at Mercersburg. 
Aaron J. was reared in Franklin County. His great-grandfather was a dis- 
tiller, and his direct ancestors down to and including his father were also dis- 
tillers, so he naturally embarked in that line of business himself. In 1866 he 
entered into partnership with George W. Smith, with whom he continued 
until 1867. In 1873 he engaged in the same business with Isaac Hollens- 
head, with whom he remained until the fall of 1879, when our subject 
erected a plant of his own, which he now operates at Cove Gap. Its 
capacity is nine bushels and twenty-one pounds per day. December 20, 1866, 
Mr. Unger was married, in Ohio, to Miss Barbara Ellen Hoke, a native of this 
county, and a daughter of William and Mary Hoke, both deceased, the former hav • 
ing died in Kansas, the latter in Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Unger eight children 
have been born: D. W., Mary V., John E., Benjamin E., Anna J., Blanch E., 
A. J., Jr., and Barbara E. Mr. "Unger has about twenty -four acres around 
the distillery, besides property in Mercersburg. This distillery makes four 
gallons and one pint to the bushel, which is probably the highest record 
made by any hand-mash distillery in this county, and this record has been 
kept up in the month of June, which is probably the least advantageous 
month to make a test satisfactory to the proprietors. The importance of 
this large output to the bushel may be better appreciated when it is noted 
that there are many distilleries which do not come up to two and one-half 
gallons to the bushel. This large return is due to the care used in select- 
ing the grain, and the books of the internal revenue service bear this fact out. 

DAVID ZOOK (deceased) was a native of Lancaster County, Penn. ; born 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 887 

in January, 1809, a son of Christian and Annie Zook, both natives of that 
county. Our subject was reared in Lancaster County, and there, on October 
16, 1840, he married Miss Susan Resh, also a native of Lancaster County, 
daughter of Christian and Barbara Resh; the former was born in Lancaster 
County, the latter in Franklin County. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Zook 
removed to Cumberland County, Penn. , where he died December 29, 1859. 
Mrs. Zook resided in Cumberland County until 1877, when she removed with 
her family to this county, and located in Peters Township, where she still re- 
sides. To her and her husband were born seven children, of whom three are 
living: Elizabeth, Mary and Rebecca, the latter of whom married George 
Moore. The deceased are Annie, Abram, Jacob and an infant. Jacob was 
married to Annie Bumbarger June 12, 1877, and died September 4, 1880, 
leaving three children: Elsie M. , David and Jacob. Mrs. Zook is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Mennonite Church. She has 100 acres of land, all under 
cultivation. 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 



JESSE BAER, miller, P. O. Five Forks, was born in Washington Town- 
ship, this county, May 9, 1832, the third son of Gabriel Baer, who was born in 
Lancaster County, Penn., and died in 1859, aged about sixty-two years. He 
was a cabinet-maker and for several years also carried on a woolen-mill at 
Waynesboro. Our subject was reared at home with his parents and spent his 
boyhood in the woolen factory. In 1849 he commenced to learn the miller's 
trade, which he has since followed. In 1868 he began milling on his own ac- 
count at the mill in which he now owns a one-half interest. He was married 
in the fall of 1860 to Rachel Whitmore, a native of the county and a daughter 
of Peter and Rebecca (Frederick) Whitmore. To this union three daughters 
were born: Rebecca, Charlotte and Anna E. The maternal grandparents of 
our subject were Jesse and Charlotte Spangler, the former an early settler of 
York and the latter a native of Little York, Penn. His father was a Republi- 
can and a member of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Baer takes little interest in 
politics. He is a member of the German Baptist Church. 

DR. H. X. BONEBRAKE, Mont Alto, was born in Washington Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., March 31, 1843, the sixth son in the family of eight chil- 
dren of Daniel and Margaret (Stoner) Bonebrake, four of whom are physicians. 
Conrad Bonebrake, the grandfather of our subject, a farmer by occupation, of 
German stock, became one of the early settlers of this county. Daniel Bone- 
brake died in 1849, his widow in 1854. Their children now living and resid- 
ing in this county are David S. , Louis X. , Mrs. Elizabeth Snively, Dr. H. X. 
and Dr. Andrew S. Emma married Dr. J. A. Royer and removed to Ohio. 
Dr. Daniel W. resides in Blair County, Penn. Dr. Melchor is in Taylorville, 
111. Our subject was reared on the farm, received a good English education 
at Mercersburg and subsequently engaged in the study of medicine with Dr. 
Oellig of Waynesboro, this county, with whom he remained two years; after- 
ward with Dr. James Brotherton until the latter' s decease. Then he graduated 
in February, 1865, at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, subsequently locat- 
ing at Leitersburg, Washington Co., Md. , where he engaged in the practice 
of his profession for some time. Afterward he practiced at Alto Dale, this 
county, until 1869, when he removed to Mont Alto, and has here since been 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

superintendent of the forge at the iron works. The doctor married, in 1862, 
Miss Agnes, daughter of Dr. George S v and Josephine (Wolf) Fouke. Dr. 
and Mrs. Bonebrake are parents of eight children, five living: Fordyce, George, 
Irene, Anna A. and Gussie. The family are members of the German Reformed 
Church. In politics the Doctor is a Republican. 

MELCHOR ELDEN, merchant, P. O. Mont Alto, was born in Washing- 
ton Township, this county, January 12, 1840, the second son of Joseph Elden, 
whose antecedents came from the south of Ireland and located at an early day 
in Adams County, Penn. Joseph was born in 1802, and about 1836 married 
Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Stouffer, to whom were born nine 
children, of whom Mary Ann was the eldest. Joseph was a miller, which bus- 
iness he followed many years, but later embarked in merchandising, which he 
followed until his death, in the fall of 1878. His widow is now seventy years 
old. They reared a family of five children, all of whom attained to manhood 
and womanhood. Their names are as follows: Margaret (deceased), Ezekiel, 
Melchor, Elizabeth and James. Melchor was reared at home and assisted his 
father in the mill, and remained with him until his nineteenth year. He then 
engaged in teaching in Quincy Township, and after four terms as teacher he 
in 1863, embarked in merchandising at Alto Dale in partnership with David 
Knepper, under the firm name of Knepper & Elden, which association has 
since continued. December 26, 1863, he married Elizabeth Knepper, daugh- 
ter of George Knepper, merchant, and six children have blessed this union: 
George, Anna May, Corwin, Jennie, Adelaide and Clara B. Since his eight- 
eenth year, Mr. Elden has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which he is one of the officers. 

H. M. FRITZ, M. D., P. O. Quincy, was born November 30, 1852, in 
Berks County, Penn. He received the advantages of the common schools, and 
subsequently took a business course at Pottstown, Penn. He then entered the 
normal school at Kutztown, Penn., intending to remain until he graduated, 
but about this time he was importuned by an old friend, Dr. T. J. B. Rhoads, 
of Boyertown, to study medicine with him. He acceded to this proposition, 
and entered the office of his preceptor, with whom he remained until March 12, 
1879, when he received his diploma from Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia. The following May he came to this township, began the practice of his 
profession, has since met with success, and has never had cause to regret hav- 
ing adopted the medical profession. January 8, 1881, he married Miss Clara 
O., daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Crau.se) Stauffer. They have one daughter 
— Virgie Blanche. The Doctor is a member of the Lutheran Church ; of Lodge 
No. 213, P. O. S. of- A. ; of Waynesboro Academy of Medicine, Franklin 
County Medical Society and the State medical society. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 

UPTON FUNK, farmer and manufacturer, P. O. Quincy, was born in this 
township October 15, 1843, the eldest son of Jacob Funk. Jacob's father, 
John, built the first house in Alto Dale, or Funkstown; he was the father of 
five children — three sons and two daughters. Those now living are Samuel, 
Jacob, John and Harriet (wife of Frederick Thompson). Upton Funk remained 
with his parents until he became of age, and was reared to the milling business 
which he follojved for two years after leaving home; later taught four terms of 
school and for eleven years worked in the blast department of the Mont Alto 
Iron Works. In the spring of 1879 he located on the place where he now re- 
sides, and has since been engaged in farming. Since May 1 he has been run- 
ning a knitting-mill, of which he is making a success. October 2, 1865, he 
married Amanda E. Dull, a native of this county, and a daughter of Isaac and 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 889 

Eliza (Donnelly) Dull. To Mr. and Mrs. Funk nine children were born: 
Harvey E. , Carrie E., Annie D., Edgar A., Arthur (deceased), Charles S., 
Maud A. , Estella M. and Clarence R. Mr. Funk is an official member of the 
school board, and ranks among the progressive and intelligent men of the day. 
Politically he is a Democrat. The family is connected with the German Re- 
formed Church. 

A. B. GINGRICH, M. D. , was born in Dauphin County, Penn., May 
18, 1843, and was the youngest son of Peter and Anna (Balsbaugh) Gin- 
grich. The Gingrich family were first represented in America by three broth- 
ers, who came from Switzerland several years prior to the Revolution, two of 
whom settled in Pennsylvania, the third in Tennessee, and his descendants 
were all noted for their loyalty to the Union cause and their fidelity to the 
"stars and stripes." Peter Gingrich, the Doctor's father, was born March 4, 
1796, and died in 1863; he was a son of Christian Gingrich. The subject of 
this sketch received the advantages of the common schools, and for several 
years, from the spring of 1863 to early in 1870, was employed as a clerk in 
stores. In the last mentioned year he began reading medicine under Dr. J. 
H. Steahley, and finally graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, Phila- 
delphia, March 10, 1876. From that time he was engaged in the practice of 
his profession at Alto Dale, this township, where his merits were appreciated 
by the people, who regarded him as a competent and reliable physician. De- 
cember 8, 1868, he married Mary A. Cassel, daughter of David Cassel, of 
Dauphin County, Penn. , and seven children were born to this union, of whom 
three are now living: John S., David C. and Mamie B. The Doctor was 
a member of the German Reformed Church; a Republican in politics. 

HENRY GOOD, retired farmer, P. O. Quincy, was born February 6, 
1815, in Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn. His ancestors emi- 
grated from Switzerland to this country and settled in Washington County, 
Md. , many years before the Revolution. In religion they were members of 
the Mennonite faith. The pioneer of the family in Quincy Township, this 
county, was Christian Good, who was born in Washington County, Md., in 
1783, locating in Washington Township about 1812* He was a son of Christian 
Good, Sr. who and grand Sr. , were citizens of Washington County, Md. Chris- 
tian Good, the father of our subject, located at Midvale, where he died in De- 
cember, 1862; his wife was Elizabeth Stover, a descendant of one of the earliest 
settlers in this county, and a daughter of Michael Stover, whose wife was a Hess. 
Mrs. Good died in 1851, aged sixty-eight years. She and her husband were the 
parents of the following named children: David M. , Henry, Jacob S., Rev. 
Daniel F. , Christeann (wife of Jacob Funk), and Sarah (wife of Samuel Welty), 
all of whom settled in this county, except Mrs. Funk, who located in Mary- 
land. Henry was reared on the farm, and at the age of twenty-three left 
home and engaged in the leather and tanning business, which he followed for 
eight years. In 1847 he began farming near Waynesboro, in which occupa- 
tion he remained ten years; then located on his present place, where he has 
since resided. He was married in 1839 to Mary Welty, who died in 1880, a 
daughter of Jacob Welty, and to them were born thirteen children, four of 
whom are now living : Christian W. , Henry A. , Aaron B. and Susan E. Bene- 
dick, all of whom reside in this immediate neighborhood. Mr. Good married for 
his second wife Catharine Price. He has been connected for years with the ' 'old 
order ' ' of the German Baptist Church. He was elected and served as county 
commissioner three years, from 1863 to 1866. He is a Republican in principle. 
For the last eight years he has lived retired. 

JAMES HARVEY GORDON, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in 

50 



890 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Waynesboro, Perm. , January 8, 1823, the fifth son of Samuel Gordon, who 
came from Londonderry, Ireland, when five years old with Hans Gordon, 
whose name appears in the general history of Waynesboro. Samuel was born 
in Ireland in 1786; his wife, nee Matilda Summerviile, bore him nine children, 
all of whom lived to be grown. He was a chairmaker and wheelwright, and 
followed the business until his death at his home in Waynesboro, in February, 
1862; his wife died in October, 1836. They were respectively members of the 
German Reformed Church and Covenanters. Our subject in early life learned 
the carpenter's trade, which he completed at the age of twenty years. After 
one year's journey work, he began business for himself, which he carried on for 
twenty-two years; then for two years engaged in butchering. He then began 
farming in Washington Townshij), where he remained one year. In the 
fall of 1866 he located where he now resides, in Quincy Township, and has 
since been engaged in farming and stock raising. In December, 1846, he 
married Juliana Bonebrake, who was born in Washington Township, this 
county, in December, 1818, a daughter of John Bonebrake, one of the early 
settlers of this county. Four sons and two daughters were born to this union: 
Henry A. , John B. , James Harvey, George F. , Marion E. and Eliza J. , all of 
whom reside in this county, except Dr. John B. , who resides in Tiffin, Ohio, 
engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are members 
of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican, formerly an 
old line Whig. 

DAVID KNEPPER, merchant, Alto Dale, P. O. Mont Alto, was born in 
Funkstown, Quincy Township, this county, March 16, 1844, a son of George 
and Mary (McFerren) Knepper, both natives of the county. His grandfather 
was named David. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and remained 
with his parents until he began for himself in 1871. In that year he engaged 
in business with Mr. M. Elden, in Funkstown, and has been merchandising 
ever since. He was married, March 16, 1881, to Nettie Kuhn, daughter of 
John and Nancy Kuhn. Mr. Knepper is a Republican. His father, who for 
many years was engaged in merchandising and farming, died in 1873. 

DAVID MILEY LO^JRY, miller, P. O. Five Forks, was born in Quincy 
Township, this county, October 16, 1837, and is the fourth of the ten children 
of George Lowry, who was born in 1802, in Berks County, Penn. , a son of John 
Lowry of German-Irish ancestry. The mother of our subject, nee Catherine 
Morter, was born August 3, 1811, and died June 14, 1884. She was a daugh- 
ter of David and Christina (Morter) Morter, both supposed to have been of 
German descent. George Lowry came to this county from Berks County, Penn. , 
about 1803 or 1804 with his father, and located in this township, where he 
died May 11, 1875. To John and Elizabeth Lowry were born nine children: 
Polly, Elizabeth, George, Hannah, Caroline, John, Curtis, Lucy A. and Jacob. 
All are now deceased. The father of our subject carried on merchandising at 
Mont Alto, and then located on the farm, where he died, and which was taken 
up by George Adam Cook in 1753; it was bought from Cook in 1818. David 
M. remained at home until after attaining his majority, and engaged in farm- 
ing until 1866. In 1873 he took charge of the old Smalls mill, later of this 
mill, and since 1873 has given his entire attention to milling. He bought the 
mill in 1880. He also owns the homestead farm of 152 acres. In 1860 he- 
married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Small, and by this marriage 
four children have been born: Emma, Jesse, Elizabeth and David A. Emma, 
is the wife of Daniel Brown. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Lowry is a Democrat; he served last term, 1882 to 1885, as jury commis- 
sioner. 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 891 

J. C. MARTIN, the only merchant in Tomstown, P. O. Quincy, was born 
near Fountaindale, Adams Co. , Penn., December 4, 1840, and is the eldest 
in a family of six children born to Samuel and Susan (Boone) Martin. Samuel 
Martin, a miller by occupation, was bora in 1808 in Adams County, Penn., a son 
of John Martin, whose antecedents, it is thought, came several years prior to the 
Revolution, from Switzerland to Lancaster County, Penn., where they en o-aged 
in agricultural pursuits. Samuel died October 10, 1884. His wife was a 
daughter of Daniel Boone, who was a son of William Boone. William and 
his brother, George, first took up land at Boonesboro, Washington Co. , Md. , 
and from them the place derived its name; they belonged to the same branch of 
the Boone family as the historic Daniel Boone of Kentucky. John C. remained 
at home with his parents until he grew to manhood, spending his time in the 
mill and in the store which his father carried on. In the second year of the 
war he became a member of the State guard, and October 10, 1802, was taken 
prisoner by Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry; was taken south, spent five and a 
half months in Libby Prison, and was exchanged the following March. In 
September, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, served until the close of th^e war, during which time 
he participated in several battles and skirmishes, and was discharged in June, 
1863. He also had two brothers in the service, William H. and David New- 
ton; the latter died in the hospital of Nashville, Tenn., and was a member of 
Company A, Seventy- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. William H. 
was a member of Company I, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, and was wounded at White Oak Road, Va. March 31, 1865, Mr. 
Martin entered mercantile business at Tomstown, this township, and has since 
continued; he carries a general stock, such as is most needed by his patrons. 
In September, 1864, he married Cornelia A., a daughter of Samuel and Mary 
(Gordon) Buhrman. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have one daughter, who is now the 
wife of Logan Dyson of York, Penn. Mr. Martin is a stanch Republican. 

GEORGE W. McCLEARY, farmer, P. O. Mont Alto. The McCleary 
family trace their ancestry to Scotland, from which country they came to 
Pennsylvania prior to the Revolution, and about 1776 two brothers located in 
what is now known as Quincy Township, where several of their descendants yet 
remain. John McCleary, so far as is known, was the pioneer of the name that 
came to this country. His direct descendants were Alexander, William, Rob- 
ert and John; the daughters, so far as remembered, being Mary, Nancy and 
Katie. John, mentioned above, the father of Geo. W., married Nancy, the 
daughter of James McCoy, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits, which 
business he carried on the greater part of his life. He was a good citizen, 
highly esteemed in the community in which he lived, and was never known to 
sue or be sued, or have a case in court. He died in 1873 at the advanced a^e 
of eighty-three years, a consistent Christian. In politics he was Democratic. 
Our subject was born in this township January 20, 1840, and his father being 
engaged in farming pursuits, was brought up in the same line of business, 
which he has since followed continuously, except for about three years, during 
which he engaged in mercantile business at Alto Dale with C. H. Smith. 
Politically he has always been a stauch Democrat, and in addition to filling 
township offices of trust, was urged as a candidate by his party to head the 
ticket as sheriff at the fall election of 1886. In 1861 he married Caroline, 
only child of Jacob Knepper, one of the old residents of the county. He is a 
member of the Reformed Church, also of the K. of P. 

J. T. METCALFE, machinist, P. O. Quincy, was born in this township 
June 20, 1854, the eldest son of J. L. Metcalfe, a millwright and machinist, 



892 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with whom our subject worked for several years when not engaged in the shops 
at Waynesboro. He commenced business for himself in the spring of 1880, 
first doing repair work. His business, however, continued to grow, and he now 
employs several men in his foundry and machine shop, doing an excellent trade 
with prospects of a prosperous future. In 1876 he married Miss Nancy Fahr- 
ney, daughter of John and Lucy (Ann) Fahrney. They have two children: 
Laura B. and Ira G. Mr. Metcalfe is the inventor and manufacturer of the 
Metcalfe engine, which is meeting with flattering success, being admirably 
adapted for various purposes where steam power is required, such as driving 
printing presses for small factories, or for domestic use. The boilers are of 
the vertical, tubular type, made of the best material, no cast iron being used 
in their construction. The boiler has large steaming capacity, the engine be- 
ing attached to the base plate of the boiler in a vertical manner, and can read- 
ily be detached whenever necessary for stationary purposes. The engine is 
finely balanced in all its parts, and, in short, it is complete in every way, and 
needs only to be examined to be fully appreciated. Mr. Metcalfe manufact- 
ures seven sizes of engines at his shops and foundry in Quincy. They are from 
one and one-half to forty horse-power; are semi-portable, but he contemplates 
the manufacture of portalole ones. 

JACOB MIDDOUR, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro. Among the represen- 
tative families of this township is that of Middour, who came to this county 
in the year 1822. Jacob Middour, the father of our subject, came here from 
Washington County, Md., settled in this township, engaged in farming, and 
died here on the farm in May, 1862, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. 
Mrs. Barbara (Hess) Middour, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of 
•John Hess, who died in 1818. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Middour were born six 
sons and two daughters, all now living: John, Jacob (our subject), George, 
■Joseph, Samuel, David, Lizzie and Catherine. Lizzie is the wife of Hiram 
Wertz, and resides in Qaincy Township, this county; Catherine is the widow 
•of Dr. Newcomer, and resided in Mount Morris, Ogle Co. , 111. In February, 
1855, our subject married Mary Shank, daughter of David and Susan (Car- 
tbaugh) Shank. After his marriage Mr. Middoar removed to Antrim Township, 
*this county, where he remained ten years, and in the spring of 1861 returned 
.to the homestead, which he bought. It consists of 165 acres well improved, 
;and here he has since resided. Politically he has always been a stanch Re- 
publican; has filled several min or offices in the township, and in the fall of 1883 
was elected commissioner of the county, which position he is filing to the sat- 
isfaction of his friends and constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Middour have seven 
•children living: Joseph O, Alice, wife of Simon Hullinger in Washington 
Township, this county, Clara Annie, Mary E., David S., Harry J. and Nellie 
K. The family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. 

ISAAC T. RILEY, farmer, P. O. Quincy, was born August 8, 1810, and 
is the sixth child and second son born to Barnabas and Mary (Sheets) Riley. 
In 1863 he left home and enlisted in the service of his country in Company C, 
One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
with which he remained nine months; returning home, he re-enlisted, this 
time in Gompany G, Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
and after nearly a year's service returned home without injury. In 1861 he 
married Malinda Sprenkle of Adams County, Penn. , a daughter of William 
iSprenkle, and to this union were born the following named children, who are 
■now living: Irene A., Oscar S., Willis S., Charles T., Cora M. , Horace and 
Earl. Mr. Riley is an enterprising farmer, and has worked his way over ob- 
stacles almost insurmountable; at one time he lost all his property by fire, but 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. ^' ,: : 

with redoubled energy, and in the lirm belief that "God helps those who help 
themselves," he pushed ahead, retrieved his losses, and has since made life a 
success. He is a member of the Reformed Mennonite Church. 

ANDREW S. SHANK, hotel-keeper, P. O. Mont Alto, was born in Wash- 
ington CoiTnty, Md., in 1825, and is the third child and second son of John 
A. and Catherine (Royer) Shank, the former born in Smithsburg, Md., a son 
of Andrew Shank, whose antecedents came from Germany and settled in 
Maryland in an early day. To Andrew Shank were born three sons — John A. , 
Daniel and Andrew S. ; the daughters were Sarah, Betsy, Polly and Mrs. 
Hoover. Our subject removed to this county with his parents when he was 
about one year old, located near Greencastle and remained here about five years, 
when he removed near Five Forks, Quincy Township, and here the father 
of our subject died in 1804; his widow survived him several years. To them 
were born twelve children, eleven of whom attained their majority; nine of 
them aro living, viz. : Andrew, Hezekiah, John, Benjamin, Samuel, Isaac, 
Elizabeth, Catherine and Sarah, all residents of the county, save Isaac, who 
removed to Dakota, and John and Benjamin, who both reside in Ohio. A. S, 
Shank remained at home until his marriage, which occurred January 18, 1847, 
with Catherine Tecumseth, who was born in Frederick County, Md. , daughter 
of William and Hannah (Covel) Tecumseth. After his marriage Mr. Shank 
located in Guilford Township, near Chambersburg, this county, where he en- 
gaged in farming and remained ten years; then located at Alto Dale (Funks- 
town) in 1859, where he has since remained engaged in the hotel business 
principally; he also trades in horses. Mrs. Shank died October 13, 1884, the 
mother of nine children, four living: Margaret, wife of Frank Snyder, of" 
Chambersburg; Andrew J., also of Chambersburg; Anna, residing in Lancaster, 
wife of Charles Lohar, and John, at home. Politically Mr. Shank has been a 
Republican for the last twenty years. He has been successful in his business 
career, and has obtained a competence for his declining years. 

JACOB R. SMALL, farmer, P. O. Mont Alto, is the great grandson of 
Adam Small, whose wife was Magdalina Cook, daughter of John Adam and 
Mary (Harmony) Cook. The families of Cook and Small were among the pio- 
neers, who came to this county at an early period of this country' s history, and 
after locating here became quite extensive land holders and reared families, 
whose descendants are now residents of this county and township. The sons 
of Adam Small were Henry, Peter, John, Daniel, Jacob and George, all of 
whom settled in this county and reared families. Henry Small, the grandsire 
of Jacob R. , had seven sons: Adam, John, Henry, George C , Lazarus B. , 
Benjamin C. and Ephraim J. John Small, subject's father, was born in Feb- 
ruary, 1808; his wife, nee Rebecca Knepper, July 16, 1827. She was a daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Knepper, whose wife was Mattie McFerren. To John Small 
and his wife were born Benjamin. H. M., Jacob R., John S. and Agnes, 
wife of Millard Thompson. Jacob R. was born January 9, 1850, in the 
village of Alto Dale, but now resides on Locust Grove farm, part of a tract of 
land called the " Laneton estate" (owned at one time by Samuel Lane). In 
1877 he married Mary E., a daughter of James and Mary E. (Bitter) Everly, 
and they have three children: Charles, Emery and Nellie. Mr. Small is a suc- 
cessful farmer; is serving as school director. Politically he is a Democrat. 
The family attend the services of the United Brethren Church. 

GEORGE SMITH, farmer, P. O. Mont Alto, was born in Huntington 
Township, Adams Co., Penn. , February 10, 1818, the youngest of the family 
of Jacob (a farmer) and Margaret (Fleeger) Smith, former of whom, a son of 
Balcher Smith, died about 1856, at the advanced age of eighty years. Of the^ 



894 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Fleeger family but little is known, save that Mrs. Margaret (Fleeger) Smith 
was born near York. At the age of fifteen our subject left home and began for 
himself, first working for $5 per month; the next year he received $7 per 
month, and the third $100 per year, for which he worked three years. He 
then learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for about eight years. He 
then bo tight a farm along with his brother, and for three years conducted the 
business. October 2, 1847, he married Martha Duncan, who was born in Cash- 
town, Adams Co. , Penn. , a daughter of Adam Duncan. After marriage he 
resided two years in Adams County ; then sold his interest to his brother and 
rented two years. In 1852 he located on the farm he now owns near Mont 
Alto, where he has since resided, and is numbered among the successful men 
of the valley, having acquired three farms and the Falling Spring mill prop- 
erty, four miles from Chambersburg. He erected the mill in 1856. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith have three children living: Mary Ann L., wife of John R. Avery; 
Clara D., and Lunetta M., wife of James Zug. Mr. Smith is a Republican. 
He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. 

C. H. SMITH, merchant, P. O. Mont Alto, one of the rising young men 
of Franklin County, was born January 31, 1857, in Washington Township, 
this county, to Frederick and Catherine (Morganthall) Smith, the latter a 
daughter of John Morganthall. Our subject was brought up among strangers 
and laboured industriously until attaining his majority. August 1, 1880, he 
commenced business for himself at Alto Dale, conducting a small store mostly in 
the confectionery line. In April of the following year he changed his place of 
business to the building he now occupies, and took in George W. McCleary as 
partner. They carried a general stock of goods and did business under the 
firm name of McCleary & Smith until the spring of 1884, when Mr. McCleary 
withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Smith has since conducted the business. 
Having seen the evils attending the old credit system, both to buyer and seller, 
he has, since January, 1886, adopted the cash system, and proposes to give 
his patrons the benefits of the same in prices. In politics Mr. Smith is a Dem- 
ocrat. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. 

HIRAM EMERICK VVERTZ, farmer, P. O. Quincy, was born on the 
homestead, September 25, 1829, the youngest child of David and Elizabeth 
(Emerick) Wertz. David was born in this township, on the farm now owned 
by Hiram E., about 1780. He was a son of George Wertz, who was brought 
by his father, Jacob, from Switzerland, landing in Philadelphia on the 26th 
of September, 1732, and settling in what is now York County. Jacob's sons 
were John, George and Conrad. George was the grandsire of our subject 
and the father of Geoige, David, Jacob, Elizabeth (wife of Michael Emminger), 
Barbara (wife of Henry Kyler), Catherine (wife of Frederick Fisher), Eve (wife 
of John Bushman), Mary (wife of Henry Cordel), all of whom lived and died 
in Franklin County except Mrs. Emminger, who died in Butler County, Penn. 
In 1840 George moved to Ogle County, 111., where he lived and died. He 
reared eleven children: George, Lanah (wife of John Snyder), Peter, Louis, 
Henry. David, William, Charles, Susan, Augustus and James, all of whom re- 
mained here except George, who went to California in 1840 and there died. 
Peter died in Iowa; Henry resides in Missouri; James in Minnesota; Jacob 
lived and died in this county, leaving three descendants: John, Augustus and 
Susan, wife of George Kneff. Jacob Wertz, the great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject, settled on the farm now occupied by the latter about 1747, coming here 
from York County by the mountain road by way of Monterey Springs. The 
grandfather of our subject, George, was twelve years old at the time of settling 
here. David, father of Hiram E. , remained on the homestead where he was 



QUINCY TOWNSHIP. 895 

born, until his death, which occurred September 17, 1866. June 6, 1820, he 
married Elizabeth, daughter of Ludwick and Susan Emerick. The Emer- 
icks were of German stock and came from Lebanon County, Penn. , to this 
county about 1816, locating on a farm near Middleburg, Antrim Township. 
Ludwick Emerick died and was buried in the cemetery at Greencastle; his 
widow lived with her daughter Elizabeth on the Wertz farm, where she died 
in the spring of 1848. Three sons and two daughters were born to our subject's 
parents : Matilda, married to Dr. Henry Rosenburg, formerly of New York, now 
of Knoxville, 111. ; David, unmarried, for several years has been employed in 
the mint at Philadelphia; Catherine, wife of Jerome Wertz, now of Springfield, 
Ohio, and Hiram E. February 4, 1862, our subject married Elizabeth Mid- 
dour, who was born on the Middour homestead October 25, 1840, a daughter 
•of Jacob and Barbara (Hess) Middour. Mr. Wertz has been engaged in farm- 
ing pursuits all his life; Avas elected justice of the peace in 1880, and has since 
held that position. Since 1879 he has been freight and express agent of the 
Mont Alto Railroad Company at this place. He has always been a Republican, 
his family were, from time to time, the friend of the bondman, and rejoiced at 
the epoch when his shackles were removed. Mr. Wertz is a member of the 
Lutheran Church, of which his ancestors on both sides have also been members. 
To him and his wife were born six children, of whom four are living: David 
Maurice, Minnie Kate, Hermie Elizabeth and Edith Barbara. 

COL. GEO. B. WIESTLING, iron manufacturer, and engineer and super- 
intendent of the Mont Alto Railroad, P. O. Mont Alto, was born January 28, 
1836, in Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. , Penn. His grandfather, Samuel C. Wiest- 
ling, came from Upper Saxony, Germany, this countiy, prior to the 
Revolution. He was a noted physician and linguist, being master of seven 
languages, and had been a surgeon in the German navy. While making a 
tour of the American colonies, he visited "The Trappe" in Montgomery 
County, Penn., where he met and married Anna Marie Bucher, a lady of 
Swiss descent. He subsequently located in Harrisburg, Penn. , where he built up 
a large medical practice, and accumulated considerable wealth. One of his 
sons, George Philip Wiestling, the father of our subject, married Margaret C. 
Berryhill, of Scotch-Irish descent, by whom he had seven children. Our sub- 
ject had excellent school advantages, which he improved, and became by pro- 
fession a civil engineer. At the age of seventeen, he entered the engineer 
corps of the Sunbury & Erie Railroad, now known as the Philadelphia & Erie 
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He assisted in the preliminary sur- 
veys, location and construction of that road. As assistant engineer, he was 
afterward engaged on the Pennsylvania Railroad in inspecting railroad iron, 
and on the Lancaster, Lebanon & Pinegrove Railroad on preliminary surveys 
and location. Subsequently he became engineer of a construction company, 
which undertook heavy railroad work in Pennsylvania and. New Jersey, and on 
the dissolution of that company, he became a member of the contracting firm 
of McAllister & Wiestling, and built the large tunnel at Oxford Furnace, 
New Jersey, on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, besides miles 
of heavy open cut work. In March, 1862, at the solicitation of Gens. 
Franklin and Philip Kearney, he invented and built for the Government an at- 
tachment designed to enable the movement of heavy artillery through the 
deep muds of Virginia. He was with Kearney's brigade during the advance 
from Burk's Station to Bull Run and Centreville. As staff officer, he had 
charge of the shipment of organized troops from Harrisburg, Penn., and, in 
recognition of his service, he received, unsolicited from Gov. Curtin, three 
separate commissions as colonel, at as many different times — the first, as 



896 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

colonel commanding the Twenty -.third Regiment of emergency men. When 
its term expired, he received the second, as colonel in the organization of the 
drafted men of the border counties, with headquarters at Chambersburg, Penn. ; 
the third, as colonel commanding the One hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Infantry, which was assigned to duty in the department 
of Virginia, under command of Maj.-Gen. Dix. Col. Wiestling and his regi- 
ment participated in all the engagements between Norfolk and Blackwater 
River. For several months, Col. Wiestling was commandant at Deep Creek, 
Va. , having both infantry and cavalry under him. The territory under his 
charge extended from Great Bridge, on the Albemarle Canal, to Suffolk, Va. , 
and from the city lines of Norfolk, Va. , to South Mills, N. C. , including both 
the Albemarle Canal and Dismal Swamp Canal. This region was infested 
with guerrillas, and embraced the most patronized thoroughfares over which 
contraband mail and merchandise was carried between the North and South. 
One of the scouting parties sent out by Col. Wiestling, in command of his 
brother, Adjt. John G. Wiestling, captured the rebel mail, which contained 
advice of the intended movement of Longstreet's corps upon Norfolk, and 
which resulted in the concentration of 30,000 Union troops in Suffolk, where 
Longstreet's advance was checked. During the battle of Gettysburg, Col. 
Wiestling was ordered north from Deep Creek, Va. , with his command, via For- 
tress Monroe, to join the Army of the Potomac, which they reached in time to 
participate in the pursuit after Lee' s army, having been assigned to Geary' s 
brigade, of which Col. Wiestling was the senior colonel. Subsequently he 
was assigned to the command of Maryland Heights, opposite Harper's Ferry, 
and remained there until the term of service of his regiment expired, when he 
was mustered out with his men. Ill health prevented his re-entering the army, 
and on February 27, 1864, he became interested in the Mont Alto Iron Works, 
Franklin County, Penn. , and took charge of its active management. He im- 
proved and enlarged the works, increasing their output over fourfold, and still 
continues at their head. In 1872 he built the Mont Alto Railroad. In 1877 
he added to his labors, by taking charge of the Rochester & State Line Rail- 
road in New York. In 1879 he extended the Mont Alto Railroad to Waynes- 
boro, and is still its engineer and superintendent. He originated the idea of 
having a large park at Mont Alto, and was the prime mover and main spirit in 
laying out the grounds of Mont Alto Park in 1875. He was the first president 
of the United States Association of Charcoal Iron Workers. He is a trustee 
of Wilson Female College; a member of the American Institute of Mining 
Engineers; a member of the council of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association; 
a member of the American Micrological Society; a member of the Reformed 
Church and a zealous Sunday-school worker. In politics he is a stanch Re- 
publican. He was a member of the Electoral College in 1880, and cast his 
vote for Garfield. He received next to the highest popular vote in the State, 
given any elector. He has invented and taken out a number of patents in 
the line of his business, and has made decided improvements in the manufac- 
ture of the best qualities of iron. He ' ' banks up ' ' his blast furnace over 
Sunday and allows no unnecessary labor to be performed on that day, always 
keeping the Sabbath inviolate. 

SAMUEL S. WINGERT, farmer and grain dealer, P. O. Five Forks, was 
born near Fayetteville, this county, May 28, 1836, the second son of Abram B. 
Wingert. He has one brother and three sisters, viz. : George S. ; Anna, wife 
of Abram Dull, of Guilford; Susan, wife of Isaac Shank; Maria, wife of Israel 
Sollenberger — -all residents of this county. Our subject left home and began 
farming where he now resides, an occupation he has since followed. In 1882 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 897 

he erected a warehouse at Five Forks, buys grain, and is also express and 
ticket agent. He married in 1859 Rebecca Sollenberger, a native of this 
county, and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Hart. They have had eleven 
children, eight of whom are now living, viz. : Abram L. , Maria F. , Susan A., 
Mary C, Emsey M., Bertha J., Israel I. and Harvey G. Annie E. died at 
the age of twenty-one; Martha E. at the age of nine years and nine months; 
Lillie May died at the age of two and one-half years. The father was an old 
line Whig, but the family are Republicans; are members of the River Brethren 
denomination. 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 

WILLIAM V. ARCHIBALD, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in St. 
Thomas Township, Franklin Co., Penn., and is the son of William and 
Eliza (Van Lear) Archibald, natives of Franklin County, and of Scotch -Irish 
descent. They had seven children : Mary A. , James, Margaret C. , Elizabeth, 
William V. , Thomas T. (deceased) and Martha J. (deceased). The five living 
children are all single and reside on one of the finest farms in Franklin County, 
having one of the best farm houses in the county. Their grandfather, Will- 
iam Gillielmus Archibald, came from County Derry, Ireland, in 1774. The 
following is a receipt for his passage: "18th June, 1774. Received of Will 
Archibald fifty shillings in full for his passage on board the ' Alexander' and 
two gallons rum. James Crawford, Capt. " He landed here September 8, 
1774, and an arithemetic he brought with him gives the date of his leaving 
and of his arrival. He was married to Margaret Thompson, of Cumberland 
County, on February 13, 1778. The Thompsons at that time owned the tract 
of land on which the Archibald brothers now reside, and owned a square mile 
(640 acres). The grandfather was the next to take possession of this farm 
after his marriage, but it is not likely that he owned the whole tract. He took 
up sixty acres himself, which was patented. He was a man of good qualities, 
and an exceptionally fine farmer; was constable of Hamilton Township for a 
number of years; died in May, 1831, and is buried on the farm. There was 
a cemetery on the farm in 1782, and a number of the Thompson family and 
others were buried there before that time. William G. and Margaret (Thomp- 
son) Archibald had ten children: Martha, born May 15, 1778; David, born 
October 29, 1780; Thomas, born December 8, 1782; Isabella, born Novem- 
ber 7, 1783; Mary, born September 9, 1786; William, born February 20, 1788; 
Margaret, born April 24, 1791; Daniel, born June 12, 1794; James, born Sep- 
tember 26, 1797, and Ruhannah, born December 20, 1799. Some of these 
lived to raise families ; some died young. William Archibald was born on this 
farm, February 20, 1788, and when yet young went to Washington County, 
Ohio, where he remained seven years. At the end of that time his father 
wrote him a letter to come home and take possession of the farm. He com- 
plied with the request and remained on the farm until his death, which occurred 
December 9, 1863. He was one of the promtnent men of Franklin County in 
his day and a man of intelligence and enterprise. The Archibald family ia 
one of the most noted in the county, and among the first settlers. James, 
William V. and their three sisters own the farm, which now consists of a little 
over 200 acres. In the last few years they have made a good many im- 
provements, and have built a fine new brick house and barn, at a cost of about 



898 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

$5,000. These gentlemen are thorough, active business men, full of energy 
and integrity, and too much cannot be said in approval of their enterprise. 
The three sisters are members of the church. They have the logs of the first 
house erected on the farm in 1767, made into a pig- pen. They have also let- 
ters written from Ireland which were sent before postage stamps were intro- 
duced; the postage on a letter was Is sterling (about 25 cents). One letter 
was only folded up and sealed with wax, addressed to William Archibald, in 
care of Patrick Campbell, Chambersburg, dated 1775. They have a great many 
curiosities in their possession which are over 100 years old, and which belong 
to their grandfather. The mother of the late Vice-President Hendricks was a 
relative of their grandfather. 

JOHN N. BAKER, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , February 15, 1858, and is a son of George 
and Mary J. (Bingeman) Baker, natives of Pennsylvania and of German de- 
scent. His paternal grandparents came from Germany in 1830, and settled 
where John N. now resides; bought a farm in 1845 and built a house and 
barn, which are yet standing just as when first put up. The grandfather 
(John Baker) died in 1859, and the farm was next bought by George Baker 
in 1861, who owned it until his death, which occurred September 13, 1876. 
He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed to the day of his death, the 
boys doing the farming. Our subject was reared on a farm and has always 
resided on the homestead, which he bought in 1882 and now owns, and which 
is in the hands of the third generation. He pays the most of his attention to 
his farm crops. Mr. Baker is a good agriculturist, and has a small farm well 
cultivated. He taught school for five years in his immediate vicinity. He 
married, February 15, 1883, Viola Shatzer, and they are the parents of one 
child — Daisy, born January 29, 1885. Mrs. Baker is a member of the United 
Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Baker is a Democrat. 

DAVID BENDER, wagon-maker, Williamson, was born in York County, 
Penn., March 8, 1829, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Mumper) 
Bender, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, 
Michael, was born in Lancaster County, but moved to York County, and fol- 
lowed farming. He built a large brick mill at Dillsboro, which was conducted 
by our subject's father, who went into the mill when but sixteen years old. 
The grandfather, Michael, divided the property and gave the mill and forty 
acres of land to Michael (subject's father) and his brother, who operated' it a 
number of years. ■ David's father then sold out, moved into Cumberland 
County, Penn., conducted a grist-mill one year, and then operated the Moore 
mill four years. He next moved to Chambersburg and operated the Brough 
mill four years, then bought a property on the Warm Spring road, where he 
resided a number of years, when he sold out and bought property in Cash- 
town, and there resided until his death in 1871. David was brought up in 
York County until eight years of age, when his parents moved away. He 
remained at home until twelve years of age, when he hired on a farm for one 
year and went to school during the winter. The next spring he hired again, 
and in the fall he went home to attend school, but did not remain long; then 
went to live with a man to do, the feeding and also attend school. On one 
occasion, while in the overshoot on the straw mow, he fell through, broke his 
right leg, and was laid up for considerable time, after which he again attended 
school. When eighteen years of age he turned his attention to wagon-making, 
which he learned at the stone tavern in Cumberland County. He worked there 
two years, then went to Chambersburg and worked for a time. In 1851 he 
moved with his eldest sister to Williams County, Ohio, and remained one year 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 899 

working at his trade, and on his roturn worked one winter in Mercersburg. In 
the spring he and his brother, George C. , then went to Ohio again, remained 
about two years and worked on a farm. Our subject then came back, worked 
at millwrighting two years, and in the fall of 1855 came to Williamson and 
worked at the grist-mill about eighteen months; later farmed about four years. 
He then bought a piece of land, improved it and lived on- it until 1876. In the 
spring of 1877 he bought a lot and erected a house, and built his shop in 
1878. He erected all his buildings himself — house, barn and shop. He now 
carries on wagon-making and does all kinds of repairing. January 2, 1864, 
he enlisted in Company B, Second Heavy Artillery, One Hundred and Twelfth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served two years and one month; was 
at the siege of Petersburg from June 8 until August 25, and was under con- 
stant fire. He was mustered out at City Point, Va. , and discharged at Phila- 
delphia. In March, 1850, he married Elizabeth Stoner, by whom he had six 
children, only one of whom is now living — Susan A., wife of James Dentler. 
Mrs. Bender died in 1864, and in 1865 Mr. Bender married Nancy Stoner, who 
bore him five children, three now living: AVilliam A., Laura and Sadie. Mrs. 
Nancy Bender died in 1875, and June 26, 1876, he married as his third wife 
Lydia (Decker) Davis, and she is the mother of five living children: Henry, 
George, Mary A. , Elizabeth and Addie. Mr. and Mrs. Bender are members 
of the German Baptist Church. His business increased to such proportions 
that, in February, 1885, he put in a three horse- power engine which he uses 
for his woodwork. 

ISRAEL BRAKE, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , March 31, 1843, and is a son of John C. and 
Christiana (Jones) Brake, natives of Franklin County and of German descent, 
the former of whom, who has always followed farming, is now living at the 
age of about seventy-five years on Back Creek, where he owns a farm and saw- 
mill. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until 
twenty -two years of age, when he married and farmed on shares for his father 
for fourteen years. In the spring of 1880 he moved to where he now resides 
and purchased for himself 130 acres of land and a saw-mill, which is run 
by water-power. He bought the farm and mill from John Heckman. He 
saws all kinds of lumber for the home trade, and is kept busy during the fall 
and winter seasons. He saws about 50,000 feet annually. Mr. Brake mar- 
ried, November 21, 1865, Louisia, daughter of John and Clara (Swartz) Gel- 
wicks, and they are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: 
Laura, Franklin, Charles, Harney, Herbert and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. Brake 
are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Brake is one of the substantial 
farmers of St. Thomas Township, and a prominent citizen. 

JOHN W. BRYSON, blacksmith, St. Thomas, was born in this township, 
September 29, 1842, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ault) Bryson, na- 
tives of Franklin County, Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent on the father's side, 
and German on the mother's. His grandfather came to Franklin County 
about 1810 or 1812, and probably first located in Hamilton Township, this 
county, near Cheesetown. John, our subject's father, was born in Hamilton 
Township, near Cheesetown. in 1817, and lived there until he was eighteen 
years of age, when he learned the blacksmith's trade under Capt. Coble, which 
he followed until his death, which occurred July 10, 1882, near the Gelwicks 
schoolhouse, at what is known as the Adam Trailer property. John W. was 
put on a farm at nine years of age; lived among farmers until he had reached 
the age of eighteen. At that time the war of the Rebellion broke out, and he 
was the first to enlist out of the town of Quincy in Company B, Second Penn- 



900 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served three months, at the expiration of 
which time he enlisted again in Company A, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. McKisson, and served three years. He was. 
in the battles of Clayville, Ky. , Luverne, Tenn. , Triune, Stone River, Liberty 
Gap, Chickamauga, and at the last named place was taken prisoner by Long- 
street's corps and surrendered to the Twenty-fourth Georgias. He was taken 
to Libby Prison, where they kept him forty-eight hours; thence to the Royster 
Building, and there detained six weeks; was then removed to Scott Prison, 
where he was taken sick and was sent to the Alabama Hospital, No. 21, where he 
was kept two weeks. There were seventy-five enlisted men taken prisoners, and 
he issued rations to fifty-one of his comrades while in prison, and was the only one 
that returned to the regiment out of the seventy-five who carried a gun. He 
was kept a prisoner six months; was so reduced in weight when released that 
he could not rejoin his regiment until June 27, 1864, while it was participat- 
ing in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain; was sick at the time with intermittent 
fever, and being unable to do duty, was sent back to the field hospital. He 
again joined the regiment August 5, 1864, and served until his discharge. He 
was in the Atlanta campaign, Jonesboro, Flint River, Lovejoy and Corinth, 
and was discharged October 11, 1864, after participating in about twelve bat- 
tles and skirmishes. After the battle of Stone River he was promoted to sec- 
ond lieutenant, but when he received his commission the numerical strength was 
too slow to allow him to be mustered. After he returned from prison in June, 
1864, the company still being short of the required number, and being in great 
need of commissioned officers in the regiment. Col. Rose offered to transfer 
more so that our subject could be mustered, but Mr. Bryson refused, being 
prostrate at this time with intermittent fever. After his second return, August 
5, 1864, that day his captain. John E. Walker, was killed, and again Col. Rose 
offered to promote him to first lieutenant, but again he refused, still being 
much reduced. Ranking as first sergeant, Mr. Bryson assisted First-Lieut. 
A. G. Stark in commanding the company till the campaign was over. He came 
back to his father's home and remained a short time. In 1865 he went to 
Waynesboro, learned the blacksmith's trade, and worked two years with AVash 
McGinly. He then came to St. Thomas Township, and lived with his father 
until the spring of 1869, when he moved to Charles Gillan's hotel and worked 
at blacksmithing three years. He then moved* his family to Five Forks, went 
to Altoona and worked in the railroad shop five months. November 7, 1872, 
he moved to St. Thomas, bought property and two lots, and has since lived 
here and carried on blacksmithing. He married, January 2, 1868, Barbara A. 
Row, who has borne him four children: John R. , Lillie A. M. , Carrie C. and 
William D. D. Mr. Bryson is a member of the G. A. R. of Chambersburg, 
and he and his wife and children, John R. and Lillie A. M., are members of 
the Lutheran Church. 

WILLIAM BYERS, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn. , November 2, 1823, and is a son of Philip and Susan (Keisel) 
Byers, natives of Lancaster and of German descent. His grandfather, Fred, 
was a great military man and had organized companies in Lancaster County, 
but during the service he cried because they did not draft him as he wished. 
Philip Byers, father of our subject, was a tailor by trade, which he followed 
the greater part of his life; in 1830 he moved to Franklin County, settled in 
St. Thorn asTownship and rented property ; he died in 1876. Our subject was. 
reared on a farm and remained with his parents until fifteen years of age; he 
then worked out up to the time of his marriage. He rented a farm on the 
Loudon road near St. Thomas, and lived there ten years. In 1854 he bought 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP-. 901 

the farm where he now lives, and commenced in the woods, cleared it all off 
and built a house and other improvements, and can now enjoy the remainder 
of his life. He has worked hard to obtain what he possesses, and reared a large 
family of children. He married May 2, 1844, Elizabeth Wertz, who bore him 
twelve children, of whom ten are living: John, who served eighteen months in 
the late war, Susan, Anna, Katie, Rachel, Hiram, William, Charles, Wertz 
and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Byers are members of the United Brethren Church. 
Mr. Byers is an industrious citizen. 

CAPT. JAMES CAMPBELL, a refugee from Scotland after the Stuart 
Rebellion of 1745, was a captain of horse belonging to the house of Argyle. 
Joining the fortunes of the Pretender, his lot was cast with him, and after 
many escapes, succeeded in making his way to America. He settled among 
the Indians at the spring on the turnpike road leading to Bedford, near 
Campbelltown, erected the same stone house that stands there now upon the 
rocks above the spring. (This was about the year 1750, the date of the deed 
from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn to James Campbell.) His son, James 
Campbell, was a captain of the Pennsylvania line during the Revolutionary 
war. [His brother Thomas was also a captain, and was taken prisoner at Fort 
Washington ; he laid out the town of St. Thomas, or Campbelltown, as it was 
generally called.] His son, James C, of first James Campbell, the father of 
Charles T. Campbell, was a soldier in Davis' mounted rifles under Gen. 
Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe and the Thames; was also a member of 
Capt. Culbertson's company at Baltimore. The three James Campbells all 
died on the old farm on Campbell's Run, and were buried in the old 
Presbyterian graveyard near Mercersburg. The great-grandfather of Gen. C. 
T. Campbell, on his mother' s side and his grandmother Poe' s side, was Gen. 
James Potter of the Revolutionary war, his grandfather, Capt. James Poe, 
being married to Gen. Potter's daughter. James Poe was captain of the 
Third Company of Col. Abram Smith's battalion of Franklin County. Lieut. 
Thomas Poe, son of Capt. James Poe, and uncle of GeD. Campbell, was 
killed at Lundy's Lane; was adjutant of the regiment which went from 
Franklin and Cumberland Counties in the war of 1812 under Col. Fenton. 
He was buried on the American side somewhere by his comrades, but no 
monument marks his grave. Gen. Charley T. Campbell was born August 
10, 1823, on the Campbell farm near St. Thomas, Franklin Co., Penn.; was 
educated at the Chambersburg Academy, the military school at Bedford, and 
lastly at Marshall College, Mercersburg. At the breaking out of the Mexican 
war he entered the service at Washington, D. C. ; was appointed a lieutenant 
of infantry, United States Army, and assigned to the Eleventh Regiment; 
was ordered on recruiting service to Chambersburg, Penn., and went with 
the regiment to Mexico, first lieutenant Company B. In August, 1847, he was 
promoted captain of Company A, same regiment; this regiment was dis- 
banded, after the war, at Fort Hamilton N. Y. When news came to 
Chambersburg of the firing upon Fort Sumter, the first train to Harrisburg 
took with it Gen. Campbell and several other patriotic citizens to urge upon 
the governor of Pennsylvania the necessity of immediate organization of 
volunteer troops for our own protection. The governor authorized Gen. 
Campbell to organize and equip a battery of horse artillery, which was 
successfully done in about ten days. (This batteiy was the same commanded 
by Capt. H. Easton on so many bloody fields during the war.) The Legis- 
lature authorized the recruiting of a regiment of eight batteries which Gen. 
Campbell superintended at Harrisburg, Penn. , when complete, on the 4th day 
of August, 1861. The regiment was mustered into the United States service 



902 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and ordered to join the Army of the Potomac at Washington, D. C. At about 
this time Gen. Campbell was commissioned colonel of the regiment. The 
batteries were scattered and only three out of the eight were together in 
McCall's division. Gen. Campbell served in this division as chief of artillery 
until March, 1862, when he was appointed colonel of the Fifty- seventh 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry — a rifle regiment in the Third Corps, 
First Division, or better known as "Kearney's Division," which had a char- 
acter for never going back or getting out of ammunition. Campbell was 
severely wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, left on ihe field for dead, and 
until brought into camp late at night, it was so reported. November 29, 1862, 
he was appointed brigadier-general, by special request of Gen. Hooker, 
Gen. Berry, Gen. Birney, and Gen. Sickels, the corps division officers of 
Hooker's grand division. He was severely wounded in the battle of 
Fredericksburg, December 13, which unfitted him entirely for field service, 
hfiving received during this campaign in the Peninsula seven severe wounds. 
After partially recovering from his wounds he was ordered by Gen. Halleck, 
commander in-chief, to the department of the Northwest, where he remained 
on duty until the final muster out of the general officers in January, 1866. 
He now resides in Dakota, and has made it his home for the last twenty years. 

MORRIS CARL, merchant, Edenville, was born in Berks County, Penn., 
January 15, 1857, and is a son of Daniel and Hannah (Gruber) Carl, natives 
of Berks County and of German descent. His grandfather came from Ger- 
many and landed in America September 14, 1819; he settled in Berks County, 
Penn. , where he resided until his death. Our subject's father is a shoemaker 
by trade, which he has followed all his life, and is now living in Boyertown, 
Berks County, where he is engaged in business. Morris Carl commenced to 
learn the shoemaker' s trade when about ten years of age, and worked at it until 
about seventeen years of age. He then went on a farm; worked two years and 
earned some money; then engaged as a clerk for John W. Dotterer, of Hill 
Church, with whom he remained one year and a half; then went to Logston 
and clerked one year. In the spring of 1879 he came to Franklin County and 
was engaged as clerk in Hunter & Springer's store, Franklin Furnace, remain- 
ing with them six years. In the spring of 1885 he bought the property he ia 
now occupying, and started in business for himself. He has a good building 
and a fine stock of general merchandise valued at $3,000, on which and the 
building he carries an insurance of $2,000. He was assistant postmaster for 
Hunter & Springer for some time. Mr. Carl is a bright young man, full of 
energy and integrity. He started in life without a cent, but by the economy 
and good management practiced by himself and wife, has acquired a compe- 
tence. He married, January 26, 1878, Susanna, daughter of Aaron and Cath- 
erine (Drey) Springer, and they are the parents of four children, three of 
whom are living: Lila, Louisa and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Carl are members 
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Carl has in his possession his grandfather's 
German Bible. 

ABRAHAM CRIDER, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., April 11, 1811, and is a son of Christley and 
Mary (Burkholder) Crider, both natives of Pennsylvania but of German de- 
scent. His grandfather came from the old country when quite a small boy, 
and was, no doubt, among the early settlers of Franklin County. Our subject 
was born and reared on a farm, and. now owns 140 acres on which he lives. He 
has been an active farmer all his life, and although now seventy-five years of 
age, is stout and hearty and does a great deal of work on his farm. He was 
married October 8, 1836,. to Margaret, daughter of William and Eve (Bone- 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 003 

brake) Hamilton. Tbey are the parents of eight children now living — four 
sons and four daughters. The names of the sons are as follows: Daniel, Will- 
iam, Frank and J. C. , a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and now 
stationed in Ohio. He was educated at Dayton, Ohio; preached for a time in 
Baltimore and different points; married in Greenville, Ohio, Martha Markwith. 
He has devoted his time to the cause of Christianity from boyhood. Mr. 
Crider is a good farmer, and has been one of the most active men in St. Thomas 
Township, and his surroundings and improvements show his enterprise and in- 
dustry. He has been a Republican all his life, as was also his father. 

JOHN W. DEFENDERFER, farmer, Williamson, was born in St. Thomaa 
Township, this county, August 23, 1844, and is a son of Samuel and Mary 
(Carson) Defenderfer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, the 
former of whom, a shoe-maker by trade, is at present farming and has been for 
several years past. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his 
parents until twenty-one years of age. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, 
Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served one 
year. He was in the closing battles of Fort Steadman on March 22, and at 
the capture of Petersburg when Lee surrendered. He was mustered out at 
Alexandria, Va. , and paid off at Harrisburg; came home and lived with his 
parents a short time; then married and located north of St. Thomas, where he 
remained two years; then moved to St. Thomas, where he lived eight years. 
He remained in the vicinity of St. Thomas until the spring of 1886, when he 
moved to Williamson, where he owns a farm of eighty-seven acres of good 
land. Mr. Defenderfer was married February 1,1867, to Mary J. Martin, and 
they are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: Elmer C. , How- 
ard, Florence, Jennie, Rhoda A. and Alice. He was elected supervisor of his 
district in the spring of 1886, and is now filling the duties of that office; he 
has held the office four terms. He is an industrious, intelligent and enterpris- 
ing citizen. 

COL. WILLIAM D. DIXON, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in this 
township, December 11, 1833, and is a son of David and Catherine (Jeffrey) 
Dixon, natives of St. Thomas Township. The colonel's father and grandfa- 
ther were born on the farm he now owns. His great-grandfather came from 
Scotland when quite young with a man named John Campbell, in 1690. He 
arrived in Franklin County in 1735, and located where William D. resided in 
1737, entered some land and bought a tract of 226 acres. His grandfather, 
William, was taken prisoner by the Indians when nine years of age, and kept 
eleven weeks in a cave on the adjoining farm. A squaw stuck feathers in his 
head and brought him home to his mother and notified the family that the braves 
of the tribe she belonged to were going to a great dance outside, and would re- 
turn in two moons and kill all the whites. His grandfather died at the age of 
eighty years. David, the colonel's father, settled on a farm adjoining his 
father's and lived there until his death, January 9, 1849. Col. W. D. Dixon 
was reared on a farm and remained with his mother until her death. His fa- 
ther died when he was quite a youth. April 18, 1861, our subject recruited 
Company D, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and served until June 11, 1864, 
when his regiment was mustered out. He was in the battles of Dranesville, 
Va. , December 19, 1861; Antietam, September 16 and 17, 1862; Fredericks- 
burg, December 13, 1862; Gettysburg, Penn. , July 2, 3 and 4, 1863, where 
he was slightly wounded; all through the Wilderness with Grant in 1864; 
Bethesda Church, Va. , where he was wounded by two spent balls striking him, one 
in the left breast and one in the groin; seriously injured in the head July 2, 1862, 
near Harrison's Landing, Va. April 24, 1861, he was commissioned as cap- 



904 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tain of his regiment, and May 23, 1863, was commissioned lieutenant- colonel; 
in 1864 he held the commission of brevet colonel and brevet brigadier- general 
for gallant conduct at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Va. , commis- 
sion signed by A. Johnson. He had his knee sprained at the battle of Dranes- 
ville, December 19, 1861. At the close of the war he returned to St. Thomas, 
where he resided until 1872, when he bought the old homestead consisting of 
269 acres of good land, where he has since continued to reside. He also 
owns a farm of 325 acres of land. He was married on the 14th of June, 
1855, to Martha Grillan. They are the parents of three children — two living: 
David J. and Sarah C. Mr. Dixon is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
His grandfather served through the Revolutionary war as an ensign in the 
Pennsylvania line, but was a sergeant in Col. Boquet's command; was with 
Maj. Dunwoodie in the massacre, and was one of the three that escaped to 
Fort Loudoun, from where they had started on a scout with nineteen men ; all 
the others were killed and scalped, including Maj. Dunwoodie. He never 
wanted any commission. His certificate is dated October 5, 1805, sworn to 
by Patrick Jack, who was a colonel in the Revolutionary war and commanded 
a company in Col. Boquet's command. During the late war, in 1863 and 
1864, Col. Dixon's effects were destroyed by the rebels. He was at that time 
in mercantile business in St. Thomas, but resumed business in a short time. 
Col. Dixon was a brave soldier and has as clear a record as any man in his 
regiment. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

JOHN R. EBERLY, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in Guilford 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , February 17, 1835, and is a son of Jacob and 
Hannah (Reed) Eberly, natives of Franklin County, and of Swiss-German de- 
scent. His great-great-grandfather came from Switzerland and settled in Lan- 
caster County under a big oak tree, and lived there until his death. He left 
Switzerland the time of the great trouble between the Protestants and Catho- 
lics. His grandfather, Peter, came to Franklin County when quite young, 
settled in Chambersburg, and was among the first settlers in that borough. 
Our subject's father, Jacob, was a farmer, and is now living in Guilford Town- 
ship at the age of seventy five. He has been living a retired life for about 
thirty years. He owned about the first steam saw-mill that was operated in this 
county, and was engaged in the lumber business for about ten years. John R. 
was reared on a Campbell farm until about twelve years of age, when his parents 
moved to Chambersburg, Penn., where they lived two years, and John R. at- 
tended school. When twenty-four years old he started out for himself, and 
farmed for his father on shares for six years. In 1866 he moved to St. Thomas 
Township and bought the Campbell farm where he now resides, and owns 162 
acres of valuable land. He has made a great many improvements on his place 
since coming here. He was drawn in the first draft, but paid a liberal sum to a 
substitute for three years. Mr. Eberly has been on the school board for a 
term of three years. He married, December 1, 1859, Elizabeth, daughter of 
Jacob Deatrich, and by this union there were ten children, six now living: 
Florence E., Mary E., John J., Daisy B., Harry S. and Walter R. Mrs. 
Eberly died August 15, 1879, and Mr. Eberly married, March 13, 1883, Emma 
F. , daughter of Abraham Kieffer, of Rock Dale, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Eberly 
and two daughters are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

ISAAC FOREMAN, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in Berks County, 
Penn. , July 12, 1833, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Trate) Fore- 
man, of German-English descent. His grandfather came from Germany 
when quite young, and settled in Berks County, Penn. , where he resided 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 905 

until his death. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was imprisoned in 
a church by the Hessians, who nailed it up securely, and kept him until he 
was almost starved. Siibjeet's father was a blacksmith by trade, which he 
followed several years; then went into the furnace business, and was foreman 
of a foundry in Berks County until his death, which occurred in 1846. Isaac 
Foreman was brought up to learn the furnace business, and was foreman of 
several different furnaces. He was only thirteen years of age when his father 
died, and he was left to do for himself. He worked at the Mount Payne fur- 
nace two years, and was foreman of the foundry. He then went to Lebanon 
County, and was there engaged as foreman; thence to Sheridan furnace, and 
served seven years; thence to Schuylkill County, where he was foreman of 
Auburn furnace one year. He then came to Franklin County, and was em- 
ployed as superintendent for sixteen years ; then went to Cumberland County 
and superintended Shaley Run furnace two years. In 1879 he bought the 
farm he now lives on, consisting of sixty acres, and moved to where he has 
since lived, and has been engaged in farming. He was married, December 
30, 1853, to Priscilla Burkholder. They are the parents of twelve children, 
nine living: Augustus, John, Isaac, William, Charles, Clinton, Caserow, El- 
mira and Frederick. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are members of the United 
Brethren Church. Mr. Foreman is one of Franklin County's substantial 
farmers and business men. He is a self-made man; all he has he made him- 
self by his own labor. 

HENRY FOUTZ, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , March 26, 1829, and is a son of Jacob and 
Mary (Swigert) Foutz, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Michael 
Swigert, came from Lancaster County to this county when quite young, settled 
in St. Thomas Township, bought a farm of about 300 acres of land and after- 
ward divided it and gave his son Christley a part. It is supposed the grand- 
father came from "the old country," and it is said that there are now $5,000,- 
000 awaiting the Swigert heirs, but it cannot be traced whence the grandfather 
came. He lived on the farm where he first settled until his death, and fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits all his life; was one of the most successful f aimers 
in Frankbn County, and had accumulated a good fortune. Our subject's 
father, Jacob Foutz, was taken to Ohio by his stepfather and there lived until 
he was sixteen years old, when he ran away and came back to Franklin 
County, and for a few years worked for Christley Swigert. He worked by the 
day until he was married, and then rented, from the Wilsons, the farm on 
which John Croft now lives. He also bought the farm of 236 acres, where 
Mr. Detwiler now lives, and built the brick house which is still on the premises. 
He died in January, 1850, on the fiftieth anniversary of his birth. Henry 
Foutz was reared on the farm, and remained with his father until his death; 
then hired out two years, and after marriage rented land in different places 
for about sixteen years. In 1864 he bought a farm near Cashtown and sold it 
the same year. In 1875 he bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 
ninety-six acres, and has made a great many improvements. December 13, 
1 853, he married Sarah Wagoner, who bore him six children, three of whom 
are living: Emma O, married to John High; Laura M. ; Lydia I., married to 
Jacob Holman. Mr. and Mrs. Foutz are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Foutz is one of the substantial farmers of St. Thomas Township. 

JOSEPH FRYMIRE, section foreman, P. O. Williamson, was born in 
Cumberland County, Penn., August 17, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Julia 
A. (Lower) Frymire, and of German descent. His grandparents were born in 
Pennsylvania. His father was born in Dauphin County, but after he was 

51 



906 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

married moved to Newville, and was employed by the Cumberland Valley R. R„ 
Company as section foreman for thirty-five years; he now lives in retirement at 
Mechanicsburg. Our subject was reared in Cumberland County, and went to 
school until fifteen years old, when he was engaged by the Cumberland Valley 
Railroad and worked for ten years. He was employed by the Government 
one year during the war, and was then employed by J. Johnson & Sons, grain 
merchants, for six years in Mechanicsburg. In the fall of 1883 he moved to 
Williamson, and has been employed as section foreman by the Southern Penn- 
sylvania Railroad for six years. He married, in July, 1863, Elizabeth Hughes, 
and to them four children have been born, of whom three are now living: 
Anna O. (married to S. N. Hagerman), William H. and Fannie. Mr. Fry- 
mire owns a house and lot in Mechanicsburg valued at $1,100. He is thor- 
oughly familiar with the railroad business, having followed it nearly all his 
life. He is a member of the Cumberland Valley Association. 

JOHN F. GELWICKS, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born on the old 
homestead, in St. Thomas Township, this county, February 5, 1853, and is 
the youngest of the family of ten children of John and Clara (Swartz) Gel- 
wicks, and of German descent. His grandfather, Frederick, was in the Cum- 
berland Valley to protect the settlers from the Indians while they were gath- 
ering crops. John Gelwicks, subject's father, was born in 1797 and came 
with his parents to where John F. now resides. April 6, 1819, he bought a. 
tract of about 400 acres from Col. Armstrong, and settled on it. From this- 
place four tracts have been sold, leaving 233 acres still in the homestead farm. 
His father lived here until his death, which occurred December 5, 1876, and 
his mother still lives on the farm, at the age of seventy-seven years; this farm 
originally belonged to Col. Armstrong, and is probably one of the oldest farms 
in this section of the country; it next passed into the hands of his two sons, 
John and Frederick, and next into the hands of John Gelwicks in 1856, who 
bought it. John F. Gelwicks was reared on a farm and remained with his 
father until his death; he then took charge of the old home place and has 
since been living here. His mother moved to the house that her husband had 
built a few months previous to his death, which is one of the most beautiful 
places in the county for a farm house. It is located near the mountain, in a. 
valley nicely surrounded by trees, etc. John F. was married December 23, 
1875, to Emma V. , daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Keefer, and they are the 
parents of three children, two living: Carrie M. and Nellie V. ; Clyde R. is 
deceased. Mrs. Gelwicks is a member of the German Reformed Church. Mr. 
Gelwicks farms the whole of the homestead; also deals in stock, making a 
specialty of fine graded Percheron horses and Durham cattle. He has held the 
office of judge of elections for three terms; in the spring of 1886 he was 
elected justice of the peace, which office he now holds. Mr. Gelwicks is one 
of the good, substantial farmers of St. Thomas Township; he has the rifle 
that his grandfather owned while he was in the valley guarding the settlers; 
he has also the clock which his great -grandfather brought from Germany. 
The first deed of this farm dates May 1, 1813, between Edward Crawford and 
Dr. Samuel Culbertson of Chambersburg. Mrs. Gelwicks still retains the 
homestead. 

GEORGE L. GROVE, carriage-maker, St. Thomas, was born in Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., September 5, 1850, and is a son of John and 
Margaret (Lininger) Grove, natives of Franklin County and of German de- 
scent. His great-grandparents first settled in Lancaster County, at an early 
day. John Grove, a farmer, is now living in retirement at Chambersburg. 
Our subject, the eldest of a family of eleven children, remained with his par- 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. ( .H>, 

ents until nineteen years of age; then went to learn the carriage-maker's trade 
under McCune & Deihl. for whom he worked for three years. After working 
a year for this firm, McCune & Deihl dissolved partnership, and Georgo L. 
went into partnership with Deihl, buying a half interest; the firm was known 
as Deihl & Grove, and continued for two years when it sold out. Mr. Grove 
then went to Altoona and worked about three months, took sick, was brought 
home and did nothing all summer. After his recovery he came back to St. 
Thomas, was engaged by McCune & McLeery, and worked for five or six 
years. In 1880 he went into business for himself, and has since continued, 
being the only carriage-maker in St. Thomas. He makes all kinds of carriages, 
does all kinds of repairing and has a good trade. He was first married Janu- 
ary 12, 1873, to Mary L. Keefer, by whom he had three children, one of whom 
is living, Floyd. Mrs. Grove dying in 1877, Mr. Grove then married, Novem- 
ber 12, 1879, Catherine D. Grove. They are the parents of two children: 
Pearl and Charles. Mr. Grove is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 950, 
of St. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Grove are members of the Lutheran Church. 
In 1883 he was elected justice of the peace and has since held the office. 

E. HARRISON HAGERMAN, Sa.,« merchant, Williamson, was born in 
Adams County, Penn. , April 10, 182(3, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah 
(Craig) Hagerman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-Irish descent. His 
grandfather, Aaron, was born in New Jersey, where he resided a good many 
years, but moved to Adams County, and there lived several years. He died in 
Ohio. Thomas Hagerman, father of our subject was born in Adams County, 
Penn., in 1785, and lived to be sixty-nine years old; he moved to Hagerstown, 
Md. , when our subject was only six years of age. He was a brick-maker by trade, 
but during his later days followed farming. E. Harrison (our subject) was 
reared on a farm, but followed brick-making until he was twenty-four years of 
age. He carried on farming from that time up to 1870; then engaged in mer- 
cantile business in Hagerstown, Md. , for eighteen months. In December, 
1871, he moved to Williamson, this township, bringing his stock of merchan- 
dise with him, and opened a store. He had built a store building the summer 
before he came, of solid stone, at a cost of about $12,000, for store, building 
and residence. He has the only store in Williamson, carries a stock of gen- 
eral merchandise of about $4,000, and does a good business. While working 
in the brickyard he sprained his leg, and though he suffered from it for four 
or five years, did not regard it seriously; the bones, however, began to decay 
and the leg had to be amputated just below the knee. Mr. Hagerman mar- 
ried December 25, 1855, having four children, three of whom are living: 
Edward H., Carrie E., married to Harry Diehl, residing in Kansas, and Will- 
iam H. Mrs. Hagerman died in March, 1865, and in April, 1866, he married 
Sarah Butterbaugh, by whom he has six children: Samuel, Charles, Elizabeth, 
Franklin, Anna, Irene. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman are members of the Lutheran 
Church. Mr. Hagerman has an interest in a creamery that is owned by a stock 
company. He is a prominent citizen of the county and a thorough business 
man. His son, Edward H. , is a partner in the store, the partnership having 
been formed January 1, 1886, under the firm name of E. H. Hagerman & Son. 
The junior partner is a thorough gentleman, with a good knowledge of busi- 
ness. Mr. Hagerman was appointed postmaster of Williamson from the time 
it was established, under Grant's administration, until October, 1885, when 
he was removed, and was succeeded by U. G. Hawbecker, under the new ad- 
ministration. 

WILLIAM C. HARTMAN, postmaster, Edenville, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 15, 1863, and is a son of Benjamin 



908 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and Catherine (Diffenderfer) Hartrnan, natives of Franklin County, and of 
German descent, the former of whom was a butcher, which occupation he fol- 
lowed the greater part of his life; he also kept store at Edenville, and died in 
January, 1882. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his par- 
ents until fourteen years of age, when he commenced to work out, and so con- 
tinued until the fall of 1885, when he was appointed postmaster at Edenville, 
succeeding L. L. Springer, under the Democratic administration of Grover 
Cleveland, and still holds the office. His brother, Henry, has conducted the 
store in which the postoffice is kept, for about three years, and carries a gen- 
eral line; his father owned this store before his death. 

WILLIAM C. HASHINGER, blacksmith, Williamson, was born in Fan- 
nett Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , December 26, 1857, and is a son of Henry 
and Margaret (Ziegman) Hashinger, natives of Germany. They left the old 
country in 1854, taking passage at Havre on a sailing vessel, and after a voy- 
age of sixty-two days landed at New York. From there they came to Fannett 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., and remained several years; then moved into 
Metal Township, where Henry bought a farm on which he resided until his 
death, May 9, 1875; his widow resides on the homestead in Metal Township. 
Our subject was reared in Metal Township and when nineteen years old com- 
menced to learn the blacksmith' s trade at Fairview, Md. , where he worked five 
years. In the spring of 1881 he went to Waynesboro and worked three years; 
then went to Metal Township and remained with his mother one year, working 
on the farm. In the spring of 1886 he moved to Williamson, bought a black- 
smith shop and has since been engaged in that business. He is a practical 
workman and does all kinds of repairing and carriage work. November 24, 
1881, he married Sarah Recker, a native of Frederick County, Md. , and to 
them were born three children: John H. , Bruce M. and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hashinger are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Hashinger owns a 
house and lot in Williamson. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 219, 
and Uncas tribe No. 101 of the I. O. R. M. , both of Waynesboro. Politically 
he is a Democrat. 

SAMUEL Z. HAWBECKER. miller, Williamson, was born in Peters 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., May 11, 1841, and is a son of David and 
Lydia (Zentmeyer) Hawbecker, who were natives of Lancaster County, Penn. , 
and of German descent. His great- grandfather, Hawbecker, a native of Germany, 
immigrated to Berks County, Penn., when young and was one of the early set- 
tlers of that county. He moved to Lancaster County, Penn. , and lived there 
until his death. His grandfather came from Lancaster County to Franklin 
County in 1813, and settled at Upton, where he followed his trade, blacksmith- 
ing, for a short time, then bought a farm adjoining Upton on which he spent 
the remainder of his days. His father, David, was in his fifth year when he 
came to Franklin County. He was a blacksmith by trade but did not follow 
that for a livelihood. He spent the most of his time on the farm which ad- 
joined Upton. He was the father of eight children, three of whom are now 
living: Sarah, married to E. H. Hagerman; Elizabeth, married to Adam Kuhn, 
and Samuel Z. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his par- 
ents until twenty-four years of age, when he started out for himself. January 
3, 1865, he came to Stitzell's mill (now Williamson), and learned the miller's 
trade under William Stitzell, and in March, 1865, with Adam Kuhn as a part- 
ner, bought the mill and operated it one year. Mr. Hawbecker then bought 
his partner's interest and conducted the mill until 1872; then his father, David, 
purchased it, and it was run by different parties until 1877; then Samuel Z. 
bought it again and has since owned and operated it. The mill is a large stone 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 009 

building run by both steani and water-power; is equipped with all the neces- 
sary machinery and is run with the new roller process, which Mr. Hawbecker 
added to it in October, 1885, and taking out all the old machinery he replaced 
it by new. The building is 36£x6Q feet. He makes as good flour as can be 
had in the State, and the mill is in constant use. It seems impossible for one 
man to look after all the business done by Mr. Hawbecker, but with the assist- 
ance of his son, Upton G. , he manages it all. He owns and operates two large 
stone quarries, which he started on a small scale in 1869, but his business kept 
increasing so rapidly that he had to hire more men, and now employs twenty- 
five. One quarry is used for building stone, the other for lime, in connection 
with which he also has a large lime- kiln and burns lime which is pronounced by 
the State geologist to be of the best quality in the State. He also owns a 
stone crusher, and the stone is used for ballasting. The quarry is one of the 
largest stone quarries in the State, located on the Southern Pennsylvania 
Branch Railroad, where he is constantly shipping. He is also connected with 
a large creamery establishment at Williamson which is operated by a company 
of stockholders and was organized June 1, 1882, with thirty-nine stockholders. 
The officers are Abram Strickler, president; S. Z. Hawbecker, secretary; E. 
H. Hagerman, treasurer; Benjamin S. Frantz, superintendent. The board of 
directors are Abram Strickler, S. Z. Hawbecker, E. H. Hagerman, John H. 
Hawk, Peter A. Margal, Andrew Coffee and Jacob W. Hage. They manufact- 
ure and ship about 1,000 pounds of butter per day. They have a contract to 
ship 275 pounds per week to the State lunatic asylum at Harrisburg. Mr. 
Hawbecker is also interested in the Franklin Electric Telegraph Company. 
They have a charter for twelve counties in the State of Pennsylvania; the object 
was to build telephone lines, but on account of not being able to secure tele- 
phones from the Bell Telephone Company at such rates as they desired, they 
abandoned that system and adopted the telegraph system, which they are now 
running. Mr. Hawbecker is ticket, freight and express agent for the Southern 
Pennsylvania Branch Railroad at Williamson. His son, Upton O, is the pres- 
ent postmaster; was appointed by Grover Cleveland, and is a very bright young 
man. Mr. Hawbecker has been twice married: first, January 1, 1861, to Anna 
M. Grove, and by this union two children were bora, one living, Upton G. 
Mrs. Hawbecker died in February, 1865; and Mr. Hawbecker next married in 
October, 1868, Mary E. Williamson, of Sheppardstown, W. Va. They are 
the parents of four children: Lida, Nettie, Carrie and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hawbecker are members of the Reformed Church. Much credit is due Mr. 
Hawbecker from the citizens of Williamson and the vicinity; there were but 
two houses at this point when he came, and he bought a tract of seventy-four 
acres, started up his quarry and in a short time the railroad came through and 
the people began to flock in, until now it is a flourishing little village of four- 
teen dwellings, one grist and saw mill, a creamery, two stone quarries, four 
lime-kilns, a wagon-making shop, coach-making shop, blacksmith shop, store, 
shoe shop, etc. The town was regularly laid out and platted by him in 1871, 
and named in honor of his second wife's maiden name. Mi*. Hawbecker is one 
of the prominent men of the county and a man of enterprise and intelligence. 
DANIEL G. HOOVER, school-teacher, St. Thomas, was born in Letter- 
kenny Township, Franklin Co., Penn., May 12, 186',), and is a son of Samuel 
and Eliza (Gipe) Hoover, natives of Franklin County, and of German de- 
scent. His father was a farmer and owned a farm in Letterkenny Township, 
on which he lived until his death in July, 1860. Daniel G. was only nine 
weeks old when his father died, and but three days old when his mother died. 
He was, therefore, reared by his grandparents ; and at the age of eighteen he 



910 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

started out for himself, and engaged in school-teaching. He taught one term 
and then went into mercantile business in Reefer's store, where he was en- 
gaged one year. He then learned telegraphing, which he followed eighteen 
months. In the spring of 1885 he bought the property he now owns, and 
moved here in the spring of 1883. He is now engaged at teaching in the com- 
mon schools of the township,- and is employed by Smith Bros, of Geneva, 
N. Y. , a salesman in the fruit and ornamental business. He was married De- 
cember 22, 1883, to Alice S. Sellers, and they are the parents of two children: 
Bertha M. and Edgar W. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are members of Trinity Re- 
formed Church. Mr. Hoover was elected justice of the peace in 1884, but re- 
fused to serve. He is a young man of good business qualities, intelligent and 
enterprising and has gained a host of friends. Politically he is a Jeffersonian 
Democrat. 

PETER KERLIN, retired farm >r, of St. Thomas, was born in Exeter, 
Berks Co., Penn. , in 1831, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Haines) 
Kerlin, natives of Berks County, Penn., the latter of whom died April 6, 1880. 
The Kerlin family were of Irish descent, and the Haines family of Dutch ex- 
traction, our subject's great-grandfather Haines being a native of Amsterdam, 
Holland. His grandfather, Peter, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, and immi- 
grated to New Jersey, thanee moved to Berks County, Penn., where he re- 
mained until his death. John Kerlin was a farmer, and owned a farm in Berks 
County, which he sold, and than came to Franklin County in 1819. He bought 
172 acres of land about three miles east of St. Thomas, and lived there until his 
death, which occurred in August, 1863. Our subject was reared on a farm, 
and in his fifteenth year started in life for himself. He was engaged as clerk 
in WomeLsdorf, Berks Co., Penn., one year; then learned the printer's trade, 
and worked one year at the same place; then went to Reading, Penn., to learn 
mercantile business, and was employed by Kerper & Co. for four years. In 
1851 he came to this county, and remained with his father until after the latter's 
death in 1863. In the spring of 1861 he went to Shippensburg, Cumberland 
County, and bought out a drug store, which he conducted two years. In 1866 
he moved to Chambersburg, this county, where he lived one year, and made a 
study of music, giving instruction to others. In 1867 he moved to St. Thomas 
Township and bought a farm of 142 acres, three-quarters of a mile from St. 
Thomas, resided there fourteen years, and in 1881 came to the village where 
he has since lived, still retaining the farm. He and his sister, Hannah, live 
together on property which she owns in St. Thomas. They are members of 
the Reformed Church. He has also a brother, Richard, living with him. Mr. 
Kerlin has been quite an active business man, and his life has been an event- 
ful one. He has served as assistant assessor; also school director for six years. 
Politically he is a Democrat. 

JACOB KLOCK, blacksmith, Williamson, was born in St. Thomas Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., November 20, 1845, and is a son of Peter and Eliz- 
abeth (Deck) Klock; the former a native of Germany and the latter of Penn- 
sylvania. Peter Klock, father of our subject, left the old country when quite 
young, came to America and worked at day labor for several years. He was 
married to Elizabeth Deck, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are 
now living: John, Jacob and Daniel. In 1859 he bought a small property 
where his son, Jacob, now resides, built on it and there lived until his death in 
1874. He became a naturalized citizen of America by a certificate made out 
by F. M. Kimmell, President, John Huber and John Orr, Esqs. , August 8, 
1859. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until 
he was nineteen years of age, when he worked out and served an apprentice- 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHir. Oil 

ship at his trade, that of a blacksmith, which he learned in Peters Township. 
In 1868 he built a blacksmith shop, where he now resides, and has since fol- 
lowed his trade at this place. He also owns here eighty-nine acres of good 
land, and carries on farming and blacksmi thing. He is a practical workman 
and does a good business. Mr. Klock married. December 28, 1869, Hannah 
M. Scully, and to them have been born five children: Carrie M. , Eleanor C. , 
John H. , David W. and Charles E. He raises stock of good grades. Mr. 
Klock is a Republican in politics, an intelligent and enterprising citizen. 

ADAM KUHN, carpenter, Williamson, was born in Antrim Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., December 16, 1836, and is a son of George and Cathe- 
rine (Zarker) Kuhn, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His 
grandfather came from Germany when about twenty-one years of age and lo- 
cated in Antrim Township, this county, where his father boiTght a farm, and 
remained there until his death. His son, George (subject's father), then 
bought the farm. The farm first bought was divided into three tracts and has 
been in the Kuhn family for 115 years; it is now owned by John J. and 
Russell S. Kuhn. Adam Kuhn's grandfather was one of the first set- 
tlers of Antrim Township. When our subject was twenty-one years old he took 
up the miller's trade, worked for William Stitzell about six months, and at 
Keef er' s mill, near Greencastle, for about nine months. He then returned home 
and worked at different times at farming, carpentering and masonry. In 1864 
he moved to Cashtown, this county, and farmed one year. In 1865 he and S. 
Z. Hawbecker bought a grist-mill at Williamson, and operated it one year; 
then sold his interest, and moved to Montgomery Township and bought the 
Henkle mill, and with Jeremiah Witter ran it for three and a half years. He 
then moved back near Upton, Peters Township, and worked at carpentering 
and stone quarrying for about two years ; then moved to Upton and resided two 
years; thence back to the homestead farm, bought a portion of it and lived there 
eight years. In the fall of 1883 he moved to Williamson and has since lived 
there, following carpentering and milling. Mr. Kuhn married, September 17, 
1862, Elizabeth Hawbecker, and they are the parents of six children: Jennie 
K. , wife of George W. Atherton, residing at Mercersburg, Lillie C. , Minnie 
E., Sallie E., Nettie M. and Alwin B. Our subject is one of the prominent men 
of the township, and quite a genial gentleman. He was drafted in 1862, and 
was also into the three years' service but furnished substitutes. 

DANIEL KUNKLE, farmer. P. O. St. Thomas, was born in this township 
in the house where he now resides, February 21, 1823, and is a son of Baltzar 
and Sarah (Shutt) Kunkle, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. 
His great-grandfather, Shutt, came from Germany over 100 years ago, and un- 
loaded under a white oak tree in Lancaster County. His grandfather, Baltzar 
Kunkle, the first of the Kunkle family to come to this county, which was over 
100 years ago, bought sixty- four acres of land where Daniel yet lives, and as 
soon as that was paid for, bought another farm of 142 acres that belonged to 
one Burkholder (these farms were both patented, and have been in the name of 
Kunkle for three generations); he lived on this farm until his death. His 
father Baltzar, was the next to get possession of this farm, and lived here until 
his death; he was a weaver by trade, and also carried on farming. At this time 
weaving was a well-paying occupation, and he could make $2 to $3 per day; 
he died July 8, 1853. Our subject was the next to take possession of this farm. 
He bought his grandfather's 142-acre farm, where his son George now lives. 
He was reared on the homestead, has always lived on it, and received his 
education in the subscription schools. He married, November 15, 1849, Eliz- 
abeth Heckman, and they are the parents of six children, five of whom are liv- 



912 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ing: Daniel W. (married to Candace Every), Cyrus M. (single), George M. 
(married to Anna Rosenberry), Michael G. (single) and Mary E. (single). Mr. 
Kunkle has held the office of supervisor for two years. He held it at the time 
of the starting of the Franklin furnace; the culverts were too light for heavy 
wagons, so he built a great many new ones; he has also been township auditor 
for one term. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkle are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Kunkle is one of the prominent men of Franklin County. Politically he 
has been a Democrat all his life, and cast his first vote in 1845 for James K. 
Polk. 

JOSEPH MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in Franklin County, 
Penn. , May 14, 1811, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Mishy) Martin, natives 
of Lancaster County, Penn., and of German descent. His grandfather, a 
farmer, lived and died in Lancaster County, where he was among the first set- 
tlers. Oar subject's father was born in Lancaster County, and when about 
twenty-one years of age moved to Franklin County and located near Leiters- 
burg, where he remained several years; moved to St. Thomas Township in 1845, 
and bought a farm along the North Mountain, built on it and lived there until 
his death, which occurred in July, 1874. Our subject was reared on a farm, 
and remained at home until he was eleven. years of age. His mother being 
dead, he lived with Mr. Gelwicks for three years, and was then hired out on a 
farm until twenty-one years of age, when he married, and worked day-work in 
Hamilton Township three years. In the fall of 1864 he bought a small farm, 
where he now resides, and on which he built a small house. In this he lived 
until 1883, and then erected a large two-story frame house, beautifully located 
near the North Mountain, and its surroundings testify to Mr. Martin's intelli- 
gence and enterprise. He is now the owner of 123 acres of land. He started 
out in life a poor, helpless orphan, but by industry, honesty and integrity has 
acquired a competence, and can now boast of having as good a farm as joins 
the Mountain. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company H, Ninety-fifth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served five months, or to the close of the 
war. H9 marched under Capt. John S. Carpenter of New Jersey, from Cham- 
bersburg through to Danville, N. C. , and back to Richmond and Washington, 
where he was mastered out, and he was discharged at Philadelphia. Mr. 
Martin mirried in November, 1861, Mary Shaffer, and six children were born 
to them: Levina, married to Jerry Kyle; Salome, married to James Williams; 
Mary E , Minnie, Ora I. and Abigail. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of 
the Unite! Brethren Church, of which Mr. Martin is superintendent; also super- 
intendent of th9 Sunday- school (union) in Hamilton Township, which is held 
at North Hamilton Schoolhouse. He is a great worker in the good cause of 
Sunday-schools and churches, and much credit is due him for the manner in 
which he conducts the Sunday-schools. 

MA.RTIN MILLER, ex-commissioner, St. Thomas, was born in Frederick 
County, Ml., July 26, 1821, and is a son of Martin and Susanna (Snook) 
Miller, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland. His father, 
who was a farmer, but followed wagoning in his younger days, moved to Mary- 
land when quite young, and located in Frederick County, where he remained 
until his death; he participated in the war of 1812, and was wounded during 
his service; he died in 1862, aged eighty-five years. After his father's death, 
our subject and his brothers kept their mother until she died. She was the 
mother of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, and she lived to see 
them all grown up and married, except one who died when quite small. Mar- 
tin, the fourth in the family, remained with his mother, giving her all of his 
earnings until he wa> twenty-five years old. He then worked out on a farm 



N 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 913. 

for himself, and was hired out from a littlo boy up to I860. Ho drove a huck- 
ster wagon for his brother in Maryland, Washington County, for four years, and 
saved a little money during that time. In 1860 he came to Franklin County, 
Penn. , located in St. Thomas, and engaged in huckstering. When he first 
came here he boarded six months, then he rented five years. In 1866 he 
bought the property where he now resides, and where he has since been located, 
and also owns fifteen acres adjoining the town of St. Thomas. He bought a 
farm of 128 acres of land, but sold off sixty-eight acres, and now has sixty 
acres about a mile southeast of St. Thomas. He was engaged in huckstering 
from 1860 until 1883, when he sold out. In the fall of 1881 he was elected 
county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, and took his office in January, 
1882. There were four men on the ticket, two Republicans and two Demo- 
crats; the highest three get the office, and Mr. Miller received the highest num- 
ber of votes, which shows he is a very popular man, as the county is Repub- 
lican in sentiment. He was married December 24, 1846, to Susanna R. Shull, 
a native of Maryland. They are the parents of six children: Milton H. , 
Indiana F., George D., Frisby H,, Martha A. and Susan E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Miller and family are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Miller is one 
of the prominent and popular men of Franklin County, and has a host of 
friends. He is now leading a retired life. 

ADAM PHIEL, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in Dauphin Coun- 
ty, Penn., January 13, 1826, and is a son of Abraham and Margaret 
(Weaner) Phiel, former a native of Pennsylvania, and latter of England. His 
grandfather, Jacob, came from Germany when young, and settled in Dauphin 
County, Penn. , where he was among the early settlers. He bought a farm, on 
which he lived until his death. Our subject's father, Abraham, was born and 
reared in Dauphin County, but came to Franklin County in 1834 and settled on 
the tract that Adam now owns; built on it and there lived until his death in 
1870. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until twenty- 
six years of age, when he married and located on the same farm where he 
lived twelve years; then moved to where he now lives. He owns ninety acrea 
on the tract where he resides and another farm of 134 acres in the same town- 
ship. He was drafted into the service, but paid his commutation. He mar- 
ried, November 17, 1851, Catherine, daughter of John and Mary (Christman) 
Brandt, Mr. and Mrs. Phiel are the parents of ten children, five sons and five 
daughters: John, married to Alice Parker ; Margaret, married to Samuel Kinkel; 
Mary, married to Jacob A. Bush; Sarah', married to Samuel A. Shields; Cath- 
erine, married to Grant Miller; Adam; Martin; Samuel; Hettie and Harry. 
The parents are members of the German Baptist Church. In 1858 Mr. Phiel 
was ordained a minister of his church and served in the pulpit until 1879, 
when he was ordained a bishop. Since he has been a minister of the church 
he has added largely to its membership. Mr. Phiel is one of the prominent 
men of Franklin County. He is an intelligent man and a lover of Christianity. 

ROBERT W. RAMSEY, M. D., St. Thomas, one of the leading physi- 
cians of Franklin County, was born in Metal Township, this county, August 6, 
1850, and is a son of John W. and Adeline (Keasey) Ramsey, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His great-grandfather settled in this, 
county in 1750, and our subject has now in his possession a will made out by him, 
dated October 4, 1812, which divided his property among his children. John 
W. Ramsey was a farmer, and died August 8, 1862, when Robert W. was only 
twelve years old. The latter remained with his mother until twenty- four years 
old. He graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1874 and received a. 
diploma in the allopathic department. In 1874 he moved to St. Thomas and 



914 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

went into partnership with Dr. Vantries, who had been practicing at this point 
for forty years up to the time of his death. Our subject succeeded him in the 
practice, and has since been the only practicing physician in St. Thomas. He has 
a very large field to work. He was married April 5, 1877, to Carrie M. , daugh- 
ter of John M. and Harriet Vantries. Dr. Ramsey is a member of the I. O. 
O. F. , Lodge No. 950, of St. Thomas. Id politics he is a Republican. Dr. 
Ramsey is one of the prominent and leading 'physicians of Franklin County, 
and is widely known throughout the county. He was elected a delegate to 
the American Medical Association Convention held at St. Louis in January, 1886. 

GEORGE W. SCHLICHTER, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in St. 
Thomas Township, this county, November 13, 1851, and is a son of Jacob T. 
and Mary (Mourers) Schlichter, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. 
His grandfather, Thomas, was American born. Jacob T. is a tailor and miller 
and also carries on farming. He conducted the mill at Strasburg for several 
years, then went to St. Thomas and farmed a few years; thence to Letterkenny 
Township, where he bought a farm and resided thirty-three years, and owned 
two farms consisting of 269 acres; he sold one of these, still owning the other. 
When he was married, one horse and a wagon would have hauled all he owned; 
but by industry he has acquired quite a fortune, and is now living a retired 
life in Chambersburg, where he bought property in the spring of 1884. George 
W. was reared on a farm, and when only three months old was taken by his 
parents to Letterkenny Township, where he remained with them until he was 
twenty- seven years old. He then married and remained on the homestead about 
eight years. In 1883 he bought the farm where he now resides, and which 
consists of 106 acres of valuable land. He moved on it in the fall of 1885. 
October 8, 1878, he married Sadie E. Cormany, who bore him one child, Simon 
C. Mrs. Schlichter died in 1882, and November 18, 1884, our subject married 
Belle M. Gillan. Mr. and Mrs. Schlichter are members of the United Breth- 
ren Church. There were five children in Mr. Schlichter' s father's family — 
three sons and two daughters, the latter both deceased. The sons are Rev. 
Hiram A. , now presiding elder over the upper district of the United Brethren 
Church; Simon T. and George W. Mr. Schlichter is an active farmer and an 
enterprising and intelligent citizen. 

PETER SMALL, farmer, miller and distiller, P. O. St. Thomas, was born 
in Guilford Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , October 6, 1827, and is a son of 
John and Mary (Secrest) Small, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German de- 
scent. His father, John, was a farmer, and followed that occupation until his . 
death. Peter was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until 
twenty-three years of age, when he married and bought the farm adjoining the 
one he now owns, where he resided until 1867. He then moved back to Guil- 
ford Township, adjoining his old home, and lived there eleven years. In 1878 
he moved to where he now resides, where he owus thirty-nine acres, and has 
an interest in another farm adjoining. In 1878 he bought the grist-mill, saw- 
mill and distillery from Albertus Hicks, which he has since conducted, but the 
distillery is only operated once in a while. Mr. Small has been twice mar 
ried, and is the father of six children: Charlotte, Minnie A., Lulu M. , John 
A. , David V. and Henry C. Mr. Small is one of the prominent men of Frank- 
lin County. 

JACOB W. SMITH, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in Peters Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., February 24, 1855, and is a son of Adam and 
Catherine (Fritz) Smith, natives of Franklin County, Penn., and of German 
descent. Adam Smith was formerly a farmer, but is now living a retired life 
in Loudon, aged about fifty-six years. He owns 180 acres of land and prop- 



ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP. 915 

<erty in Loudon. He was drafted into the service, and paid $400 for a substi- 
tute. Our sxibject was reared on a farm, and remained at home until eighteen 
years of age, when he went to Ogle County, 111., and farmed two years; then 
oame back and remained one year; then went to Berrien County, Mich., where 
he farmed one year. While there he was married, September 5, 1878, to 
Anna M. Peck, daughter of Jacob Peck, and they are the parents of three 
children: Alna M., Charles C. and William E. In 1879 Mr. Smith moved to 
where he now lives on his father's farm, and cultivates eighty acres of land. 
He has one of the finest farms in St. Thomas Township. Mr. Smith is an in- 
telligent citizen, and has a host of friends. He is a Democrat in politics. 

JOHN H. STICKELL, coachmaker, Williamson, was born in St. Thomas, 
this county, May 16, 1851, a son of Samuel C. and Elizabeth (Zentmeyer) 
•Stickell, and of German descent. His grandfather, Henry, lived near Marion 
until his death, at the age of eighty years; he was a carpenter by trade, which 
he followed all his life. Samuel C. (father of John H. ) was born near Marion, 
where he lived until he was married, when he moved to St. Thomas. He 
learned the carpenter's trade when young, and followed it all his life. He en- 
listed in the nine months' service under Capt. Harmon, of Chambersburg, and 
at the expiration of his term of enlistment enlisted in Company D, Twenty- 
first Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, serving two years. He was wounded 
near Richmond, Va. He had eaten breakfast and lain down to rest, when a 
sharpshooter shot him through the left arm, the ball, going in at the elbow and 
coming out at the wrist and passing on, wounded another man also in the 
arm, the ball dropping out of his sleeve. Mr. Stickell was taken to the field 
hospital, then to City Point, New York City; thence home, where his wound 
became worse, and he lingered between life and death for some time. The 
doctor reported him fit to move, and he was ordered to report for duty at 
Philadelphia, but was obliged to stop at Little York, where he lingered again 
between life and death for some months. He finally recovered, however, 
and is now living at the age of sixty years with his son, John H. He 
was the father of eight children, seven of whom are living. John H. was 
reared in the vicinity of Upton, and learned the blacksmith's trade when he 
was but sixteen or seventeen years old, which he has since followed. He 
is a natural genius in wood work; can make almost anything that can be made 
•of wood, but makes a specialty of coachmaking. He learned his trade near 
Upton, but moved to Cashtown in 1872, and remained there until 1876, when 
he came to Williamson, and here he has since resided. In the spring of 1880 
he bought a lot and built a neat cottage on the place where he is now living. 
Mr. Stickell is one of the best workmen in Franklin County, and deserves 
credit for his enterprise and intelligence in business. He carries on coach- 
making, and is also engaged in growing water cresses. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

ADAM M. STROCK, farmer, P. 0. Edenville, was born in Franklin 
County, Penn. , September 21, 1844, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth 
(Myers) Strock, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father, 
a farmer, owns 116 acres near St. Thomas, which he rents, and is now living 
with his daughter, Lydia Croft, the wife of John Croft, Jr. Adam M. Strock 
was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until twenty-one years 
old, when he started out for himself and worked for his father two years; he 
then took shares, farming three years for the third of the crops, and seven 
years for the half. In the spring of 1880 he moved to where he now lives 
and bought eighty- one acres of land. He was married March 2, 1871, to 
Eliza, daughter of John and Clara (Swartz) Gelwicks, and they are the 



916 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

parents of one child, Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Strock are members of the 
Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a substantial farmer 
of St. Thomas Township. 

JOHN WALKER, farmer, P. O. Edenville, was born in St. Thomas 
Township, this county, April 18, 1824, and is a son of George and Jane (Weir) 
Walker, both natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. His 
grandfather, Robert, was born December 25, 1761, in Ireland. He landed 
at Philadelphia August 22, 1786; settled in what was then Hamilton Town- 
ship, Cumberland County, now St. Thomas Township, Franklin County, in 
September of the same year, and bought a farm near Franklin Furnace, 
where he soon after commenced the erection of the first fulling-mill west of 
Carlisle. He died April 16, 1837, aged seventy-eight years. Mr. Walker 
has the first deed of the Wilson farm he now owns, dated in 1779, and which 
was scorched during the fire when his house was burned, making it almost 
unreadable. John Wilson paid the euorrnous sum of £9,000 for 212 acres of 
land in Continental money. When John Walker bought it he paid $11,627.32 
for 241 acres. George Walker, our subject's father, was a fuller by trade, 
but followed farming the most of his life. He owned the place where his. 
father settled and lived most of his life; he died at the home of his son John, 
in Hamilton Township, June 13, 1868. Our subject was reared on a farm, 
and remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age. when he started 
in life for himself, and rented for several years. He rented a farm from the 
Wilsons twenty years; then bought it and remained until coming to the place 
where he now resides. He now owns 143 acres of land where he lives, and a 
small piece of timber land. He has been twice married; first, March 12, 1846, 
to Sarah, daughter of William Gillan. They were the parents of seven 
children: Samuel G. , John E., Sarah J., Mary E. , Martha, George and Mar- 
garet E. Mrs. Walker died November 30, 1869, and Mr. Walker next mar- 
ried, January 2, 1873, Sarah Shields, a native of Westmoreland County, Penn. , 
and a daughter of John W. and Rebecca (Craig) Shields, of Scotch-Irish 
descent. By this marriage was born one son, Thomas W. Mr. and Mrs. 
Walker are members of the Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg. 
Mr. Walker owns one of the finest farms in St. Thomas Township, and is. 
quite a prominent citizen of Franklin County. He holds a receipt for money 
paid, dated February 9, 1765: "Received of Joseph Armstrong £65 in full 
for 226 acres of land in Hamilton Township, Cumberland County, surveyed 
to his father by warrant June 15, 1752, " Samuel Craig, great-grandfather 
of Mrs. Walker, and his three eldest sons all served in the Revolutionary war; 
Mr. Craig was commissary, and the duties of his office called him to Fort 
Ligonier, at which place he was taken prisoner by the Indians; on Chestnut 
Ridge his beautiful bay mare was found dead, perforated by eight bullets. 
Fragments of paper were found strewn along the path to indicate the direc- 
tion the Indians took. All efforts of his family to ascertain his fate were un- 
availing. Some exchanged prisoners reported afterward that an old man who 
was a prisoner with them would have been exchanged at the same time if he 
had not been sick and unable to travel; he may possibly have been Mr. 
Craig. He resided in New Jersey and removed to Westmoreland County, 
Penn., in or about 1772. He purchased the beautiful tract of land owned by 
Thomas Burbridge, situated east of the Loyalhanna. Burbridge had bought 
the land from the Indians, and the price paid was a few quarts of whisky and 
some trinkets. He married Elizabeth McDonald, a Scotch lady, and nine 
children were born to them, of whom two died in infancy. Mrs. Craig and 
two of her children died of small-pox within the space of three days. Before 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 917 

his removal to Westmoreland County Mr. Craig married an Irish lady, Jane 
Boyd, by whom he had six more children: Andrew, Joseph, William, Jane, 
Nancy and Rebecca. 

JACOB B. WENTLING, farmer, P. O. Williamson, was born in Antrim 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , October 30, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and 
Elizabeth (Beams) Wentling, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, 
the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, is now living in this county. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until twenty- 
one years of age, when he hired out for three years. In 1861 he was drafted 
into Company I, Two Hundred and Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
and served nine months. After the expiration of that time he returned home, 
remaining there one year. He then enlisted in Company B, Two Hundred and 
Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He 
was in the battles of Fort Steadman and Petersburg; was a faithful soldier and 
always served in the front line of battle. At the expiration of his time he re 
turned home and rented for thirteen years. In 1881 he bought eighty-five acres 
of land where he now resides and which he still owns. He has been twice 
married: first in 1860 to Catherine Rotz, who bore him one child, now deceased. 
Mrs. Wentling died in 1861, and in 1865 Mr. Wentling married Mary Carman. 
They are the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living: Anna E., 
David B. , Catherine, William, Samuel, Ann and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Went- 
ling are members of the River Brethren Church. 

DAVID WISE, farmer, P. O. St. Thomas, was born in Peters Township, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , August 23, 1850, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Lininger) Wise, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His 
grandfather, John, came from Lancaster County to Franklin County .at an 
early day and located in Path Valley. His father, Samuel, was born in Lan- 
caster County, but left there when quite young and located in Peters Town- 
ship, near Loudon, where he is yet engaged in farming. John Wise's great- 
grandfather, John, came from Germany at an early day and settled in Lancaster 
County, where he remained until his death. He was an early settler of that 
county, coming there when the red man was yet to be seen. David Wise was 
reared on a farm and remained at home until twenty-three years of age, when 
he began life for himself and worked out two years. He then married, rented 
a farm from T. B. Kennedy and remained three years. He then moved to 
Guilford Township and rented from the same man for eight years, then bought 
a farm of ninety-one acres, known as the ' ' Zent farm, ' ' where he remained one 
year; then sold out and bought a farm in the spring of 1886, where he now 
resides. It is well improved, with good buildings, etc. , and is all under cul- 
tivation. He owns sixty-eight acres, but cultivates 128 acres, of which a part 
belongs to M. Miller. He married, September 6, 1874, Clara E. Hocken- 
smith, of Fulton County, Penn., and they are the parents of two children: 
William E. and Martha E. Mr. Wise is an intelligent and enterprising citizen 
of Franklin County. In politics he is a Republican. 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF 
ORRSTOWN. 

HARRY BRENNEMAN, dealer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born November 
18, 1842, two and one-half miles east of Carlisle, a son of Elias Brenneman, 



918 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

who came from Lancaster County, Penn. , and was a son of Melchior and May 
(Banghman) Brenneman, and is still living. The latter came from Lebanon. 
County, and is of German descent Elias Brenneman married Mary Hertzler, 
and nine children were born to them. Harry, our subject, was educated in 
Cumberland County and reared on a farm. October 30, 1867, he married Miss. 
Adeline, daughter of Henry and Eliza (Wolf) Shuman, and they have five chil- 
dren: Elsie A., Emma L., Flora Idella, Charley M. and Clara A. He farmed 
on the old Shuman place for some nine years; then came to Shippensburg and 
has since been dealing in stock, especially in horses, buying chiefly in Virginia 
and the West, keeping his stables in Shippensburg. The last eight years he has. 
been auctioneering in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Politically he is 
identified with the Republican party. Henry Shuman, a son of Henry Shu- 
man, Sr. , was born near Orrstown, this county; he was a farmer, and owned 
150 acres of land, where he died, aged sixty-eight years, August 27, 1872. Ha 
married Barbara Martin, and after her death married Eliza Wolf (who survives 
him), a daughter of Leonard and Anna (Kimmel) Wolf. Our subject and wife 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 

WILLIAM F. CRAMER, farmer, P. O. Orrstown, was born October 5, 
1829, in Southampton Township, Franklin Co., Penn. ; the family are of Ger- 
man origin. The grandfather, Peter Cramer, was a farmer in Cumberland 
County, Penn., where he died; his son, John Cramer, was born in Cumberland 
County, and married Rebecca Brown, who died at the age of eighty-seven 
years, the mother of three children: Peter, John and William F. Our subject, 
was educated in this county, and has followed farming all his life, he owns a 
a farm of 177 acres in Letterkenny Township, this county. He first married 
Harriet Wallace, who died at the age of thirty-three years. His present wife 
is Mary E. Wallace, a sister of his first wife and a daughter of James and 
Mary (Reynolds) Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are members of the Luther- 
an Church. Politically he is a Democrat. He leads a retired life, though 
he farms a little on a tract of twenty- one acres near town. 

SAMUEL HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Middle Spring, Cumberland County, 
was born December 4, 1827, in Cumberland County, Penn. His forefathers, 
were Germans and settled in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, Christian 
Hoover, a native of Germany, came to this country in an early day; the names, 
of his children are John, Martin, Christian, Peter Daniel and David ; Catha- 
rine, married to Abraham Martin (moved to New York State), and Magdalene 
Kries, who lived and died in Pennsylvania. Our subject's grandfather, Martin 
Hoover, lived in Adams County, Penn. , and married Mary Graybill of York 
County. In 1816 he came to Cumberland County, where he died on the 
homestead of a stroke of apoplexy, at the age of sixty-seven years; his widow 
died in 1854. They were the parents of eleven children: John, Christian, 
Joseph, David, Nancy, Fannie, Leah, Maria, Samuel, Joel and Benjamin. Of 
these, John came to Franklin County in 1829 and died in the spring of 1877. 
He was a good farmer, a member of the River Brethren denomination. Our 
subject's mother, nee Catherine Shullenberger, died in 1872 aged sixty-nine 
years. Their children were Samuel, Benjamin, Martin, Mary and Elizabeth. 
Our subject was educated in Lurgan Township, this county, and all his life 
has followed farming, at which he has been successful. He has two farms, 
one of 161 and the other of 147 acres. He married Miss Fanny, daughter of 
Jacob Brechbill, and a native of near Chambersburg, this county. By this 
union there are seven children: Aaron B., Noah, John M. , Samuel S , Levi 
T., Henry J. and Mary C. (the wife of Samuel Wenger). Mr. and Mrs. 
Hoover are members of the River Brethren denomination, of which he was; 
ordained a minister in 1880. Politically he is a Republican. 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. <)1<> 

ROBERT CLARK JOHNSTON, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born 
May 8, 1831, on a farm on the old Chambers road, where his father, Squire 
Johnston, then resided. His great-grandfather, John Johnston, came from 
Ireland, but was of Scotch descent, and settled in Southampton Township, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , prior to the Revolution. He bought many hundred acres 
of land, became wealthy and married a Miss Edmundson, who died at the age 
of eighty-four years. Two of his sons fought in the Revolution, and one of 
them, John, was taken prisoner in a church in Philadelphia, and died proba- 
bly of neglect or starvation, Another son, Benjamin, was born in this county, 
and died here at the age of seventy- four years. He farmed on the old home- 
stead and married Jane Breckenridge, a daughter of John and Sarah (Cul- 
bertson) Breckenridge. The latter, who was one of the Culbertsons of "Cul- 
bertsofc's Row," died aged sixty-four years, the mother of the following 
named children: John, James, Robert, Joseph, Samuel, George, Margaret 
(married Adam Snoddy and died at the age of seventy-four years), Sally and 
Rebecca. George Johnston was an extensive farmer, and died in May, 1884, 
aged eighty-five years. He married Sarah, a daughter of Robert Clark; she 
died young, leaving the following named children: Elizabeth, Jane, Robert C. 
(our subject), Joseph, Rebecca and James. The Johnstons were members of 
Rocky and Middle Springs Presbyterian Church. George was a Democrat, 
and served as jiistice of the peace for many years; was appointed by the gov- 
ernor, but afterward elected by the people. Our subject was educated here 
and all his life has followed agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Martha, 
daughter of John Orr, of Orrstown, this county, a member of the pioneer 
Orr family, and their children are Jane, Lucy, Robert and Elizabeth. Mr. 
and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he 
is a Democrat. 

GEORGE V. JOHNSTON, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born March 
9, 1835, in Southampton Township, this county, a son of John and Mary 
(Vance) Johnston. The grandfather, George Johnston, lived on the Harris- 
burg and Chambersburg pike, where he and his wife died, he at the age of 
sixty-two, and she aged sixty-five years. They were the parents of twelve 
children. The grandfather farmed on a large scale, having several hundred 
acres; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and politically an old 
line Whig. His son John settled where our subject now resides, and farmed, 
but lived the last fifteen years of his life in Shippensburg, where he died at 
the age of eighty years. He was a Republican and filled township and county 
offices, among which was that of county commissioner; he was a Presbyterian. 
His first wife was Mary, daughter of John and Margaret (McCulloch) Vance, 
residents of Falling Spring, near Chambersburg; she died at the age of forty- 
six the mother of five children: Margaret, Mary, Anna, George V. and John 
E. His second wife was Amanda Otis, who is yet living in Shippensburg. 
George V., our subject, was educated at the schools of his native county, and 
at Shippensburg Academy; he was a farmer in early life, and in 1858 went to 
Shippensburg where he engaged in the hardware business for five years. In 
1878 he once more returned to the old place of 160 acres where he has since 
resided. He married in Shippensburg, Miss Abbey, a daughter of Dr. William 
Rankin, a pioneer of that place. Two children were born to them : William 
Rankin, born February 12, 1872, and John V. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are 
Presbyterians. He is identified with the Republican party. 

JAMES JOHNSTON, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born in May 1849, 
on the old family homestead in Southampton Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , 
a son of George and Sarah (Clark) Johnston. (For ancestral history see sketch 



D20 BIOGRArHICAL SKETCHES: 

of R. C. Johnston.) He was educated in this county and has followed farm- 
ing, and is now the owner of two fineiarms, one containing 122 acres and the 
other 102 acres. He married Martha J., a daughter of Samuel E. and Mary 
(McFern) Baker, old settlers of Franklin County, and who now reside in 
Cumberland County, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were born the follow- 
ing named children: Albertha, George, Edward, Albert, Joseph, William, Ar- 
thur and Benjamin. Politically Mr. Johnston is a Democrat, as were also his 

JFLTlCGstorS 

SAMUEL KNISLEY, retired, Orrstown, was born March 8, 1826, in Cum- 
berland County, Penn. The family were first represented in America by three 
brothers who came from Switzerland. The grandfather was born in York 
County, Penn. ; his son, Jacob, married in Cumberland County, 'wdiere he 
taught school and also engaged in milling. In 1828 Jacob came to Frank- 
lin County and farmed in Southampton Township; he died in Orrstown, in 
1846, aged, forty-seven years. He was an active member of the Church of God, 
a deacon; was also a member of the building committee who erected the church 
in Orrstown, and was one of the original trustees. He married Leah, daugh- 
ter of Ephraim Bear. She is still living with our subject, and is now eighty 
years old. Her children were Samuel, Mary A. , Catherine and Jacob B. , who was 
killed in the late Rebellion at the battle of Chancellorsville. Our subject was 
educated in this county. In early life he followed farming, and at the age of 
fifteen learned the tailor's trade. In 1855 he entered mercantile business, 
which he followed for nearly thirty years. His first wife was Martha Straw- 
bridge, and after her death he married Mrs. Laura H. Mountz, nee Bricker, of 
Cumberland County, Penn. Mr. Knisley is a member of the Church of God; 
was a member of the first Sabbath -school, which he assisted in organizing in 
August, 1846; has since been an officer or a teacher, and has been superin- 
tendent for many years. Politically he is a Republican; in 1871 he was elected 
to the office of county treasurer and served two terms to the satisfaction of all. 
He received a majority of thirty votes in his own township, which is strongly 
Democratic. 

JACOB KOSER, retired, Shippensburg, was born November 17, 1827, in 
Southampton Township, this county. His ancestors were French Huguenots, 
who settled in Lancaster County, Penn., where the grandfather, Jacob, was 
born and there died. Jacob married a Miss Bittner, who bore him sev- 
eral children, and his son, Jacob, born in Lancaster County, came to Franklin 
County about 1806, settled in Southampton Township and carried on farming 
the latter part of his life; in early life he followed shoemaking many years; he 
married Elizabeth Plasterer, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. , and died 
here at the age of seventy-three years; he died when nearly seventy years old. 
Of his ten children five are living: Mary, Samuel, Lydia, David and Jacob. 
The subject of this sketch was educated in his native county and followed 
agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he moved to near Shippensburg, and for 
the last year has lived in the city, superintending his farm. He married twice 
in Cumberland County. His first wife was Susan Cressler, who died shortly 
after marriage. His second marriage was with Elizabeth Wingert, a daughter 
of John and Catherine (Zimmerman) Wingert. Our subject has two children: 
John J. and Newton A. The former is a physician in the borough of Ship- 
pensburg, and the latter is in the drug business in California. Mr. Koser is a 
Republican in politics; also a member of the Church of God. 

ALEXANDER W. KYNER, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born Janu- 
ary 16, 1825, on the Kyner homestead in this township. His grandfather, 
Conrad, came from Germany and settled in Culbertson's Row, where he lived 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHir. 921 

and died. He married a Miss Stumbach, and had a family of seven children. 
Of these, George lived in the Row in early life, married and moved to the 
Slate Hills, where he owned a farm, and bought 150 acres from Ben Reynolds, 
an old settler, and died at the age of ninety years. He was a Whig, and a 
member of the Lutheran Church, as was also his wife, nee Miss Nye, who died 
young, the mother of foiu' children: Mary, Catherine, Margaret and John. 
His second wife was Mary Shields, a native of this county, and a daughter of 
John Shields, a native of Ireland, but of Scotch descent. She died in Ship- 
pensburg, aged eighty-five years, the mother of the following named children: 
Jane A. Marshall, Euphemia C. Duncan, Anna McCormic, Dr. David T. and 
Alexander W. Our subject was educated in the schools of his native county, 
and has followed farming all his life. He first married Elizabeth Fogelsonger, 
who died at the age of twenty-five years. His present wife is Elvira, a daugh- 
ter of Joseph Reed of Adams County, Penn. , and of an old pioneer family of 
Scotch-Irish descent. Their children are Elizabeth E., Euphemia C. and 
George A. Mrs. Kyner is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kyner 
is a Republican. He has about 400 acres of land which he has greatly im- 
proved. Mrs. Mary (Shields) Kyner was a member of the old Covenanter 
Church, as was also her mother, who was Jane Thompson of an old Scotch 
family, who settled near Scotland, Franklin County. 

DR. A. K. LEBERKNIGHT, P. O. Orrstown, was born June 4, 1850, 
in Hamilton Township, this county, where his father still resides. His grand- 
father, Frederick Leberknight, who was of German descent, died in Maryland. 
His son Daniel, a farmer by occupation, father of our subject, came to Hamilton 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , in an early day. He married Miss Susan Kuhn, 
who died in 1856 aged forty-six. Their children are Daniel, Frederick, John and 
Adam K. ; of these, John died at the age of twenty-two years. The father 
married for his second wife Miss Elizabeth Holland, a native of this county, and 
who died in 1885. The children born to this union are James M. ; Mrs. Mar- 
tha Deck and Mrs. Susan Shuman. Our subject was reared and received his 
early education in his native county. He then read medicine with Dr. F. B. 
Leberknight of Newburg, Cumberland Co. , Penn. ; later he attended lec- 
tures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated in the spring 
of 1878. He then spent one year at Newburg, after which he came to Orrs- 
town, Franklin County, where he is now the only physician in the place, and 
has a lucrative practice. He first married Elizabeth Easton, who died at the 
age of twenty, the mother of one child, Adam Miller. His present wife is 
Alice R. , daughter of Peter Keefer, and they have two children, Charles K. , 
and Hattie L. Politically the Doctor is identified with the Democratic party. 
The family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. 

JAMES LINN (deceased) was born July 30, 1820, on the old homestead 
of the pioneer Linn family, in Lurgan Township, this county. He was a son of 
William and Mary (Galbraith) Linn, was educated in Lurgan Township and at 
the age of nine years came to Southampton Township, this county, where he also 
attended school. He followed farming, was very successful, owning 284 acres 
of land, known as one of the best farms in the county ; was a Democrat and served 
as supervisor, and also held other township offices. November 28, 1876, he mar- 
ried Miss Jennie E., a daughter of James and Margaret B. (Steele) Coffey, latter 
a native of Franklin County. Four children were born to this union: James Mc- 
Carroll, William G. Floyd E. and Mary Bell. The Linn family were Pres- 
byterians, and Mrs. Jennie Linn, subject's widow, is also a Presbyterian. 
Her husband's father and brother were elders of the Middle Spring Presby- 
terian Church. William Linn was one of the Baltimore defenders in the war of 

52 



922 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1812. Mrs. Linn's four brothers are James, Samuel B., George W. and' 
Gilson K. Coffey. Of these Samuel B. was educated in this county and learned 
the printer's trade at the office of the Sentinel in Shippensburg; later was edit- 
or of the Clarion Democrat of Clarion County, Penn., and now resides in 
Philadelphia. 

JAMES M. MAIN, farmer, P.O. Shippensburg, was born October 13, 1836, 
in Cumberland County, Penn. , where his father had lived several years. His 
ancestors were born in Scotland, but later removed to Ireland, whence the 
grandfather, Marshall Main, emigrated to America and settled in Southampton 
Township, this county, on the farm which is yet owned by his grandchildren. He 
bought from the Government 700 or 800 acres of land, which is now divided into 
four farms and owned by his grandchildren. He died at the age of sixty years, 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. He had four children, of whom William 
M. was born on the farm, followed agricultural pursuits, and married Sarah H. , 
daughter of Obediah Patterson, of an old family. She died August 15, 1881, 
aged seventy- eight years, two months and nineteen days, the mother of three 
children : Ann Mary and Sarah H. , both residing in Newville, and James M„ 
The father was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church at Newville, Cum- 
berland Co. , Penn. ; politically he is a Republican. He died in the house now 
occupied by our subject September 27, 1882, aged seventy-two years. Our 
subject was reared on the farm and educated at the schools of his native town- 
ship and at Carlisle, Penn. After his school days he conducted a store, which 
his father had opened for him in Mainsville, where he had also erected several 
houses, the town being named for the family. He kept the store from June, 
1866, until a month before his father's death, when he sold out and came to- 
the farm where he now resides and where he has since remained. He mar- 
ried Anna M. , a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Ryan) Sibbet, the former 
a native of the North of Ireland, the latter of Cumberland County, Penn. , a 
daughter of Timothy and Rachel (Williamson) Ryan, natives of Ireland. Mr. 
and Mrs. Main have three children living: William Thomas, Wilson L. and 
Harper P. ; two died in infancy, and Sarah Roberta died at the age of ten years. 
Our subject and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is a. 
Republican, owns 136 acres of land, and property in Mainsville; also some 
timber land on the mountain. 

JAMES M. MAIN, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born July 30, 1847, 
on the old homestead of the Main family in Southampton Township, Franklin 
Co. , Penn. He is a son of Marshall Main, who was also born there, and died 
there May 4, 1868, aged fifty-four years. The latter was a farmer, and owned 
about 314 acres of land and also some timber land. He married Sarah N., 
daughter of Thomas Bell, of Cumberland County, Penn. She died here Sep- 
tember 10, 1854, aged forty- five years, the mother of seven children: Mrs. 
Jane Mary Hayes, Thomas B. (who was killed in the army), William J. , James 
M. , Mrs. Sarah M. Fuller, John D. (near Newville, Cumberland County) and 
Robert K. (in Minnesota). The parents were members of the old seceders' 
church at Newville, Cumberland County. The father was a Democrat and a 
strong Union man. His son, Thomas B. , was a captain, and served nearly 
through the whole of the war; enlisting at the age of eighteen, he was nearly 
three years in the Third New York Cavalry, and was killed in the service 
while captain of Company A. Our subject was reared on the farm and edu- 
cated in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. He has followed farming all his 
life, and now owns 153 acres of land. He married Miss Ella R. , daughter of 
Robert F. McCune, and their children are Sarah B., R. Marshall, Charles 
Oscar and Joseph S. Mr. and Mrs. Main are members of the Presbyterian, 
Church. In politics he is a Democrat. 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 923 

J. H. McCULLOCH, farmer, P. O. Middle Spring, Cumberland County, was 
born March 5, 1822, in Newton Township. Cumberland Co., Penn. The 
great-grandfather, James McCulloeh, immigrated to America when a young 
man, and settled in Cumberland County, Penn. He was a farmer there, and 
the fourth generation now possesses the land he owned and improved, AVilliam 
R. McCulloeh, a brother of our subject, now owning it. James McCulloeh 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church; he had three sons and three daugh- 
ters; James, John, William, Sarah, Jane, and Mrs. McCormick. Of those 
James was a thrifty farmer, a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
He married Mary Henderson and both died on the homestead, their children 
were John, Thomas, William, James, Sarah, Eliza, Mary J. and Margaret. 
Of these John was born on the homestead and died therein 1866 aged seventy- 
three years. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church ; married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Clark, formerly the owner of the Linn property 
in Franklin County. She died near the homestead in Newton Township in 
1845, aged forty -five, leaving six children: Robert, James H. , Thomas, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Mickey, William R. and Charles. Of these James H. was educated 
in the log schoolhouses of his native county. In the spring of 1867 he came 
to Southampton Township, this county, and bought a farm of 145 acres from 
Adam Shoemaker, better known as the "old Montgomery farm," which is 
kept in a high state of cultivation. He first married Sarah Mickey, who died 
at the age of thirty-two years the mother of the following named children: 
John O, Thomas J. and Alexander S. , all farmers. He next married Mrs. 
Mary Mateer, nee Kelso, and their children are Belle O, William M. and 
Mary E. (wife of D. S. Woodburn). Mr. and Mrs. McCulloeh are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat. 

DAVID L. POWDERS, retired, Orrstown, was born April 23, 1841, in 
Orrstown, Franklin Co., Penn. His grandfather, John Powders, came from 
Lancaster County, and settled in the southern part of the State, and while 
freighting, he disappeared, team and all, and was never again heard of. The 
family are of German extraction. John Powders, our subject's father, came 
to this county at the age of seven years, and remained with an old Dunkard 
minister until he was fifteen. He then returned to Cumberland County, where 
he learned his trade, and at the age of twenty-one came again to Franklin 
County. His wife, Mary, daughter of David Lesher, died here in August, 
1881, aged sixty-seven years, the mother of six children, David L. and Lydia, 
wife of Joseph Karper. surviving. Our subject was educated here and in the 
agricultural College at Centre County, Penn. He taught school a number of 
terms. He also learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. He enlisted in 
the nine months' service in the fall of 1862, in Company D, One Hundred 
and Twenty-sixth Regiment. In the fall of 1864 he was appointed recruiting 
officer and assisted in forming Company F, Two Hundred and Seventh Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers; was elected first lieutenant of the company and served 
until the close of the war. He assisted in the battles of Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville and minor engagements, also in the capture of Fort Stead - 
man, siege of Petersburg and others of less importance. After the war he re- 
turned to Orrstown and engaged in mercantile business; also was postmaster un- 
til 1874, when he removed to Sac County, Iowa, and farmed until the spring 
of 1884, when he returned to the old home. He received injuries in the serv- 
ice which caused him to lead a retired life, and for which he draws a pension 
from the Government. He married in the fall of 1865 Miss MattieE. , daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Martha (Bowman) Bear, and they have three children. Mr. 
and Mrs. Powders are members of the Church of God. Politically he is a 
Democrat.* 



924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

SIMON P. SHIELDS, farmer, P. O. Orrstown, was born May 20, 1824, 
in Letterkenny Township, this county. His great-grandfather, Arthur Shields, 
emigrated from Ireland and settled ih York Cotinty, Penn. , about 1730; his 
son, Thomas Shields, born in York County, Penn., came to Franklin County 
and settled in Amberson's Valley, where he died; he had several children, one 
of whom, Arthur, came to Letterkenny Township, where he farmed and also 
followed milling. He (Arthur) died in that township at the age of sixty-two 
years and eleven months. He married Catherine, daughter of Philip Shuman, 
and she died in Lurgan Township at the age of seventy- eight years the mother 
of the following named children: Catherine, Barbara A., Isabella, William, 
Simon P. , Eliza, Maria and Andrew. Of these Simon P. was educated in this 
county, and in early life followed plastering for about fifteen years. He has 
since been engaged in farming and has a farm of 160 acres. He married 
Miss Susan, a daughter of Jacob Wise, of an old pioneer family. Their chil- 
dren now living are Jenetta, David H. and Joseph B. (the latter is in Kansas 
and David H. is on the farm in Lurgan Township, this county). Mr. and Mrs. 
Shields are members of the Lutheran Clmrch. Politically he is a Democrat 
and has served as auditor, judge of election and member of the school board. 

JOHN SHOAP, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born November '60, 1819, 
in Cumberland County, Penn. His grandfather, Nicholas Shope (as the name 
was then spelled), a blacksmith, came from Germany and settled in this county. 
He was married, reared several children and died near Roxbury. His son, 
William Shope, who was a farmer, died in Cumberland County, when over 
ninety years of age. He married Nancy Gerrick, who also died there, the 
mother of the following named children: Maria, Betsey, Agnes, John, Martha, 
William and Ann. Of these, John Shoap, our subject, was reared on the 
farm and has followed agriculture all his life. In 1849 he married, and 
resided three years in Mifflin Township, Cumberland County; later came to 
Franklin County and farmed one year on the John Smith place. In the 
spring of 1854 he came to the farm of Dr. Rankin and carried it on for nine- 
teen years. It was then sold to Mr. McClean, and Mr. Shoap still remains as 
:a tenant. He proposes to relinquish farming the coming spring (of 1887) and 
remove to the borough of Shippensburg. His wife is Barbara A. , daughter of 
rSamuel Heberlig, of Cumberland County, Penn. , and their children are Sam- 
TuelH. , Mary C. , S. Ann, Hannah J., William John, David R., Emma E. and 
3Edward. Mary C. married William Kitzmiller, and is now deceased. Mr. 
:Sh©ap is identified with the Democratic party. ' The family attend the worship 
of the German Reformed Church. 

HENDERSON G. SKILES, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born Jan- 
uary 25, 1825, in Newton Township, Cumberland Co., Penn. His grandpar- 
ents were of Scotch-Irish descent, and lived in Lancaster County, where their 
son Davis was born, and married Miss Elizabeth Moore, of Perry County, 
Penn. , who died at the home of her son, our subject, in this county, at the age 
•of sixty-eight years. She had four children: Mrs. Margaret Cope, Henderson 
G., Mrs. Martha W. McPherson and D. W. Davis Skiles worked at his trade, 
blacksmithing, in Cumberland County, and finally came to Franklin County, 
•where he followed farming and died at the age of fifty years. He and his 
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, as were also their children. 
Politically he was a Democrat. Our subject was educated principally in Cum- 
iberland County and folloHvs farming, now owning 105 acres, well improved. 
He married, in Shippensburg, Miss Martha A. Snodgrass, and their children 
.•are James W., married to Miss Jane Bard (they have four children: Libby M., 
JSruceH., Gui'tty B. and Mary E.); Howard C, married to Miss Sarah Ranshaw 



SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 925 

(they bad forif children: Henderson J., Estella F., Elnora M. and Lizzey C. ), 
and Estella M. , the wife of Gilson Coffey, of Dry Run. Politically Mr. Sidles 
is a Democrat. The family are connected with Middle Spring Church. 

WILLIAM B. SMITH, farmer, Orrstown, was born October 27, 1833, 
near Strasburg, Franklin Co., Penn. , and is a son of William L. Smith, 
who was born, reared and educated in Litchfield, Conn. , and at the age of 
twenty, in company with four others, came to Pennsylvania. Here they 
engaged in the notion business and traveled all over the country. George 
Smith, the brother of William L., settled finally in Philadelphia. William 
L. settled at Mechanicsburg, Penn., and then came to this county, locating 
near Strasburg, where he married before he went to Mechanicsburg. ' In the 
fall of 1842 he settled in Orrstown, where he was a farmer and merchant. He 
and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he 
was an old line Whig. He married Mary A. Bigler, a full cousin of Gov. 
Bigler, of Pennsylvania, and of John Bigler, governor of California. William 
L. Smith died in Orrstown, March 10, 1872, aged sixty-nine years. His 
widow still resides in Chambersburg, at the age of seventy-seven years. The 
following children were born to them: Mrs. Nancy J. Blair, deceased; William 
Bigler; Mrs. Ann E. Kinter, of Millerstown; Mrs. Miranda L. Means, of 
Middle Spring, Cumberland Co., Penn., and Mrs. Jennie E. Sharp, of Cham- 
bersburg, this county. William Bigler Smith, our subject, was educated 
principally in the schools of his native county. He was in mercantile business 
in Shippensburg, and two years after his father's death was engaged in the 
hardware business. He then came to Orrstown, and has since been engaged 
in farming. Here he married Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Joseph Means, of 
Cumberland County, Penn. , and of an old Irish family. Five children were 
born to this union: Minnie (wife of William Deardorff, of Chambersburg, this- 
county), Anna, Joseph M., George L. and Jennie E. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been trustee 
for twelve years. Politically he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM S. ZEIGLER, farmer, P. O. Middle Spring, Cumberland 
County, was born October 10, 1846, in Fannett Township, this county. His 
ancestors came from Germany. His grandfather, Michael Zeigler, lived near 
Shippensburg, Penn., where he farmed and resided several years; later he 
moved to Galesburg, 111. , where he died at the home of his son, Isaac Zeigler. 
He was a resident of Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., several years be- 
fore moving west to his son Isaac. His son Henry manipulated a pottery in 
Newville, Penn., until his death. His children were William, Isaac, Henry,. 
Michael, Mrs. Susan Walters, Mrs. Mary A. Kegerreis and Mrs. Elizabeth 
Reboch. Isaac, Michael and William were tinners. Isaac was married in 
Path Valley, this county, where he followed his trade and lived until about 
1856, when he went west and settled in Galesburg, 111. Previously he traveled 
through different States and Territories. At Galesburg he associated with 
James Andrews, a former resident of Path Valley, and together they built up 
quite a trade in the hardware business; he was numbered among the leading 
citizens of that place. He died in the fall of 1871, aged fifty-one years. He 
was a member of the Baptist Church; politically a Republican. He married 
Mary A. , daughter of Lawrence and Mary A. (Skinner) Hammond, old settlers 
of the valley. Lawrence Hammond was born in Spring Run in February, 
1797; was married to Mary Skinner March 16, 1818; moved to Spring Ran in 
April, 1818. There they lived together on the same farm continuously until 
his death which occurred April 6, 1883. He left to his children property 
amounting tc over $100,000. They were the parents of fifteen children, and 



920 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

had sixty-four grandchildren, 118 great-grandchildren and five great-great- 
grandchildren. His wife, Mary Hanimohd, has lived to nurse five generations. 
She is still living (December 4, 1886) with her daughter, Mrs. William A. 
Mackey, on the ' ' old homestead. ' ' Lawrence and Mary Hammond, in the 
presence of many relatives, celebrated in 1868 and 1878, respectively, the fif- 
tieth and sixtieth anniversary of their wedding. Mrs. Mary A. Zeigler died in 
1854. Their children were William S., Mrs. Anna M. Griffith, of Galesburg, t/ 
111., and Jennie Lini Zaigler, who died in Galesburg in the fall of 1868, aged 
eighteen years. Oar subject was educated in this county, and farmed for his 
grandfather Hammond seventeen successive years, until the spring of 1884, 
in Path Valley. He then removed to Southampton Township, where he owns 
two farms and also two store properties in Galesburg, 111. He first married 
Hattie Rhodes, who died March 24, 1871, in Path Valley, the mother of one 
child — Jennie Lind, who died March 24, 1870. His second wife, Rachel P. 
Hoch, is the mother of one girl — Anna M. Mr. Zeigler is a Democrat, as was 
also his grandfather, and has filled township offices in Path Valley. 



WARREN TOWNSHIP. 



JOSIAH M. GRIER, farmer, P. O. Sylvan, was born October 8, 1841, in 
Southampton Township, this county, a son of Josiah and Mary (McLean) 
Grier. Soon after the birth of our subject, Mr. Grier died, and in 1855 his 
widow married Jacob Byers; in 1861 they moved to Warren Township. No- 
vember 28, 1864, Josiah M. enlisted in Company I, eighty-second Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the engagements in front 
of Petersburg, Sailor's Creek, as well as numerous others. At the battle of 
Sailor's Creek he was wounded, disabled for further duty, discharged and re- 
turned home. A year later he was so far recovered that he was able to work, 
and in the autumn of 1867 he married Martha E. , daughter of Solomon and 
Susan (Stoner) Cook. (Mr. Cook was born and reared in this valley, and is 
one of the oldest men living in the neighborhood. ) The young couple began 
their domestic life upon the farm where Mr. Grier now resides, and which he 
purchased in 1866. Here for eighteen years they lived, prospered and reared 
seven children: Mary M. , Elsie N., Crawford C, Solomon Mc. , Chauncey Mc, 
Calvin S. and Michael M. In 1884 the* death of Mrs. Grier occurred, the 
first real sorrow that visited the household, and the first link broken in the 
family circle. Mr. Grier has served as assessor of the township and judge of 
election at different times. He is Republican by birth and education. He has 
lately added to the attractiveness of his property by erecting a handsome two- 
story cottage. His daughters keep house for him. 

JOHN ZIMMERMAN, merchant, Sylvan. In 1800 Jacob Zimmerman came 
from near Creagerstown, Md., to Pennsylvania, and later married Martha, 
daughter of Frederick Smith, one of the early settlers of Bedford County. 
After marriage Jacob began domestic life on his father's farm, which he had 
previously purchased (the ancestral farm is now the property of Abraham Zim- 
merman). Later he purchased a farm adjoining Sylvan, on which was a mill 
built by David John; it was the first erected on Cove Creek and was used only 
for cheap feed; this was replaced by a gristmill made of logs, which was, in 
1838, torn down and a large three-story and basement stone-mill erected 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 927 

by Jacob. He »^as an enterprising and energetic business man, and a prom- 
inent figure in the early history of the little village. He was the father of 
twelve children, five of whom are now living: Peter, married to Vina Brewer; 
John (our subject) ; Samuel, married to Eliza Kuhn (now deceased); Elizabeth, 
widow of Frederick Free, and Catherine, widow of George Graham. John 
Zimmerman was born March 14, 1814. He married Elizabeth Houck, who 
bore him thirteen children (eleven now living), and who died in 18G5. The 
following are the names of the living children: Rev. William H., who married 
Ellen Minich (is a Methodist Episcopal minister in Kansas) ; John M. , also 
married; Martha A., widow of Calvin McCullough; Margaretta, wife of W. 
Scott McCullough; Hiantha, wife of John Braguner; Georgiana, wife of John 
McCullough: Jeremiah D. , Emmey Bell, wife of Edward Voorhees; Ellen, wife 
of J. Tolston; Carrie and Seth, unmarried, at home with their father. All 
except the last two named are in the Western States. In 1840 Mr. Zimmer- 
man commenced mercantile business in Sylvan, and has continued without in- 
terruption to the present time. He has also been postmaster since 1844. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF 
WAYNESBORO. 

C. H. ALBERT, principal of the public schools, Waynesboro, was born 
in Snyder County, Penn. , September 22, 1858, a son of P. S. and Hanna 
(Lupfer)- Albert, and of German and English descent. His father was a 
farmer and his family consisted of five children, of whom C. H. is the eldest. 
He was reared by his parents on the farm, where his early education was ob- 
tained. He afterward attended the missionary institute and later the State 
normal school at Bloomsburg, where he graduated in 1879, and taught for 
three years; then he accepted a position as principal of the schools at Cata- 
wissa, where he remained two years. He accepted his present position in 
Waynesboro in 1883, and has but few equals as an instructor. He was united 
in marriage in 1881 with Anna K., daughter of George Bell, a native of 
Washington County, Md., of English origin. They have three children: 
Keller Bell, Mary Ellen and Charles L. Mr. and Mrs. Albert are members of 
the Lutheran Church, he being a teacher of the Bible class in the Sunday-school. 
Politically he is a Prohibitionist. 

WILLIAM SMITH AMBERSON, dealer in grain and coal, W T aynesboro, 
was born in Mercer County, Penn., November 11, 1816, son of Presley N. and 
Sarah (Cunningham) Amberson, natives of Pennsylvania and of English and 
Welsh descent, respectively, His ancestors were the first settlers of Amber- 
son's Valley, Franklin Co., Penn. Our subject's grandfather, Amberson, 
enlisted from this county in the Revolutionary war, was a commissioned officer 
and served as ensign on Gen. Washington's staff. At the close of the war he 
resided in Pittsburgh, Penn. , for a time, but subsequently removed to Mercer 
County, Penn. Presley N. Amberson (subject's father) was a tanner in early 
life, but in later years a farmer. W. S. Amberson, the eldest of six children, 
received his education in the common schools and at the academy in Mercer 
County, Penn. He remained on the farm with his parents until he was twenty- 
six years of age, when he engaged as clerk in a store for two years. He came to 
Waynesboro in 1840 and has since been in mercantile business. For thirty-two 



928 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years he was a partner of Peter Benedict in the dry goods business, but since" 

1883 he has dealt in coal and grain, and altogether has been very successful. 
He married, July 30, 1844. Rosanna Burns, and they had five children, three 
of whom are now living— one daughter and two sr i For several years Mr. 
Amberson has been president of the First National Bank of Waynesboro. 
Politically he is a Republican, and served two terms as county auditor of Frank- 
lin County; was on the school board; at present is a member of town council. 
Mr. Amberson is a member of the Presbyterian Church of which he has been 
elder for many years. 

JAMES B. AMBERSON", physician, of Waynesboro, was born in Waynes- 
boro, this county, May 14, 1845, and is a son of W. S. and Rosanna (Burns) 
Amberson, the former a native of Mercer County, Penn. , and the latter of this 
county. His father was one of the oldest and most prominent merchants in 
Franklin County. Our subject, the eldest in a family of five children, three 
of whom are now living — two sons and one daughter — two daughters being de- 
ceased, was reared in Waynesboro, where he attended the public and private 
schools and the academy. The year 1860-61 was spent at Mercersburg Academy, 
then under the care of Rev. Loose, and in 1861 he entered Westminster Col- 
lege, New Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn., an irregular sophomore, and 
graduated at that college at its commencement, in 1865. He entered the office 
of Drs. Benjamin Frantz and I. N. Snively, then partners, as a student of 
medicine the same summer, and in the fall of 1865 entered the medical depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from there in March, 
1868. He commenced to f practice his profession in Waynesboro, Penn. , in 
1868. In 1869 and until 1876 he carried on a drug business in connection 
with his profession. In the spring of 1877, and until the spring of 1880, he 
engaged in the practice of his profession exclusively in Walnut Bottom, Cum- 
berland Co., Penn. By this time Waynesboro had begun to increase very 
rapidly, and in the spring of 1880 the Doctor returned to Waynesboro. After 
two years, in 1882, he went into partnership with Dr. A. H. Strickler, who was 
then in impaired health, and with him he has since been practicing. The Doctor 
was married December 1, 1873, to Mary K., daughter of David M. Good, a 
farmer and merchant of Swiss origin, and the children born to this union are 
Mary Eva, William Smith, Gurney Good and Ruth Deitrich. Dr. Amberson 
and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is 
a Republican. He has served as city auditor of Waynesboro. He is a member 
of Waynesboro Academy of Medicine and of Franklin County Medical So- 
ciety. The Doctor's professional skill and gentlemanly demeanor have pro- 
cured for him a number of the affluent and influential families in Waynesboro 
and surrounding country. He is a diligent student, deeply attached to the 
profession of which he is an honorable member. 

E. E. AUGHINBAUGH, jeweler, Waynesboro, was born in Carlisle, 
Cumberland Co., Penn., April 12, 1861. His parents were of German origin 
and natives of Cumberland County, Penn. His father was a shoemaker by 
trade, but in later life kept hotel and dealt in real estate; he is now steward of 
the State normal school at Shippensburg, Penn. ; his family consisted of two 
children: A. A. (the elder, is a salesman in a wholesale house in Pittsburgh, 
Penn.) and E. E. Our subject attended the schools of his native county, and 
also the State normal at Shippensburg, Penn. At the age of seventeen he 
commenced learning the jeweler's trade in Harrisburg, Penn., and early in 

1884 came to Waynesboro, this county, and embarked in business on his own 
account. Mr. Aughinbaugh has now one of the finest business houses in the 
place. His store, located on the square in the business center of the city, ia 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 929 

well lighted and admirably fitted up. His large and inviting stock consists of 
fine watches, clocks, jewelry, silver and plated ware, etc. Although a 
young man, and located in Waynesboro but a few years, he has already built 
up a good business, of which he may justly be proud. 

HENRY BAER, retired farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in York 
County, Penn., September 9, 1827, a son of Gabriel and Charlotte (Spangler) 
Baer, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. The father was a cab- 
inet-maker and carpenter, at which he continued to work until 1832, when he 
came to Franklin County and engaged in running a woolen-mill; he died in 
1859; his widow is still living at the age of eighty-four years. Our subject is 
the second of ten children, and was five years old when his parents moved to 
this county, where he has since resided except one year (1852) spent in the 
West. He received a rudimentary education, and was engaged in agricultural 
pursuits and in his father's woolen-mill until 1856, when he commenced farm- 
ing for himself. In 1852 he married Mary Ann Stoner (the name was origi- 
nally spelled Steiner). Her ancestors were Germans and came to Pennsylvania in 
1751, locating in Franklin County, where they were among the first settlers. 
Mr. and Mrs. Baer have had seven children, six of whom are living: Emma 
Louisa (wife of C. B. Newcomer), Samuel E. (resides in the West), Mary 
Alice, John Henry, Charlotte Myrtle, Susan Neomia. Angeneva is deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Baer are members of the German Baptist Church. In politics 
he is a Republican; is school director. He is the owner of 150 acres in Wash- 
ington Township, but has retired from active farm life. 

GEORGE J. BALSLEY, now of Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Penn., was. 
born in Antrim Township, in said county. His parents, Henry Balsley and 
Catharine (Snider) Balsley, natives of Adams County, Penn., came to Franklin 
County in 1810 and resided in Hamilton Township for a number of years. 
From there he moved to near Greencastle, Antrim Township, and the family 
consisted of eight children: Henry, Jr., Margaret, Polly, John, Elizabeth, 
Sarah, Susan C. and George J. Balsley, all of whom are deceased, except 
Polly (now seventy-seven years old), Susan C. (sixty-five years) and George J. 
(fifty-nine years). Up to 1842 our subject worked on a farm, but finding it 
too laborious, he went to Mount Hope, a small place, to clerk in a store, 
remaining there until 1848. He then had a call from one of the most thriving 
stores in Waynesboro to clerk for George Besore, the leading merchant of that 
place, with whom he remained for three years, and became a partner of Mr. 
Josiah Besore for two years; then he engaged in the trade himself in the same 
town, and afterward took as a partner Mr. George Stover, until 1859, when he 
sold his interest to his partner, and became a candidate for county treasurer. 
In the summer of 1861 he received the nomination, and was elected by a ma- 
jority of 1,061 votes; served as treasurer in 1862-63; was deputy treasurer in 
1866-67; was deputy collector of internal revenue from 1869 to 1872, and 
resigning was offered the collectorship, but declined on account of the bond 
being too heavy for so small pay. He spent time and energy to complete the 
Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Railroad to Waynesboro, and has since been 
a director of said road, and secretary of the board. He spent considerable 
time in getting to Waynesboro the finest water-works the State can boast of, 
also the introduction of gas, all of which has proved a success. Mr. Balsley 
has, during the last seventeen years, been living on his farm, a short distance 
north of the town. He was named as a candidate for the House of Represent- 
atives in connection with twelve others; received the nomination, and, Novem- 
ber 2, was elected by the highest vote on the legislative ticket, and he is now 
a member of the House for 1887-88. 



930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

DAVID BARKDOLL, retired farmer, P. O. Midvale, was born in Wash- 
ington County, Md., January 17, 1817, a eon of John (a farmer) and Chris- 
tiana (Hevel) Barkdoll, natives of Maryland, and of German descent. They 
had a family of twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and of these 
David is the youngest son. Our subject received his education in Washington 
Township, and chose the vocation of farming; also learned the tanner's trade, 
which he followed in connection with farming until 1851; then followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until 1878, when he retired from active labor but still 
resides on the farm. He has been remarkably successful, and is the owner of 
two fine farms of 269 acres of well improved land. He was united in mar- 
riage in 1844 with Catherine, daughter of Jacob (a farmer) and Catherine 
(Whippel) Summers, of English and German origin, who reared a family of 
six children, of which Mrs. Barkdoll is the second child. The children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Barkdoll areas follows: Elizabeth, wife of James Scott; Salena, 
wife of David Bachel; and Anna, wife of George Smith. Mr. and Mrs. 
Barkdoll are members of the Lutheran Church of which he has been elder and 
deacon. In politics he is a Democrat. 

JASON BELL, Waynesboro, a member and director of the Geiser Manu- 
facturing Company, and at present superintendent of agencies and collector, 
was born in Washington County, Md., May 1, 1841. His parents were George 
and Mary A. Bell, the former a farmer and a resident of Washington County, 
Md. , the latter a native of Lehigh County, Penn. , a daughter of Joseph Mick- 
ley. George Bell was a farmer, a son of Frederick Bell, who had thirteen 
children, all of whom except one grew to be men and women. His ancestors 
were German. Mr. and Mrs. George Bell were members of the Lutheran 
Church. They had nine children: Henry F., deceased, unmarried; Malinda, 
deceased wife of Daniel Snively, who died without living issue; Jason, sub- 
jest; Joseph M., married Miss Catherine Oaks and resides in Franklin County; 
George M. D. , a farmer, married Miss Charlotta Frantz, resides in White Coun- 
ty, Ind. ; John A., farmer, married Miss Mollie Middlekauff, resides in Wash- 
ington County, Ml. ; MaryE., residing in Waynesboro; Rev. E. K. Bell, mar- 
ried Miss Jennie McNaull, is the pastor of the first English Lutheran Church 
of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Anna K. , wife of Prof. Albert, principal of the Waynes- 
boro schools. The subject of this sketch worked at farming and attended the 
common schools of his district and Waynesboro High School until he was 
twenty-two years of age when he married Miss Helen E. Crebs, a native of 
Waynesboro, and a daughter of Joseph H. and Anna J. (Brotherton) Crebs, 
the former a native of Cumberland County, and the latter of Franklin County, 
Penn. Joseph H. Crebs was a cabinet-maker and undertaker in Waynesboro 
for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Bell have two children: Carrie 
A., wife of B. F. Foreman, a merchant of Waynesboro; and Joseph C, at 
present a clerk in the store of Mr. Whitmore, Waynesboro. After his mar- 
riage Mr. Jason Bell took charge of the homestead farm for five years, when 
he came to Waynesboro and engaged in the manufacture of farm implements, 
and in building houses by contract; five years later he moved to Hagerstown, 
Md. , acted as traveling: salesman and solicitor for the Hao-erstown Steam En- 
gine & Machine Company, for three years, when he became identified with 
the Geiser Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bell is a man of more than ordi- 
nary ability, and has worked his way up at times under the most adverse and 
trying circumstances. He enjoys the confidence and respect of all as an hon- 
est upright gentleman, and ranks among our leading business men. He and 
his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. It is worthy of mention that 
the nine sons and daughters of George Bell, the father of Jason Bell, as well 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 931 

as the thirteen children of his grandfather, Frederick Bell, were all consistent 
members of the Lutheran Church, and every one has been an upright and 
honorable citizen, and has enjoyed the confidence and respect of all. 

JOSEPH M. BELL, farmer, Washington Township, is a descendant of one 
of the early settlers of Washington County, Md. Some time toward the close 
of the last century, Frederick Bell immigrated to that State from Germany and 
secured the title to a large tract of land adjoining the historic Antietam and 
Mason and Dixon's line. In the year 171)7 he built the large stone farmhouse, 
still standing near the turnpike leading from Hagerstown to Waynesboro. In 
the massive thickness of its walls, its generous proportions and generally for- 
bidding appearance, it embodies the architectural ideas of the projector rather 
than those commonly in vogue at that period. The proprietor was a man of 
liberal views, and although his sphere of influence was limited to the country, 
or perhaps to the immediate vicinity of his residence, his untiring activity in 
promoting public improvements was seldom ineffectual. He was successful as 
a farmer, and the fertility of the land originally included in his purchase proves 
the selection to have evinced his usual good judgment. He was a man of deep 
religious convictions, and to his practical ideas and earnest efforts may be at- 
tributed much of that religious activity which has characterized the community 
in which he lived. When as yet there was no church building at Leitersburg, 
Md., he publicly stated that he would give $1,000 toward the erection of such 
a structure. This prompted the liberality of his neighbors, and in 1824 their 
project assumed tangible form. Sixty years later, when this church was re- 
modeled, his descendants memorialized his name in an appropriate manner by 
inscribing it upon a window in the new structure. Frederick Bell was born 
June 29. 1768, and died July 3, 1839. He was the father of a numerous family, 
and many of his descendants have immigrated to the Western States. George 
Bell, his third son in order of birth, and the father of our subject, succeeded 
to part of the ancestral homestead. He became an extensive landed proprietor, 
and operated Esther mills for a number of years. He inherited the religious 
principles of his father, and was an elder in the Leitersburg Lutheran Church 
for a long period. His family consisted of nine children, of whom the fourth 
in order of birth, Joseph M. , was born October 12, J843. He began life as a 
farmer in 1805, and has continued in this business twenty-one years. He lived 
first on land which had been reduced to cultivation by his grandfather, but in 
1876 purchased a farm near Leitersburg, Md. He resided there until 1881, 
when he removed to his present residence. He has acquired a competency by 
judicious investments and careful management, and has always sustained an 
enviable reputation as a practical and progressive farmer. He was married 
March 7, 1865, to Kate B. (Oaks) Bell. The names of their children and birth 
of each are as follows: Ida M. , January 5, 1866; Herbert C, January 14, 
1868; Ernest E., May 31, 1870; George H., July 29, 1874; Keller J., April 
6, 1879; Albert L., April 8, 1884. Mrs. Bell's father, Henry Oaks, and 
mother, Folly (Hess) Oaks, were members of families which are still num- 
erously represented in this section. Henry Oakes was born September 19, 
1819, at Mont Alto, this county, and died May 16, 1883. He was a son of 
a captain of militia in the war of 1812. Mr. Bell has taken considerable in- 
terest in local religious and educational matters. He has been an officer in the 
Leitersburg Lutheran Church for some years, and has exerted himself to edu- 
cate his family. Ida M. Bell entered the Bloomsburg State Normal School in 
January, 1884, and graduated June 28, 1886. Herbert C. Bell entered the 
same institution at the same time, and graduated July 2, 1885. Both have 
subsequently been teachers, the former at Conyngham, Penn., the latter in 



932 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

this township. Herbert C. Bell is now assisting in the preparation of histories 
of Columbia and Berks Counties, Penn. 

WILLIAM F. BENCHHOFF, P. O/Blue Ridge Summit, proprietor of 
the ' ' Montana Springs Summer Resort, ' ' located near the highest point in this 
county, was born on the farm where he now resides, September 4, 1826, a son 
of John and Sarah Ann (Miller) Benchhoff, the latter a daughter of Fritz 
Miller, and of German descent. Our subject's great grandfather was among 
the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and located in Johnstown. His maternal 
great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. John Benchhoff, subject's 
father, a farmer by occupation, died October 2(3,1874, in his ninety-fourth year. 
He was among the early settlers of this county and had a family of fourteen 
children, twelve of whom grew to maturity. Of this number William F. is 
the sixth. Oar subject was reared on the farm, followed agricultural pursuits 
until 1876, and since then has been keeping a summer resort and speculating 
in real estate in company with Judge Kimmeli, of Chambersburg. They bought 
the land where Blue Ridge Summit Station is situated, laid off a town, and are 
selling town lots. Financially Mr. Benchhoff has been successful. He owns 
the farm where he resides, also 100 acres of land in Adams County. He was 
married in 1846 to Mary A., daughter of Thomas Crawford, and of Irish 
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Benchhoff are parents of ten children, nine living, five 
of whom are married. During the war Mr. Benchhoff was appointed provost- 
marshal by Capt. Eyster, of Chambersburg, and discharged the duties of the 
office fearlessly and faithfully. He captured deserters and recovered much 
stolen Government property. His eldest son, Benjamin Franklin, was a soldier 
in the One Hundi*ed and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and 
died soon after the battle of Fredericksburg from exposure. Mrs. Benchhoff is 
a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Benchhoff is a Republican in politics. 

L. F. BENCHOFF, teacher, P. O. Rowzersville, was born in Adams County, 
Penn., January 13, 1851, a son of John and Elizabeth (Anderson) Benchoff, 
natives of Adams County, Penn. ; former was a farmer and hotel-keeper, 
of English and German origin, latter of Scotch- English descent. They had 
twelve children, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, L. F. being 
the third child. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the district 
schools and the State normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he graduated in 
1874. He had taught before entering the normal school, and it was with the 
view of more thoroughly preparing himself for teaching that he took that 
course which has so eminently fitted him for the profession. In 1874 he ac- 
cepted a position as teacher in the grammar school in Waynesboro; subse- 
quently taught at Ringgold, Md. , and in 1883 accepted the position of 
principal of the school at Rowzersville. He is the owner of a well improved 
farm of seventy-five acres. In 1875 he married Miss Martha B. , daughter of 
William Johnston, and of German and Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Benchoff 
are parents of two children: Howard J. and Ross Edgar. The parents are 
members of the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Benchoff has been deacon 
and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics he is a Republic in. 

PETER BENEDICT (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Penn. , in 
October, 1814. His father, Peter Benedict, was among the pioneer farmers of 
the county. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving his education in 
the old-fashioned log schoolhouse. Early in life he learned the trade of a 
marble-cutter, and for several years followed that industry, but his main busi- 
ness was merchandising, which he successfully pursued for over thirty two 
years, the most of the time being a partner of W. S. Amberson. In 1882 Mr. 
Benedict retired from active business, having succeeded in accumulating a 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 933 

handsome fortune. .He was united in marriage, in 1873, at Waynesboro with 
Kate M. , daughter of ^William P. and Catharine E. (Shrodor) Weagly and of 
German lineage. The iVuit of this union was one child, F. W. Mr. Bene- 
dict in politics was a Republican. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, 
to which his widow also belongs. He died in 1883 lamented by all who knew 
him, leaving a large estate to his widow and only son. 

REV. P. BERGSTRESSER, D. D., pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Clmrch of Waynesboro, is a native of Snyder County, Penn. , born April 22, 1826; 
son of Peter and Elizabeth (Ulrich) Bergstresser, whose ancestors were among 
the earliest German emigrants to America, coming from the southern part of 
Germany. The date of their arrival, as copied from the colonial records 
(Book III, page 414) at Harrisburg, Penn., is 1731. His great-grandparents 
were the first representatives of their families in this country. John George 
Ulrich (maternal grandfather) was born in Berks County, Penn., and after 
serving all through the Revolutionary war settled at Selin's Grove, Penn. His 
paternal great-grandfather, John George Bergstresser (Bergstroser) had four 
sons, the youngest of whom, Philip, was born in America. The usual occu- 
pation of the family was farming. Our subject attended school in his native 
place, Selin' s Grove, Penn. , and early in life taught school. In 1849 he entered 
Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn., and was graduated in a regular 
classical course in the class of 1853, and in 1855 was graduated from the 
theological seminary at the same place. He was licensed by the Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod of east Pennsylvania in 1855 at Lebanon, Penn., and 
ordained by the same body in 1856 at Hughesville, Penn. He first engaged in 
missionary work in Tamaqua, Penn. His first regular charge was what was 
then called the Jersey Shore Charge, composed of churches in Nippenose Val- 
ley and near Jersey shore. Next he was appointed by the Susquehanna Con- 
ference to organize the Orangeville Charge in Columbia County, Penn., where 
he also founded^the Orangeville Male and Female Academy in 1859, now in a 
prosperous condition. He then engaged in missionary work in Illinois and Mich- 
igan, where he remained eight years, during which time he established and 
built up several churches, among which may be mentioned a Lutheran Church 
at Fairview, Fulton Co., 111.; one at White Pigeon, Mich., and another at 
Constantine, Mich. He was next called to Taneytown, Carroll Co., Md. , 
where his efforts were crowned with success, and four hundred new members 
were added to the fold. In this pastorate two new church edifices were built 
during his ministry of seven years. He is also the author of numerous arti- 
cles in the ' ' Quarterly Review, ' ' published by the Lutheran Church, and of a 
work entitled ' ' ; Vain Excuses Answered, ' ' which has an extensive circulation, 
now used in Sunday-schools, and published by the Lutheran board of publica- 
tion, No. 42 North Ninth Street, Philadelphia, Penn. During two years, 
from the fall of 1874 to the spring of 1876, he served as professor of theology 
in Hartwick' s Seminary, Otsego Co. , N. Y. Besides attending to the duties 
of his own department in this institution he also gave instruction in the Greek 
and German languages in the classical department of the same institution, and 
preached sometimes once and twice on Sundays; but preferring pastoral work, 
and the seminary being financially weak, he accepted a call to the Waynesboro 
charge in 1876. In 1879 he received a challenge from Elder S. H. Bashor, of 
Ashland, Ohio, a minister in the Tunker Church, to discuss the following sub- 
jects: Baptism, the Lord's Supper and Feet-washing. This debate attracted 
the people for miles around Waynesboro, and the proceedings of each day 
were published throughout the United States, and in 1880 appeared in book 
form. Since this reverend gentleman has taken charge at Waynesboro large 



934 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

numbers have been added to the church, and extensive improvements have- 
been made to the church edifice at a cost of $8,000 or $9,000. Our subject 
was married May 20, 1856, to Martha J.ane, daughter of Hon. John L. Fuller, 
of Gettysburg, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Bergstresser' s children now living are- 
Edwin, a physician and dentist, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College,. 
Philadelphia; William, a merchant in Waynesboro; Charles, a machinist, 
noted also for his musical talent; John R., a salesman in Waynesboro, noted 
also for his fine bass voice and musical talent; Fuller, a student in the high 
school ; and Adele, the only daughter living. All are members of the Lutheran 
Church. Our subject received the degree of D. D. from Pennsylvania Col- 
lege, his alma mater, in 1881. In politics our subject is a Republican. 

GEORGE BESORE. The Besores, under the various names of Besore, 
Basore, Bashor, Bashore and Basehore, are found pretty frequently over the- 
county of Franklin, especially in the townships of Washington, Letterkenny 
and Greene. The name varies greatly, but it may be taken with safety that 
all of the above, as well as other names deviating slightly in spelling from any 
of these, belong to the same stock— simply branches of the same tree. The 
pioneer of the race in America is believed to have been Daniel Besore, who 
came from Germany to this country among the early settlers. The stock is 
supposed to be German, but it is believed to be Huguenotic in origin, having 
settled in Germany during the persecution of the Huguenots in France. The- 
same belief also holds that the original name was Le or La Bessier or Basseur. 
The ancestor finally located along Marsh Run, a few miles from the town of 
Waynesboro, in Washington Township. He left at least two sons : David and 
John, both of whom left large families. David, and likely his father Daniel 
before him, owned and lived on the farm lately occupied by Henry Besore (de- 
ceased), and now owned by Rev. Geo. B. Russell, D. D. , a grandson of David. 
The sons and daughters of David were numerous, viz. : Daniel, John, Samuel, 
George, Jacob, Henry, Jeremiah, David, Josiah, Elizabeth (who married Geo. 
Uhler), Catharine (who married Christian Russell) and Mary (wife of Rev. Geo. 
W. Glessner, D. D. 

George Besore, the subject of this notice, was born on the said farm De- 
cember 21, 1799, and died August 16, 1871, at the residence he so long occu- 
pied on the Diamond in Waynesboro. Early in life he became a merchant, 
which seems to have been a favorite occupation for this family, because Jacob, 
Jeremiah, Josiah, and others also engaged in it. George and Jacob were- 
partners for some time, but, believing that marked success was not possible for 
the two in the same place, Jacob went to the city of Baltimore, engaged in the 
wholesale trade, and was on the high road to wealth and distinction as a mer- 
chant, when he was cut off by death at the early age of thirty-nine years. 
George continued merchandising in Waynesboro, built his residence and store- 
room, and met with more than the usual success for thirty years, and then re 
tired because of broken health. Afterward he bought Hopewell flouring- 
mills, about three miles east of town, where he in connection with others car- 
ried on a large business as merchant millers with varying fortunes until ill 
health and age compelled him to abandon it also. He was married September 
16, 1830, to Eliza Snively, one of the six daughters of Jacob Snively, of An- 
trim Township, one of the earliest families of the county. It is a mooted point 
now whether the first settlement was made by a Chambers or by a Snively. 
The widow still survives in reasonable health and strength, though consider- 
ably beyond the age of four score years. Clara and Alfred were their only 
children, of whom the latter died in infancy, and the former became the wife^ 
of Dr. A. H. Strickler. They with the mother continue to occupy the old 
Besore corner in Waynesboro. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 935 

George Besore was a man of mark in his neighborhood; he was known and 
appreciated throughout his county, and throughout the length and breadth of 
his denomination, or church, wherever it existed in this country. In him as a 
citizen, his people could and did feel an honest pride. His political opinions 
and partialities were decided and warm, but always poised with moderation 
and judgment. For him office had no charms, and from him scheming re- 
ceived no countenance. The writer cannot now recollect of any office held 1 >y 
him, though there were times when he was urged to enter upon that course. 
His greatest strength and influence was seen and felt in general business and 
in his church. For almost a lifetime he was regarded as a leading and most 
trustworthy business man, and for forty years he was one of the pillars of the 
congregation of the Reformed Church in Waynesboro. If not the first he 
was one of the original movers for Sunday-schools. He held the position of 
superintendent of the first Sunday-school in Waynesboro, from its commence- 
ment in 1830 up to his death, save an interval of perhaps a few years toward 
the last. He was earnest, active and liberal in the movements, which turned 
the current of opinion in his denomination toward a more liberal culture and 
education, and which resulted in the founding of Marshall College and the 
Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Mercersburg, the mother in- 
stitutions of that church in the United States. He served on the building com- 
mittees, was treasurer of the seminary and one of its board, and also for many 
years a member of the trustees of the college at Mercersburg, and afterward 
at Lancaster. The Printing Establishment of the Church at Chambersburg 
leaned upon and found him a strong and unwavering friend in its darkest days. 
Much oftener than is usual was he sent as a delegate to the Classes, Synods and 
other ecclesiastical bodies of his church, and no laymen excelled him in force 
and influence in the debates and business of these assemblies. Although thus 
honored Mr. Besore scarcely received all that he deserved. The writer of 
these lines as boy and man, knew him long and well, as intimately as could be 
compatible with their disparity in age; and now, in looking back over the 
last forty years, he recalls with peculiar pleasure, in the life and character of 
his respected friend, such an utter absence of all weak and unseemly traits, 
and such a liberal presence of the strong, the urbane and the good, that the 
like of it is seldom seen in human life and experience. In making this man, 
nature took of goodly clay to fashion a goodly face and form, and vitalized and 
finished her work by breathing into it a spirit of nobility and truth, creating a 
gentleman. Grace lent her aid to nature's work, illumined the human taber- 
nacle with light from Bethlehem's star, warmed it with love to God and fellow - 
man, and left nature's gentleman a Christian. 

WILLIAM BLAIR, the well known editor of the Village Record, Waynes- 
boro, was born in Franklin County, Penn., May 31, 1824, and has been a life- 
long resident here. His parents, John and Sarah (Belle) Blair, were of Welsh 
and Scotch-Irish descent respectively, and the parents of nine children, of 
whom William was the sixth born. The father was an agriculturist, and our 
subject was reared on the farm, attending the district school. When seven- 
teen years old he (William Blair) went to Hagerstown, Md. , and here learned 
the trade of a printer. In 1847 he came to Waynesboro and assisted Dr. D. 
O. Blair to publish the Village Record, continuing with him until 1851, when 
our subject bought Dr. Blair out, and has since conducted the paper alone. 
Our subject was married in 1854 to Mary J., daughter of William Geer and of 
English descent. This union has been blessed with sixteen children, ten of 
whom are now living: Asburry G. , Willie, Edwin O. , Henry G. (are printers 
and work in the office here), Mary B. , Charles, Stanley, Percy, Keith and Ma- 



^36 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

bel G. Mrs. Blair is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. 
Blair is a Republican. 

F. S. BRENISHOLTS, dentist, Waynesboro, was born in Juniata County, 
Penn., February 13, 1839, son of Peter and Eliza (McConnell) Brenisholts, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin, former of whom 
Was a farmer and stock dealer. Their family consisted of six children, five of 
whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the third born, was 
reared on the farm in his native county, and received his schooling in the Ju- 
niata Academy. He first followed farming as an occupation. The Doctor, 
from his earliest years showed wonderful skill in working in wood, and without 
receiving the usual instructions became so expert as to command the high- 
est prices for his work. During the war he was engaged in Washington on 
work for the Government for a time, and afterward went to Williamsport, 
Penn. , where he worked three years in constructing spiral stairways, and one 
year later he carried on building and contracting in the same place. Then, in 
1871, he commenced the study of dentistry with his brother, and has since de- 
voted his entire attention to his chosen profession. He was united in marriage, 
in 1878, with Samantha, daughter of the late Dr. R. M. and Mary Ann (Peel) 
French, former of whom was born in Otsego County, N. Y. , of Scotch-Irish 
extraction; the latter was born in Cumberland County, Penn., of English de- 
scent, and a relative of Sir Robert Peel of England. Dr. French attended the 
medical college at Philadelphia, and also at Baltimore; he was a successful phy- 
sician, practicing his profession for many years in Pennsylvania, and in those 
early days his ride extended into several counties. Mrs. Brenisholts is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist 
Church, of which he is trustee and steward, and assistant superintendent in 
the Sabbath-school. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served as a mem- 
ber of the town council, and at present is a director in the American Manufac- 
turing Company, and president of the school board of Waynesboro. He is a 
member of the K. of P. of Williamsport, Penn. , and of the S ubordinate and 
Encampment of the I. O. O. F. The Doctor has been very successful in his 
practice. 

COL. DAVID H. BROTHERTON, United States Army, Waynesboro, is 
the son of James Brotherton, Sr. , and Helen (Hammett) Brotherton; the for- 
mer of whom was of Scotch-Irish descent, graduated at Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, Penn. , and was for many years a successful physician until 
blood poisoning, produced by the puncture of a needle, while conducting a 
post-mortem examination, cut him off in the prime of life from further active 
pursuit of a profession in which he had already gained an eminent position 
among the physicians of his native county. Our subject's eldest brother, 
Jam^o, also a pi'omin3nt physician, practiced in Waynesboro until his death in 
1861. His grandparents were James and Jane (Henry) Brotherton; the for- 
mer native born, his father being a native of Donegal, Ireland; the latter born 
in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. The father of Dr. Brotherton, Sr. , 
passed his life in agricultural pursuits in Antrim Township, this county. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Waynesboro, this county, June 24, 1831. 
After receiving such an education as the common and select schools of his na- 
tive place afforded, he was in 1850 appointed a cadet at the United States 
Military Academy, West Point, N. Y., by the Hon. James X. McLanahan, 
then representing the district in Congress. Graduating in 1851, he was com- 
missioned a brevet second lieutenant in the Fifth Regiment of Infantry, United 
States Army, and, in the autumn of the same year, joined his regiment at 
Ringgold Barracks, Texas, performing the ordinary garrison duties of an offi- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 937 

cer until February, 1855. He was then detached from his company for duty 
with a military reconnoissance for a routo for tho Southern Pacific Railroad across 
the Llano Estacado, or ' ' Staked Plain. ' ' Rejoining his company in Novem- 
ber, 1856, his regiment embarked for Florida, where the following winter he 
participated in an active campaign against the Seminole Indians. His next 
service was with the Utah expedition, under Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. In 
May, 1800, the regiment was ordered to New Mexico, and the march was made 
directly through an unbroken country over several high ranges of mountains 
on the continent, and across the Green, Blue and Grand Rivers, and such were 
the obstacles encountered that a month's time was consumed in traversing 
the distance of 100 miles. It was not until August that the regiment arrived 
at Santa Fe. With scarcely any delay it was sent into the field for active 
service, and during the winter of 1860-61 was engaged in a campaign against 
the Navajo Indians, during which our subject took part in several scouts: and 
in two actions with these Indians, his conduct in one of which called forth favor- 
able comment in the general orders from the headquarters of the army. From 
the conclusion of this campaign, in the spring of 1861, until September 25, 
when he received his promotion as captain, he performed the duties of adju- 
tant of his regiment. The Texans having invaded the Territory in the early 
part of 1862, Col. Brotherton served with distinction in the several battles and 
skirmishes which took place with the invading army, and, for gallant and 
meritorious services in the battle of Val Verde, February 21, 1862, received 
the brevet of major. Soon after this he obtained command of his regiment, 
which he retained until 1866. He remained in New Mexico until September, 
1867, when he was ordered with his company to Kansas. While en route he 
was, September 21, attacked by a band of hostile Indians (Cheyennes and 
Arrapahoes) numbering several hundred, which he succeeded, after a fight 
lasting several hours, in driving off. Col. Brotherton then retraced his steps 
and rescued a large citizen train of wagons that was beleaguered, and which 
would, undoubtedly, but for his assistance, have fallen victims to the same 
band of Indians. His next tour of field duty was as guard and escort to the 
Indian commissioners, then en route to make a treaty with the confederate 
hostile tribes — Arrapahoes, Cheyennes, Kiowas, Apaches and Comanches — at 
Medicine Lodge Creek. Upon the conclusion of this duty he returned to his 
station. The treaties then made with the Indians lasted but a short time, as 
we find him during the winter of 1868-69 again in the field, taking part 
in the campaign against them, they having recommenced hostilities. His 
regiment was next ordered for duty in the Northwest, on the breaking out of 
hostilities with the Sioux. During his service in Montana and Dakota he par- 
ticipated in the pursuit and capture of Chief Joseph and his band of hostile 
Nez Perces, at Milk River, Northwest Territory, near the British line. In 
1879 he received his promotion as major of the Fifth Infantry; transferred the 
same year to the Seventh Infantry, and joined his new regiment at Fort Snelling, 
Minn. , January, 1880. In July following he was ordered to the command of 
Fort Buford, Dak. Soon after his arrival he entered (under authority of his 
departmental commander) into negotiations with the hostile Indians across the 
British line, under Sitting Bull and various other noted chiefs, which termi- 
nated finally in the surrender of some 1,700 hostile Indians, with their arms 
and ponies, including Sitting Bull, who, on July 17, 1881, with the last rem- 
nant of his followers, surrendered to Col. Brotherton at Fort Buford. For the 
successful completion of this duty, Col. Brotherton was highly complimented 
in a special order issued by his department commander, in which it was stated 
that ' ' to him was due the credit of suggesting the policy and course of action 

53 



938 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

which resulted in the capture of a large portion of the hostile Sioux during the 
winter, and in the final surrender of Sitting Bull, with almost the last remnant 
of his adherents. During all the negotiations and all the movements of troops 
which preceded the surrender, his services were invaluable, having brought to 
a final conclusion the war with the Sioux, which, commencing in 1876, endured 
almost to the present time " (1881). This great work, conducted as it was in 
a climate where the thermometer frequently registered fifty degrees below 
zero, and his constant exposure to all temperatures, though eminently success- 
ful, was such a tax on his vitality as to render it necessary that he should seek 
a warmer climate to recuperate his shattered health, and he therefore spent the 
following winter in Florida, hoping that he would regain his former strength 
and vigor. Partially recovering, a return to the rigorous climate, in which his 
regiment was serving, soon convinoed him that the seeds of disease had not 
been eradicated. Col. Brotherton received his promotion as lieutenant-colonel 
of the Twenty-fifth Infantry July 3, 1883, but in April following, under the act 
of Congress retiring disabled officers, he was placed on the retired list of the 
army for ' ' disability in line of duty. ' ' Col. Brotherton rendered the Govern- 
ment valuable service, and his record is an honorable and interesting one, 
though his field of action was on the frontier, where there was but small 
chance for military distinction. 

C. H. BUHRMAN, merchant, P. O. Rowzersville, was born at Mount Zion, 
Frederick Co., Md. , June 1, 1837, a son of Samuel and Mary (Gordon) Buhr- 
man, also natives of Frederick County, Md., and of German origin. Samuel 
Buhrman was a farmer, also hotel-keeper and proprietor of Monterey Summer 
Resort for fifteen years. He died in 1861 ; his family consisted of three children, 
of whom C. H. is the eldest. Our subject was reared in Washington Town- 
ship, this county, and attended the common schools, also the academy. His 
first occupation was that of farming, and subsequently he embarked in mercan- 
tile business, at which he continued three years, in Adams County. In 1871 
he established a general store in Rowzersville, which he has continued since. 
He was married February 16, 1858, to Anna Maria, daughter of Peter Green. 
Her parents were natives of Frederick County, Md. , and of German origin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Buhrman have five children now living: Harry R., Mary N. , 
Emma, Samuel, Fannie Dean. Mrs Buhrman died December 20, 1879, a 
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Buhrman is a 
Republican in politics. 

HON. JAMES H. CLAYTON, Waynesboro, ex-member of the State Leg- 
islature from Franklin County, and whose portrait appears in this volume 
as one of the representative men of his county and State, was born in Waynes- 
boro, February 14, 1828, the only son of a family of seven children. His par- 
ents were John and Sarah J. (Foster) Clayton, the former born in Franklin 
County, Penn., in 1796, and the latter in Ireland. John Clayton was a con- 
tractor and carpenter in early life and later a farmer; he died in 1848, aged 
fifty-two years. He was a man of more than ordinary ability. For a number 
of years he and Alexander Hamilton were engaged in the real estate business, 
and they were intimate friends and successful men. Our subject was but ten 
years of age when his father became an invalid, through exposure and over- 
work. He attended to his father's business until the latter' s death, managing 
his father' s farms and general real estate business, which was quite extensive. 
He obtained his education at the common and high schools of Waynesboro, and 
had a commercial training. He clerked at Mercersburg,, Waynesboro, Phila- 
delphia, Newville (Cumberland County), Pittsburgh, Winchester (Va.), and then 
returned to Waynesboro, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 939 

been elected to important offices of trust in his township and town, and later, 
was elected director of the poor of Franklin County, which office he held for 
three and a half years; was elected in 1883 a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of Pennsylvania to till the unexpired term of the Hon. J. McDowell 
Sharpe, and, in 1884, was re-elected to the Legislature for a full term. Mr. 
Clayton was instrumental in the organization of the First National Bank of 
Waynesboro, and has been a director and secretary of the board of directors 
for this bank every since its establishment, twenty-two years, save one year. 
He has always taken an active interest in his town, and has laid out several 
streets, built and sold a number of houses, and sold over forty lots. He has 
been, and is still, an extensive stockholder in the Frick Manufacturing 
Company, serving as treasurer one year for the Geiser Company. He has 
been a member of the I. O. O. F. since he was twenty-one; has passed all 
the chairs and received all the honors that could be conferred upon him by this 
order. Mr. Clayton married December 11, 1860, Miss Sallie J. Miley, of 
Washington Township, this county, born October 9, 1841, near St. Thomas, 
Franklin Co. , Penn. , daughter of John G. Miley (a farmer) and Catherine 
(Wanner) Miley, the former a native of Franklin County, and the latter of Berks 
County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton had nine children — five sons and four 
daughters — two sons and three daughters living: Charles Brotherton, who man- 
ages his father' s farm, attending school; Sallie Phillips, attending private select 
school; Victor Virginius, attending school; Bessie Grace and SudieMay. Mrs. 
Clayton died November 11, 1878, a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Clayton has been an elder in the same church since 1868. His father was of 
English descent, and the family were old residents of Pennsylvania and Frank- 
lin County. 

M. C. DETRICK, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in Waynesboro, 
this county, December 25, 1827, a son of George and Sarah (Cakoe) Detrick, 
of Scotch and English descent respectively. The former was a native of Mary- 
land, the latter of Pennsylvania. George Detrick was a blacksmith by trade, 
in later life a farmer. His family consisted of six children. The eldest, David 
M. , now deceased, was a successful farmer and business man; he left no heirs 
and willed his estate to the Detrick family on the death of his wife. He owned 
a fine farm in this township, which consisted of 250 acres of well improved land, 
where the widow now resides. Our subject, the second child, was reared on 
the farm and educated in his native place. His first work was in the woolen- 
mills, where he learned the trade and worked thirteen years. In 1855 he mar- 
ried Miss Martha S., daughter of John (a farmer) and Elsie (Barr) Funk, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin respectively. Mr. 
and Mrs. Detrick have one child now living, Alice K. , wife of Harry Smith. 
Mrs. Detrick is a member of the Mennonite Church. In politics Mr. Detrick 
is a Republican. He owns the well improved farm where he now resides. 

JOHN DOWNIN (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Penn. , July 
14, 1828, a son of John and Susan (Johnson) Downin. His paternal and 
maternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Franklin County, and of 
English descent. He was the third of seven children, was reared on the farm 
and acquired his early education in the district schools. He operated a dis- 
tillery, was a successful business man and accumulated a goodly share of the 
things of this world. He was united in marriage in Washington Township, 
August 29, 1850, with Susan, daughter of John and Christiana (Hevel) Bark- 
doll, of German origin, and whose ancestors were among the early settlers of 
Maryland, near the Mason and Dixon line. John Barkdoll was a farmer by 
occupation and died in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Downin were blessed with seven 



940 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

children: Josiah, deceased; John A., farmer, married and residing in Wash- 
ington Township, this county; Annie E., Christie A., wife of William O. 
Weagley; Florence V., Ella M. and Ida A. Mrs. Downin is a member, of the 
Reformed Church. Mr. Downin departed this life November 7, 1875. In 
politics he was a Republican. 

AMOS R. FRANTZ, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Waynesboro, was born 
in Washington Township, this county, October 11, 1852, a son of John and 
Catherine (Ryder) Frantz, natives of Pennsylvania, and his paternal and 
maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His 
grandfather, Rev. Christian Frantz, who came here in 1820, was the founder 
of the New Mennonite Church in Franklin County, and was a member of that 
denomination for many years. John Frantz, the father of our subject, and 
who was a successful farmer, died in 1877. He had a family of three chil- 
dren, of whom Amos R. is the second. Our subject grew to manhood on the 
farm where he now resides, attended the common and select schools at Waynes- 
boro, and has made farming his business. He was married in 1875 to Ida 
Herr, daughter of Amos F. Herr, and of German origin, a member of the 
Reformed Mennonite Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Frantz have been born two chil- 
dren : G. H. and Anna H. The family have a beautiful home and are con- 
tented and happy. In politics Mr. Frantz is a Republican. 

GEORGE FRICK, manufacturer, Waynesboro, was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn. , November 25, 1826, son of Abraham and Catharine (Ditfen- 
baugh) Frick, natives of Lancaster County and of German descent, the former 
of whom was a farmer all his life. Our subject, the fourth born in a family of 
six children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common 
schools. Early in life he learned the trade of a millwright, and followed it 
as an occupation for a time. He then commenced to manufacture steam 
engines in Washington County, Md. , and carried on biisiness there for nine 
years, when in 1860 he moved to Waynesboro and continued to make steam 
engines and threshing machines, being among the first to engage in manufact- 
uring in Franklin County, and from his small beginning has developed two 
large industries known as Frick & Co. and the Geiser Manufacturing Com- 
pany. In 1873 Mr. Frick sold his interest to the firm of Frick & Co., but 
continued to manage the business for them. He was married in 1850 in 
Franklin County, Penn. , to Miss Frederica, daughter of Frederick Openlender, 
and of German origin. To this union have been born six children: Abraham, 
a member of the firm of Frick & Co. ; Ezra, also a member of the firm and 
its secretary; Amos, in the shops; Frederick, a draftsman for Frick & Co. ; 
Franklin (deceased), and Annie, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Frick are members of 
the Mennonite Church. 

A. O. FRICK, manufacturer, Waynesboro, was born in Ringgold, Washington 
Co., Md. , June 16, 1852, eldest son living of George and Frederica (Openlender) 
Frick, who came to Waynesboro in 1860. (His father's sketch will be found 
elsewhere in this volume.) Our subject attended the schools of Waynesboro, 
and at the age of fourteen commenced to learn the trade of machinist. Although 
his father was the principal owner of the Waynesboro Steam Engine Works, 
he learned the trade by serving a regular apprenticeship; later he was fore- 
man in the shops, then general foreman in the machine shops, and then drafts- 
man and mechanical engineer. He has taken out eighteen patents, mostly on 
the machinery of the steam engine, and turns all patents over to the company. 
As he is now one of the members and also a director, he considers it is for his 
interest to do so. He is now frequently sent for by parties living at a distance , 
to draw plans and drafts; he also makes many sales for the firm. He attends 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 941 

all large mechanical exhibits, and shows the machinery of the Frick Company. 
In 1878 he married Miss Louisa Hatter, a daughter of Martin Hatter, of Balti- 
more, Md. She was of German origin, and died November 12, 1885. Mr. 
Frick is a member of the Republican party, of the Masonic fraternity and the 
I. O. O. F. 

EZRA FRICK, socrotary of the Frick Manufacturing Company, "Waynesboro, 
was born January 12, 1856, in Washington County, Md. , within three miles of 
Waynesboro. His parents, George and Frederica (Openlender) Frick, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, had a family of eight children, five 
of whom are now living. Our subject, the fourth born, acquired his education 
in the common schools and in the high school of Waynesboro. At seventeen 
he commenced the trade of machinist, and after working at it faithfully for 
three years and getting familiar with all its details, he was called to do office 
work, and for two years was shipping clerk for the Frick Manufacturing Com- 
pany; then appointed assistant secretaiy and in 1882 was elected secretary, 
which position he still holds. He is prompt, diligent and extremely careful in 
business. Our subject was united in marriage February 20, 1885, with Kate, 
daughter of Samuel Mehaffey of Chambersburg, Penn. , and of Scotch origin. 
This union has been blessed with one child, Frederica. Mrs. Frick is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Frick is a Republican. He 
is a member of the K. of P. 

AARON FUNK (deceased) was born in Washington Township, Franklin 
Co. , Penn. , April 29, 1835, a son of John (a farmer) and Nancy (Shank) Funk, 
latter a native of Maryland. His grandfather's name was Henry Funk, and 
his ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. John 
and Nancy Funk were parents of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to 
maturity, and of these Aaron was the second. The early years of our subject 
were spent with his parents on the farm, and he acquired his education at the 
district school. From his youth up he was engaged in agricultural pursuits 
and owned at his death a fine farm of 200 acres in Washington Township, 
where he resided. He was married December 11, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter 
of John Frick and of German descent, and to this union were born eight chil- 
dren: Anna, wife of John R. Frantz; Ida, wife of Charles Hasler; Alice, wife of 
S. P. Hostetter; John, Christian, Amos, Gertrude and Maud. Mr. Funk died 
September -1, 1880. He had been judge of elections, supervisor and school 
director, and took an interest in the affairs of his township. Politically he was 
a Republican. Mrs. Funk is a member of the new Mennonite Church. 

HENRY FUNK, retired farmer, and proprietor of the Fairview Farm and 
Rolling Mills, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in Lancaster, Penn., March 10, 
1828. His parents were Henry and Catherine (Kitzmiller) Funk, the latter 
a native of Lancaster County, Penn. The father was an old-time wagoner and 
teamster in the days of the " Conestoga wagon," and later followed milling; 
he died in 1870. Our subject, the fifth in a family of eleven children, received 
a limited education and spent the most of his life in Cumberland County, 
Penn., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and dealing in stock.. 
In 1883 he came to Franklin County, purchased the Fairview farm and mill, 
put rollers in the latter, and placed it in position to do first-class work. Owing 
to ill health, Mr. Funk has retired from active business life, and his property 
is managed by his son. In 1852 our subject married Miss Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Charles and Susan (Kurtz) Garver, of German origin, and to them were 
born the following named children: Kate, now the wife of Christian Reddig; 
Charles M. , and Susan, wife of John Ranley. Mr. and Mrs. Funk are mem- 
bers of the German Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican, and has 



942 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

served as school director. Their only son, Charles M. , who is now operating 
the mill alone, and farm, was born' in Cumberland County, Penn. , December 
26, 1855. He received a fair education, and has been engaged principally in 
agricultural pursuits. In 1881 he opened a grocery store in Waynesboro, 
which he conducted two years, then sold out and took charge of the Fairview 
farm and mill, which he still operates. He was married in 1880 to Anna 
Belle, daughter of David Zullinger of German origin, and to this union two 
children have been born: Ida Blanche and Charles Roy. Mr. Charles M. 
Funk is of a mechanical turn, and while he has never served a regular appren- 
ticeship, conducts the mill successfully, being a practical miller. 

MARTIN S. FUNK, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Waynesboro, was 
born in Franklin County, Penn. , September 8, 1845, a son of Jacob S. and 
Catherine (Shelley) Funk, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, 
members of the River Brethren Church. His father, a farmer and miller by 
occupation, died in Washington Township, this county, in 1850, where he had 
resided most of his life. They had a family of fifteen children, of whom Mar- 
tin S. is the youngest. Eleven children are now living. Our subject was 
reared on the farm where he now resides in Washington Township, received 
his education in the common schools and chose the vocation of farming. The 
home farm consists of 200 acres, of which he has full charge. He was mar- 
ried in December, 1865, to Elizabeth, daughter of George W. Sarbaugh, and 
of German origin. Four children were born to their union, three now living : 
Minnie B., Lillian M. and Cora C. Mrs. Funk is a member of the Reformed 
Church. Mr. Funk votes the Republican ticket. His paternal and maternal 
ancestors were early German settlers of Pennsylvania. 

PETER GEISER, retired manufacturer, Waynesboro, was born in Wash- 
ington County, Md., March 26,1826; son of John and Mary (Singer) Geiser, 
natives of Franklin County, Penn., of German origin, living on their own 
farm where they reared twelve children. Our subject, the seventh born, at- 
tended the common schools. In his early boyhood he was mechanically dis- 
posed, attending to the building and repair work on his father's farm, in the 
meantime devoting considerable time to the study of mechanics. While on 
the farm he invented a grain separator for which he soon after obtained pat- 
ents, and to-day the Geiser separator is widely and favorably known. After 
experimenting with it and proving it a success, Mr. Geiser, in company with 
a brother, commenced to manufacture the machine, and from this small 
beginning has developed a large manufacturing company. The laborious, 
tedious, and disagreeable work of threshing grain early attracted his atten- 
tion, and he applied his efforts assiduously to the problem of improving 
the crude methods then in vogue, with a measure of success seldom attained 
by those who are too often known as " visionary theorists." His first experi- 
ments in the construction of a grain separator were made in 1850, Avhen 
he demonstrated to his satisfaction the feasibility of removing the grain from 
the chaff and straw at the same operation by properly adjusted machinery. He 
secured a patent on this appliance in 1852, when the possibilities of the inven- 
tion first dawned upon his mind. A second patent was obtained in 1855, the 
additional feature of a winnowing machine having been developed in the mean- 
time. In the following year the first three machines were sold; and from 
this insignificant beginning the subsequent industrial development of Waynes- 
boro is directly traceable. It has been truthfully said of modern civilized so- 
ciety that the most disinterested benefactors are invariably least appreciated, 
either by the sincere gratitude or substantial remuneration that should reward 
their efforts. An inference so plainly apparent need not be indicated. The 






WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 943 

residence of our subject, which stands on an elevated place and commands a 
good view of the surrounding country, is a neat and substantial three-story 
brick structure, one of the most- desirable in the county. Mr. Geiser was unit- 
ed in marriage, April 20, 1855, with Mary, daughter of David and Elizabeth 

Hoover, and of German and Swiss origin. They have eleven well-to-do chil- 
dren, mostly grown up, in whom they have good prospects and are more than 
recompensed for their financial misfortunes. The family attend the services 
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Geiser is an independent thinker, neutral in pol- 
itics, though greatly predisposed to regenerative reform and advancement, 
as manifested in his literary production, extracts of which we here give in 
his own quaint style: 

One of the present day evils seems to be that broad-minded benefactors are run 
down by narrow-minded victimizers. The worthy producer financially is at the mercy 
of the unworthy realizer — like the horse that earns the oats but can not get them. The 
late Josh Billings said that "every man is entitled to a living, provided he earns it." but 
he has not said how he is to get what he is entitled to. This condition of things seems 
bad and really contrary to what it ought to be — the reverse ought to be the rule 
and really the available law. The worthy benefactor ought generally to be run up and 
forward, pecuniarily, while his unworthy victimizer ought occasionally, for his own 
benefit, to be run down and backward. 

O. W. GOOD, Waynesboro. It is supposed that the ancestry of Mr. Good 
came from North Switzerland close to the German line, to this country, and 
settled in an early day in Lancaster County, Penn. From the best and most 
authentic information that can be gathered, three brothers by the name of 
Guth (German) settled in the above named county, and while one of the three 
remained there, the other two moved farther west, about the year 1740, into 
the province of Maryland close to the line disputed between Lord Baltimore 
and William Penn, now known as " Mason and Dixon's line." These localities 
are now best known as Washington and Garrett Counties, Md. Christian Guth 
settled at Leitersburg, Washington Co., Md. ; the other brother at Oakland, 
Garrett Co., Md. ; the latter, however, belongs to the original family of Goods 
(or Guths), while Christian Good's family, only, enter into this particular 
sketch. Christian Good and his wife, Barbara, have their burial places marked 
by two rough marble tombstones, standing over three feet high, in the old 
family burying-ground, two miles east of Leitersburg, Md. , upon a part of 
the farm known as the ' ' Steven Martin place. " It is something rather re- 
markable that tombstones of this size should mark their burial place, while 
other stones of that date are generally very small. Christian Guth reared a 
family named as follows: Christian, Jr., Peter, Abraham, Jacob, John, David, 
Elizabeth, Nancy and Barbara. 

Jacob S. Good, the father of O. W., and whose portrait appears elsewhere 
in this volume, is a direct descendant of Christian Good, and was born on the 
farm where he now resides December 9, 1819. He is a son of Christian Good, 
Jr. , and Elizabeth (Stover) Good, the former a native of Maryland, the latter 
of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. The house where he resides 
was one of the first built in the township, and one room in it has been the birth- 
place of three generations. The cellar, which is still one of the best to be 
found in the country, was built with all of what were supposed to be only mod- 
ern improvements. Jacob S. was educated at the old-fashioned subscription 
schools, and later began farming, which he has since followed and has been suc- 
cessful. He is the owner of two fine farms consisting of 350 acres of well im- 
proved land. In 1845 he married Maria, daughter of John Funk. Her par- 
ents were of German origin and were born November 8, 1783, in Washington 
County, Md. , and July 18, 1785, in Franklin County, Penn., respectively. 



944 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Christian Good, Jr., was born March 25, 1786, and his wife July 6, 1787; 
raised a family of eight children named as follows : David M. , Henry, Jacob 
S., Daniel F., Christian, Christian, Sarah* and Mary — five boys and three girls. 
Jacob S. is a Republican in politics; was elected county commissioner in 1859 
and served three years through the most exciting time of the war. His family 
consists of two sons, O. W. and Jacob F. 

O. W. Good was born in Midvale, Washington Township, Franklin Co., 
Penn. , October 27, 1848. He received his education in his native county, and 
followed farming several years on the farm which has been in possession of the 
family for over three-quarters of a century. In 1876 he embarked in his pres- 
ent business, distilling. He has lately erected the handsome three-story brick 
hotel on Main Street, in Waynesboro. Mr. Good is a Republican and was 
nominated for the State Legislature, but was defeated by the Hon. John Mc- 
Dowell Sharpe. In 1879 he married Miss Anna B., daughter of Stephen G. 
Martin and Anna (Funk) Martin, the latter of German origin. Mrs. Good is 
the mother of one child, Robert Elder. 

Jacob F. Good (brother of O. W.), merchant, railroad and express agent at 
Midvale, this county, where, on the old homestead he was born January 31, 
1852, was reared on the farm, attended the common schools, the institute in 
Waynesboro, and the State normal school at Millersville. Penn. He farmed 
until 1880 when he embarked in and created his present business and place of 
business, now known as "Midvale." In 1875 he married Mary K., eldest 
daughter of Michael Miller, Esq., of Hagerstown, Md., and they have one 
child, J. Omar. Mrs. Good is of German descent and a member of the Breth- 
ren Church. Politically Mr. Good is a Republican. 

JOHN B. HAMILTON, farmer, Waynesboro, was born in Waynesboro, 
Franklin County, Penn., March 14, 1832; son of Alexander and Jane (Besore) 
Hamilton, the former a native of Chester County, Penn., of German descent — the 
latter born in Franklin County, Penn., of English lineage. In 1817 Alexander 
Hamilton walked from Chester County to Waynesboro, this county, carrying all 
his earthly possessions in a handkerchief; being a wagon-maker by trade, he im- 
mediately set to work, and soon had all he could do. He built himself a shop 
where he carried on business here for many years, and by industry, economy 
and judiciously investing his money in real estate, succeeded in accumulating 
a fair share of this world's goods. He was twice nominated for the State 
Legislature but was defeated. He died in 1874 at the advanced age of eighty- 
two years. Of his family of twelve children nine grew to manhood and 
womanhood. Our subject, the sixth born, grew to maturity in his native town, 
where he attended school. He there studied portrait painting and followed 
the profession for several years, but farming has been the main business of his 
life, and he still superintends his farm of 136 acres in Washington Township. 
He was married at Waynesboro in 1865 to Mary R. Clayton, sister of Hon. 
James H. Clayton. This union was blessed with one child, Alexander, now 
learning the jeweler's trade. Mr. Hamilton lost the partner of his life by 
death in 1872. In politics our subject is a Democrat. He is among the most 
prominent Masons in Franklin County, having attained the thirty- second 
degree. 

WILLIAM HAMMETT, Waynesboro, was born inWashington County, Md., 
August 23, 1804; son of David and Anna (Funk) Hammett, natives of Mary- 
land and of English and German origin, former of whom, a farmer by occu- 
pation, came to this county in 1808. Our subject, the third in a family of five 
children, received his education in the subscription school in the old log school- 
house which is still standing within the corporation of Waynesboro. His life 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 945 

has been one of industry, for in his youth he commenced to clerk in a store 
in Waynesboro, kept by Messrs. Bitinger & Resser (who were among the first 
merchants here), where he remained a few years, and preferring mercantile 
life embarked in business for himself, keeping a general store in Waynesboro. 
His health failing he embarked in the iron business, and was employed as super- 
intendent of the Caledonia Iron Works for over twenty years, and for the last 
twelve years had entire charge of the business. When Mr. Hammett took 
charge the company was deeply in debt, but after he took hold the business 
prospered. He always made it a rule not to employ a man who drank intoxi- 
cating liquors, and would discharge any one who became intoxicated while in 
his employ, and he attributes his success largely to this one rule. After quit- 
ting the iron business he was employed as assistant ticket agent for the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Company at Pittsburgh, Penn. Then for a time was super- 
intendent of a coal mine at Plymouth, Penn., but since 1867 has lived a re- 
tired life in Waynesboro. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been elder and trustee for many 
years. Mr. Hammett was made a Master Mason in 1825 and is still a mem- 
ber in good standing, being probably the oldest Mason living in the county. 

J. C. HESS, of the firm of Lidy & Hess, manufacturers of hosiery, Waynes- 
boro, was born in Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 8, 
1859, a son of Israel and Lavina (Crouse) Hess — former a native of Franklin 
County, Penn. , of German origin; latter a native of Maryland of English origin. 
Israel Hess has followed farming principally through life and now resides in 
Waynesboro. J. C. Hess, the youngest of four children, two of whom are now 
living, was reared on the farm, attended the schools of Waynesboro, and 
worked two years at the wagon-maker' s trade. He then commenced the boiler- 
maker' s trade with Frick & Co., at which he worked eight years; then spent 
three years at butchering in Waynesboro. In 1885 he bought a half interest in 
his present business ; this firm now employs from forty to fifty people. He was 
united in marriage in 1879 to Lida, daughter of William Albert and of Ger- 
man origin. Mr. Hess is a Republican in politics; is a member of the K. of 
P., in which he has passed all the chairs, and was representative to the Grand 
Lodge; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. , also of the encampment, his 
lodge being the "Widows' Friend," No. 219. 

SAMUEL HOEFLICH, retired merchant, Waynesboro, was born in 
Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., December 21, 1831; son of 
William and Susan (Royer) Hoefiich, who were born and married in this 
county, the former of whom, a shoemaker by occupation, was born in 1800 
and died in 1885. Our subject's ancestors on both sides, were of German 
origin and early settlers in Pennsylvania. Samuel Hoefiich, the oldest of 
seven children, acquired his education in the country schools of Washington 
Township. At the age of sixteen he obtained a position in a dry goods store 
at Waynesboro, soon arose to prominence as a clerk, and for several years 
was considered the leading salesman here. In 1862 he was drafted, and en- 
listed in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry, and when the company was organized he was appointed orderly 
sergeant. When the regimental officers were elected, the captain of Company 
E was made lieutenant-colonel, and our subject was appointed second 
lieutenant, in which capacity he served for ten months. Returning home he 
continued in his former employment, clerking, and subsequently embarked in 
business for himself at Waynesboro. In 1864 he and Joseph Price (who 
was in the same business) combined their stores and did business under style 
of Price & Hoefiich. This firm carried on a successful business for many 



946 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

years, during which time they both invested largely in stock of the Frick 
Manufacturing Company, which has proven a successful investment. Mr. 
Price finally sold his interest in the store to Mr. D. M. Good, making the 
firm Hoeflich & Good, who continued the business for several years, when he 
sold out his interest (in 1881), since when has not been engaged in any active 
business. Our subject married January 10, 1865, Maria, daughter of 
William Vandrau and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Hoeflich are mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church at Waynesboro, of which he has been deacon 
and elder. For several years he has been a director in the First National 
Bank at Waynesboro. He has ever been a public -spirited, enterprising man, 
and took an active interest in getting the railroad here. He was one of the 
principal movers to have the water-works established at Waynesboro. In 
politics he is a Republican. The family attended the services of St. Paul's Re- 
formed Church. 

J. R. HOEFLICH. agent of water and gas-works, Waynesboro, was 
born in Franklin County, Penn. , Febrxiary 3, 1840; a son of William and Susan 
(Royer) Hoeflich, natives of this county and of German descent, former 
of whom was a manufacturer of boots and shoes in early life, but later devoted 
himself to farming. Our subject, the fifth in a family of seven children, was 
reared near Waynesboro, in Washington Township, and attended school in 
the borough. His first vacation was clerking and he was thus employed for 
thirteen years (three years of the time in Pittsburgh) but since 1878 he has 
devoted the larger part of his time to the insurance business and at present 
he is general fire and life insurance agent, his office being in the water 
company's department on East Main Street. His aim is to represent none but 
the first-class Companies such as the "Phoenix of London," " Phcenix of 
Brooklyn," " Connecticut". " National of Hartford" " Fire Association of Phil- 
adelphia " and "The Mutual Life of New York." In 1884 Mr. Hoeflich 
was appointed agent of the water and gas-works in Waynesboro. He was 
married in 1869 to Mary Catharine, daughter of Jacob B. Resser and of 
Scotch-Irish origin. The children born to this union are Luella, Mary R. , 
Nettie H. , Ruby Motter. Charles Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Hoeflich are mem- 
bers of St. Paul's Reformed Church in Waynesboro, of which he has been dea- 
con since 1874, and has ever taken an active interest in the Sabbath-school, 
serving as secretary and librarian. He has served as one of the school board 
in Waynesboro. In politics our subject is a Republican. He is a member 
of the G. A. R. and has been sergeant-major and adjutant of the post. 
During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1862, in Company E, 
One Hundred and Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving his 
term of enlistment (nine months) as a non-commissioned officer. He re- 
enlisted in 1865, in Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. 

DANIEL HOOVER, president of the Geiser Manufacturing Company, 
Waynesboi-o, was born in Washington County, Md., October 19, 1833; 
son of David H. and Elizabeth (Zentmyeri Hoover, the former born 1796, 
in Frederick County Md., the latter in 1803 in Washington County Md., 
near the Mason and Dixon line, at the foot of South Mountain, where her 
father, David Zentmyer, was engaged for many years in tanning. Their 
early ancestors were natives of Switzerland. Our subject, the fifth in a family 
of eleven children, received his education in the country schools, being reared 
on the farm, and at the age of twenty-two he left the parental roof and started 
out in life for himself. ' ' The Geiser separator ' ' was at that time in its in- 
fancy. Its inventor, Peter Geiser, married Mary Hoover (sister of our 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 947 

subject), so lie took an interest in the new machine and bought one of the first 
that was sold, it having been bnilt at Smithsburg, Md., by William 
Frankinberry. Mr. Hoover took the machine with him to Middletown, Md., 
and engaged in threshing during the season of 1856. After that he followed 
different pursuits, sometimes working on the farm, then traveling in the 
interest of the Geiser machine (as agent), and again following threshing until 
1866, when he became a member of the firm of Geiser, Price & Co. , and took 
his old position as traveling salesman for the firm. In January, 1868, he 
bought one-half of J. F. Oiler's interest in the firm and in January, 1869, 
they secured a charter. Since then he has been occupied in various important 
positions in the company, and in 1884 was elected its president, which posi- 
tion he still fills. He was united in marriage February 8, 1866, with 
Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catharine (Knave) Newcomer, of German 
origin. Her father was a farmer. Of the children born to this union four are 
now living: Virtue E., Ira N., Percy D., Roy J. D. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover 
are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he is an elder. Politically 
our subject is a Republican. He has served as a member of the town council. 

DANIEL JOHNSTON, brickmaker, Waynesboro, was born in Washington 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn. , August 22, 1834, a son of John and Sarah 
(Hartman) Johnston, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Mary- 
land, and of German and Irish descent respectively. John Johnston was a 
brickmaker, a trade he followed for many years in this township, but now lives, 
retired from active life, in a neat little cottage in the suburbs of Waynesboro. 
His family consisted of seven children, four of whom still survive, Daniel being 
the eldest. Our subject was reared in Washington Township, and has resided 
in Waynesboro since he was eight years old. He attended the common schools, 
learned the brickmakers trade, and subsequently that of milling; but not liking 
the latter, returned to his former business of brickmaking, which he has made 
the principal business of his life and in which he has been successful. He 
manufactured all the brick for the Geiser manufacturing shops, also a large 
number for the Frick & Co. , shops. When he first commenced this business 
he made the brick by hand but he has kept pace with the times and is now 
supplied with all the modern improvements in machinery for the manufacture 
of brick, and which have cost him over $1,000. He has built some of the hand- 
some residences in Waynesboro, one of which he owns and occupies with his 
family. In 1855 he married Catharine, daughter of George Barnhart, of En- 
glish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of the following named 
children: Mary, wife of Daniel Koons of Pittsburgh, Penn.; H. V., wife of 
Walter McGee; Bettie, wife of Charles Bowen; Minnie Kate, wife of William 
Kefager, and William H. Mrs. Johnston died in 1866 and in 1868 Mr. John- 
ston married Mary Bowman, a daughter of David Bowman, of English ori- 
gin. By this union there were the following named children: John F., Alice 
May, Missouri, Daniel V., (deceased), Nettie, Grover Cleveland and Adda 
Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a 
Democrat; has served as constable and member of the town council. 

FRANKLIN FRICK LANDIS was born near Neffsville, Lancaster Co. , 
Penn.. February 25, 1845, a son of Benjamin N. and Lydia P. (Frick) Landis, 
and a grandson of Abraham Landis, who was for many years (up to his death) 
a minister in the Reformed Mennonite Church, lived near Lancaster City, Penn., 
all of his life, and died in the early part of 1860 in his eighty-second year. Our 
subject is also a grandson of Jacob Frick, of near Neffsville, Lancaster Co. , 
Penn., still living and enjoying good health, now past eighty-five years of age, 
and uncle of George Frick, the well known manufacturer of Waynesboro, Penn. 



948 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ' 

Our subject's ancestors originally came from Switzerland, though nearly two 
centuries have passed since they first settled in America. In or about 1847, 
Franklin Frick Landis, who was the elder of two children (at that time), came 
to Franklin County, Penn. , with his parents, who settled on a small farm to 
which belonged a small saw and grist-mill, driven by the Antietam Creek. This 
property is about three miles south of Waynesboro, Penn. The father was a 
carpenter, and being of an inventive turn of mind had made a number of im- 
provements in the mill. He also added to the property a small sash and door 
factory, the machinery of which was nearly all his own make, but in the midst 
of his prospects he was, in the fall of 1855, stricken down by typhoid fever, and 
after a lingering illness of about three months, died, leaving his family in 
rather moderate circumstances, his widow, with seven children (the youngest 
was born after the father's death), being compelled to go to her people and give 
some of the children to others to raise. Our subject, the elder, who fell to an 
uncle's care, was early inured to labor, and his educational advantages were 
limited to what could be obtained in the common schools during the winter 
months, having to work on the farm the balance of the year. This sort of life 
continued until he was seventeen, when, having convinced all of his dislike to 
farming, he was allowed to follow his own inclinations, and in April, 1862, he 
entered a small machine shop at Mount Joy, Penn. There he applied himself 
assiduously to his trade, and at the expiration of three years left the smoky 
shop with a more thorough knowledge of his ignorance, and the outlines (in a 
rather rude or crude way) of a very useful trade or profession. He next went 
to Lancaster City, Penn., where he obtained a good position in a locomotive 
shop (at that time known as the Norris Locomotive Works), at a fair salary, 
and remained with the same firm until their works closed and he was thrown 
out of employment at a time he could illy afford to be idle, for his mother had 
moved to Lancaster and, with his assistance, was trying to get part of her fam- 
ily together. Our subject then proposed to follow Horace Greeley's advice to 
' ' go west, ' ' but was dissuaded by his mother, who thought that sooner or later 
there would be a wide scope for his mechanical ingenuity in the East. Soon 
after this, while our subject was talking to Mr. Jacob Stouffer, of Lancaster 
City (who did a good business as a patent solicitor), in a discouraged way 
about obtaining work, a client of Mr. Stouffer stepped into his office, having 
a crude model of an invention. Mr. Stouffer told him he must have a complete 
model of his invention, and turning to Mr. Landis said he had some trouble 
in getting good models built, and if he could make models he could give him 
comparatively steady employment. With bright prospects our subject started a 
small shop in a room of about 12x14 feet, spending most of his earnings for tools, 
etc. and in a short time was at work making models, repairing sewing machines, 
locks, engraving door-plates, putting up door-bells, etc. , doing a good busi- 
ness in a small way for nearly two years. He subsequently took a younger 
brother into partnership. They soon began manufacturing steam engines and 
did general machine work, continuing until 1872, when they sold out. Our sub- 
ject then filled a salaried position as master mechanic at the same business 
for four years and a half. In 1870 he and another brother embarked in a 
business of manufacturing portable frame engines. The mechanical part of 
the business was a success but the financial part was a failure, and in the fall 
of 1878 they were obliged to make an assignment for the purpose of placing 
all their creditors on an equality, the sudden crash being caused by a business 
firm failing who had bought the bulk of their products that year. Francis 
Hershy, of Mount Joy, Penn. (brother-in-law of our subject), bought the bulk of 
the tools, fixtures, finished and unfinished materials, and afterward the prop- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 949 

erty. Through his kind assistance the Landises were enabled to start the 
works and ultimately to pay all indebtedness, which at that time was $8,000 
to $10,000. The Geiser Manufacturing Company at that time contem- 
plating the manufacture of a portable steam engine in connection with 
their grain-thresher business, concluded, in the fall of 1879, to try to make 
some arrangement to get the Landis engine to build. The company then 
offered Mr. Landis (our subject) a position on a salary in their works, 
and to enter into a contract with him to pay him a royalty on all engines 
they built with his improvements. This offer was accepted, and our subject 
has since been employed as their mechanical engineer. He has constantly 
been improving the company's machinery and has many valuable patents, 
among which may be mentioned a traction engine or road locomotive and a 
steam plow. Mr. Landis has built himself a residence in Waynesboro which is 
equipped with every modern convenience and is one of the most complete in 
the town. He was united in marriage in 1869 with Elizabeth Hershy, a 
native of Lancaster County, Penn., and daughter of Rev. Samuel Hershy, a 
Mennonite minister, who died February 27, 1885, in his eighty-first year; his 
ancestors came from Switzerland, but for four generations have lived in 
America. Eight children were born to this union: Ida May, Benjamin F., 
Mary H., Lizzie H, Anna E., Adria, Frank H. and Mark H, of whom only 
four are living. Benjamin F. died in his seventh year: Mary H. , in her eighth 
year; Adria, when but an infant, and Frank H. in his fifteenth month. Mr. 
and Mrs. Landis are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. 

DANIEL S. LESHER, retired farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born on 
the farm where he now resides, May 3, 1839, a son of John and Mary (Sollen- 
berger) Lesher, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. The father 
followed farming all his life, and died in 1881. His family consisted of three 
children, Daniel S. being the second. Our subject was educated in the school 
of his neighborhood, and. followed agriculture, but at present is living retired 
from active life, on his well improved farm of 100 acres. His paternal and 
maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania, 
and generally followed farming. His great-great-grandfather, Henry Lesher, 
emigrated from Shaffhausen, near Zweibrucken at Ebersten Hoff, Switzer- 
land, to the American colonies at the age of sixteen, with fifty-three other 
families, on the ship " James Goodwill," David Crocket, captain, from Rot- 
terdam, and landed at Philadelphia, Penn., on September 27, 1727. In 1807 
our subject's grandfather, Rev. Christian Lesher, settled in Washington Town- 
ship, Franklin Co., Penn., and in 1808 purchased the farm on which our sub- 
ject now lives. He was a minister of the River Brethren denomination, 
preached many years in this State and in Ohio, and died in 1856. 

JACOB S. LESHER, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in Washington 
Township, Franklin Co. , Penn. , October 18, 1842, a son of John and Mary 
(Solenberger) Lesher. His paternal and maternal ancestors were ainong the 
early German settlers of Pennsylvania. His great-great-grandfather, Henry 
Lesher, the progenitor of the Lesher family, with about 200 others, emi- 
grated from Shaffhausen, Switzerland, to the American colonies in the ship 
" James Goodwill, " David Crockett being captain, and landed at Philadel- 
phia September 27, 1727, and subsequently moved to Lancaster County, near 
Manheim, where he pursued the vocation of farming. Our subject's grand- 
father, Rev. Christian Lesher, moved from Lancaster County to this town- 
ship in 1807, and a wooden plow brought along and used by him is now in pos- 
ession of our subject, who regards it as a relic. He has also in his possess- 
ion, a German Bible, in a perfect state of preservation, published at Zurich, in 



950 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1538, and brought from Switzerland by his grandfather's ancestors, and 
which has since been in possession of the family. Our subject, who is the 
youngest of two children, spent his early years on the farm with his parents, 
and his education was acquired at the common schools. Being of a very in- 
genious turn of mind he took up the business of watchmaking, which he has 
followed from his boyhood. He has in his possession a wooden watch made 
by hand by himself, which weighs two ounces, and which keeps regular time. 
Mr. Lesher has taken several extended trips to the Western States and Territo- 
ries, during which time he was engaged in collecting and preserving rare speci- 
mens of birds, animals, Indian relics, etc. His museum is considered the 
largest and most valuable private collection of stuffed animals and birds and 
relics in the county. The farm where he now resides consists of 130 acres of 
fine land located on the Hagerstown and Waynesboro pike, near Waynesboro, 
whither he removed in 1883, since which time he has superintended the farm 
and followed watchmaking. In 1882 Mr. Lesher married Lizzie A., daughter 
of Daniel Hollinger, and of German origin; to this union two children have 
been born: Vierda May and Daniel H. Mr. Lesher is a Republican and is 
serving as school director. 

G. FRANK LIDY of the firm of Lidy & Hess, manufacturers of hosiery, 
Waynesboro, was born in Quincy Township, this county, January 18, 1813, 
son of George and Susannah (Feids) Lidy, natives of Franklin County, Penn. , 
and of German and English origin. His father (a tanner by trade) and his 
mother both died in the year 1872. They were the parents of two sons, Sam- 
uel J. and G. Frank. The boys grew to manhood in this county, attending the 
common schools and learning the machinist's trade, which Samuel J. still fol- 
lows, at Pittsburgh, Penn. Our subject learned his trade of George Frick, 
with whom he worked in all seven years. He enlisted in 1863 in the Twenty- 
first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was honorably discharged 
in 1864 at expiration of his term of service; he then re-enlisted in the Seven- 
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served as bugler in both regiments. He was 
discharged at the close of the war, and though wounded lost no limbs. Re- 
turning home Mr. Lidy entered the employ of Mr. Frick, his former instructor, 
and was with him until the Frick company was established. He made wood 
work, also studied and became a good draftsman, and it was he who drew 
up the plan for the shops of Frick & Co., and superintended the work, he 
being the chief architect and builder. In 1879 our subject embarked in busi- 
ness on his own account, in company with Samuel J. Lecron, in the manufact- 
ure of doors, sash and blinds, and it was then that he contracted to build the 
shops of the company. In 1881 the present business was established, and the 
firm have been doing well here, employing fifty people when running a full set 
of burrs. Mr. Lidy was married in 1861 to Elizabeth Dickie, of German 
origin, and of the five children born to them four are now living: Bertie, Mary, 
Rose and Isaac Henry. Mrs. Lidy is a member of the Reformed Church. 
Our subject is a Republican politically; a member of the K. of P., and adju- 
tant of Captain Walker Post, No. 287, G. A. R. 

WILLIAM LOGUE, retired farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in Wash- 
ington County, Md., September 10, 1824, a son of William and Martha 
(Walker) Logue, natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. They were 
married in Ireland, and soon after came to America and settled in Maryland. 
Their family consisted of five children, of whom William is the third. Our 
subject was reared on the farm and educated in the district school. His father 
dying in debt, William worked by the month to pay off this indebtedness, and 
to support his mother and the younger children, which he continued to do for 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 1)51 

eight years. In 1844 he came to Franklin County, Perm., and engaged in 
farming, which has been his principal business. He has also dealt largely in 
horses, and lately sold one of his farms for 116,000. In 1851 ho married 
Christine Snowberger, daughter of David Snowberger. Mr. and Mrs. Logtie 
are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon. In 
politics he is a Democrat. While a resident of Quincy Township, this county, 
he served as assessor and a member of the election board. He is a self-made 
man, having acquired all that he has by his own industry and perseverance. 

MICHAEL LOOKABAFGH, farmer and proprietor of the Ten Mar Club 
House, P. O. Rowzersville, was born in this county on the farm where he now 
resides, May 1, 183(5, a son of John and Elizabeth (Miller) Lookabaugh, latter 
of Irish parentage. His father was born in Adams County, Penn. , of German 
descent, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years; he was a strong 
temperance man, using neither whisky nor tobacco; he was twice married, and 
became the father of twelve children. Michael, his first child by the second 
wife, received a rudimentary education, and from his youth up has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, buying and selling horses, etc. , and has made 
money by good investments. The club house pays him $100 per month rent; 
it is 70x24 feet, and was built in 1880. In 1857 Mr. Lookabaugh married 
Rebecca Flannig, a daughter of Frederick Flannig, and of German and Irish 
origin. Of the ten children born to this union seven are now living, the eldest 
being married. Mr. Lookabaugh is a Republican. He has served as consta- 
ble and tax collector for nine successive years. 

DAVID BOWLES MARTIN, editor and proprietor of the Gazette and 
job office, and hardware merchant, Waynesboro, was born in Franklin County, 
Penn., May 22, 1827, son of Nicholas and Elenora (Bowles) Martin, natives of 
Washington County, Md. . and of English and German origin, former of whom 
was a farmer and miller by occupation. Our subject, the youngest of two chil- 
dren born to his parents, was reared in this county; received his education in 
Marshall College, in Franklin County, and then followed his father' s occupation 
until 1873, when he embarked in the hardware business. He was married in 
1853 to Mary A., daughter of Capt. John Cushwa, and. of French and Ger- 
man origin, and their children are John C. , a partner with his father in busi- 
ness; N. B. , an attorney; Rose, wife of Prof. M. M. Garver; Minnie, widow 
of John Lowe; Jessie, wife of James B. Fisher, editor by profession. Mr. and 
Mrs. Martin are members of the Reformed Church, of which he is elder. He 
is a Republican in politics. 

N. BRUCE MARTIN, attorney and editor, Waynesboro, was born at Welsh 
Run, Franklin Co., Penn., March 15, 1854, a son of D. B. Martin, of Waynes- 
boro (see sketch). He grew to manhood in Franklin County, and received his 
education at Mercersburg College, where he graduated in the regular classical 
course in 1874. He then took up the study of law in the office of Col. George 
W. Brewer, of Chambersburg, Penn., and was admitted to practice in the 
courts of Franklin County in 1878. The first three years he practiced his 
profession in Chambersburg, but in 1882 came to Waynesboro, and bought 
a one-half interest in the Keystone Gazette. He conducts the editorial depart- 
ment of this journal in connection with his law practice, his office being located 
near the Gazette building. April 30, 1884, he married Miss Catherine Cushwa, 
a daughter of Victor and Mary A. (Kreigh) Cushwa, former of French and 
German origin, latter of English and Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin 
two children were born: Joseph B. (deceased) and F. Gerald. The parents are 
members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Martin is a Republican. He served 
three years as secretary and attorney for the directors of the poor of Franklin 



952 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, and has for several years filled the office of solicitor for the borough 
of Waynesboro. As a writer and composer he has but few equals in this 
county. 

ABRAHAM MICKLEY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Waynesboro, was 
born in Washington County, Md. , near the Mason and Dixon line, September 2G, 
1834. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Zettle) Mickley, were natives of Adams 
County, Penn. His father was born December 8, 1795, served in the war of 1812; 
was a farmer and settled here in 1828, near the line, -where he remained until he 
retired in 1861, when he removed to Waynesboro. His family consisted of twelve 
children, all of whom grew to maturity and of whom our subject is the eighth. 
The earliest years of our subject were spent on the farm with his pai-ents and 
in attending the country schools, and subsequently he attended Franklin and 
Marshall College, where he remained one year, since which time he has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. His brother, John, was a Union soldier in 
the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed in a skirmish in Vir- 
ginia. His eldest brother, Peter, was killed by lightning. Abraham was 
married in 1861 to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Mary Ann (Winters) 
Stephey, natives of Washington County, Md., and of German origin. To this 
union the following named children were born: Harvey, who graduated at 
Franklin and Marshall College June 18, 1886; Emma, Daniel and Nora Grace. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mickley are members of the Reformed Church. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics; takes an active interest in school affairs and has served as 
school director of the township. 

DAVID MILLER, P. O. Blue Ridge Summit, proprietor of the "Cler- 
mont Summer Resort." was born April 17, 1826, in Lebanon County, Penn., 
his parents, David and Sarah (Frensler) Miller, were also natives of Lebanon 
County, and his paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early Ger- 
man settlers of Pennsylvania. His father, who died in 1870, a farmer by oc- 
cupation, had a family of eight children, of whom David is the fourth. The 
earliest education of our subject was received from his parents on the farm, 
but later he attended the college at Mercersburg and Lancaster County College. 
He is a Republican in politics, but has never held any county office. He owns 
150 acres of land and the "Clermont Summer Resort," which is numbered 
among the handsome places of Pennsylvania. 

D. R. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, is descended from an early 
German settler of Pennsylvania, and was born in Washington Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., May 21, 1836. His parents, John and Eve (Car- 
baugh) Miller, were also natives of Washington Township, and both were de- 
scended from German ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject, Henry 
Miller, served all through the Revolutionary war, and took up a large tract of 
land in Washington Township, Franklin County, the deed of which is still in 
possession of the family, bearing date of 1786; this land has since continued in 
the possession of the family, and has passed from one generation to another. 
D. R. Miller, the youngest of three children, was reared on the farm and edu- 
cated in the schools of his native township. He chose farming as his occupa- 
tion, and owns 341 acres of land, well improved. In 1859 he married Anna, 
daughter of David Shank, a prominent farmer. Mrs. Miller is of German or- 
igin, and has borne her husband six children: Morris Edgar, Walter E. K., 
Anna, David S., John F. and Margie A. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members 
of the Reformed Church, of which he has been deacon and Sabbath-school 
librarian for years. He is a Democrat in politics. While the grange was in 
existence he was an active member of that organization. 

JOHN J. MILLER, merchant, Waynesboro, was born in Newton Town- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 953 

ship, Cumberland Co., Penn. , November 17, 1843, a son of Jacob and 
Catherine (Diven) Miller, former of Swiss descent, latter of German-Irish 
origin. His father followed tanning for many years in Cumberland County, 
Penn.; his family consisted of eight children, one of whom, William H. , a 
Union soldier, was taken prisoner at the battle of Winchester, and died while in 
prison. Our subject was reared in Newton Township, Cumberland Co. , and re- 
ceived his education in the common schools. When he reached his majority he 
embarked in business for himself at Oakville, where he continued for six years ; 
then in 1873 came to Waynesboro, and embarked^in his present business, deal- 
ing in hats, caps, boots and shoes, on the northeast corner of the square. He 
aims to have one price on his goods and, therefore, treats all alike, which 
brings to his store many of the best citizens of Waynesboro and vicinity. He 
was married in 1872 to Mary, daughter of Jacob Holsinger, and of German 
origin, a member of the German Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Miller is a 
Republican. He is a successful business man. 

REV. ISAAC Mi MOTTER, pastor of St. Paul's Reformed Church, 
Waynesboro, was born in Emmitsburg, Md. , January 19, 1852, a son of Lewis 
and Alice (Rudissell) Motter, natives of Maryland and of German origin. The 
father is a farmer, living at Emmitsburg, Md. Our subject is the fifth in a 
family of eight children. His early education was obtained in schools of the Em- 
mitsburg, and subsequently he attended Mercersburg College, where he gradu- 
ated in 1873; then entered the theological seminary, and graduated in 1876. 
In the same year he was ordained, and installed over the charge of his present 
church in Waynesboro. He was married in 1879 to Ada S., daughter of Sam- 
uel and Kunkel, and of German origin. She is the mother of four children: 
Lewis, Guy, John C. and Lida. 

T. S. NEVIN, proprietor of confectionery, bakery and grocery store, 
W T aynesboro, was born March 21, 1841, in Franklin County, Penn., of Scotch- 
Irish origin. His paternal and maternal ancestors were early settlers of Penn- 
sylvania. His father, A. G. Nevin, was a railroad contractor in early life 
and postmaster at Waynesboro from 1864 to 1866, and again from 1868 to 
1875; he died in 1875. He was united in marriage with Matilda Ripple, who 
bore him eight children, seven of whom lived to be men and women. Our 
subject, the second born, has spent the most of his life in his native town, and 
here attended school. His first business occupation was working in a dairy at 
his uncle's, in Baltimore, Md., where he remained for seven years, the last two 
as proprietor of the business. In 1865 he engaged in the wholesale flour and 
grain business at 203 North Street, Baltimore, Md. In 1869 he associated 
with him Jos. H. Allen, of Baltimore, the firm name being Nevin & Allen, and 
they were the pioneers in Baltimore's large grain trade, having brought to Bal- 
timore the first corn from west of the Mississippi for export. In 1871 our sub- 
ject went to Kansas and dealt in stock. He returned to Baltimore in 1875 and 
clerked in a flour and grain commission house until 1877, when he came to 
Waynesboro and embarked in his present business. He is energetic, industri- 
ous and well deserving of the liberal patronage he has received since coming 
here. He states that he handles goods on a small margin, and that his motto, 
*' quick sales and small profits," will insure success and keep away all stale 
goods. Mr. Nevin was married in 1877, to Mary A. Hodnette, a native of 
Philadelphia, Penn., and of German origin, and their children are Bruce E., 
Edith A., Mary Lee, Julia R. and William G. Mr. and Mrs. Nevin are members 
of the Methodist Church in which he is steward and trustee. He takes an act- 
ive interest in the Sabbath-school as teacher and has served as superintendent 



954 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the Waynesboro Methodist Episcopal Sabbath -school. In politics he is a 
Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

SAMUEL NICODEMUS, retired farmer, P. O. Zullinger, was born in 
Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., March 25, 1825, a son of 
John and Margaret (Potter) Nicodemus, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Ger- 
man origin, the former of whom, a farmer and distiller by occupation, died 
in 1828. His family consisted of nine children, Samuel being the youngest. 
The early education of our subject was received in the common schools, and from 
his youth up he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns 210 
acres of well improved land. In 1847 he married Catherine, daughter of John 
Lechron, of Waynesboro, and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Nicodemus 
are parents of the following named children: John, owner of a fine fruit farm; 
D. O. and A. L. , farmers ; Arminta, wife of Franklin Miller, and Dora, wife 
of H. Marshall. Mr. and Mrs. Nicodemus are members of the Reformed 
Church, in which he has been elder and deacon. In politics he is a Democrat, 
and has held most of the township offices. 

JACOB F. OLLER, bishop of the German Baptist Church and assistant 
treasurer of the Geiser Manufacturing Company, Waynesboro, was born in 
Washington Township, this county, January 18, 1825, son of Joseph and Re- 
becca (Stoner) Oiler, natives of Maryland and Franklin County, Penn. , respect- 
ively, and of German origin. Joseph Oiler was a mechanic in early life, and 
worked at his trade, but in later years followed farming. Our subject, the third 
born in a family of eight children, received his education in the district schools, 
remaining on the farm with his parents until twenty years of age when, 
for a time, he taught school in winter and worked on the farm in the summer. 
He subsequently clerked in a dry goods store and then embarked in business in 
company with John Philips, conducting a general store in Waynesboro for 
two years, when they sold out, and Mr. Oiler returned to the scenes of his 
childhood, where he followed farming for ten years with more than average 
success. He then left the farm and kept a general store in Quincy Township, 
this county, for two years. In 1866, when the Geiser, Price & Co. manufact- 
ory was established, he became one of the partners in the firm, which has 
since merged into the Geiser Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Oiler has 
filled every office from president down (when they first started he did all the 
office work), and it is from his own choice that he is now only assistant treas- 
urer. Our subject was married July 20, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
Jacob and Susan (Hullinger) Bonebreake, and of German origin. The chil- 
dren born to this union are Joseph J., treasurer of the Geiser Manufacturing 
Company; Rebecca, wife of C. C. Stull; Susan, wife of Joseph E. Roher; 
Jesse R. ; Anna, wife of Silas E. Dubbal; May and John B. Our subject has 
long been a member of the German Baptist Church, serving as minister thirty- 
one years and receiving hie ordination as bishop in 1883. 

WILLIAM TELL OMWAKE, attorney, Waynesboro, was born in Antrim 
Township, this county, May 23, 1856, son of Henry and Eveline (Beaver) Om- 
wake, also natives of Franklin County, and of German descent. His father in 
early life was a teacher, but in later years retired from his profession and 
bought a farm near Greencastle, this county, where he now resides. Our sub- 
ject, the second born in a family of nine children, was reared on the farm and 
his earliest education was acquired in the country school, but he subsequently 
attended a private school at Greencastle, this county, and Ursinus College in 
Montgomery County, Penn. He followed the early avocation of his father for 
a few years: read law in Chambersburg. Penn., in the office of ex- Judge F. M. 
Kimmell; was admitted to the bar in 1881 and in 1882 commenced the practice 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHir. 955 

of his chosen profession in Waynesboro, in the office with L. W. Detrick, who 
died the same year, since when Mr. Omwake has been alone and has been very 
successful. He was admitted to practice law in the supreme courts in 1886. 
He is an active member of the German Reformed Church in which he is a 
deacon. Politically he is a Democrat. 

JOHN PHILIPS, cashier of the First National Bank of Waynesboro, 
Penn., was born February 17, 1821. His maternal grandfather, John Eichel- 
berger, a native of Frederick County, Md., was a Revolutionary soldier, and 
fought bravely at the battles of Banker Hill, Lexington, and throughout the 
war, distinguishing himself in many of the conflicts of that eventful period. 
He married Mary Leonard, a daughter of Michael Leonard, a native of Ger- 
many, and who settled in Reading, Penn. They had six children, their daughter 
Mary marrying Thomas Philips, July 25, 1811, near Frederick City, Md. 
Thomas Philips was a native of Virginia; his father, Thomas Philips, was an 
Englishman, who settled in Virginia, and died near Leesburg, leaving three 
young children — Thomas, Israel and Elizabeth — to the care of their widowed 
mother. Thomas Philips, the father of John, was engaged in the milling 
business in Washington County, Md. , during the greater portion of his life, 
dying February 19, 1844, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, at Hagerstown, 
Md. Thomas and Mary Philips had six children: Thomas, a doctor; William 
and Samuel, clergymen; Israel, a miller; two daughters, both dying in infancy; 
and John, our subject, who was the only child born in this State and county. 
Educated privately in Washington County, Md. , he received, at an early age, 
his business training, in Shepherdstown, Va. Thence he removed to his home 
in Hagerstown, Md. In 1845 he located in Waynesboro, Penn., and was 
here engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1856, when he became chief factor 
in the organization of the savings bank, out of which grew the First National 
Bank of Waynesboro, in 1863, since which period he has been the cashier. 
Under his conservative management, the bank has paid regular semi-annual 
dividends of over nine per cent per annum, clear of all taxes (since its organiza- 
tion), which, in the aggregate, amount to more than double its capital; and its 
stock has maintained a premium of over thirty per cent for the last fifteen, or 
more, years. His familiarity with commercial and banking law peculiarly 
fitted him for the judicious management of the bank, and as a safe advisory 
member of the several manufacturing corporations, of which boards he is a 
member. Few banks and corporations, if any, have been so free from litiga- 
tion as those with which he has been connected in the management. About 
the year 1872 he interested himself in the establishment of manufactories, 
and was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the three large manufac- 
turing companies, viz. : The Geiser Company, American Manufacturing Com- 
pany, and the present Frick Steam Engine and Boiler Works, the latter of 
which he was president of from its organization, in 1873, until March, 1886. 
He is a director of the American Manufacturing Company since its organiza- 
tion, in 1882. Mr. Philips is the patentee of the self regulating windmill, 
having obtained his patent in 1855. The same year, it took first prize in the 
State fair of Indiana. He married Susan, second daughter of John Clayton, 
of Waynesboro, Penn. , and sister of the Hon. J. H. Clayton, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere. They have a son and daughter now living, Clayton and 
Grace, the former of whom holds a clerical position as an assistant to his 
father in the bank. Mr. Philips and his wife have been connected with the 
Presbyterian Church since 1846, and for a number of years Mr. Philips has 
held the position of treasurer of the trustees. 

JOSEPH PRICE, president of the First National Bank, Waynesboro, was 



956 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

born on a farm two miles north of Waynesboro, in Quincy Township, this 
county. His parents, Jacob and Susan (Emmert) Price, were natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland respectively, and" of German origin. The Prices were 
among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, our subject's grandfather, Jacob 
Price, being born in this State in 1765; he was an early settler of this county 
and died in his seventy-fifth year. Joseph Price, the second born in a 
family of eight children, was reared on the farm which was settled by his 
grandfather in 1786, and which is still in possession of the family. Joseph 
Price remained on the Earm with his parents until he was eighteen years old, 
and his education was acquired in a country school and Lititz, Lancaster Co. , 
Penn. , where he attended school one year, 1849-50. From January, 1851, 
to April, 1853, he was engaged in the drug business at Boonsboro, Md. , but 
in the latter year he removed to Waynesboro, this county, where he was actively 
engaged in the dry goods business alone until 1864; from then he had a partner 
(firm being Price & Hoeflich) until 1879, when he sold out to D. M. Good. 
Since the establishment of Frick Manufacturing Company in 1873, Mr. 
Price has been a stockholder and director in the concern. In 1873 he was 
elected president of the First National Bank of Waynesboro, in which capacity 
he still serves. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and since 1873 has served as elder; he takes an active inter- 
est in the Sabbath-school, of which he is now superintendent. He is treasurer 
of the Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Railroad, and contributed both time and 
money toward getting the railroad to this point. 

WILLIAM A. PRICE, barber, Waynesboro, was born in that place March 
4, 1837, son of George and Lydia (Hoover) Price, both of German origin — 
former, by trade a shoemaker, born in Frederick County, Md. , latter born in 
Waynesboro. Onr subject, the seventh in a family of twelve children, six 
of whom are still living, attended the schools of Waynesboro and chose the 
barber's trade, at which he has since worked in different places, but most of 
the time in Waynesboro where he has been actively engaged in business since 
1865. He was married in 1856 to Martha Ann Forney, daughter of Marks 
Forney and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Re- 
formed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He enlisted in 1861 in Com- 
-pany A, Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served three months; 
later he enlisted in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was first 
•duty sergeant of Company D. He served in all four years, three months and 
fourteen days. 

!S. H. RINEHART, president of Frick Manufacturing Company, Waynes- 
boro, was born in Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., January 5, 
11839, son of Samuel and Catharine (Bonebrake) Rinehart, of German origin. 
The former was born in Virginia May 12, 1811 ; the latter in Pennsylvania June 
13, 1807-, they were married March 31, 1831. Our subject's grandfather, 
Lewis Rinehart, moved from Virginia to Franklin County, Penn., in 1828, 

• settling en a farm one mile east of Waynesboro. Samuel Rinehart was educa- 
ted in the common schools of Virginia, and was a farmer by occupation; his 
wife was a daughter of Conrad Bonebreak; their union was blessed with eight 

• children: John, Susan, Mary, Samuel B., Lewis, Henry, Daniel and Catharine, 

• all now living but Lewis, who died February 9, 1877. Sanmel B. Rinehart 
was reared on the farm in this township and attended the district school and 
the Waynesboro and Millersville Normal School. He followed farming until 
twenty years of age, and then for five years divided his time between teaching 

: and farming (teaching in winters). In 1865 he embarked in the hardware 
'business at Waynesboro, which he continued for several years, meeting with 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 957 

marked success. (During his business life here he had several partners. ) In. 
1883 he sold his interest in the hardware business, went west and spent 
some time in Kansas, where he met many relatives whom he had never seen 
before. In the same year (1883) he was appointed agent for Frick Manu- 
facturing Company, and served in this capacity until 1886, when he was elected; 
president of the company. He was united in marriage September 29, 1 868, in 
Washington County, Md. , with Lizzie, daughter of Rev. Joseph F. Rohrer. 
Her parents were natives of Maryland, of German origin, and members of 
the German Baptist Church of which Mrs. llinehart is also a member. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rinehart have three children now living: Elmer, Rohrer, Archie- 
Vard. In politics our subject is a Republican. 

HENRY RINEHART, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born January 2, 
1844, on the farm where he now resides and which he owns, a son of Samuel 
(a farmer) and Catherine (Bonebrake) Rinehart, natives of Pennsylvania and of 
German origin (see sketch of S. B. Rinehart). They had a family of eight 
children, of which our subject is the sixth. Henry Rinehart was reared on the 
farm, and attended the common schools. All his life he has been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits, and now owns the well improved farm of ninety acres 
where he resides. His success in life is largely due to his industry and per- 
severance. He was married in 1868 to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and 
Barbara (Burger) Garver. She is a native of Maryland, and of English 
descent. Two children have blessed this union, Harvey B. and Ira G. In 
politics Mr. Rinehart is a Republican. 

DANIEL D. RINEHART, farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in 
Washington Tswnship, Franklin Co., Penn. , April 13, 1847, a son of Samuel 
and Catherine (Bonebrake) Rinehart, the former a farmer, born in Virginia;, 
the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of English and German origin, respective- 
ly. They had a family of eight children, Daniel D. being next to tbe young- 
est. Our subject was reared on the farm where he now resides, owned by heirs 
of Samuel Rinehart, and was educated at the district school. Since youth he* 
has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with success. 
In 18S0 he married C. S. Stouffer, a daughter of Abraham Stouffer, and of 
German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart have two children : Leslie S. and Katie- 
May. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart are members of the German Baptist Church; 
politically he is a Republican. 

PETER ROUZER, Rowzersville, was born in Frederick County, Md., June 
29, 1837, a son of Martin (a farmer and tanner) and Rosanna (Gernand) Rou- 
zer, natives of Frederick County, Md., and of English and German origin, the 
former of whom died in 1847. They reared a family of seven children. Peter 
being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the com- 
mon schools. He first embarked in the huckstering business, which he has 
since followed, also farming to some extent, and is the owner of a farm and 
some mountain land. He put up the first building on the mountain where 
Pen Mar now stands. This building was a warehouse, and Avas erected by him 
and Reuben Shover after the railroad was built. In order "to secure a site for 
the warehouse, Mr. Rouzer proceeded to pile away the brush, and while thus 
employed was asked by some hunters what he intended doing; when he told 
them that he was going to build a warehouse, they remarked, "You are crazy," 
and passed on; but the enterprise proved a success. At this point the railway 
company have a station, and it is a shipping point for charcoal, in the burning 
of which Mr. Rouzer is also engaged. Our subject is a Republican in politics, 
and has held most of the office? in AVashington Township; has been for twenty - 
eix years a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1859 he married Mary J. Hawk, of 



958 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

German origin, and they have the following named children: Charles, a tele- 
graph operator, station agent, merchant and farmer; Emma, wife of John 
W. Hess, an engineer; Clara; Katie; 'Rosa and Carrie. Mrs. Rouzer is 
a member of the Lutheran Church. The village of Rowzersville takes its 
name from our subject. 

JACOB F. RYDER, manufacturer of the portable furnace and washer, 
Waynesboro, was born in Franklin County, Penn. , February 26, 1854, a son 
of Benjamin L. and Anna (Frick) Ryder; the former a native of Franklin 
County, Penn. , the latter of Washington County, Md. ; they were of German 
and Scotch origin. Benjamin L. Ryder was a horticulturist, the inventor of 
several patents; was also a physician, having graduated in the State of New 
York. He practiced in the city of Philadelphia, and subsequently moved to 
Chambersburg, this county, where he still resides. His family consisted of 
four sons and two daughters; our subject, the second son, received his educa- 
tion at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen took charge of his fath- 
er's fruit farm, which he managed with success; he also did much to improve 
the thoroughbred stock of this part of the country, and raised the finest breed 
of chickens, of which he is justly proud. In 1878 he embarked in the manu- 
facturing business, and for several years was superintendent of the American 
manufactory at Waynesboro, and in 1886 entered his present business. He is 
the owner of a neat, substantial residence, where he now resides. In 1880 
he married Alice B. , daughter of Stephen G. Martin; she is a native of Mary- 
land, and of Irish and German origin; they have one child, Benjamin. Mr. 
Ryder is a Republican in politics. 

DAVID C. SHANK, coal merchant, Waynesboro, was born November 4, 
1848, in Franklin County, Penn., son of David and Susan (Carbaugh) Shank, 
also natives of this county. Our subject's paternal and maternal ancestors, 
who were farmers, were among the early pioneers of Pennsylvania, and of 
German origin. His father is a wealthy influential retired farmer, now resid- 
ing on a farm in Washington Township, this county. Of the six children 
born to David and Susan Shank, five are now living. David C, the only son, 
was reared on the farm, attending the schools of Washington Township. He 
wisely chose farming as his occupation, and followed agriculture with success 
until 1882, when he sold out his stock and came to Waynesboro; here for two 
years and a half he was employed by Frick & Co., and attended fairs and 
other public shows, exhibiting their machinery. He subsequently embarked 
in his present business; he is obliging to customers, has a goodly share of the 
patronage of Waynesboro, and has been financially successful. He is owner 
of a neat, substantial residence and of a well improved farm, comprising 147 
acres of land in Washington Township. Mr. Shank was married in 1869 to 
Miss Estella Lecron, of French descent, daughter of Hon. Simon Lecron, a 
farmer. This union has been blessed with four children: Arminta May, War- 
ren Lessly Lecron, Simon Clyde and D. C. , an infant. Mrs. Shank is a mem- 
ber of the German Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Shank is a Republican. 
He served as school director while residing in Washington Township. 

DR. GEORGE G. SHIVELY, druggist, Waynesboro, was born in Fair- 
field, Adams Co., Penn., March 20, 1854; son of Peter and Elizabeth J. 
(Gelbach) Shively, also natives of that county, and of German descent, the 
former of whom has made hotel-keeping his principal business, and has con- 
ducted a hotel in Fairfield for over thirty years. Our subject, the youngest 
in a family of three children, grew to manhood in Fairfield, attending school 
in his native village and also Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Penn. 
He subsequently studied medicine, graduating from Jefferson Medical College, 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 959 

Philadelphia, in 1877. After practicing his profession four years in Carlisle, 
the county seat of Cumberland County, Penn. , he came to Waynesboro, since 
when he has devoted himself to the drug business. The Doctor was married 
in 1881 to Jennie M. , daughter of Bartram and Martha (Strickler) Shaffer, 
of German and Scotch- Irish origin. The children born to this union are 
Lillie, George B. and Elizabeth J. Mr. and Mrs. Shively are members of 
the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

DANIEL SHOCKEY, of Waynesboro, whose portrait appears in this work, 
was born on the old homestead farm in Washington Township, Franklin 
Co., Penn., March 10, 1847. He is a son of Christian and Mary (Young) 
Shockey, who were born and raised in Washington County, Md. , just across 
the line from Franklin County, Penn., not far from Waynesboro, Penn. They 
were members of the German Baptist Church, and had eleven children, three 
sons and four daughters of whom lived to be men and women, viz. : John 
(deceased), unmarried; Sarah, unmarried, resides at the old homestead farm; 
Mary (deceased wife of Luther Speilman) ; Julia (deceased), unmarried; Jonas, 
a farmer, married; Daniel, our subject; Jennie, married to B. F. Foreman. 
Daniel Shockey assisted his father on the farm, attending the district school dur- 
ing winter months, until eighteen years of age. He was married February 14, 
1871, to Miss Catherine Rinehart, who was born in Washington Township, 
Franklin Co., Penn., and a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Bonebrake) 
Rinehart. After their marriage Mr. Shockey engaged in farming. In Jan- 
uary, 1879, he took a contract to furnish all the lumber and timber between 
Edgemont, Md. , and Shippensburg, Penn., for the Baltimore & Cumberland 
Valley Railroad, purchased a new steam saw-mill, and filled this contract 
in addition to running his farm. In 1882 he removed to Waynesboro, where 
he built up his present business, that of manufacturing all kinds of hard and 
soft wood to order; also built, on the corner of Franklin and Second Streets, his 
handsome residence. Mr. and Mrs. Shockey are members of the German Bap- 
tist Church. They have two daughters: Virtie May and Elva K., aged, re- 
spectively, twelve and six years. Mr. Shockey is a man of more than ordinary 
ability and energy. He has, in addition to his mill, a farm of 230 acres, nearly 
all improved, and he pays considerable attention to the raising of fine fruit. 
The histoiy of Mr. Shockey' s ancestry is indefinite, except that they have 
lived in the immediate vicinity for a long period of time, tracing back more 
than a hundred years, often possessing large tracts of valuable real estate, in 
Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., and Washington County, Md., 
along the Mason & Dixon line, and scarcely ever during this long period of 
years did any other bitsiness than agriculture. Farming was the height of their 
ambition, and nothing could give them the same satisfaction as that of culti- 
vating and owning more land than their neighbors, often combining their mite 
to accomplish the purchasing of certain tracts of real estate that was desired. 
Let it be said they usually were successful. 

JONAS SHOCKEY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rowzersville, was born 
in Washington Township, Franklin Co., Penn., August 22, 1842, a son of 
Christian (a farmer) and Mary (Young) Shockey. His paternal aud maternal 
ancestors were among the early German settlers of Franklin County. Of the 
large family of Christian and Mary Shockey only four are now living, of whom 
■Jonas is the third. Our subject obtained his education in Washington Town- 
ship and wisely chose the calling of his father, that of farming, for his life 
work. He has been successful and now owns 120 acres of well improved land. 
He has been twice married; first, in 1869, to Susan Bonebrake, a daughter of 
Henry Bonebrake, a farmer and a descendant of an early German family. Mrs. 



060 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Shockey died in 1870, the mother of one child, Anna, also deceased. Twelve 
years after the death of his first wife Mr. Shockey married Miss Anna A., 
daughter of David Prior, also of German origin. Politically Mr. Shockey is a 
Republican. 

SAMUEL SHOCKEY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Waynesboro, was 
born on the farm where he now resides, November 23, 1846; a son of Isaac 
and Sarah (Burns) Shockey, natives of Pennsylvania and of English origin, 
the former a farmer. In a family of ten children Samuel is the fifth, and 
nine grew to maturity. Our subject was reared on the farm, educated at the 
schools of the neighborhood, and has since been engaged in farming, in which 
he has been successful. He resides on the pike, three miles northeast of 
Waynesboro. Mr. Shockey was married in 1870 to Martha, daughter of 
Henry Henicle, a mechanic of French origin. Mr. and Mrs. Shockey have 
two children, Sudie Alice and Harry Ward. In politics he is a Republican. 

REUBEN SHOVER, railroad and shipping agent for the Geiser Manufact- 
uring Company, of Waynesboro, was born in Adams County, Penn. , Septem- 
ber 29, 1832, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Harbaugh) Shover, former of whom, 
a farmer, was born in Indiana in 1799, of French descent, latter of German 
descent. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom Reuben is the 
youngest who grew to manhood. Subject's mother and one sister and one 
brother died within eighteen months. After their death the father kept the 
family together from 1834 to 1851, when the last one had married and left 
him; he then wisely concluded that it was not well for man to be alone, and 
married again. He was for many years elder of the Reformed Church, and 
died in 1872 in Waynesboro, where he had resided from 1856. Reuben was 
reared on the farm in Adams County, where he also attended the common 
schools, and followed the vocation of farming. From 1856 until 1875 he was 
employed by the Western Maryland Railroad and its branches. In 1871 he 
erected a warehouse where Pen Mar stands, and with a partner carried on busi- 
ness for several years. The erection of a warehouse there was the means of 
building up Pen Mar, the great summer resort now so widely known. In 1875 
Mr. Shover moved from the farm to Pen Mar, and in 1881 removed to Waynes- 
boro, where he has been in the employ of the Geiser Manufacturing Company. 
In the fall of 1855 he was married to Mary A., daughter of Samuel Faulders.of 
Washington County, Md. , and their children are William C. , an engineer on 
the Cumberland Valley Railroad; Ira I., also a railroad engineer, with head- 
quarters at Dayton, Ohio; John C; (deceased), was a telegraph operator. Mrs. 
Shover is a member of the Disciples Church. Mr. Shover has been a member 
of the Reformed Church since he was seventeen years old. He is a Democrat 
in politics, takes an active interest in education and was school director when 
he lived in Adams County. He is a member of the town council ; has 
been a member of the I. O. O. F., and since 1866 has been a member of the 
encampment. 

ISAAC N. SNIVELY, M. D. , Waynesboro, is one of the lineal descendants 
of John Jacob Schnebele (the name being afterward changed to Snively), who 
emigrated from Switzerland to Lancaster County(in the then province of Pennsyl- 
vania.) About the year 1707, he was naturalized in Philadelphia, October 14, 
1729, in the third year of the reign of King George II, and died at the age 
of eighty-four years. This John Jacob Schnebele was twice married and had 
two children by his first wife : Jacob, born in 1694, died August 24, 1766, and 
Christian, born August 15, 1731, died March 16, 1795, in his sixty-fifth year. 
His second marriage, which took place about 1761, was with Miss Margaret 
Washabaugh, who bore him eight children. His second child by this union, John 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 961 

Snively (grandfather of our subject) was born February 25, 1766, married a 
Miss Anna Hege, October 24, 1794, and died in July, 1844, in his seventy-ninth 
year ; his widow died August 17, 1852, in her seventy -seventh year. She was 
one of the descendants of Hans Haggy, who emigrated from Switzerland with 
his family to the American colonies with his brother-in-law, Hans Leaman, and 
his family, and others in the ship " James Goodwill," of which David Crocket, 
of Rotterdam, was captain. They landed at Philadelphia, Penn. , September 29, 
1727, and from there went to Rapho Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., settling 
near Manheim. Hans Haggy had a son, John, who was married to Elizabeth 
Pealman and lived near Bridgeport, this county; and thoir third child, who was 
born in 1751, and died May 13, 1815, married Maria Stouffer, who* bore him 
four children, the eldest Anna Hege (originally spelled Haggy) being our sub- 
ject's grandmother on his father's side. John Snively (subject's father) was 
born near Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn., January 12, 1799, on the ancestral 
homestead, which was a portion of the original tract patented by John Jacob 
Snively in the days of the Penns, and has been handed down from father to 
son for over a century and a half. He (John Snively) was married to Miss 
Catharine, daughter of the late Jacob Keefer, from near Marion, this county, 
and who had moved here from Lancaster County, where Mrs. Snively was born 
August 22, 1802. John Snively died March 4, 1853, in his fifty-fifth year, 
and his widow followed him September 30, 1854. They were the parents of 
one daughter and six sons, of whom four sons are living: John K. , a farmer; 
Dr. Isaac N. , Dr. Samuel K. , of Maryland ; Dr. Andrew J. Our subject waa 
born near Jackson Hall, this county, February 23, 1839, and there spent his 
early life on his father's farm, assisting in the various farm duties during the 
summer months and attending the public schools during winters. At the age 
of fourteen, being left an orphan, he started out in quest of employment. 
Arriving in Charnbersburg, he entered the store of Hutz & Son, acting as 
salesman with his cousin, John P. Keefer, who very kindly gave him access to. 
his fine library. He soon acquired a fondness for books which disqualified 
him for the duties of a clerkship, and he withdrew to enter the Fayetteville 
Academy, then under the supervision of the Rev. Mr. Kennedy. From here 
he returned to Charnbersburg and attended the private classical school of that 
noted teacher, the late Thomas J. Harris, where for a time he also acted as as- 
sistant. He afterward taught in the public schools and took an active part in 
the Franklin County Teachers' Association. In 1857 he graduated at Duff's 
Commercial College at Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1858, while teaching the Mt. 
Vernon School, near Waynesboro, Penn. , he commenced the study of anatomy 
with Dr. Benjamin Frantz. In the spring of 1859 he became a pupil of the 
late Dr. John C. Richards, of Charnbersburg, and graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., in 1863. In the same year, when the 
Confederate Army invaded Pennsylvania, the Doctor went to Harrisburg, and 
after passing the required examination before the State medical board, was 
commissioned by the governor of Pennsylvania as assistant surgeon, his com- 
mission bearing date June 20, 1863. He was assigned by Dr. King, surgeon- 
general of Pennsylvania, to do duty at Camp Curtin. He became acting sur- 
geon of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. William B. Thomas com- 
manding. He allowed himself to be mustered out of service with his regi- 
ment, and returned to Charnbersburg, where he associated himself in the prac- 
tice of his profession with his late preceptor, Dr. J. C. Richards. Besides 
their regular practice they had charge of the Town Hall Hospital . September 
8, 1863, the surgeon-general of Pennsylvania sent him a commission assign- 
ing him to the One Hundred and Fifty- fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 



962 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Infantry, then encamped at Beverly Ford, Va., Maj. Ewing commanding. 
He declined this, as well as a lucrative appointment on the Pacific coast in a 
marine hospital, preferring to continue in* the practice with Dr. Richards. 
December 24, 1863, he was married to Miss Alice B. , daughter of the late 
Abraham Barr, Esq., of near Waynesboro, Penn. They moved on the Smith 
property on Main Street and there, July 30, 1864, they lost their all by the 
burning of the town by rebels. The Doctor was away at the time, and his 
young wife barely escaped from the flames of their burning dwelling. Left 
destitute, the Doctor was not discouraged, but in less than a week was found 
on duty in the United States General Army Hospital at Beverly, N. J. He 
continued here until the war was about closing, when he resigned to take the 
place of Dr. James Brotherton, Jr., of Waynesboro (who had lately died), and 
h?re our subject has enjoyed a lucrative practice. He was one of the found- 
ers of the present medical society of Franklin County, and of which he was 
president in 1874. He took an active interest in getting the railroads to 
Waynesboro, and was elected president of the Baltimore & Cumberland Valley 
Railroad in 1882, still holding this office. The Doctor has been successful, 
turning his attention largely to surgery, and he has but few superiors in that 
branch of his profession in Pennsylvania. He makes the eye a specialty, and 
through his professional knowledge has been able, by performing delicate 
operations, to restore perfect sight where his patient has been blind for several 
years. He is a permanent member of the American Medical Association, and 
a permanent member of the Pennsylvania State Medical Association. The 
Doctor and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and also of the G. A. R. , 
Capt. Jno. E. Walker Post, No. 287, of which he has been surgeon for a num- 
ber of years. 

WILLIAM H. SNYDER, a member of the firm of Frick & Co., Waynes- 
boro, and master mechanic, was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 10, 
1843. His parents, Jacob and Susan (Miller) Snyder, were also natives of 
Franklin County, and his paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early 
German settlers of Pennsylvania. His father, a farmer by occupation, died in 
1878; a member of the German Reformed Church, in which he held all the 
offices. His mother is still living aged seventy-three years, also a member of 
the German Reformed Church. Our subject is the youngest in a family of five 
children, four of whom still survive. He spent his early life on the farm with 
his parents, but preferring to be a mechanic, entered the shop of George 
Frick, where he served a regular apprenticeship, on the completion of which 
he went to Altoona, Penn., and for some years was employed by the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad Company. He then returned to Waynesboro, and in 1873 
became a member of the firm of Frick & Co. , of which he is one of the direct- 
ors. He has been master mechanic in the shops since 1873. His residence, 
which he erected in 1881, is among the best in the county. He was married 
in 1876 to Belle, daughter of James and Martha (Gordon) Mayhugh, of Scotch- 
Irish descent and natives of this county. Mrs. Snyder's grandfather, Hans 
Gordon, built the first house in the village of Waynesboro; it was located near 
where Dr. Snively's drug store now stands. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have been 
blessed with two children : Anna B. and Hazel D. Mrs. Snyder is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE W. STEPHEY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Rowzersville, 
was born in Franklin County, Penn., October 18, 1829, son of George (a 
farmer) and Anna Maria (Winters) Stephey, natives of Washington County, 
Md. They had a family of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity, of 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 903 

whom George W. is the third. The early years of our subject were spent on 
the farm with his parents and in attending the district schools. In early life 
he worked in the saw-mill and on the farm with his father; later worked in the 
agricultural shop, then learned the carpenter's trade which he followed ten 
years; has since followed farming, and is the owner of a well improved farm. 
He was married in 1853 to Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Mickley. Mr. Mick- 
ley was born in 1795; served in the war of 1812; was a farmer, and still re- 
sides in Waynesboro. Mrs. Stephey' s mother's maiden name was Elizabeth 
Zettle, and she was a native of Adams County, Penn. Mr. Stephey has three 
children now living: Daniel, married and residing in Waynesboro, employed 
in the Geiser shops; Mary, at home, and Oscar, a molder by trade. Mrs. 
Stephey died in 1865 a member of the Reformed Church; Mr. Stephey of the 
Lutheran Church, of which he was a deacon and also a teacher in the Sabbath- 
school. He takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the 
church and Sunday-school. 

JOHN N. STICKELL, merchant, Waynesboro, was born in Greencastle, 
Penn., September 3, 1855, a son of Joseph and Rachel (Earheart) Stickell, na- 
tives of Franklin County, Penn. , of German origin, the former of whom was 
a coachmaker, and carried on the business for many years in Greencastle, where 
he died in 1885. His family consisted of three children. Our subject was 
reared in Greencastle, where he acquired his education and learned coachmak- 
ing of his father. In 1879 he came to Waynesboro and worked in the Frick 
shops one year. In 1881 he embarked in the cigar and tobacco trade, and in 
1883 established his present business — dealing in groceries and queensware — 
in which he has been very successful. He is a member of St. Paul's Reformed 
Church, and takes an active interest in the Sabbath-school. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics. 

ABRAHAM H. STRICKLER, M. D., Waynesboro, is the youngest of 
four sons of Joseph Strickler, who was intermarried with Mary Snively. 
His grandfather, Henry Strickler, came from York County, Penn., near the 
Lancaster County line, at Columbia, in 1807, and settled near Greencastle. 
He was of German-Swiss descent. Mary Snively, the Doctor's mother, was 
an only daughter of Peter Snively, a descendant of John Jacob Schnebele, 
who emigrated to this country from Switzerland in 1714, and settled also near 
Greencastle. Dr. Abraham H. Strickler, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Antrim Township, this county. He graduated at the College of New Jer- 
sey, Princeton, class of 1863, receiving the degrees of A. B. and A. M. He 
then studied medicine in the office of Dr. William Grubb, of Greencastle, and 
subsequently attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, where he 
graduated in medicine in 1866. He commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession at Mercersburg, this county, where he remained five years. In 1871 
he located in Waynesboro, where he has ever since been successfully engaged 
in active practice. During the war of the Rebellion he served as cadet in the 
medical department of the Union Army, and while yet an undergraduate in 
medicine, he performed the duties of assistant surgeon in Lincoln Hospital, 
Washington, D. C. He was married in 1870 to Miss Clara Anna Besore, only 
daughter of George Besore, of Waynesboro, whose biography and portrait are 
found elsewhere in this volume. The Doctor and wife have two children: 
Harry Clark and Belle. They are members of the Reformed Church, in which 
he has been elder for eight years. He takes an active part in education, and 
in the public affairs of the town. He is a member of the public school board; 
a member of the executive board of Frick Company, and president of Ameri- 
can Manufacturing Company, of Waynesboro. In politics he is a Republican. 



964 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

W. W. TEACH, proprietor of the "National Hotel," Waynesboro, was 
born in Franklin County, Penn. , May 5, 1848, son of John and Mary ( Ban- 
drow) Teach, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin, the former of 
whom followed farming all his life. Our subject is the second in a family of 
ten children, eight of whom were boys, all growing to maturity. In early life 
he learned the blacksmith' s trade, which he followed in Washington County, 
Md. , until 1876, since when he has been engaged in the hotel business. In 
1883 he sold his hotel in Leitersburg, Md. , came to Waynesboro, and has since 
been here engaged in the same line of business. His hotel is the largest and 
best furnished in Waynesboro, and has the best accommodations. Mr. Teach 
was married in Maryland November 1, 1871, to Helen, daughter of John 
Sprankel, and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Teach have seven children: 
Lottie, Clifford, Gracie, Bessie, Emma, Lee and Laura. Mr. Teach is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. R. M. , of the order of Mechanics, also of the K. of P. and G. 
A. R. He was a member of Cole's cavalry, Company G, during the late war, 
and was discharged at the close of service. 

J. F. THOMPSON, D. D. S., Waynesboro, was born in Ringgold, Md., 
February 27, 1854, a son of Archibald and Mary (Shoemaker) Thompson, 
former of whom was a native of New Jersey, of English-Irish origin; latter of 
Pennsylvania, of German origin. Archibald Thompson followed coachmaking 
in Washington County, Md. His family consisted of eleven children, all of 
whom are now living, J. F. being the eighth. Our subject received his edu- 
cation in Washington County, Md. ; studied dentistry and graduated in dental 
surgery in Philadelphia, in 1884. He then practiced dentistry for two years in 
New York; came to Waynesbore in 1886, and established his present business. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

DANIEL TRITLE, director of Frick Manufacturing Company, Waynes- 
boro, was born in this county February 14, 1823, son of Philip and Martha 
(Haggy) Tritle, also natives of Franklin County, and of German and Swiss 
origin. They were parents of thirteen children, all of whom attained ma- 
turity. Our subject, the fifth born, was reared on his father's farm, receiv- 
ing his early education in a country school. He followed farming until 1854, 
when he came to Waynesboro, and embarked in the hardware business in com- 
pany with John Philips. In 1857 they sold out, and Daniel Tritle clerked 
for William Brotherton for several years. From 1862 to 1864 he was in the 
butchering business; then he farmed for a time. From 1870 to 1875 he clerked 
for S. B. Rinehart, in the hardware business, and from 1875 to 1878 he was a 
partner with S. B. Rinehart in same line of business. Since 1878 he has been 
connected with Frick Company in which he is now a director. He is also, 
a director of the First National Bank of Waynesboro. In 1864 our subject 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth A., daughter of George Jacobs, of Ger- 
man origin. Mrs. Tritle died October 7, 1885. The children born to this 
union now living are Alice Belle, George and Emma. The family are all mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Tritle is an elder. In politics he 
is a Republican. He has served as school director. 

JOHN WALTER, retired, Waynesboro, was born in Franklin County, 
Penn., June 22, 1808, son of John and Margaret (Harbaugh) Walter, natives 
of York County, Penn., and whose ancestors were among the early German 
settlers of Pennsylvania. His father, who was a farmer and miller, died in 
1814. Our subject, next to the youngest in a family of five children (one 
brother was a member of the State Legislature), was reared in Washington 
Township, this county, where he attended school. Early in life he learned the 
wagon -maker' s trade, and carried on business for several years. He then 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 965 

bought the patent on the revolving hay rake, and made money by the purchase. 
He subsequently, in company with Gen. Burns, invented a sausage cutter, 
which they patented, Mr. Walter going to Washington, D. C, for this pur- 
pose during Andrew Jackson's administration. Their invention proved a suc- 
cess and they made money. Our subject next, for several years, engaged in 
various businesses, but finally embarked in the manufacture of marble tomb- 
stones, purchasing the marble works here, now owned and operated by his son, 
Mr. Walter having retired from active business in 1861. Our subject was 
married, in 1831 to Catharine, daughter of Jacob Besore, and of German 
origin. Their children are as follows: Harry, who conducts the marble works 
here; Susan, a widow; Julia, wife of John Newcomer of Illinois; Mary M. , 
wife of David Newcomer of Illinois; Luther, a farmer; Joseph, a merchant in 
Waynesboro. Mr. John Walter has always taken an active interest in the Sab- 
bath-school, and has served many years as its superintendent. 

JOSEPH WALTER, merchant, Waynesboro, was born in Washington 
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., September 25, 1846; son of John and 
Catherine (Besore) Walter. Our subject's education was acquired while he 
was living on the farm with his parents. When but twelve years of age he 
commenced to clerk in a dry goods store at Waynesboro, and continued in this 
capacity for several years, but finally started in business in a country store at 
Five Forks, and also did huxtering for three years, becoming successful finan 
cially. He next came to Waynesboro, and in 1872 established the present 
grocery and queensware business in company with his brother- in law, H. G. 
Bonebrake, the firm name being Bonebrake & Walter. His partner, Mr. 
Bonebrake, was a brave soldier in Company G, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav 
airy, of which he was orderly sergeant; then promoted to second lieutenant, 
and finally to first lieutenant for gallant conduct. He captured the colors of a 
Tennessee regiment at the battle of Five Forks, for which he received a medal 
struck in his honor, and he holds the letter from Congress setting forth the 
above facts. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and has served two 
terms as burgess of Waynesboro. He is a member of the I. O. R. M. and- of 
the I. O. O. F. 

C. L. WALTER, farmer, P. O. box 152, Waynesboro, was born March 5, 
1844, a son of John and Catherine (Besore) Walter, natives of Pennsylvania 
and of German origin. The father has followed farming and various other 
pursuits, but is now living a retired life in Waynesboro. Our subject, fourth 
in a family of six children, was reared on the farm and educated in the com- 
mon schools. He learned the stone-cutter's trade in Waynesboro, and worked 
in the marble works at that place at present owned by his brother, but at that 
time the property of his father. Our subject commencod farming in 1878, 
and now owns a fine farm of 132 acres situated on the Hagerstown and 
Waynesboro Turnpike near Waynesboro. He keeps first-class stock and Jer- 
sey cattle. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty- 
sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served as a non-commissioned 
officer until the expiration of his term of service (nine months). He partici- 
pated in the battle of Fredericksburg. In 1869 he married Amanda G., 
daughter of Henry W. Funk, and of German descent. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Walter has been born one child, Meta. The parents are members of the 
Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. In 1883 Mr. Walter's fine 
barn and contents were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of about $2, 500. He 
has since erected a new and substantial structure. 

E. W. WASHABAUGH, tobacco manufacturer, Main Street, Waynesboro, 
was born in Winchester, Va. , eldest of the four children of W 7 illiam and 
Nancy (Harper) Washabaugh, natives of Chambersburg, Penn. , and of Ger- 



966 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

man and English origin. His father was a brewer and farmer, and followed 
that occupation in Virginia for several years. When E. W. Washabaugh was 
five years old he came with his parents to Chambersburg, where they spent the 
remainder of their lives. Our subject's education was obtained in the schools 
of Chambersburg, and there he served a regular apprenticeship at the tobacco 
business. The firm for whom he worked moved their business to Indiana 
County, Penn., and he continued with them there from 1847 to 1852, engaged 
most of the time at journey work. When he left them he came to Waynes- 
boro and worked for Charles T. Weagley for about four years. Mr. Washabaugh 
did a wholesale business for several years, but at present his manufacturing is 
limited to the home trade, which is of itself a good proof that he is doing 
good and efficient work. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Our 
subject was married October 28, 1856, to Sue C. Adams, of Waynesboro, 
Penn. 

HON. GEORGE W. WELSH, attorney at law, Waynesboro, was born in 
Waynesboro, this county, July 19, 1833, son of Jacob R. and Margaret (lteilly) 
Welsh, the latter a native of the county and of Irish and Scotch and Welsh 
lineage; they are still residents of Waynesboro, where the father, now in his 
seventy eighth year (a hatter by trade), carried on business for many years. 
Our subject is the eldest in a family of eight children, six of whom aro now 
living. He was reared in his native borough, and there attended school. He 
studied law in the office of J. McDowell Sharpe and his uncle, Wilson Reilly, 
at Chambersburg, Penn. , and was admitted to the bar October 29, 1856. He 
first practiced in Fulton County, but was there only one year when he re- 
turned to Chambersburg, Penn. At the breaking out of the war of the Re- 
bellion he enlisted in Company B. Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, for three months, and was elected second lieutenant. He re enlisted 
in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
for nine months, and was elected second lieutenant, subsequently promoted first 
lieutenant, and at the expiration of his term of service he received an honorable 
discharge. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. He was elected pro- 
thonotory of Franklin County in 1869, serving three years, and in 1873 was 
elected to the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania. At the close of the 
session Mr. Welsh continued his practice in Chambersburg until 1876, when 
he returned to his native town, where he has since continued in active prac- 
tice. The Welsh family are of English origin, having moved from England to 
Germany at an early date, but for several generations were residents of Ger- 
many. Our subject's great-great-grandfather came from that country to 
America in 1732, and settled in York County, Penn. His son Henry, great- 
grandfather of our subject, was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. In 
1779 he (Henry Welsh) was tax collector of the Heidelberg District, York 
County, Penn., and our subject has his receipt (still in a good state of pres- 
ervation) which calls for £500. George W. Welsh was united in marriage in 
1874 with Anna Allison, of Scotch-Irish origin, and their children are Margaret 
and Charles. 

PHILIP R. WELSH, dentist, Waynesboro, was born in Waynesboro, this 
county, September 6, 1844, son of Jacob R. and Margaret (Reilly) Welsh: the 
former, a native of Adams County, Penn., is of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction; 
the latter, born in Franklin County, Penn., is of Irish origin. Jacob R. 
Welsh was a hatter by trade, and carried on business for several years at 
Waynesboro, where he still resides. The family consisted of eight children, 
six now living. Philip R. , the third born, received his schooling in Waynes- 
boro. His first work was done in the service of his country. He enlisted, in 
1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer 

0^ 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. • 907 

Infantry, for nine months, but remained ten months. In 1804 he re-enlisted, 
this time in Company L, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was second 
sergeant when honorably discharged at the close of the war. He participated 
in several engagements, among which may be named Fredericksburg, Chan- 
cellorsville, Cold Harbor, and in all the subsequent battles up to the time of 
the surrender of Gen. Lee in 1805, and he was present when that general 
handed his sword to Gen. Grant. At the close of the war he returned to 
Waynesboro, but in the same year wont to Springfield, 111., where be studied 
dentistry and also dental surgery. He entered the practice of his chosen pro- 
fession in 18(36. In 1881 he returned to Waynesboro and established his office 
on Main Street, where he attends strictly to business, and is much attached to 
his profession. Our subject was united in marriage in 1884 with May 
Reamer, of German origin, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of J. F. Reamer, 
of Williamsport, Penn. , who was for many years a prominent school-teacher. 
Mrs. Welsh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Dr. 
Welsh is a Democrat. He is a member of the G. A. R. , and has been adjutant 
and quartermaster of the post at W'aynesboro. He is also a member of the K. 
of P. and R. A. 

BENJAMIN F. WELTY, distiller, miller and farmer, P. O. Waynesboro, 
was born in Washington County, Md. , August 11, 1848, son of Samuel and 
Sarah (Good) Welty, natives of Franklin County, Penn., and of German 
origin. Our subject, who is the eldest in a family of three children, after re- 
ceiving such an education as the schools of the time afforded, engaged in farm- 
ing, distilling and milling, which he still follows, and by industry and energy 
has been successful. Mr. Welty manufactures a brand of whisky "Welty 
whisky," which has been handed down from one generation to another since 
1798, and for medical purposes his rye and malt whiskies can not be excelled. 
In 1874, he was united in marriage with Cora D. Martin, daughter of S. G. 
Martin of Washington County, Md., and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. 
W 7 elty are the parents of six children: John, Elsie May, David M. , Samuel 
Chester, Katie D. and Adia. In politics Mr. Welty is a Republican, and has 
served as school director, judge of elections, auditor and assessor. The family 
attend the services of the German Baptist Church. 

SIMON WIENER, clothier, P. O. Waynesboro, was born in Germany, 
October 1, 1849, son of Hyman and Amelia (Salomon) Wiener, natives of Prus- 
sia, Germany. His father, also a merchant, died in Germany. His fam- 
ily consisted of five children. Simon received his education in the common 
schools of Germany; came to America in 1860, and the first year clerked in 
Kentucky; afterward went to Indiana, where he clerked for a year; thence 
moved to Illinois, where he spent a year peddling, working on a farm and 
clerking in a hardware store in Chicago. Then his mother with the remain- 
ing four children, whom Simon had preceded, coming to America, on their way 
from New York to Chicago, met with a serious railroad accident at Sunbury, 
Penn., which detained them there for a long time. Simon then left Chicago 
and went to Sunbury to join his mother and remainder of the family. After 
those injured by the accident had recuperated, they did not have sufficient 
means left to proceed any farther, and made their home at Danville, Penn. , where 
Simon clerked until 1873, when a friend of his started him in the clothing bus- 
iness in Lykens, Dauphin Co. , Penn. , where he remained one year and then 
moved to Tower City, Schuylkill County, where he associated with him in bus- 
iness his brother Albert. In 1879 they left Tower City and came to Waynesboro. 
Simon subseqently sold out his interest to his brother and went to Shippens- 
burg, Cumberland County, where he engaged in business until 1882, and then 
he returned to W 7 aynesboro. He next embarked in his present business, as 



'968 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

dealer in clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, trunks and gentlemen's furnishing 
goods, and carries an extensive stock for a town the size of Waynesboro. 
Our subject was united in marriage, in 1881, with Rosa, daughter of Sal- 
omon Rosenblatt. Her parents were Hessians. This union has been blessed 
with two children: Clara and Hannie. In politics Mr. Wiener is a Repub- 
lican, but has never held office. He took an active part in the organization of 
George Washington Lodge, K. of P. , and was elected its first presiding officer. 
He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and B. B. The family attend 
the services of the Hebrew Church. 

J. R. WOLFERSBERGER, retired, Waynesboro, was born in Washington 
County, Md. , September 12, 1836, son of Joseph and Mary Ann (Dibert) Wol 
fersberger, also natives of Maryland and of German and Irish origin. Joseph 
Wolfersberger was a merchant in early life, but in later years retired to the 
farm; he was twice married, his family consisting of eight children, of whom 
J. R. is the eldest by second wife. Our subject was reared in Washington 
County, Md. , attended the public schools and early in life learned the miller' s 
trade which he followed for six years. In 1862 he quit the business and took 
a contract to carry the United States mail. He followed this occupation until 
1865, when he was drafted into Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. On his return 
home he again obtained the mail contract and carried the mail matter of sev- 
eral routes, and passengers, until 1882. By judiciously investing his mjney 
in property he has become one of the largest real estate owners in Waynesboro, 
and his residence, a three-story brick building, is ono of the finest in the county. 
He is also owner of the well known ' ' Central House, ' ' a commodious stone 
structure, part of which was built in 1812, and which he remodeled, making it 
a three-story valuable hotel building. Our subject has had to make his own 
way in the world unassisted, and has been financially successful. He was mar- 
ried in 1862 to Anna Bowden, who died in 1875. He was again married in 
1876, this time to Anna L., daughter of Henry W. Funk, and of German 
origin. To this union has been born one child, Harry F. Mr. and Mrs. Wol- 
fersberger are consistent members of the Reformed. Church. In politics he is 
a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R. , the only organization he has 
ever joined excepting the church. 

ISAAC E. YOST, merchant, Waynesboro, was born in Cumberland Coun- 
ty, Penn. , seven miles north of Harrisburg, December 19, 1859, a son of 
Michael and Mary (Kenedy) Yost, natives of Cumberland County and of Ger- 
man and English origin. His father, who was a farmer and dealer in real 
estate, died in 1875; his family consisted of four children, of whom Isaac E. is 
the third. The early education of our subject was received from his parents 
on the farm; later he took a commercial course at the commercial college, 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , and graduated in 1880. He was a clerk in a dry goods 
store for several years before he attended college, chiefly in Cumberland County, 
Penn. , but also clerked two years in Hagerstown, Md. In 1880 he embarked 
in mercantile trade at Middlesburg, Penn., where he remained three years; 
then came to Waynesboro and established his present business, dealing in hats, 
caps, boots and shoes; he is also engaged in the merchant tailoring, which line 
has steadily increased, as he endeavors to keep first-class goods and workmen. 
He was married February 11, 1885, to Minnie D. Claire, daughter of Rev. J. 
W. Claire of Washington Count. Md. Mrs. Yost is of English origin; her 
mother's maiden name was Susai L. Linch, a sister of Judge Linch of Fred- 
erick County, Md. Mr. Yost is a Republican in politics; a member of the 
I. O. O. F. of the State Line Lodge, No. 914. 



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